U.S. patent application number 14/896394 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-05 for telecommunications connection device.
The applicant listed for this patent is ADC TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC.. Invention is credited to David J. ANDERSON, Oscar Fernando BRAN DE LEON, James J. BRANDT, Erik J. GRONVALL, Scott C. KOWALCZYK, Yu LU, Trevor D. SMITH, Steven C. ZIMMEL.
Application Number | 20160124173 14/896394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52008640 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160124173 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOWALCZYK; Scott C. ; et
al. |
May 5, 2016 |
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONNECTION DEVICE
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications
connection device. The device including a housing, a plurality of
single-fiber connectorized pigtails that extend outwardly from the
housing and a multi-fiber connectorized pigtail that extends
outwardly from the housing. The multi-fiber connectorized pigtail
can be optically coupled with the single fiber connectorized
pigtails. The device can include optical fibers routed from the
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail through the housing to the
single-fiber connectorized pigtails. The single-fiber connectorized
pigtails can be more flexible than the multi-fiber connectorized
pigtail.
Inventors: |
KOWALCZYK; Scott C.;
(Savage, MN) ; ZIMMEL; Steven C.; (Minneapolis,
MN) ; BRANDT; James J.; (St. Louis Park, MN) ;
BRAN DE LEON; Oscar Fernando; (Belle Plaine, MN) ;
GRONVALL; Erik J.; (Bloomington, MN) ; SMITH; Trevor
D.; (Eden Prairie, MN) ; LU; Yu; (Eden
Prairie, MN) ; ANDERSON; David J.; (Bloomington,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ADC TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC. |
Berwyn |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52008640 |
Appl. No.: |
14/896394 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
June 9, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2014/041533 |
371 Date: |
December 6, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61832621 |
Jun 7, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
385/78 ; 385/76;
385/86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/4285 20130101;
G02B 6/4471 20130101; G02B 6/3849 20130101; G02B 6/4465 20130101;
G02B 6/4472 20130101; G02B 6/3887 20130101; G02B 6/3894 20130101;
G02B 6/3885 20130101; G02B 6/4429 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/44 20060101
G02B006/44; G02B 6/42 20060101 G02B006/42; G02B 6/38 20060101
G02B006/38 |
Claims
1. A telecommunications connection device comprising: a housing; a
plurality of single-fiber connectorized pigtails that extend
outwardly from the housing; a multi-fiber connectorized pigtail
that extends outwardly from the housing, the multi-fiber
connectorized pigtail being optically coupled with the single fiber
connectorized pigtails; and the housing having a planform defining
a planform area, the housing defining a through-hole that extends
through the housing in a direction transverse to the planform area,
the through-hole defining a through-hole area that is at least 5
percent as large as the planform area.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the single fiber connectorized
pigtails project outwardly from the housing in a first direction,
and wherein the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail projects
outwardly from the housing in the first direction.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the single fiber connectorized
pigtails include ruggedized single fiber optical connectors and the
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail includes a ruggedized multi-fiber
optical connector.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the ruggedized single fiber
optical connectors include coupling nuts and dust caps that attach
to the coupling nuts by threaded connections, the dust caps
covering interface ends of the ruggedized single fiber optical
connectors, the interface ends including ferrules supporting end
portions of optical fibers.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the coupling nuts are rotatably
mounted on main bodies of the ruggedized single fiber optical
connectors, and wherein seals are mounted around the main bodies
that engage the dust caps when the dust caps are covering the
interface ends of the ruggedized single fiber optical
connectors.
6. The telecommunications connection device of claim 1, wherein the
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail includes a first cable and a
multi-fiber optical connector secured to a free end of the first
cable, wherein the single-fiber connectorized pigtails include
second cables and single-fiber optical connectors secured to free
ends of the second cables, and wherein the second cables are each
more flexible than the first cable.
7. The telecommunications connection device of claim 6, wherein the
second cables have round transverse cross-sectional profiles and
the first cable has an elongated transverse cross-sectional
profile.
8. The telecommunications connection device of claim 7, wherein the
second cable have strength members including aramid yarn, and
wherein the first cable includes two strength members each
including an epoxy rod reinforced by fiber rovings.
9. The telecommunications connection device of claim 8, wherein the
strength members of the first cable and the strength members of the
second cable are anchored to the housing.
10. The telecommunications connection device of claim 6, wherein
the multi-fiber optical connector includes a threaded coupler
adapted mechanically to couple the multi-fiber optical connector to
a structure selected from the group consisting of: a mating
connector; a fiber optic adapter; and a dust cap.
11. The telecommunications connection device of claim 6, wherein
the single-fiber optical connectors include threaded coupler
adapted mechanically to couple the single-fiber optical connectors
to structures selected from the group consisting of: mating
connectors; fiber optic adapters; and dust caps.
12. The telecommunications connection device of claim 6, wherein
the multi-fiber optical connector and the single-fiber optical
connectors include environmental seals.
13. The telecommunications device of claim 1, further comprising a
boot attached to the housing that projects outwardly from the
housing, the boot providing bend radius protection to the
single-fiber connectorized pigtails, the boot being more flexible
than the housing.
14. The telecommunications device of claim 13, wherein all of the
single-fiber connectorized pigtails are routed through the
boot.
15. The telecommunications device of claim 14, wherein the
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail is not routed through the
boot.
16. The telecommunications device of claim 1, wherein optical
fibers are routed from the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail
through the housing to the single-fiber connectorized pigtails.
17. The telecommunications device of claim 16, wherein the optical
fibers include optical splices within the housing.
18. The telecommunications device of claim 16, wherein the optical
fibers are routed at least partially around the through-hole.
19. The telecommunications device of claim 18, wherein the optical
fibers are routed at least 90 degrees around the through-hole.
20. The telecommunications device of claim 18, wherein the optical
fibers are routed at least 180 degrees about the through-hole.
21. The telecommunications device of claim 18, wherein the optical
fibers are routed at least 270 degrees about the through-hole.
22. The telecommunications device of claim 18, wherein the optical
fibers are routed at least 360 degrees about the through-hole.
23. The telecommunications device of claim 18, wherein the optical
fibers are routed between an interior side wall defining the
through-hole and an exterior side wall of the housing.
24. The telecommunications device of claim 1, wherein the housing
has a major front side, a major back side, an exterior side wall
that extends between the major front and back sides and along an
exterior boundary defining the planform of the housing, and an
interior side wall that defines the through-hole and extends
between the major front and back sides.
25. The telecommunications device of claim 24, wherein the exterior
side wall defines a pigtail opening through which the single-fiber
connectorized pigtails are routed, and wherein a flexible boot
provides fiber bend radius protection to the single-fiber
connectorized pigtails adjacent the pigtail opening.
26. The telecommunications device of claim 25, further comprising a
cable anchoring panel positioned adjacent to the pigtail opening
for anchoring strength members of the single-fiber connectorized
pigtails to the housing.
27. The telecommunications device of claim 1, wherein the
through-hole area is at least 10 percent as large as the planform
area.
28. The telecommunications device of claim 1, wherein the
through-hole area is at least 20 percent as large as the planform
area.
29. The telecommunications device of claim 1, wherein the
single-fiber connectorized pigtails are longer than the multi-fiber
connectorized pigtail.
30. The telecommunications device of claim 1, wherein the
single-fiber connectorized pigtails have connectorized ends that
are staggered relative to one another.
31. The telecommunications device of claim 30, wherein the
connectorized ends of the single-fiber connectorized pigtails
include single fiber connectors having connector lengths, and
wherein a stagger length of the single-fiber connectorized pigtails
is at least 50 percent of the connector length.
32. The telecommunications device of claim 30, wherein the
connectorized ends of the single-fiber connectorized pigtails
include single fiber connectors having connector lengths, and
wherein a stagger length of the single-fiber connectorized pigtails
is at least 75 percent of the connector length.
33. The telecommunications device of claim 30, wherein the
connectorized ends of the single-fiber connectorized pigtails
include single fiber connectors having connector lengths, and
wherein a stagger length of the single-fiber connectorized pigtails
is equal to at least the connector length.
34. A telecommunications connection device comprising: a housing; a
plurality of single-fiber connectorized pigtails that extend
outwardly from the housing; a multi-fiber connectorized pigtail
that extends outwardly from the housing, the multi-fiber
connectorized pigtail being optically coupled with the single fiber
connectorized pigtails; optical fibers routed from the multi-fiber
connectorized pigtail through the housing to the single-fiber
connectorized pigtails; and the single-fiber connectorized pigtails
being more flexible than the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail.
35. The telecommunications connection device of claim 34, wherein
the single-fiber connectorized pigtails include strength members
which provide tensile reinforcement without providing compressive
reinforcement, and the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail includes a
strength member that provides both tensile and compressive
reinforcement.
36. The telecommunications connection device of claim 35, wherein
the strength members of the single fiber connectorized pigtails
include aramid yarn, and wherein the strength member of the
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail includes a reinforcing rod.
37. A telecommunications connection device comprising: a housing; a
plurality of single-fiber connectorized pigtails that extend
outwardly from the housing; a multi-fiber connectorized pigtail
that extends outwardly from the housing, the multi-fiber
connectorized pigtail being optically coupled with the single fiber
connectorized pigtails; the housing defining a through-hole that
extends through the housing; and optical fibers routed from the
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail through the housing to the
single-fiber connectorized pigtails, the optical fibers being
routed at least partially around the through-hole.
38. The telecommunications device of claim 37, wherein the optical
fibers are routed at least 90 degrees around the through-hole.
39. The telecommunications device of claim 37, wherein the optical
fibers are routed at least 180 degrees about the through-hole.
40. The telecommunications device of claim 37, wherein the optical
fibers are routed at least 270 degrees around the through-hole.
41. The telecommunications device of claim 37, wherein the optical
fibers are routed at least 360 degrees about the through-hole.
42. A telecommunications connection device comprising: a housing; a
plurality of single-fiber connectorized pigtails that extend
outwardly from the housing; a multi-fiber connectorized pigtail
that extends outwardly from the housing, the multi-fiber
connectorized pigtail being optically coupled with the single fiber
connectorized pigtails; the housing defining a through-hole that
extends through the housing; the housing having a major front side,
a major back side, an exterior side wall that extends between the
major front and back sides and along an exterior boundary defining
a planform of the housing, and an interior side wall that defines
the through-hole and extends between the major front and back
sides; and optical fibers routed from the multi-fiber connectorized
pigtail through the housing to the single-fiber connectorized
pigtails, the optical fibers being routed between the exterior side
wall and the interior side wall.
43. A telecommunications connection device comprising: a housing; a
plurality of single-fiber connectorized pigtails that extend
outwardly from the housing; wherein the single-fiber connectorized
pigtails include cables and single-fiber optical connectors are
secured to free ends of the cables; a multi-fiber connectorized
pigtail that extends outwardly from the housing, the multi-fiber
connectorized pigtail being optically coupled with the single fiber
connectorized pigtails; the single-fiber connectorized pigtails
have connectorized ends that are staggered adjacent to one another
such that a stagger length is achieved relative to an adjacent
connectorized end; the stagger length being defined as a distance
measured from a boot tail of a single-fiber connectorized end
having a first stagger length to a boot tail of an adjacent
single-fiber connectorized end having a second stagger length; the
connectorized ends of the single-fiber connectorized pigtails
include single-fiber optical connectors, wherein the single-fiber
optical connectors include threaded couplers adapted mechanically
to couple the single-fiber optical connectors to another connector
to form mating connectors; the mating connectors including a male
connector and a female connector; and the mating connectors having
a coupled length defined by a distance measured from a boot tail of
the male mating connector to a boot tail of the female mating
connector; wherein the stagger length of the single-fiber
connectorized ends is greater than or equal to the coupled length
of the mating connectors.
44. A telecommunications connection device comprising: a housing; a
plurality of multi-fiber connectorized output pigtails that extend
outwardly from the housing, the multi-fiber connectorized output
pigtails including output cables and multi-fiber output connectors
that are secured to the free ends of the output cables; and
multi-fiber input connectors that are optically coupled to the
plurality of multi-fiber connectorized pigtails.
45. The telecommunications connection device of claim 44, wherein
the multi-fiber input connectors each terminate an end of a
multi-fiber connectorized input pigtail that extends from the
housing.
46. The telecommunications connection device of claim 45, wherein
the multi-fiber output connectors and the multi-fiber input
connectors have ruggedized, outdoor constructions with coupling
elements including threaded couplers or bayonet-style couplers.
47. The telecommunications connection device of claim 46, wherein
the multi-fiber input connectors and the multi-fiber output
connectors are environmentally sealed when coupled to corresponding
connectors and/or ports.
48. The telecommunications connection device of claim 46, wherein
the telecommunications connection device is incorporated into a
fiber-to-the-antenna network.
49. The telecommunications connection device of claim 44, wherein
the multi-fiber output connectors include ODC connectors.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is being filed on Jun. 9, 2014, as a PCT
International Patent application and claims priority to U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/832,621 filed on Jun. 7, 2013, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to
telecommunications connection devices and terminal assemblies for
extending fiber optic service.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Fiber optic telecommunications connectivity is being
increased as part of Fiber-To-The-Household (FTTH) or
Fiber-To-The-Premises (FTTP) efforts currently on-going. In these
efforts to increase fiber connectivity, the household or small
business customers may be less densely located than earlier fiber
build-outs to larger businesses or industrial customers. These
efforts have given rise to desires for different devices and
approaches to extend fibers to these new customers.
[0004] Since the customers may be more widely spaced apart, it is
desirable to have telecommunications connection devices that are
configured to mount to a multi-strand fiber optic cable with from
four to twelve fibers. These telecommunications connection devices
aid in the break out of the individual fibers from the multi-strand
cables and preparing them for connection to a customer service or
drop cable. The nature and location of the connection with the
customer drop cables can be below grade, at grade or aerial. It may
be desirable that a telecommunications connection device be adapted
for use in multiple locations so that the same terminal design may
be used for multiple installations. For below grade and at grade
installations, it may be desirable that a telecommunications
connection device be adapted for pulling through an underground
conduit. It may be desirable that the cable entry into and exit
from the telecommunications connection device be sealed against
environmental entry.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications
connection device including a housing, a plurality of single-fiber
connectorized pigtails that extend outwardly from the housing and a
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail that extends outwardly from the
housing. The multi-fiber connectorized pigtail can be optically
coupled with the single fiber connectorized pigtails. The housing
can have a planform defining a planform area. The housing can
define a through-hole that extends through the housing in a
direction transverse to the planform area. The through-hole can
define a through-hole area that is at least 5 percent as large as
the planform area.
[0006] Another aspect of the disclosure includes a
telecommunications connection device including a housing, a
plurality of single-fiber connectorized pigtails that extend
outwardly from the housing and a multi-fiber connectorized pigtail
that extends outwardly from the housing. The multi-fiber
connectorized pigtail can be optically coupled with the single
fiber connectorized pigtails. The device can include optical fibers
routed from the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail through the
housing to the single-fiber connectorized pigtails. The
single-fiber connectorized pigtails can be more flexible than the
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail.
[0007] A further aspect of the disclosure includes a
telecommunications connection device including a housing, a
plurality of single-fiber connectorized pigtails that extend
outwardly from the housing and a multi-fiber connectorized pigtail
that extends outwardly from the housing. The multi-fiber
connectorized pigtail can be optically coupled with the single
fiber connectorized pigtails. The housing can define a through-hole
that extends through the housing. The device further including
optical fibers routed from the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail
through the housing to the single-fiber connectorized pigtails. The
optical fibers can be routed at least partially around the
through-hole.
[0008] Another aspect of the disclosure can include a
telecommunications connection device including a housing, a
plurality of single-fiber connectorized pigtails that extend
outwardly from the housing and a multi-fiber connectorized pigtail
that extends outwardly from the housing. The multi-fiber
connectorized pigtail can be optically coupled with the single
fiber connectorized pigtails. The housing can define a through-hole
that extends through the housing. The housing can have a major
front side, a major back side, an exterior side wall that extends
between the major front and rear sides and along an exterior
boundary. The exterior boundary can define a planform of the
housing and an interior wall that defines the through-hole and
extends between the major front and back sides. Optical fibers can
be routed from the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail through the
housing to the single-fiber connectorized pigtails. The optical
fibers can be routed between the exterior side wall and the
interior side wall.
[0009] Still another aspect of the disclosure can include a
telecommunications connection device including a housing and a
plurality of multi-fiber connectorized output pigtails that extend
outwardly from the housing. The multi-fiber connectorized output
pigtails can include output cables and multi-fiber output
connectors that can be secured to the free ends of the output
cables. Multi-fiber input connectors can be optically coupled to
the plurality of multi-fiber connectorized pigtails.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects
of the present disclosure and together with the description, serve
to explain the principles of the disclosure. A brief description of
the drawings is as follows:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a telecommunications connection
device in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a partial of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
3-3 of FIG. 10;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line
5-5 of FIG. 11;
[0016] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a fiber of
FIG. 5;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of FIG. 4 showing
stagger connections in accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of FIG. 7;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view opposite from the perspective
view of FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-fiber optical
connector of FIG. 9;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a single-fiber optical
connector of FIG. 9;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a top view of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing staggered mating male and
female connections in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 14 is another telecommunications connection device in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-fiber
connectorized pigtail shown in FIG. 14;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of optical fibers within a
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail shown in FIG. 14;
[0027] FIG. 17 is an example of a male ODC connector in accordance
with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of FIG. 17;
[0029] FIG. 19 is an example of a female ODC connector in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and
[0030] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary
aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a telecommunications connection device
10 includes a housing 12, a plurality of single-fiber connectorized
pigtails 14 that extend outwardly from the housing 12 and a
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 16 that extends outwardly from
the housing 12. The multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 16 can be
optically coupled with the single fiber connectorized pigtail 14.
In this example, the single-fiber connectorized pigtails 14 and the
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 16 project outwardly from the
housing 12 in a first direction A. The multi-fiber connectorized
pigtail 16 can include a first cable 18 and a multi-fiber optical
connector 20 secured to a free end 22 of the first cable 18. The
single-fiber connectorized pigtails 14 can include second cables 24
and single-fiber optical connectors 26 secured to free ends 28 of
the second cables 24. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the
second cables 24 can each be more flexible than the first cable
18.
[0033] In other examples, the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 16
can be modified with a single-fiber connector. In this example, the
single-fiber connector can include a single fiber that can be
routed from the single-fiber connector through the housing 12, the
single fiber can be optically connected within the housing 12 to a
passive optical power splitter 13, and then the split fiber lines
can be separated and routed individually as single-fiber
connectorized pigtails.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, multiple optical fibers 30 can be
routed from the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 16 through the
housing 12, fanned-out within the housing 12, and then routed
individually to the single-fiber connectorized pigtails 14. It is
anticipated that the telecommunications connection device 10 may
include an equal number of pigtails and connectors for the optical
fibers 30. The first cable 18 of the multi-fiber connectorized
pigtail 16 can include a twelve fiber ribbon 32 and two strength
members 34 each including an epoxy rod reinforced with glass fiber
rovings. The strength members 34 can help provide both tensile and
compressive reinforcement. In one example, the twelve fiber ribbon
32 can include twelve optical fibers 30 that can be routed from the
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 16 through the housing 12 to the
single-fiber connectorized pigtails 14. The twelve optical fibers
30 fan out within the housing 12 into individual pigtails and
connectors. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure,
the optical fibers 30 can include optical splices within the
housing 12.
[0035] Turning to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of the first cable
18 is shown. As depicted, the first cable 18 has an elongated
transverse cross-sectional profile. It is submitted that the
cross-sectional profile of the first cable 18 can vary in other
examples.
[0036] Referring again to FIG. 2, the housing 12 can have a
planform 36 (i.e. outline viewed from above) that can define a
planform area 38. The housing 12 can define a through-hole 40 that
extends through the housing 12 in a direction transverse to the
planform area 38. The through-hole 40 can define a through-hole
area 42 that is at least 5 percent as large as the planform area
38. In one aspect, the through-hole area 42 can be at least 10
percent as large as the planform area 38. In another aspect, the
through-hole area 42 can be at least 20 percent as large as the
planform area 38. In certain examples, a plurality of mounting tabs
can project outwardly from the main body of the housing 12. The
mounting tabs can define openings for receiving fasteners or other
securement structures.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, the housing 12 can include a major
front side 44, a major back side 46, and an exterior side wall 48.
The exterior side wall 48 can extend between the major front and
back sides 44, 46 and along an exterior boundary 50 (see FIG. 2)
defining the planform 36 of the housing 12. The housing 12 can
further include an interior side wall 52 that defines the
through-hole 40 and extends between the major front and back sides
44, 46. Turning again to FIG. 2, the optical fibers 30 can be
routed between the interior side wall 52 defining the through-hole
40 and the exterior side wall 48 of the housing 12. The exterior
side wall 48 can define a pigtail opening 54 through which the
single-fiber connectorized pigtails 14 are routed. In one aspect,
the optical fibers 30 can be routed at least partially about the
through-hole 40. In another aspect, the optical fibers 30 can be
routed at least 90 degrees about the through-hole 40. In still
another aspect, the optical fibers 30 can be routed at least 180
degrees about the through-hole 40. In further aspects, the optical
fibers 30 can be routed at least 270 degrees or at least 360
degrees about the through-hole 40.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of one of the
second cables 24 is shown. The second cables 24 can have round
transverse cross-sectional profiles. The second cables 24 of the
single-fiber connectorized pigtails 14 can have strength members 34
including aramid yarn. The strength members 34 of the single-fiber
connectorized pigtails 14 can provide tensile reinforcement without
providing compressive reinforcement. The second cables 24 can
include an optical fiber 30 surrounded by keular (i.e. aramid) and
a jacket 56. In various aspects, the strength members 34 of the
first cable 18 and the strength members 34 of the second cables 24
can be anchored to the housing 12. It is anticipated that the
strength members 34 could be anchored to the housing 12 with
fasteners, adhesively affixed, or alternatively clamped. In
accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the
telecommunications connection device 10 can include a cable
anchoring panel 58 positioned adjacent to the pigtail opening 54
for anchoring strength members 34 of the single-fiber connectorized
pigtails 14 to the housing 12.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, an enlarged view of the optical fiber
30 is depicted. As shown in this example, the optical fiber 30
includes a core region 60 that is surrounded by a cladding region
62 and an outer coating region 64. The optical fiber 30 further
includes a buffer region 66. The buffer region 66 can be a loose
tube, a tight tube, or a furcation tube. In one example, the
furcation tube can be about 900 microns in outer diameter. In
certain examples, the fibers can have cores of about 8-12 microns,
cladding layers of about 120-130 microns in outer diameter, and
coating layers of about 200-260 microns in outer diameter. Bend
insensitive fibers can be used in some examples. Other fiber
constructions can be used as well.
[0040] Turning again to FIG. 4, the telecommunications connection
device 10 can include a flexible boot 68 attached to the housing 12
projecting outwardly from the housing 12. The flexible boot 68 can
be configured to provide fiber bend radius protection to the
single-fiber connectorized pigtails 14 adjacent the pigtail opening
54. In one aspect, the flexible boot 68 can be more flexible than
the housing 12. The single-fiber connectorized pigtails 14 can be
routed through the flexible boot 68. In this example, the
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 16 is not routed through the
flexible boot 68. In one aspect, the single-fiber connectorized
pigtails 14 can be more flexible than the multi-fiber connectorized
pigtail 16.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the single-fiber connectorized
pigtails 14 can include ruggedized single fiber optical connectors
70 and the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 16 can include a
ruggedized multi-fiber optical connector 72.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 11, a cross-sectional view of the
connector 70 is shown. The ruggedized single fiber optical
connectors 70 can each include coupling nuts 74 and dust caps 76
that attach to the coupling nuts 74 by threaded connections 78. In
this example, the dust caps 76 cover interface ends 80 of the
ruggedized single-fiber optical connectors 70. The interface ends
80 can include single-fiber ferrules 82 that support end portions
84 of the optical fibers 30. In accordance with another aspect of
the disclosure, the coupling nuts 74 can be rotatably mounted on
main bodies 86 of the ruggedized single-fiber optical connectors
70. Seals 88 are mounted around the main bodies 86 and engage the
dust caps 76 when the dust caps 76 are covering the interface ends
80 of the ruggedized single-fiber optical connectors 70. The dust
caps 76 can be removed when it is desired to connect the connectors
to another component (e.g., another connector such as a female
connector, a fiber optic adapter, or other structure). The coupling
nuts 74 are also adapted to mechanically couple the single-fiber
optical connectors 70 to structures such as mating connectors,
fiber optic adapters, or dust caps. In some examples, the seals 88
form environmental seals 92 with the mating components.
[0043] In some examples, the single-fiber optical connectors 70 can
be female connectors adapted to couple to corresponding male
connectors. In other examples, the single-fiber optical connectors
70 can be male connectors adapted to couple to corresponding female
connectors.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 10, a cross-sectional view of the
connector 72 is shown. The multi-fiber optical connector 72 can
include a threaded coupler 90 (e.g., an internally threaded nut)
adapted mechanically to couple the multi-fiber optical connector 72
to a structure. In various aspects, the structure can be a mating
connector; a fiber optic adapter or a dust cap 91. In some
examples, the multi-fiber optical connector 72 can include
environmental seals 92.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 12, the single-fiber connectorized
pigtails 14 can be longer than the multi-fiber connectorized
pigtail 16. As shown, the single-fiber connectorized pigtails 14
have connectorized ends 94 that are staggered relative to one
another. The connectorized ends 94 of the single-fiber
connectorized pigtails 14 can include the single-fiber optical
connectors 26 having connector lengths L. As shown, the
single-fiber connectorized pigtails 14 can be arranged with three
different lengths L1, L2, and L3 measurable from the a distal end
of the flexible boot 68 such that four single-fiber optical
connectors 26 fit side-by-side for each length L1, L2, and L3. In
accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the single-fiber
connectorized pigtails 14 can be all the same length thereby having
no staggering lengths.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 13, three mated male and female connectors
100a, 100b are shown staggered adjacent to one another. The female
connector 100b can be single fiber connectors mounted at the ends
of single fiber connectorized pigtails that are part of a connector
device of the type described above. In this example, each of the
mated male and female connectors 100a, 100b includes a first boot
102 and a second boot 104. The first boot 102 can include a first
boot tail 106 located at a rear end of the first boot 102. The
second boot 104 can include a second boot tail 108 located at a
rear end of the second boot 104. As shown in FIG. 13, X is defined
as the distance between the first boot tail 106 and the second boot
tail 108 of each of the mated male and female connectors 100a, 100b
(e.g., connector length). In this example, a stagger length L4 can
be defined as the distance measured from a first boot tail 106 of a
mated male and female connector 100a, 100b having one stagger
length to an adjacent first boot tail 106 of another mated male and
female connector 100a, 100b having a different stagger length. In
certain examples, the stagger length L4 can be greater than or
equal to the distance X of the mated male and female connectors
100a, 100b.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 14, another telecommunications connection
device 210 is shown in accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure. The connection device 210 can include a
plurality of multi-fiber connectorized pigtails 214 (e.g.,
multi-fiber connectorized output pigtails) that extend outwardly
from a housing 212. In some examples, the housing 212 can be
referred to as a closure, an enclosure, a terminal, or other
structures. In certain examples, the housing 212 can have a
flexible construction or alternatively a relatively rigid
construction.
[0048] The telecommunications connection device 210 can further
include a multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 216 (e.g., multi-fiber
connectorized input pigtail) having optical fibers that are
optically coupled to corresponding optical fibers within the
multi-fiber connectorized pigtails 214. While the multi-fiber
connectorized pigtails 214 and the multi-fiber connectorized
pigtails 216 have been described as "input" and "output" pigtails,
it will be appreciated that in use optical signals can be
transmitted in both directions through the pigtails. In the
depicted example, the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 216
includes 12 optical fibers. In other examples, the multi-fiber
connectorized pigtail 216 can include a greater or lesser number of
optical fibers (e.g., two, eight, twelve, twenty-four, thirty-two,
etc.).
[0049] In certain examples, the optical fibers of the multi-fiber
connectorized pigtails 214 can be optically coupled to the optical
fibers of the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 216 at a
mass-fusion splice 217 enclosed within the housing 212. The optical
fibers of the multi-fiber connectorized pigtails 214 can be
mass-fusion spliced one-to-one with the optical fibers of the
multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 216. As shown in FIG. 14, there
are six multi-fiber connectorized pigtails 214 each including two
optical fibers to yield a total of twelve optical fibers. These
twelve optical fibers can be mass-fusion spliced one-to-one with
optical fibers within the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail
216.
[0050] As shown at FIG. 15, the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail
216 includes a cable having a flat-configuration with a jacket 218
in which two strength members 219 (e.g., fiber reinforced epoxy
rods) are imbedded. The multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 216 also
includes a fiber ribbon 220 having a plurality of optical fibers
222. In one example, the fiber ribbon 220 includes twelve optical
fibers 222 with each of the optical fibers 222 optically coupled to
a corresponding optical fiber in one of the multi-fiber
connectorized pigtails 214.
[0051] In other examples, the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 216
further includes a multi-fiber connector 224 having a ferrule 226
supporting the ends of the optical fibers 222. In a preferred
example, the multi-fiber connector 224 has a ruggedized
construction adapted for outdoor use. In certain examples, the
fiber optic connector 224 includes a robust fastener such as a
threaded coupler or bayonet-style coupler that is used to fasten
the fiber optic connector 224 within a corresponding ruggedized
port or to a mating ruggedized connector. The strength members 219
of the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail 216 can be anchored (e.g.,
fastened, adhered or otherwise secured) to the housing 212.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 16, the multi-fiber connectorized pigtails
214 each include a jacket 228 containing a plurality of optical
fibers 230. In one example, the jackets 228 each contain two of the
optical fibers 230. The multi-fiber connectorized pigtails 214 also
include cable strength-members 232 (e.g., Aramid yarn) that can be
anchored (e.g., fastened, adhered or otherwise secured) to the
housing 212. The optical fibers 230 each include a core region 238
surrounded by a cladding layer 240. In certain embodiments, one or
more coating layers 242 can surround the cladding layer 240. In one
example, the coating layer or layers 242 can include a polymeric
material such as acrylate. In still other examples, the coating
layer or layers 242 can be surrounded by a buffer layer 244.
[0053] In certain examples, the multi-fiber connectorized pigtails
214 can further include multi-fiber connectors 234. In one example,
the multi-fiber connectors 234 can include ODC connectors each
having two ferrules 236. The ferrules 236 can each support one of
the optical fibers 230.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 17-20, a mating male and female ODC
connectors 234a, 234b are shown, either of which can be utilized by
the multi-fiber connectorized pigtails 214. When connector 234a is
mounted on pigtails 214, connector 234b would be mounted on cable
or enclosure desired to be coupled to the device 210 and vice
versa. The ODC connectors 234a, 234b include robust coupling
elements for securely coupling the connectors 234a, 234b together.
The coupling elements can include structures such as bayonet-style
couplers or threaded couplers. As depicted, connector 234a has an
internally threaded collar 246a that threads over an externally
threaded end 246b of the connector 234b to secure the connectors
234a, 234b in a mated/connected relationship. Additionally, the
connectors 234a, 234b can include one or more seals for sealing the
connectors 234a, 234b when the connectors 234a, 234b are secured
together.
[0055] In certain applications, telecommunications device 210 can
be incorporated into a fiber-to-the-antenna network. In such
examples, the multi-fiber connectorized pigtails 214 can be
optically coupled to tower-mounted remote radio heads or other
components within the fiber-to-the-antenna network.
[0056] From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident
that modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *