U.S. patent application number 16/516989 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-07 for integrated distribution enabling access apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is AFL Telecommunications LLC. Invention is credited to Wilfred Courchaine, Matthew Johnston, Anthony Nieves, Kheng Hwa Seng.
Application Number | 20190339471 16/516989 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44319744 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190339471 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nieves; Anthony ; et
al. |
November 7, 2019 |
INTEGRATED DISTRIBUTION ENABLING ACCESS APPARATUS
Abstract
Provided is an apparatus including: a housing having a splitter
compartment; a multiple fiber adapter attached to an exterior of a
front housing wall of said housing; a multiple fiber connector
connected to said multiple fiber adapter and disposed in an
interior of the front housing wall of said housing; an optical
splitter in said splitter compartment of said housing; an input
fiber optically connected to said optical splitter; and a plurality
of output fibers optically connected to said optical splitter and
said multiple fiber connector, wherein the housing includes a hinge
plate corresponding to a bottom housing wall perpendicular to the
front housing wall of said housing in a closed state and mounted on
a hinge affixed to said housing at an intersection between the
bottom housing wall and a rear housing wall opposite from the front
housing wall.
Inventors: |
Nieves; Anthony; (Fountain
Inn, SC) ; Courchaine; Wilfred; (Moore, SC) ;
Seng; Kheng Hwa; (Greer, SC) ; Johnston; Matthew;
(Greenville, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AFL Telecommunications LLC |
Duncan |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44319744 |
Appl. No.: |
16/516989 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15041709 |
Feb 11, 2016 |
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16516989 |
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14463072 |
Aug 19, 2014 |
9291787 |
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15041709 |
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13130708 |
May 23, 2011 |
8886003 |
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PCT/US2011/022594 |
Jan 26, 2011 |
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14463072 |
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61390302 |
Oct 6, 2010 |
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61298240 |
Jan 26, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/3897 20130101;
G02B 6/4454 20130101; G02B 6/4442 20130101; G02B 6/4446 20130101;
G02B 6/4452 20130101; G02B 6/4455 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/44 20060101
G02B006/44; G02B 6/38 20060101 G02B006/38 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a housing extending along a first
direction between a top portion and a bottom portion opposite the
top portion and along a second direction orthogonal to the first
direction between a front housing wall and a back housing wall, the
housing comprising: a splitter compartment disposed in the top
portion of the housing; a fiber bend guide disposed in the splitter
compartment, the fiber bend guide defining a circular cross section
in a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction;
and a splicer compartment disposed in the bottom portion of the
housing; a separation plate provided between the splitter
compartment and splicer compartment along the first direction, the
separation plate defined by and between a first surface and a
second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first
surface of the separation plate provides a base plate for the
splitter compartment and the second surface of the separation plate
provides a base plate for the splicer compartment; a multiple fiber
adapter attached to an exterior of the front housing wall of the
housing; and a multiple fiber connector connected to the multiple
fiber adapter and disposed in an interior of the front housing wall
of said housing, wherein the separation plate comprises a fiber
pass through including a plurality of holes, the fiber pass through
oriented perpendicular to the first direction and the second
direction and tangential to the circular cross section of the fiber
bend guide.
2. The apparatus in claim 1 further comprising: an optical splitter
in said splitter compartment of said housing, the optical splitter
oriented oblique to the first direction and the second direction
and tangential to the circular cross section of the fiber bend
guide; an optical splice chip holder in said splicer compartment;
an input fiber optically connected to said optical splitter; and a
plurality of output fibers optically connected to said optical
splitter and said multiple fiber connector.
3. The apparatus in claim 2, wherein the input fiber passes through
between the splitter compartment and the splicer compartment
through the fiber pass through.
4. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of said
splitter that goes through an input end and an output end of said
splitter and an axis that goes along a front wall of the apparatus
form an angle of between 20 and 70 degrees.
5. The apparatus in claim 1, further comprising: at least one
additional multiple fiber adapter attached to the front housing
wall of the housing; at least one additional multiple fiber
connector connected to said at least one additional multiple fiber
adapter; at least one additional optical splitter in said splitter
compartment of said housing; at least one additional input fiber
connected to said at least one additional optical splitter; and a
plurality of output fibers optically connected to said at least one
additional optical splitter and said at least one additional
multiple fiber connector.
6. (canceled)
7. An apparatus comprising: a housing defining a first direction, a
second direction, and a third direction, the first direction, the
second direction, and the third direction being mutually
perpendicular, the housing comprising: a splitter compartment; and
a splicer compartment positioned opposite the splitter compartment
along the first direction; a separation plate extending along the
first direction from a first surface to a second surface, the
separation plate positioned between the splitter compartment and
splicer compartment along the first direction, wherein the first
surface of the separation plate provides a base plate for the
splitter compartment and the second surface of the separation plate
provides a base plate for the splicer compartment; a fiber bend
guide formed on the first surface of the separation plate, the
fiber bend guide defining a circular cross section in a plane
defined by the first direction and the second direction; a multiple
fiber adapter attached to an exterior of a front housing wall of
said housing; and a multiple fiber connector connected to said
multiple fiber adapter and disposed in an interior of the front
housing wall of said housing, wherein the splitter compartment is
disposed in a top portion of the housing and the splicer
compartment is disposed in a bottom portion opposite of the top
portion of the housing, and wherein the separation plate comprises
a fiber pass through including a plurality of holes, the fiber pass
through oriented perpendicular to the first direction and the
second direction and tangential to the circular cross section of
the fiber bend guide.
8. (canceled)
9. The apparatus in claim 7 further comprising: an optical splitter
in said splitter compartment of said housing, the optical splitter
oriented oblique to the first direction and the second direction
and tangential to the circular cross section of the fiber bend
guide; an optical splice chip holder in said splicer compartment;
an input fiber optically connected to said optical splitter; and a
plurality of output fibers optically connected to said optical
splitter and said multiple fiber connector.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/463,072, filed on Aug. 19, 2014,
which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/130,708, filed on May 23, 2013, which claims the benefit of
priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/298,240, filed
Jan. 26, 2010 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/390,302,
filed Oct. 6, 2010, the disclosures of which is incorporated herein
in their entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to an apparatus for distributing fiber
optic signals from a provider to a plurality of subscribers or end
users.
2. Background
[0003] Since the end of the 20th century, passive optical network
(PON) architecture has gained worldwide acceptance and now
underlies much of the growth of the telecommunications industry.
Today, however, PON architecture is undergoing a technological
transformation that is driving it into the next generation.
[0004] PON is a point-to-multipoint architecture that is used to
deliver fiber to the premises by distributing signals through
unpowered optical splitters to a multitude of subscribers. On one
end of the network, in the central office, an optical line terminal
converts and packages electrical signals into an optical output.
These signals are distributed over the optical network via a
backbone cable, which links between the inside-plant and
outside-plant environments. The packaged signal is distributed
further into the network by means of an optical splitter, which
divides the signal among several fibers, each of which goes to a
different subscriber.
[0005] At the other end of the network, at the subscriber's
premises, an optical network terminal or optical network unit
provides a termination and separation point for the delivered
optical signal. This piece of hardware converts the optical signal
into electrically formatted subcomponents for delivery of
telephone, television, and Internet service to end-user
devices.
[0006] Most PON architectures are centered on distribution cabinets
that house unpowered optical splitters and tie together the
network. These cabinets are large, expensive and cumbersome, and
usually require below-grade handholes for splicing fiber.
Installing them requires, at a minimum, expensive excavation
equipment and labor, and may also require obtaining permits for
placement. Including labor and materials costs (cabinet, splitters,
pigtails and so forth), the cost can easily exceed $15,000 for a
fully loaded 288-fiber setup. Planning for the assembly and
implementation of a distribution cabinet can also be a daunting
task. Typically this installation requires several days of labor
commitment as well as multiple installers.
[0007] From a business development and network design approach,
placing the distribution cabinet requires mapping out a group of
subscribers and ascertaining likely take rates. Because the fiber
infrastructure is defined up front but the active customers are not
known until services are marketed, there is a large amount of
pressure on the provider to maximize capacity--which tends to
increase the cost per customer.
[0008] This topology--a centralized distribution point in the
middle of a fiber web--limits the flexibility of a traditional PON
architecture. Not only does the distribution point require a large
investment, but also its reach defines and limits the network's
area of coverage.
[0009] Rural applications are not efficiently covered by this
architecture; their lower subscriber densities require more fiber
to cover a smaller customer base, which in turn significantly
increases infrastructure costs. In urban layouts, the central
distribution architecture is limited by its inability to
effectively serve high-density regions. The typical 1.times.16 and
1.times.32 splitters with which central distribution cabinets are
outfitted do not provide enough flexibility for a high-rise
building that may contain hundreds of potential customers. Even in
suburban housing developments, traditional PON architectures do not
accommodate widely varied take rates in a cost-effective manner. In
recent years, deployers have begun to demand ways to accommodate
smaller housing developments without the large upfront financial
commitment of a traditional distribution cabinet.
[0010] The project commitment associated with distribution cabinet
deployment is burdensome to the overall design and construction of
a PON, placing an unbalanced focus on penetration rates and
break-even points in the life cycle and diverting attention from
network setup. Fortunately, because of the push to cut installation
costs and increase flexibility, new solutions have begun to emerge
as alternatives to distribution cabinet deployment.
[0011] Current technology for distributing cable, Internet, data,
etc., to subscribers/homes uses fiber distribution hubs (FDHs). An
example of and FDH is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,200,317--Systems
and Methods for Optical Fiber Distribution and Management. FDHs
typically consist of a passive optical network (PON) cabinet
located in an outside plant (OSP) or multiple dwelling unit (MDU)
environment. The cabinet is usually a ruggedized metal cabinet with
a product life of twenty years. The FDH also allows for passive
upgrading of splitter modules and distribution of splitter module
output fibers.
[0012] Examples of related technology includes the splitters
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,218,828--Optical Fiber Power Splitter
Module Apparatus and 7,515,805--Fiber Optic Splitter. The '828
patent is directed to and discloses a multi-fiber push on (MPO)
based splitter module. The objective of the '828 patent was to
eliminate all of the fiber pigtails emanating from the splitter
housing that were conventional at the time, such as disclosed in
the '828 patent. It did this by using connectors/adapters for the
input fibers and all of the output fibers. However, a disadvantage
of this solution is that is does not allow the flexibility to have
the input fiber spliced directly to the splitter. Spliced
connections provide a connection and have lower loss than
connectorized connections.
[0013] Therefore, there is a need for an architecture that allows
more flexible layouts, where distribution points can be placed
anywhere in the network. Outside-plant designers can now distribute
signals at a wider variety of locations between the central office
and fiber network endpoints.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Exemplary implementations of the present invention address
at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and other
disadvantages not described above. Also, the present invention is
not required to overcome the disadvantages described above, and an
exemplary implementation of the present invention may not overcome
any of the problems listed above.
[0015] A first embodiment of the invention is an apparatus with a
housing with a splitter compartment and a splicer compartment, a
multiple fiber adapter attached to a wall of the housing, a
multiple fiber connector connected to the multiple fiber adapter,
an optical splitter in the splitter compartment of the housing, an
input fiber optically connected to the optical splitter, a
plurality of output fibers optically connected to the optical
splitter and the multiple fiber connector.
[0016] In another embodiment of the invention a longitudinal axis
of the splitter that goes through an input end and an output end of
the splitter and an axis that goes along a front wall of the
apparatus form an angle of between 20 and 70 degrees.
[0017] Another embodiment of the invention includes a least one
additional multiple fiber adapter attached to the wall of the
housing, at least one additional multiple fiber connector connected
to the at least one additional multiple fiber adapter, at least one
additional optical splitter in the splitter compartment of the
housing, at least one additional input fiber connected to the at
least one additional optical splitter, and a plurality of output
fibers optically connected to the at least one additional optical
splitter and the at least one additional multiple fiber
connector.
[0018] Another embodiment of the invention is an apparatus
including a plurality of housings, wherein each housing has a
splitter compartment and a splicer compartment, at least one
multiple fiber adapter attached to a wall of the housings, at least
one multiple fiber connector connected to each of the multiple
fiber adapters, an optical splitter in each of the housings, an
input fiber optically connected to each of the optical splitters, a
plurality of output fibers optically connected to the optical
splitters and the multiple fiber connectors.
[0019] Another embodiment of the invention is an apparatus
including a plurality of housings, an optical splitter in one of
the housings, at least one single fiber adapter attached to each of
the housings, at least one single fiber connector connected to the
single fiber adapters, an input fiber optically connected to the
optical splitter, and a plurality of output fibers, each optically
connected to the optical splitter and to a single fiber
connector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will become more apparent by describing in detail
exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached
drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of a multiple
fiber connector version of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of a
multiple fiber connector version of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows another isometric view of a first embodiment of
a multiple fiber connector version of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows another isometric view of a first embodiment of
a multiple fiber connector version of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows another isometric view of a first embodiment of
a multiple fiber connector version of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 6 shows another isometric view of a first embodiment of
a multiple fiber connector version of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of a
multiple fiber connector version of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of a
multiple fiber connector version of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a
multiple fiber connector version of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of a fifth embodiment of a
multiple fiber connector version of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of a fifth embodiment of a
multiple fiber connector version of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 12 shows a plan of a first embodiment of a single fiber
connector version of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of a
single fiber connector version of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 14 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of a
single fiber connector version of the invention.
[0035] FIGS. 15A and 15B show isometric views of a first embodiment
of a single fiber connector version of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 16 shows an isometric view of a first embodiment of a
single fiber connector version of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 17 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a single
fiber connector version of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 18 shows another side view of a first embodiment of a
single fiber connector version of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 19 shows another side view of a first embodiment of a
single fiber connector version of the invention.
[0040] FIG. 20 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of a
single fiber connector version of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 21 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of a
single fiber connector version of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 22 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a single
fiber connector version of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 23 shows another side view of a second embodiment of a
single fiber connector version of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 24 shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of a
single fiber connector version of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 25 shows isometric view of a third embodiment single
fiber connector version of the invention.
[0046] FIG. 26 shows an side view of a third embodiment of a single
fiber connector version of the invention.
[0047] FIG. 27 shows isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a
single fiber connector version of the invention.
[0048] FIGS. 28-30, 31A-31C and 32A-32C show embodiments of the
invention mounted in various types of enclosures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0049] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described
below by reference to the attached Figures. The described exemplary
embodiments are intended to assist the understanding of the
invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention
in any way.
[0050] FIGS. 1 and 2 show plan and isometric views, respectively,
of a first embodiment of a multiple fiber connector version of the
integrated distribution enabling access apparatus 1 (the splitter
compartment cover is not shown, however, it is shown in FIG. 3). An
advantage of the multiple fiber connector version is that is offers
the smallest footprint package. This particular embodiment is a
3.times.96 splitter apparatus. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the splitter
compartment 31 side of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a
housing 21, which can be made of plastic, or any other rigid
material. The housing has a splitter compartment 31 and a splice
compartment 29. The apparatus includes a splitter holder 12 that
holds a plurality of splitters. In this particular embodiment, the
splitter holder 12 holds three splitters 15, 16 and 17. The
splitters 15, 16 and 17 can be any optical device that splits an
input optical signal into a plurality of output signals. Examples
of a splitter devices include, but are not limited to, planar
lightwave circuit (PLC) or fused biconal taper (FBT) splitters.
Each of the splitters 15, 16, and 17 has an input end 15a, 16a, and
17a and an output end 15b, 16b and 17b. The splitter holder 12 is
positioned such that the longitudinal axis B of the splitters that
goes through the input and output ends of the splitters has an
angle .theta. with respect to the front edge A of the apparatus. In
a preferred embodiment, angle .theta. is approximately 20 to 70
degrees, and preferably between 30 and 40 degrees. By angling the
splitters, manufacturers can use splitters made in longer cases or
conventional single mode fiber without violating single mode fiber
bending limits.
[0051] Three input fibers 8, 9 and 10 from the splitter compartment
29 (shown in FIG. 4) go through fiber pass through 30 holes 11. The
fibers are secured individually in grooves 11a in the fiber pass
through 30 in order to insulate the input fiber from mechanical
damage. After entering the splitter compartment, the fibers go
around one of the fiber bend radius guides 4 and into the inputs
ends 17b, 16b and 15b of respective splitters 15, 16 and 17. In
this embodiment, thirty two output fibers exit the output end of
each of the splitters. Item no. 19 represents thirty two of the
output fibers outputting splitter 17. The fibers outputting
splitters 15 and 16 are not shown. All of the fibers that output
the splitters are bent around the fiber bend radius guides 4 in one
or more loops. These fibers are organized and held in place by
several routing/retaining tabs 2. The output fibers are then input
to a multiple fiber connectors 5, such as the new FuseConnect MPO
connectors. However, other multiple fiber connectors could be used.
In this particular embodiment, twelve output fibers are input into
each multiple fiber connector. Thus, the embodiment shown in FIGS.
1 and 2 have 96 output fibers. Item no. 14 represents twelve output
fibers going into the one of the multiple fiber connectors 5.
Commonly known methods of fiber management may be used to organize
the fibers, such as ribbons and loose tubes. The multiple fiber
connectors 5 are connected to respective multiple fiber adapters 6
that are mounted in the housing 21. Removable dust caps 7 are shown
inserted into the multiple fiber adapters 6.
[0052] Holes 3 go through the apparatus 1 and can be used as
mounting bosses that can be used to mount the apparatus or to
connect several apparatuses together.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the apparatus with the
splitter compartment cover 32 on.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of the splice tray side of
the apparatus 1. This view shows the splice tray compartment 29
with the hinge plate 24 at a ninety degree angle. The splice tray
compartment cover 37 is not shown in this figure, but is shown in
FIG. 5. Non-connectorized provider fibers (not shown) from a
provider would enter the apparatus at one of the openings 23. The
provider fibers may be secured to the apparatus 1 by using one or
more of the tie downs 28. The provider fibers are spliced to the
input fibers 8, 9 and 10, by known conventional splicing methods,
and then the splice (not shown) is secured in the splice
chip/sleeve holder 34. The input fibers are then routed around the
fiber bend radius guides 26 before passing through holes 11 in the
fiber pass through 30, where they enter the splicer compartment 31.
Portions of input fibers 8, 9 and 10 are shown entering the holes
11 in the fiber pass through 30.
[0055] After the splices have been completed, splice tray
compartment cover 37 is removably attached to enclosure 21. While
splice tray compartment cover 37 is shown as opaque in FIG. 5, the
splice tray compartment cover can also be transparent, which would
allow a user to view the splices without removing the splice tray
compartment cover.
[0056] Excess fiber can be maintained in either or both of the
splitter or splice compartments so that if a fiber breaks, a new
splice can be performed.
[0057] The hinge plate 24 is removably and rotatably attached to
the housing 21 by a hinge mechanism 36. The hinge plate 24 can be
used to mount the apparatus in various manners and enclosures.
Hinge plate 24 also has several mounting holes 38 and 39 (see FIGS.
4-6) that can be used to attach or mount the apparatus or to attach
several apparatuses together. Apparatus 1 also has recesses 26,
into which hinge plate stand-offs 25 can be inserted. The recesses
and stand-offs prevent mounting devices, such as a screw or bolt
from interfering with the opening and closing of the hinge plate
25. There are also tabs 40 on the hinge plate that allow the hinge
plate to remain in a closed position.
[0058] The apparatus 1 also includes several mounting holes 27 that
an be used to attach structures that can allow the apparatus to be
mounted in various enclosures or racks.
[0059] FIG. 6 shows the splice tray compartment 29 with the hinge
plate 24 in a closed position.
[0060] As an alternative, if the input fibers are spliced to the
provider fibers outside of the apparatus 1, hole 22, shown in FIGS.
2 and 4, can be used as an input for the input fibers. In that
situation, the input fibers would be routed around the fiber bend
radius guides 4 and then input to the respective splitters
[0061] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of a
multiple fiber connector version of the invention. This version is
a 3.times.48 version, i.e., 3 inputs and 48 outputs. The structure
of the apparatus is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1-6 except that
there are only four multiple fiber connectors 5, adapters 6 and
dust caps 7 and plugs fill the empty adapter slots.
[0062] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of a
multiple fiber connector version of the invention. This version is
a 3.times.24 version, i.e., 3 inputs and 24 outputs. The structure
of the apparatus is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1-6 except that
there are only two multiple fiber connectors 5, adapters 6 and dust
caps 7.
[0063] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a
multiple fiber connector version of the invention. This version is
a 3.times.12 version, i.e., 3 inputs and 12 outputs. The structure
of the apparatus is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1-6 except that
there is only one multiple fiber connector 5, adapter 6 and dust
cap 7.
[0064] FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of a fifth embodiment of a
multiple fiber connector version of the invention. In this
embodiment three apparatuses 1 are stacked together. For example,
FIG. 10 shows three 3.times.96 modules attached to each other,
which makes it a 9.times.288 apparatus. The apparatuses can be
attached to each with mounting hardware through holes 3 and 39 for
example. As a comparison, the dimensions of this stacked 288
subscriber apparatus in FIG. 10 are approximately
3.5.times.4.times.4 inches. On the other hand the dimensions of a
typical 288 subscriber FDH are approximately 25.times.20.times.20
inches.
[0065] In FIG. 10, the apparatuses 1 are shown with their hinge
plates in a closed position. Whereas in FIG. 11, the apparatus 1
are shown with their hinge plates opened slightly. With the hinge
plates in an open position, it is easier to insert and remove
subscriber cables that are inserted into the multiple fiber
adapters 6.
[0066] The multiple fiber connector embodiment is not limited to
the specific embodiments above. Other combinations of inputs,
multiple fiber outputs and splitters are possible.
[0067] FIGS. 12-14, 15A and 15B show plan and isometric views of a
first embodiment of a single fiber connector version of the
integrated distribution enabling access apparatus 51 (the splitter
compartment cover is not shown, however, it is shown in FIG. 16).
An advantage of the single fiber connector version is that it
provides for individual patching of distribution fibers. This
particular embodiment is a 1.times.32 splitter apparatus. The
apparatus includes a housing 61a, 61b and 61c, which can be made of
plastic or any other rigid material. The housings 61a, 61b and 61c
are similar to the housing 21 in the multiple fiber connector
embodiment described above. The apparatus includes a splitter
holder 62 that holds a splitter 59. Splitter 59 can be any optical
device that splits an input optical signal into a plurality of
output signals. Examples of a splitter devices include, but are not
limited to, planar lightwave circuit (PLC) or fused biconal taper
(FBT) splitters. The splitter 59 has an input end 59a and an output
end 59b.
[0068] FIGS. 13, 14, 15A and 15B show the apparatus with different
portions of the housings not shown. Each housing includes a top and
bottom, two sides, a back, a front area and a hinge plate. The
connector adapters are mounted in the front area. See FIG. 16. For
example, FIG. 13 shows portions of housing 61a (sides, back, bottom
and front), whereas FIG. 14 shows housings 61a and portions of 61b
(sides, back, bottom and front) and FIGS. 15A and 15B shows
housings 61a and 61b and portions of 61c (sides, back, bottom and
front). FIG. 26 shows the hinge plate 74 and hinge mechanism 75.
The hinge plate 74 and hinge mechanism 75 are similar to, and have
the same features as, the hinge plate 24 and hinge mechanism 36
shown FIG. 4. For example, it contains the same mounting holes 38
(not shown) and 39 (77) and recesses 26 (78), into which hinge
plate stand-offs 25 (76) can be inserted.
[0069] Apparatus 51 includes single fiber connectors 55 and single
fiber adapters. One example of a single fiber connector/adapter is
an SC FuseConnect connector. However, other single fiber
connector/adapters could be used. One of the thirty three
connector/adapters 55/56 acts as an input for an input fiber (such
as from a service provider) and the other thirty two
connectors/adapters 55/56 act as the output for output fibers (such
as fibers going to a subscriber). In the embodiment shown in the
figures, connector 55a and adapter 56 act as the input and all of
the others are the outputs. However, any one of the thirty three
connectors/adapters could be the input. Removable dust caps 57 are
also shown in the figures. In addition, there could be more than
one input in other configurations.
[0070] Inside of the apparatus, a fiber from the input connector
55a (fiber 58) is connected to the input end 59a of splitter 59.
The input fiber 58 may be wound around fiber bend radius guides 54
in one or more loops before entering the splitter 59. Thirty two
fibers exit the output end 59b of splitter 59. Item number 60
represents the output fibers. The output fibers are wound around
fiber bend radius guides 54 in one or more loops and each output
fiber is connected to respective output connectors 55, which are
inserted into the adapter 56. Fiber 64 is one example of an output
fiber being connected to an output connector 55. The output fibers
are organized and held in place by several routing/retaining tabs
52 before being connected to the output connectors 55. Other fiber
management structures may also be used, such as jackets and sleeves
67, 68, 69 and 70 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Please note that the
routing of the fibers in the figures are exemplary and are not
intended to accurately show the actual fibers and connections.
[0071] FIG. 15A shows an isometric view apparatus 51 with most of
the enclosure removed. While this view shows all thirty three
fibers in the body of the enclosure, in the actual apparatus, the
fibers are organized in three sections. For example, FIG. 15A shows
the top section, or enclosure 61c, that routes the eleven fibers
for the connectors/adapters in enclosure 61c. If the splitter is in
enclosure 61c, which it would be since this embodiment contains
connector 55a and adapter 56a, fibers from enclosures 61a and 61b
would be grouped and passed through their enclosures to enclosure
61c and the splitter. The enclosures contain holes and cutouts,
such as hole 80 shown in FIGS. 15B and 21 and hole 35 in the hinge
plate, that allow fibers to pass through them to other
enclosures.
[0072] Apparatus 51 is built one enclosure at a time. For example
after the fibers in enclosure 61a are connected, enclosure 61a is
attached to hinge plate of enclosure 61b by screws 79 or bolts or
other mounting hardware. Next, after the fibers in enclosure 61b
are connected, enclosure 61b is attached to the hinge pate of
enclosure 61c.
[0073] FIGS. 16-19 show the operation of a stopping mechanism 71
that prevents the hinge plates from opening with a full range of
motion. Stopping mechanism 71 has a hole 71b and two grooves 71a
and 71c. In addition, each enclosure has tabs 72. The stopping
mechanism is positioned so that the tab 72 on enclosure 61c goes
through hole 71b. Then stopping mechanism 71 is rotated until tabs
72 on enclosures 61b and 61c fit into grooves 71a and 71b. Groove
71c is made small enough so that tab 72 remains in groove 71c
unless a user intentionally removes the tab 72 from the groove
71c.
[0074] FIGS. 16 and 17 show all three enclosures in a closed
position with respect to each other. FIG. 18 shows a separation
between enclosures 61a and 61b. The hole 71b and groove 71a are
sized such that a small separation can occur. FIG. 19 shows a
slightly smaller separation between each of the enclosures. By
allowing some separation between the enclosures, it makes it easier
for the user to insert and remove input and out fibers from the
adapters.
[0075] FIGS. 20 and 21 shows isometric views of a second embodiment
of the single fiber connector version of the invention. This
version is a 1.times.16 splitter. It is similar to the 1.times.32
version shown in FIGS. 12-19, except that is has two enclosures 61a
and 61b, instead of three enclosures. This embodiment has all of
the features of the 1.times.32 version.
[0076] FIGS. 22 and 23 show the operation of the stopping mechanism
81 for the 1.times.16 version. Because this version has only two
enclosures, the stopping mechanism 81 is smaller than stopping
mechanism 71 and does not have a center groove corresponding to
center groove 71a in the 1.times.32 version. However, it does have
a hole 81b and groove 81a. It is also attached in a similar manner
as stopping mechanism 71.
[0077] FIGS. 24-26 show views of a third embodiment of the single
fiber connector version of the invention. This version is a
1.times.8 splitter. It is similar to the 1.times.32 version shown
in FIGS. 12-19, except that is has one enclosure 61a, instead of
three enclosures. This embodiment has all of the features of the
1.times.32 version, except for the stopping mechanism, which is not
necessary.
[0078] FIG. 27 shows a view of a fourth embodiment of the single
fiber connector version of the invention. This version is a
1.times.4 splitter. it is similar to the 1.times.32 version shown
in FIGS. 12-19, except that is has one enclosure 61a, instead of
three enclosures. This embodiment has all of the features of the
1.times.32 version, except for the stopping mechanism, which is not
necessary.
[0079] The single fiber connector embodiment is not limited to the
specific embodiments above. Other combinations of inputs, fiber
outputs and splitters are possible.
[0080] FIGS. 28-30, 31A-31C and 32A-32C show embodiments of the
invention mounted in various types of enclosures. For example, FIG.
28 shows apparatus 101, which could be any of the embodiments of
the apparatuses disclosed above, mounted in a large ruggedized
cabinet 100. FIGS. 29 and 30 shows apparatuses 201 and 301, which
could be any of the embodiments of the apparatuses disclosed above,
mounted in a smaller wall mounted cabinets 200 and 300. FIGS.
31A-31C and 32A-32C show apparatuses 401 and 501, which could be
any of the embodiments of the apparatuses disclosed above, mounted
in/or on pedestals 400 and 502. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
31A-31C, the apparatus 401 is attached to a frame 403 of the
pedestal and a cover 402 is placed over the frame 403. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 32A-32C, the apparatus 501, which could
be any of the embodiments of the apparatuses disclosed above, is
mounted on a rack in a larger wall mounted or standalone cabinet
500. The cabinet 500 is placed on top of a pedestal 502. In
addition, because of the hinge plate features, the apparatus can be
mounted directly on a wall without an enclosure.
[0081] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the
invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various
changes in form and details may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *