WO2023159023A1

WO2023159023A1 - Telecommunication device with pivoting adapter frame

Info

Publication number: WO2023159023A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/062588
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karel A C VANWINKEL; Jiri ZAVREL
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2022-02-15
Filing date: 2023-02-14
Publication date: 2023-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2024-08-15
Also published as: EP4479784A4; EP4479784A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to telecommunication devices such as modules. In certain examples the modules include housings to which a plurality of fiber optic adapters are mounted. The adapters have inner connector ports that face inside the housing and outer connector ports that face outside the housing. The adapters are mounted on a pivotal adapter support frame. In certain examples, the modules are stackable.

Description

TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH PIVOTING ADAPTER FRAME

Cross-Reference to Related Application^)

This application is being filed on February 14, 2023, as a PCT International application and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial Nos. 63/310,532, filed February 15, 2022; and 63/399,525, filed August 19, 2022, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to telecommunication devices such as modules including fiber optic adapters.

Background

Telecommunication devices such as telecommunication modules are used to facilitate making optical connections. Telecommunication modules often house telecommunication components such as optical splices, passive optical power splitters, wavelength division multiplexers and optical taps. Telecommunication modules often also include one or more fiber optic adapters for facilitating making de-mateable optical connections between fiber optic connectors (e.g., LC connectors, SC connectors, MPO connectors). Factors such as size, fiber optic connection density, ease of access, and fiber management are important considerations relating to the design of telecommunication modules.

Summary of the Disclosure

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a telecommunication device such as a module (e.g., enclosure, closure, terminal, box, etc.). The module includes a housing to which a plurality of fiber optic adapters are mounted. The adapters have inner connector ports that face inside the housing and outer connector ports that face outside the housing and are accessible outside the housing. The adapters are mounted on a pivotal adapter support frame. In certain examples, the module is configured such that a plurality of the modules are stackable. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a telecommunication device including a housing that defines an interior and that includes a base. The telecommunication device also includes an adapter assembly pivotally connected to the housing. The adapter assembly includes an adapter support frame having a length that extends between first and second frame ends. The second frame end is pivotally connected to the housing at a frame pivot axis. The adapter support frame is pivotally movable relative to the base of the housing about the frame pivot axis between an access position and an installed position. The adapter assembly includes a plurality of fiber optic adapters mounted on the adapter support frame. The fiber optic adapters include inner connector ports and outer connector ports. When the adapter support frame is in the installed position, the length of the adapter support frame extends along the base and across a side of the housing. When the adapter support frame is in the installed position, the inner connector ports face toward the interior of the housing and the outer connector ports face outwardly from the housing and are accessible from outside the housing. When the adapter support frame is in the access position, the length of the adapter support frame is angled outwardly from the base.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a module stacking arrangement including first and second modules that stack on one another. Each of the first and second modules includes: a main body defining an interior and including a base; a plurality of fiber optic adapters positioned at a side of the main body, the fiber optic adapters including inner connector ports that face toward the interior of the main body and outer connector ports that are accessible from outside the main body; and a main cover that pivotally mounts to the main body at a front of the main body located opposite from the base, the main cover being pivotally movable relative to the main body between an open position in which the front of the main body is open and a closed position in which the front of the main body is covered. A front of the cover defines a first stacking interconnect feature and a back of the base defines a second stacking interconnect feature. The first and second stacking interconnect features are configured to allowing the base of the first module to be secured to the cover of the second module such that the first and second modules are arranged in a stacked configuration.

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 embodiments disclosed herein are based.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a telecommunication module in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the telecommunication module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the telecommunication module of FIG. 1 with a main cover of the module in an open position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main body forming a base of a housing of the module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of another portion of FIG 4.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a further portion of FIG 4.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the main cover of the telecommunication module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a back, perspective view of the main cover of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the main cover of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an end view of the main cover of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of the main cover of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is an end view of the main cover of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing fiber routing on a fiber manager that is integrated with a pivotal adapter support frame of the telecommunication module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the fiber manager and pivotal adapter support frame of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an end view of the fiber manager and pivotal adapter support frame of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view depicting the fiber manager and pivotal adapter support frame of FIGS. 15 and 16 pivoted partially toward an outer pivot position relative to the base of the module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is an end view of the fiber manager and pivotal adapter support frame FIG. 17. FIG. 19 depicts two of the modules of FIG. 1 stacked on one another.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken perpendicularly through a central region of the module stack of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of the module stack of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 depicts an alternative base for a module in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 depicts an alternative telecommunication module in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of an adapter mounting frame and fiber manager of the module of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of an adapter mounting frame and fiber manager of the module of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the adapter mounting frame and fiber manager of FIGS. 24 and 25 mounted within the base of the module of FIG. 23 and pivoted to a position partially between an inner position and an outer position.

FIG. 27 is an end view of the adapter mounting frame and fiber manager of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a duplex LC fiber-optic adapter.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another telecommunications module in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 29 wherein a main cover of the module has been removed.

FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the module of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of the main cover of the module of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 is a back perspective view of the main cover of the module of FIG. 29.

FIG. 34 is a front view of a base of the module of FIG. 29.

FIG. 35 is a front view of fiber optic adapters of the module of FIG. 29.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a protective seal of the module of FIG. 29.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the fiber optic adapters and mounting frame of the module of FIG. 29. FIG. 38 is a side view of the fiber optic adapters of the module of FIG. 29.

FIG. 39 is a rear view of the fiber optic adapters and mounting frame of the module of FIG. 29.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1 depicts a telecommunication device shown as a module 20 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The module 20 includes a housing 22 that defines an interior 24 and includes a base 26. The housing 22 includes a main body 28 including a base wall 30 defining the base 26. The housing also includes a main cover 32 (e.g., a front cover) that pivotally connects to the main body 28 adjacent a front 34 of the main body 28. The main cover 32 is pivotally movable relative to the main body 28 between a closed position (see FIG. 1) and an open position (see FIG. 3). The front 34 of the main body 28 is open when the main cover 32 is in the open position and is covered when the main cover 32 is in the closed position. The module 20 also includes a fiber optic adapter assembly 36 pivotally connected to the main body 28 of the housing 22. The fiber optic adapter assembly 36 includes an adapter support frame 38 having a length L that extends between first and second frame ends 40, 42. The second frame end 42 is pivotally connected to the housing 22 at a frame pivot axis 44. The adapter support frame 38 is pivotally movable relative to the base 26 of the housing 22 about the frame pivot axis 44 between a first position (see FIGS. 17 and 18) and a second position (see FIG. 1). When the adapter support frame 38 is in the second position, the length L of the adapter support frame 38 extends along the base 26 and across a side 46 of the housing 22. When the adapter support frame 38 is in the first position, the length L of the adapter support frame 38 is angled outwardly /forwardly from the base 26 (e.g., perpendicular or past perpendicular relative to the base 26). The first position can be referred to as an access position, a forward position, an open position, or an outer position. The second position can be referred to as an installed position, a closed position, a rearward position, or an inner position.

The adapter assembly 36 includes a plurality of fiber optic adapters 50 mounted on the adapter support frame 38. In the depicted example, the fiber optic adapters 50 are depicted as duplex LC fiber optic adapters each configured for demateably coupling two duplex LC connectors to one another. The module 20 is shown including three of the duplex LC fiber optic adapters. Each duplex LC connector includes a pair of LC connectors secured together. As shown at FIG. 28, each duplex LC fiber optic adapter includes two outer connector ports 52 each configured for receiving an LC connector from outside the module 20 and two inner connector ports 54 each configured for receiving an LC connector from inside the module 20. The LC fiber optic adapters include ferrule alignment sleeves 56 for co-axially aligning the ferrules of fiber optic connectors secured within the inner and outer ports 54, 52 to provide optical connections between optical fibers supported by the ferrules of the connectors. Thus, each ferrule alignment sleeve provides alignment of the ferrule of a pair of connectors installed within the inner and outer ports 54, 52 corresponding to the ferrule alignment sleeve. In other examples, other types of fiber optic adapters (e.g., fiber optic adapters for MPO or SC connectors) can be used. In other examples, more or fewer numbers of fiber optic adapters can be provided. When the adapter support frame 38 is in the installed position, the adapter assembly 36 defines a portion of the side 46 of the module 20 with the inner connector ports 54 facing toward the interior of the housing 22 and the outer connector ports 52 facing outwardly from the housing and being accessible from outside the housing 22. Thus, the outer connector ports 52 are adapted to receive fiber optic connectors from outside the housing and the inner connector ports 54 are adapted to receive fiber optic connectors located inside the housing 22.

As shown at FIGS. 2 and 14, the adapter support frame 38 can include latching arms 58 (e.g., resilient latching arms) for securing (e.g., latching) the fiber optic adapters 50 at predetermined locations along the length L of the adapter support frame 38. The adapter support frame 38 can include adapter knock-out regions 60 (see FIGS. 2 and 16) that can be removed (e.g., knocked out) when it is desired to mount adapters at mounting locations on the adapter support frame 38 corresponding to the knock-out regions 60. The knock-out regions 60 can remain in place when the adapter mounting locations are vacant to prevent contaminants from entering the module.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the main body 28 includes opposite first and second end walls 70, 72 that project forwardly from the base wall 30. The main body 28 also includes first and second opposite side walls 74, 76 that project forwardly from base wall 30 and that extend between the first and second end walls 70, 72. It will be appreciated that ends can also be referred to as sides. In one example, the main body 28 has a unitary molded plastic construction. The side/end of the module at which the adapter assembly 36 is mounted corresponds to the end wall 70. The end wall 70 defines an end opening 79 that is occupied by the adapter assembly 36 when the adapter support frame 38 is in the installed position. The frame pivot axis 44 is positioned adjacent the second side wall 76 and extends along the second side wall 76. The end wall 70 includes a wall section 70a between the end opening 79 and the first side wall 74 which defines an end fiber pass-through location 78. The fiber pass-through location 78 is configured for allowing a fiber optic cable 80 to be routed into the interior of the housing 22 through the end wall 70. The fiber optic cable can include an outer jacket in which optical fibers 82 are contained and protected. Thus, by routing the fiber optic cable 80 into the housing 22, the optical fibers 82 are also routed into the housing 22. In certain examples, the cable can be anchored to the housing 22 by a cable anchoring structure such as a cable tie or a cable clamp. In certain examples, the cable 80 can contain one or more blown fiber tubes through which the optical fibers 82 are blown. In such examples, a gas blocking device 83 can be provided at the end of the cable 80 within the housing 22. Prior to routing the cable 80 through the fiber pass-through location 78, the cable pass-through location can be covered by a removable knock-out region 85 (see FIG. 4).

In the depicted example, the pivotal connection between the adapter support frame 38 and the main body 28 is provided by a hinge structure defined by a pin receiver 87 (see FIGS. 4 and 6) unitarily formed with the main body 28 and a hinge pin 15 (see FIG. 15) unitarily formed with the adapter support frame 38 adjacent the second frame end 42. In one example, the hinge pin 15 is adapted to snap within the pin receiver 87. In one example, the first frame end 40 includes a latch 89 that engages a catch 90 defined by the base wall 30 to secure the adapter assembly 36 in the inner/rear position.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 14, and 15, the adapter support frame 38 includes a fiber manager 100 that pivots with the adapter support frame 38 about the frame pivot axis 44. In one example, the fiber manager 100 is unitarily formed with the adapter support frame 38. As depicted, the fiber manager 100 includes a management member 101 that projects into the interior of the housing 22 from the second frame end 42 of the adapter support frame 38 in a direction along the frame pivot axis 44. The management member 101 extends in a direction along the second side wall 76. As shown at FIG. 14, the fiber manager 100 is configured for securing optical fibers 102 corresponding to fiber optic connectors 104 secured within the inner ports 54 of the fiber optic adapters 50 at a securement location 106 positioned to cause the optical fibers 102 to be routed laterally toward the second side wall 76 and then axially in the direction along the frame pivot axis 44. The securement location includes tie-down locations, holders, clips, hooks, snaps, clamping locations, grips, or slots for securing the optical fibers to the fiber manager 100 adjacent to the frame pivot axis 44. By pivoting the adapter support frame 38 to the access/forward position, the optical fibers 102 can be lifted away from the base 26 to a perpendicular orientation or past a perpendicular orientation. In this orientation, the fibers do not block access to any fiber routing or fiber components that may be located behind the fibers 102 when the adapter support frame 38 is in the inner/ rearward position.

The main cover 32 pivotally attaches to the top of the main body 28 at a cover pivot axis 110 at the first side wall 74. The cover pivot axis 110 extends in the orientation along the first side wall 72. The pivotal connection between the main cover 32 and the main body 28 is provided by a hinge structure defined by a pin receiver 112 (see FIGS. 9, 12, and 13) unitarily formed with the main cover 32 and a hinge pin 114 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) unitarily formed with the main body 28 at the first side wall 74. In one example, the hinge pins 114 are adapted to snap within the pin receivers 112. In one example, the main cover 32 includes a latch 116 that engages a catch 118 defined by the second side wall 76 for latching the main cover 32 in the closed position relative to the main body 28. In one example, the latch 116 and the catch 118 engage each other by a snap-fit connection.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the main cover 32 defines a front knock-out region 120 that can be removed to route fibers through the main cover 32 (e.g., to a module stacked on top of the cover). Also, as shown at FIG 4, the base wall 30 defines a back knock-out region 122 that can be removed to route fibers through the base 26 (e.g., to a module stacked behind the base 26). When two modules 20 are stacked on one another, the front knock-out region 120 of the rear module aligns with the back knock-out region 122 of the front module.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 20, the main cover 32 defines a central fastener opening 130 that extends through the main cover 32. When the main cover 32 is closed, the central fastener opening 130 aligns with a boss 132. The fastener opening 130 can be defined by an extended sleeve that extends rearwardly from the main cover 32 and contacts the boss 132 when the main cover 32 is closed to reinforce the cover against impact loading. The boss 132 is unitarily formed with the base wall 30. A fastener (e.g., a bolt or screw) can be inserted through fastener opening 130 and secured to the boss 132 to retain the main cover 32 in the closed position relative to the main body 28. Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a front of the main cover 32 defines a first stacking interconnect feature 140 (two of the first stacking interconnect features 140 are provided on opposite sides of the fastener opening 130) and a back of the base wall 30 defines a second stacking interconnect feature 142 (two of the second stacking interconnect features 142 are provided on opposite sides of a center of the base 26). The first and second stacking interconnect features 140, 142 are configured to allow the base 26 of a first module 20 to be secured to the main cover 32 of a second module 20 such that the first and second modules are arranged and secured in a stacked configuration (see FIGS. 19 and 20). In the depicted example, the first stacking interconnect features 140 are male features and the second stacking interconnect features 142 are female features configured to mate with the male features. In one example, the male and female features are ring-shaped. In certain examples, the male and female features can be secured together by press-fit interfaces or snap-fit interfaces. The interior of the bottom module can be accessed by pivoting open its main cover. When the main cover of the rear module is opened, the front module is carried with the cover away from the rear module. In the depicted example, a secondary cover 150 (see FIG. 8) is provided that mounts to the front of the main cover 32 for covering the fastener opening 130 and the first stacking interconnect features 140.

In certain examples, component holders 160 (see FIG. 2) (e.g., slots defined by between resilient walls or walls having latches) for holding optical splices protected by splice protection sleeves 162, or optical components 164 such as passive optical splitters, wavelength division multiplexers or optical taps) are provided within the base 26. The component holders 160 are depicted as being unitarily formed with the base 26 of the main body 28 but could be snapped in place with respect to the base or otherwise mounted to the base 26. FIG. 22 shows an alternate main body 28a having a more limited component holder arrangement 160 adapted for holding optical components 164 such as such as passive optical splitters, wavelength division multiplexers, or optical taps.

FIGS. 23, 26, and 27 depict an alternative module 220 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The module 220 has a similar configuration as the module 20, except the module 220 is larger and can include up to six fiber optic adapters 250 depicted as SC fiber optic adapters. Also, the module 220 includes a housing main body 228 including bend radius limiters 229 unitarily formed with a base 226 for storing excess fiber in a looped configuration. The bend radius limiters 229 are part of a spool 231 unitarily formed with a top side of the base 226. The spool 231 is depicted racetrack shaped, but could be round, oval, or other shapes. Referring to FIGS 24 and 25, the module 220 also includes a pivotal adapter support frame 238 having a fiber manager 200 with a fiber management member 201 that extends along the pivot axis of the adapter support frame 238. The fiber management member 201 includes a fiber securement structure 233 in the form of a hook (e.g., a loop).

It is preferred for the modules 20, 220 to be relatively small. In one example, the housing 22 of the module 20 can accommodate at least three duplex LC fiber optic adapters and has a housing volume less than 500 cubic centimeters, or less than 450 cubic centimeters, or less than 400 cubic centimeters, or less than 375 cubic centimeters. In one example, the housing of the module 220 can accommodate at least six SC fiber optic adapters and has a volume less than 700 cubic centimeters or less than 650 cubic centimeters. In one example, the main cover, the main body, and the adapter support frame of the module 20 have a combined weight less than 80 grams, or 75 grams, or 70 grams. In one example, the main cover, the main body, and the adapter support frame of the module 220 have a combined weight less than 130 grams, or 125 grams, or 120 grams.

FIGS. 29-39 depict an alternative module 320 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The module includes a housing 315 that defines an interior 310 and includes a base 309. The housing 315 includes a main body 340 (e.g., a base) which includes a base wall 341. The housing 315 also includes a main cover 330 (e.g., a front cover) which is placed on the main body 340 and secured in place via a fastener 363. In one example, the main cover 330 includes side walls and end walls that overlap corresponding side walls and end walls of the main body 340 when the main cover 330 is mounted on the main body 340. In one example, the main cover 330 can be secured to the main body 340 by a snap-fit connection in addition to the fastener 363. In one example, a hinged/pivotal connection is not provided between the main cover 330 and the main body 340. In some examples, the dimensions of module 320 may include a length of less than 200mm, less than 150mm, or less than or equal to 120mm; a width of less than 150mm, less than 120mm, or less than or equal to 100mm; and a depth of less than 50mm, less than 40mm, or less than or equal to 34mm. Module 320 also includes a fiber optic adapter assembly 350 which is secured by an adapter support frame 352. In some examples, the adapter support frame 352 attaches pivotally to the main body 340 of housing 315. In one example, the module 320 can provide optical splicing functionality within the housing 315, includes at least six connector ports accessible from outside the module, and has a form factor area that, when viewed from a front of the module, is less than or equal to 15,000 square millimeters, or less than or equal to 12,500 square millimeters.

The main body 340 is defined at opposite ends by opposite end walls 343, 345 and at opposite sides (e.g., right and left sides) by opposite side walls 342, 344. Opposite side walls 342, 344 and opposite end walls 343, 345 connect perpendicularly to base wall 341 and together with base wall 341 define at least a portion of the interior 310. In the current example, end wall 345 includes openings 347, 348. End wall 343 includes an opening 349 which is directly opposite opening 347 (e.g., the openings 347, 349 are co-axially aligned to accommodate a pass-through cable routed through the housing or to accommodate cables routed to the housing from opposite directions). Base wall 341 contains openings 305 through which fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws) may be inserted allowing module 320 to be secured to an external structure such as a wall.

In some examples, the interior 310 may contain an interior wall 371 which extends from base wall 341 and which is oriented in a curved shape at least partially around a center point 300. In some examples, interior wall 371 includes opening 378 which allows for excess cable to pass through the interior wall 371 into an interior loop storage space surrounded at least partially by the interior wall 371. Excess cable can also be stored within loop storage paths 375 that surround the interior wall 371. In the current example, interior 310 also contains several discrete walls 372 which extend from base wall 341 and are positioned circumferentially about interior wall 371 within the interior 310. Together, interior wall 371 and walls 372 define the loop storage paths 375. Cable paths 375 are also defined on the backside by base wall 341 and on the front side by tabs 373a-e which extend from interior wall 371 and walls 372 and wall 343 opposite base wall 341. Tabs 373a and 373b extend from interior wall 371; tabs 373a extend inwards towards the center point 300 while tabs 373b extend outwards away from the center point 300. Tabs 373c and 373d extend from walls 372; tabs 373c extend inward towards the center point 300 while tabs 373d extend outward away from the center point 300. Tab 373e extends from wall 343 in the direction of center point 300. Openings 374 are in base wall 341 opposite to each tab 373a-e. Interior 310 also contains a locking mechanism 370 which includes a slot 377 for receiving fastener 363. Locking mechanism 370 is located within interior wall 371, adjacent to center point 300. In some examples, the main body 340 contains area 317 located along wall 345 adjacent to opening 348. Area 317 includes openings 393a-b for receiving clips 392a-b located on the underside of the adapter support frame 352. In the current example, clips 392a serve an additional function of helping to secure the adapter bodies of fiber optic adapter assembly 350 to the adapter support frame 352. Openings 393a-b extend from interior 310 through base wall 341. Openings 393a are oriented in a widthwise direction while openings 393b are oriented in a lengthwise direction. Also contained in area 317 is clip 382 (e.g., a snap-fit pin receiver) intended for receiving a rod 395 on adapter support frame 352, allowing adapter support frame 352 to attach pivotally to main body 340. Main body 340 also contains support structures 383 which are connected to wall 342 and base wall 341 and extend inwardly from wall 342. Support structures are rectangular in shape with divots 396 which align with openings 347, 349 and which cradle and secure gas blocking device 353. In some examples, main body 340 also contains component holders 351 analogous to component holders 160 shown in FIGS. 2, 22.

Main cover 330 consists of an exterior side 312 and an interior side 313. Main cover 330 is defined by opposite sides 332, 334 and opposite sides 333, 335 which extend towards the back of housing 315 and interlock with the walls 342, 343, 344, 345 such that opposite sides 332, 334 of the main cover 330 he directly exterior to opposite walls 342, 344 of the main body 340 and opposite sides 333, 335 he directly exterior to opposite walls 343, 345 of the main body 340. Opposite sides 332, 334 contain receivers 331 which interlock with projections 346 on opposite walls 343, 345 such that main cover 330 may be secured to main body 340 via a snap-fit connection. Side 335 contains openings 337, 338 that respectively correspond to openings 347, 348 of the base.

In some examples, the exterior side 312 of main cover 330 includes slot 336 for receiving fastener 363. Slot 336 extends through main cover 330 from the exterior side 312 to the interior side 313 and aligns with slot 377 such that the fastener 363 may be inserted from the exterior side 312 of main cover 330 into locking mechanism 370 in a specific orientation. Once inserted, fastener 363 may be rotated a quarter turn in a clockwise direction securing main cover 330 to main body 340. Fastener 363 can include a pin that is movable through the locking mechanism 370 when the fastener is in a first rotational position and that engages with the locking mechanism 370 to prevent removal of the fastener 363 when the fastener 363 is in a second rotational position. In one example, the first and second rotational positions are 90 degrees apart. Main cover 330 also includes a groove 339 for receiving seal 362 used to cover the fastener 363. Groove 339 includes a number of openings 398 for receiving clips 385 on seal 362 such that seal 362 may be secured within the groove 339.

In some examples, seal 362 is constructed in an approximately rectangular shape with a convex end 397 which extends to cover fastener 363. In some examples, seal 362 also possesses a tab 386 opposite to convex end 397 which is separated from the main structure of seal 362 via a groove 339 which runs across a width of the seal 362. When installed in the main cover 330, tab 386 extends slightly from side 335 of the main cover such that seal 362 may be removed by grasping the tab 386 and pulling the seal 362 from the groove 339 by the tab 386.

Openings 347, 348 in main body side 345 correspond to openings 337, 338 in main cover 330 such that access to the interior 310 of housing 315 is not restricted when the cover 330 is secured to the main body 340. Opening 347 allows for the insertion of fiber optic cable 361 in which optical fibers 361a are contained and protected. Upon entering housing 315, fiber optic cable 361 is routed through a secure gas blocking device 353 and secured in divots 396 (e.g., recesses). Opening 348 allows access to the fiber optic adapter assembly 350. Opening 349 may be sealed via a plug 394.

In the current example, the fiber optic adapter assembly 350 includes a plurality of fiber optic adapters 360 (e.g., adapter bodies) similar to those described in module 20. Fiber optic adapter assembly 350 is secured in place by adapter support frame 352 which is similar to previously described adapter support frames but differs from those previously described in a number of features. Adapter support frame 352 differs from previously described adapter support frames in the addition of interior latch cover 302 and exterior latch cover 303. Latch covers 302, 303 protect latches 301 of fiber optic connectors 376 (e.g., the latches of LC connectors). The interior latch cover 302 consists of a single raised shroud which extends the length of adapter support frame 352 and is adapted to cover the latches 301 of LC connectors installed in the interior ports of the adapters. The shroud has an angled inner surface 407 that angles away from the latches 301 to provide finger clearance, which allows direct finger access to latches 301 allowing them to be depressed such that fiber optic connectors 376 on the interior side may be removed. Exterior latch cover 303 consists of a flat extension of the upper side of adapter support frame 352 which extends over the latches 301 of the LC connectors installed in the exterior adapter ports. Exterior latch cover 303 contains a number of narrow openings 405 which allow access to individual triggers latches via a tool (i.e. , a screwdriver or similar device) so that the latches 301 may be depressed such that fiber optic connectors 376 on the exterior side may be removed. In the current example, adapter support frame 352 also differs from previously described adapter support frames in the addition of reinforcing ribs 399 which run between flange retention walls 401 of the adapters 360. Flanges 402 of the adapters 360 fit between the retention walls 401, and retention leaf springs 403 carried with the bodies of the adapters 360 have free ends that oppose inner ones of the walls 401. In addition to the components securing fiber optic adapter assembly 350, adapter support frame 352 can include a fiber management arm 390 which may run alongside wall 344 and which includes the rod 395 for securing the adapter support frame to clip 382.

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made in the devices of the disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A telecommunication device comprising: a housing that defines an interior and includes a base; and an adapter assembly pivotally connected to the housing, the adapter assembly including an adapter support frame having a length that extends between first and second frame ends, the second frame end being pivotally connected to the housing at a frame pivot axis, the adapter support frame being pivotally movable relative to the base of the housing about the frame pivot axis between a first position and a second position, the adapter assembly including a plurality of fiber optic adapters mounted on the adapter support frame, the fiber optic adapters including inner connector ports and outer connector ports, wherein when the adapter support frame is in the second position the length of the adapter support frame extends along the base and across a side of the housing, wherein when the adapter support frame is in the second position the inner connector ports face toward the interior of the housing and the outer connector ports face outwardly from the housing and are accessible from outside the housing, and wherein when the adapter support frame is in the first position the length of the adapter support frame is angled away from the base.

2. The telecommunication device of claim 1, wherein the first frame end includes a latch that engages a catch defined by the base to secure the adapter assembly in the second position.

3. The telecommunication device of claim 1, wherein the adapter support frame includes a fiber manager that pivots with the adapter support frame about the frame pivot axis, wherein the fiber manager is configured for securing optical fibers corresponding to fiber optic connectors secured within the inner ports at a securement location positioned to cause the optical fibers to be routed along the frame pivot axis.

4. The telecommunication device of claim 3, wherein the securement location includes tie-downs, holders, clips, hooks, snaps, clamps, grips or slots for securing the optical fibers to the fiber manager.

5. The telecommunication device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the fiber manager includes a management member that projects into the interior of the housing from the second frame end of the adapter support frame in a direction along the frame pivot axis.

6. The telecommunication device of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic adapters include at least 3 duplex LC fiber optic adapters, and wherein the telecommunication device has a housing volume less than 500 cubic centimeters, or less than 450 cubic centimeters, or less than 400 cubic centimeters, or less than 375 cubic centimeters.

7. The telecommunication device of claim 1, further comprising component holders for holding optical splices protected by splice protection sleeves, passive optical splitters, wavelength division multiplexers or optical taps, the component holders being unitarily formed with the base.

8. The telecommunication device of claim 1, further comprising bend radius limiters unitarily formed with the base for storing excess fiber in a looped configuration.

9. The telecommunication device of claim 8, wherein the bend radius limiters are part of a spool unitarily formed with a top side of the base.

10. The telecommunication device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a main body, wherein the base of the housing is defined by a base wall of the main body of the housing, wherein the main body includes opposite first and second end walls that project forwardly from the base wall, wherein the main body includes first and second opposite side walls that project forwardly from the base wall and that extend between the first and second end walls, wherein the side of the housing at which the adapter assembly is mounted corresponds to the first end wall, wherein the first end wall defines an end opening that is occupied by the adapter assembly when the adapter support frame is in the lowered position, wherein the frame pivot axis is positioned adjacent the second side wall, wherein the first end wall includes a wall section between the end opening and the first side wall which defines a fiber pass-through location, and wherein the frame pivot axis extends parallel to the first and second side walls.

11. The telecommunication device of claim 10, wherein the fiber pass-through location includes a knock-out region that can be removed to provide an opening for routing fibers through the wall section.

12. The telecommunication device of claim 10, further comprising a main cover that pivotally attaches to a front of the main body positioned opposite from the base.

13. The telecommunication device of claim 12, wherein the main cover pivotally attaches to the front of the main body at a cover pivot axis at the first side wall, wherein the cover pivot axis extends along the first side wall parallel to the frame pivot axis.

14. The telecommunication device of claim 12, wherein the main cover defines a front knock-out region that can be removed to route fibers through the main cover and the base wall defines a back knock-out region that can be removed to route fibers through the base.

15. The telecommunication device of claim 12, wherein the main cover defines a fastener opening that aligns with a boss within the housing when the main cover is closed, the boss being unitarily formed with the base wall, wherein a fastener can be inserted through fastener opening and secured to the boss to retain the main cover in the closed position relative to the main body.

16. The telecommunication device of claim 15, wherein a front of the main cover defines a first stacking interconnect feature and a back of the base wall defines second stacking interconnect feature, wherein the first and second stacking interconnect features are configured to allowing the base of a first of the telecommunication devices to be secured to the main cover of a second of the telecommunication devices such that the first and second telecommunication devices are arranged and secured in a stacked configuration.

17. The telecommunication device of claim 16, wherein one of the first and second stacking interconnect features is a male feature and the other of the first and second stacking interconnect features is a female feature configured to mate with the male feature.

18. The telecommunication device of claim 16, further comprising a secondary cover that mounts to the front of the main cover for covering the fastener opening and the first stacking interconnect features.

19. The telecommunication device of claim 1, further comprising a main cover that non-pivotally mounts on the base, the main cover having side walls that overlap with side walls of the base, the main cover being secured to the base by a snap-fit connection at the overlapping side walls and by a quarter-turn fastener that extends through a central location of the main cover to engage a central boss of the base.

20. The telecommunication device of claim 1, wherein the adapter frame includes an inner shroud for covering latches of LC connectors installed in the inner connector ports and an outer shroud for covering latches of LC connectors installed in the outer connector ports.

21. The telecommunication device of claim 20, wherein the inner shroud includes an angled inner surface that provides finger clearance for accessing the latches of the LC connectors in the inner connector ports, and the outer shroud defines openings for receiving a tool used to access the latches of the LC connectors in the outer connector ports.

22. A module stacking arrangement comprising: first and second modules that stack on one another, each of the first and second modules including: a main body defining an interior and including a base; a plurality of fiber optic adapters positioned at a side of the main body, the fiber optic adapters including inner connector ports that face toward the interior of the main body and outer connector ports that are accessible from outside the main body; a main cover that pivotally mounts to the main body at a top of the main body located opposite from the base, the main cover being pivotally movable relative to the main body between an open position in which the top of the main body is open and a closed position in which the top of the main body is covered; wherein a front of the cover defines a first stacking interconnect feature and a back of the base defines second stacking interconnect feature, wherein the first and second stacking interconnect features are configured to allowing the base of the first module to be secured to the main cover of the second module such that the first and second modules are arranged in a stacked configuration.

23. The module stacking arrangement of claim 22, wherein one of the first and second stacking interconnect features is a male feature and the other of the first and second stacking interconnect features is a female feature configured to mate with the male feature.

24. The module stacking arrangement of claim 23, wherein the male and female features are ring-shaped.