High-density cable distribution frame

Abstract

A fiber distribution frame (10) includes a fixture (26) having a plurality of modules (58) mounted side-by-side within said fixture with each of the modules being individually mounted in a line of travel. Each of the modules (58) can be locked in any one of a plurality of discrete positions within the line of travel. Each of the modules (58) contains a plurality of adapters (90) for receiving and retaining fiber optic connectors. Further, the fixture (26) may be tilted downwardly to provide access to the rear of the fixture.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThis invention pertains to the telecommunications industry. More particularly, this invention pertains to a high-density fiber distribution frame for use in the telecommunications industry.2. Description of the Prior ArtIn the telecommunications industry, use of fiber optic cables for carrying transmission signals is rapidly growing. To interconnect fiber optic equipment, fiber distribution frames have been developed. An example of a prior art fiber distribution frame is shown in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,688.To fiber distribution frame of U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,688 includes a so-called connector module (item 16 in the '688 patent) having a front panel which carries a plurality of adapters (102). Each of the adapters (102) permits attachment of a fiber optic connector (100) to both sides of the adapter in order to optically connect two fiber optic cables.Typically, the back side of the adapters (102) are provided with conn...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The benefits of the present invention include limited displacement of the fibers. In the prior art, when a tray containing several connectors is moved, the fibers are displaced axially by a substantial amount (e.g., about 3 inches). In the present invention, as a module 58 is moved up or down (about 1.5 inches) the fiber experiences very little axial movement with most of the movement accommodated by a lifting or lowering movement of the fiber transverse to the fiber's axis.

Problems solved by technology

One problem associated with prior art high-density fiber distribution frames is that the prior art products require substantial displacement of fibers when access to the fiber connectors is required.

Unnecessary or excessive displacement of fiber optic cables is undesirable.

As fiber optic cables are displaced, they are subject to bending and other forces.

As a fiber bends, the fiber can break resulting in loss of transmission through the fiber.

Since fibers carry extremely high signal rates, the breakage of a single fiber can result in a substantial loss of data or voice communications.

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