Cable connection module and port holder

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a cable connection module having a body and an interface portion rotatably coupled to the body, the interface portion configured to house a plurality of port retainers movably coupled to the interface portion, and each of the port retainers configured to retain one or more adapters for receiving a respective cable connection terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to fiber optic modules, and more specifically to a user-friendly cable connection module and port retainer. Background Technology

[0002] The increasing deployment of electronic and fiber optic networks has created a growing need for managing signal routing within such networks. Often, signal routing is managed through the cabling of cables associated with the signals and involves the use of multiport modules that enable selective connections between cables at designated points within the network.

[0003] Regarding fiber optic communications, the growing need for managing signal routing is particularly urgent. For example, it may be necessary to demultiplex fiber optic signals from a source location into multiple fiber optic signals destined for multiple different destination locations; or it may be necessary to multiplex multiple fiber optic signals from multiple different source locations into a single signal destined for a destination location different from all the source locations.

[0004] Modules such as adapter boards are widely used in network systems for monitoring, interconnecting, and testing circuits. Adapter boards typically consist of a double-sided array of connection ports adapted to receive communication lines such as fiber optic cables. The connection ports themselves can be double-sided, with a cable inserted on one side of a given connection port communicatively coupled to a cable inserted on the other side of the same connection port.

[0005] To save space, adapter boards have shrunk in size over time. However, as adapter boards shrink in size, maintaining them and managing cable connections becomes increasingly difficult. Cables are connected and disconnected via manual latching mechanisms, and users must have access to these mechanisms to latch or unlock cables to their corresponding connection ports. Ultimately, access to cable connections for manual latching and unlocking is a crucial feature of adapter boards or any other cable connection module. Furthermore, new cable connection modules are often required to be physically compatible with existing equipment, such as existing module chassis. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It has been recognized that there is a desire for cable connection modules whose connectors can be conveniently used when the module is positioned in a chassis. It has also been recognized that the chassis can be of a type in which cable connection modules are stacked together with other cable connection modules, for example, vertically or horizontally, and in which the modules can be separated by walls. In view of these desires for cable connection modules and systems, the technology of the present invention is provided.

[0007] According to one aspect of the technology described in this disclosure, a cable connection module is provided, the cable connection module comprising: a body; and an interface portion rotatably coupled to the body, the interface portion being configured to accommodate a plurality of port holders movably coupled to the interface portion, and each port holder being configured to hold one or more adapters for receiving a corresponding cable connection terminal.

[0008] According to another aspect of the technology described in this disclosure, the technology provides a port retainer comprising: a retaining portion; and a mounting section including an opening and a tongue, the opening being configured to receive an engaging member, and the tongue being deformable in a first direction such that the mounting section can be movably connected to the engaging member, and the tongue being deformable in a second direction such that the mounting section can be disengaged from the engaging member.

[0009] According to another aspect of the technology described in this disclosure, the technology provides a cable connection assembly comprising: a base frame for fixing a plurality of cable connection modules; and a plurality of cable connection modules, at least one of which includes a body and an interface portion rotatably coupled to the body, the interface portion being configured to receive a plurality of port holders movably coupled to the interface portion, and each of the port holders being configured to hold one or more adapters for receiving a corresponding cable connection terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Furthermore, for clarity, not every component may be labeled in each drawing.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a cable connection assembly in an embodiment of a multi-module chassis with modules arranged therein.

[0012] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of the cable connection module in an embodiment that is separate from any base frame.

[0013] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a cable connection assembly, in which a cable connection module rotates the interface of the module relative to the main body of the module.

[0014] Figure 3A yes Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of the cable connection module of the cable connection assembly shows the internal structure of the module's interface section and the internal structure of the module's main body, wherein the interface section is rotated relative to the main body.

[0015] Figure 3B It makes Figure 3A The interface section relative to Figure 3A Detailed view of the rotational position stabilizer of the main body.

[0016] Figure 3C This is a 3D diagram of an alternative rotational position stabilizer.

[0017] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the module, wherein the interface portion is not rotated relative to the body and is fixed in the appropriate position.

[0018] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of a cable connection module including internal components and internal cables, according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of the port sub-assembly of an embodiment, showing the positioning of the port sub-assembly relative to the mounting plate.

[0020] Figure 5B This is an exploded view of the port retainer and adapter, showing the port retainer coupled to the mounting plate.

[0021] Figure 5C This is a perspective view showing the mounting section of a snap-on port retainer coupled to a mounting plate.

[0022] Figure 5D This is an exploded view showing a hinged snap-fit ​​port retainer and an adapter, wherein the hinged snap-fit ​​port retainer is coupled to a mounting plate.

[0023] Figures 6A-6D This is a perspective view showing the installation and removal of the snap-on port retainer according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6E It is a perspective view used to show the relative sizes of the mounting section and the connecting member according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of a cable connection module having an extendable slotted mounting plate, according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A Detailed view of the extendable portion of the mounting plate.

[0027] Figure 8A yes Figure 7A A 3D view of the cable connection module, with the mounting plate in the extended position.

[0028] Figure 8B yes Figure 7A A perspective view of the cable connection module, in which the mounting plate is in an extended position and the interface portion of the module is rotated relative to the main body of the module.

[0029] Figure 9A This is a perspective view of an adapter mount, an adapter, and cable connection terminals. The adapter mount has multiple adapter mount openings and is suitable for use in the interface section of the embodiment or in other cable connection applications.

[0030] Figure 9B It is like Figure 9A A perspective view of an adapter mount, similar to an adapter mount, wherein all adapter mount openings accommodate the corresponding adapters, and wherein each adapter accommodates the corresponding cable connection terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0031] This document describes examples of systems and methods. It should be understood that the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or feature described herein as “example” and “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous relative to other embodiments or features. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings, like symbols generally identify like parts unless the context otherwise requires. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.

[0032] The exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limiting. It will be readily understood that various aspects of this disclosure as generally described herein and illustrated in the figures can be arranged, replaced, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0033] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a cable connection assembly 100 having cable connection modules 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, and 105e arranged within a multi-module chassis 110. Each of the cable connection modules 105a-105n has a body (e.g., body 115a of cable connection module 105a) and an interface (e.g., interface 120a of cable connection module 105a). Each interface is configured to accommodate multiple adapters, such as adapters 125a, 125b, 125c, 125d, 125e, 125f, 125g, and 125h of cable connection module 105a. The adapters can be fixed within a corresponding port holder (not shown), which in turn can be movably coupled to a mounting portion (not shown) of the interface. The adapters are configured to be coupled to corresponding cable connection terminals (not shown). For example, adapter 125a is a dual-type adapter and can be coupled to two cable connection terminals. However, it should be noted that the technology of the present invention is not limited to the use of dual-type adapters, and after reviewing this disclosure, those skilled in the art will readily understand the various adapters and adapter combinations that can be used in conjunction with this technology. For example, a single-type adapter can be used, as shown by comparing adapters 125a-125f with adapters 125g and 125h.

[0034] Can Figure 1 The cable connection modules 105a-105e are said to be arranged in a stacked manner within the base frame 110. In this respect, the base frame 110 may include multiple separating walls, such as separating walls 130a and 130b, which are configured to accommodate the stacked cable connection modules 105a-105e. Figure 1 As can be seen, separator walls 130a and 130b define slots 135 into which cable connection modules can be inserted. Each of the cable connection modules 105a-105e is placed in a similar slot, and as an example, note that cable connection module 105a is placed in a slot defined by separator wall 130b and another separator wall (not shown). Figure 1 As seen, separator walls 130a and 130b are attached to the base 140 of the frame 110. Additionally, the frame 110 may include a plurality of cable dividers 145 attached to the base 140. The cable dividers 145 can be used to position cables coupled to adapters (e.g., adapters 125a-125h) via corresponding cable connection terminals. The cable dividers 145 are optional, and the cable connection assembly 100 does not need to include any cable dividers. Furthermore, if cable dividers 145 are included, they may be present in a total of one or more.

[0035] It should be noted that the cable connection assembly 100 can be oriented as needed depending on the application. In the illustrative application, the cable connection assembly 100 is placed in a rack or cabinet with a shelf in a plane generally parallel to the ground, in which case the base 140 of the base frame 110 is in a plane generally parallel to the ground, and the cable connection modules 105a-105e are then stacked in a direction generally horizontal relative to the ground.

[0036] Further attention should be paid to, Figure 1 The base frame 110 is merely shown as a base frame that can be used to assemble the cable connection modules 105a-105e into the cable connection assembly 100. Many alternative forms of base frames can replace base frame 110, and in view of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will readily understand the various alternative base frames that can be adopted.

[0037] Turn now Figure 2A The figure shows a perspective view of a cable connection module 200 in an embodiment separate from any chassis. The cable connection module 200 includes a main body 205, an interface portion 210, and a plurality of adapters 215a, 215b, 215c, 215d, 215e, 215f, 215g, and 215h. The cable connection module 200 can be identical to the cable connection module 105a. However, as can be seen from... Figure 2A As seen, the cable connection module 200 includes a engagement structure 220 positioned on the body 205. The engagement structure 220 may be a shaped protrusion extending from the body 220. In this case, the base for receiving the cable connection module 200 may include a wall with a recess shaped to correspond to the engagement structure 220 in order to receive the engagement structure 220, thereby securing the cable connection module 200 in the base. For example, the separation wall 130a of the base 110 may include a recess for receiving the engagement structure 220, thereby securing the cable connection module 200 in a slot 135. Alternatively, the engagement structure 220 may be a recess configured to receive the protrusion in the wall of the base.

[0038] Figure 2B It has the ability to Figure 2B Zhong Cong Figure 2A The arrow pointing to 225 Figure 1 A perspective view of the cable connection assembly 100 shows how the cable connection module 200 can be added to the cable connection assembly 100 by being placed in the slot 135.

[0039] in any case, Figure 2B A cable connection module 105c with an interface portion 120c that rotates relative to the main body 130c is shown. Additionally, Figure 2BThe image shows a dual-mode adapter 255 located in the cable connection module 105c, and more specifically, a cable connection terminal 250 located in the external port 260a of the dual-mode adapter 255. The cable connection terminal 250 has a first end 250a that inserts into the adapter 255 and a second end 250b for connection to a cable (not shown). In some embodiments, the cable connection terminal 250 is a fiber optic cable connection terminal, the adapter 255 is a fiber optic adapter, and the cable is a fiber optic cable.

[0040] like Figure 2B As shown, the rotation of the interface portion 120c of the cable connection module 105c relative to the body 130c of the cable connection module 105c facilitates access to the ports (e.g., external port 260a) of the cable connection module 105c. For example, a person attempting to remove the cable connection terminal 250 from the external port 260a may rotate the interface portion 120c upward away from the base 140 and then easily grasp and remove the cable connection terminal 250.

[0041] Figure 3A Is it like this? Figure 2B The image shows a cross-sectional view of the cable connection module 105c. Figure 3A The internal structures of the interface portion 120c and the main body 130c are shown, wherein the interface portion 120c is rotated relative to the main body 130c. (As can be seen from...) Figure 3A As seen, adapter 255 includes four ports: external port 260a, external port 260b, internal port 260c, and internal port 260d. Internal ports 260c and 260d are shown with internal cable connection terminals 305 and 310, respectively, into which they are inserted. Internal cable connection terminals 305 and 310 can be coupled to internal cables (not shown), such that, for example, signals received at cable connection module 105c via a cable attached to cable connection terminal 250 are transmitted to the internal cable coupled to internal cable connection terminal 305 for routing via the internal cable. Additionally... Figure 3A Port retainer 315 is shown, which holds adapter 255 and movably connects adapter 255 to interface portion 120c. Figure 3A In this embodiment, the port retainer 315 is coupled to the interface portion 120c, allowing the port retainer 315 to rotate about an axis passing through point P of the interface portion 120c. Furthermore, since the adapter 255, cable connection terminal 250, and inner cable connection terminals 305 and 310 are fixed by the port retainer 315, these components can rotate with the port retainer 315 about an axis passing through point P.

[0042] The combination of port retainer 315, adapter 255, and internal cable connection terminals 305 and 310 constitutes port sub-assembly 320, which can be used in cable connection module 105c. Figure 3A The embodiments include multiple such port sub-components 325. While many alternative forms of port sub-components can be applied in conjunction with the currently disclosed technology, for the sake of brevity, the technology will be described in the context of port sub-components, such as port sub-component 320.

[0043] Return to reference Figure 3A As can be seen, port subassemblies 325 can be connected to the mounting portion of interface section 120c, for example, to mounting plate 330, wherein each port subassembly in port subassemblies 325 is rotatably coupled in the same manner as subassembly 320. Providing rotation of port subassemblies 325 relative to the mounting portion further facilitates access to port subassemblies 325. For example, when... Figure 3C When the interface section 120c is rotated upwards, a person attempting to access the cable connection terminal 250 can separate the port sub-assembly 320 from the other port sub-assemblies of the interface section 120c, so as to facilitate gripping the cable connection terminal 250.

[0044] Turning Figure 3B The figure shows a detailed view of a rotational position stabilizer 340, which allows the interface portion 120c of the cable connection module 105c to rotate relative to the body 130c of the cable connection module 105c. The rotational position stabilizer 340 includes a first circular portion 345 attached to or integral with the interface portion 120c, and a second circular portion 350 attached to or integral with the body 130c. The first circular portion 345 and the second circular portion 350 each include alternating peaks and valleys. In this way, when an external force is applied to rotate the interface portion 120c about an axis passing through point PP, the first circular portion 345 and the second circular portion 350 can move relative to each other, but will maintain their relative position in the absence of an external force. The first circular portion 345 and the second circular portion 350 maintain their relative position by positioning the peaks and valleys of the first circular portion 345 within the valleys and peaks of the second circular portion 350, respectively. In other words, the first circular portion 345 and the second circular portion 350 resist deflection in their radial direction, so that when there is a displacement of the alignment position of the first circular portion 345 and the second circular portion 350, the reaction force prompts realignment. Alternatively, the first circular portion 345 and the second circular portion 350 can be configured to be offset against each other when in the aligned position, thereby providing further rotational stability.

[0045] The rotational position stabilizer 340 may also include a locking arm 355. The size and shape of the locking arm 355 can be adjusted to mate with a locking groove 360. The locking groove 360 ​​may be formed, for example, by a portion of the frame 365 of the body 130c and a straight extension 370 from the second circular portion 350. The locking arm 355 can be positioned in the groove 360 ​​to lock the interface portion 120c in a non-rotated position relative to the body 130c.

[0046] Figure 3C This is a perspective view of an alternative rotational position stabilizer 380. The function of rotational position stabilizer 380 is similar to that of rotational position stabilizer 340. However, rotational position stabilizer 380 includes a first circular portion 385 and a second circular portion 390, each having a peak and a valley, the peak and valley being oriented parallel to the interface portion and the main body, respectively; whereas in rotational position stabilizer 340, the peaks and valleys of the first circular portion 345 and the second circular portion 350 are oriented perpendicular to the interface portion and the main body, respectively. In rotational position stabilizer 380, the first circular portion 385 and the second circular portion 390 maintain their relative position by positioning the peak and valley of the first circular portion 385 within the valley and peak of the second circular portion 390, respectively. That is, the first circular portion 385 and the second circular portion 390 resist deflection in a direction perpendicular to their radial direction, so that when there is a displacement of the alignment position of the first circular portion 385 and the second circular portion 390, a reaction force prompts realignment. Alternatively, the first circular portion 385 and the second circular portion 390 can be configured to be offset against each other when in the aligned position, thereby providing further rotational stability.

[0047] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the cable connection module 105c shows the interface portion 120c not rotated relative to the main body 130c and locked in the appropriate position. As can be seen from this figure, in order to lock the interface portion 120c in the non-rotational position, the interface portion 120c is placed in the non-rotational position, and then the locking arm 355 is moved in direction A, so that the locking arm 355 is moved into the slot 360. In order to unlock the interface portion 120c, the locking arm 355 is moved in direction B.

[0048] Now refer to Figure 4BThe figure shows a cross-sectional view of the cable connection module 400. The cable connection module 400 may include elements of the cable connection module 105c, but may also include internal components 405 and internal cables 410 and 415. Internal component 405 may be, for example, a fiber optic wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) filter or a splitter. When internal component 405 is a WDM filter, the fiber optic signal coupled to port 420 may be transmitted to the WDM filter 405 via internal cable 410, and demultiplexed into multiple fiber optic signals, which are then transmitted to port 425 respectively via corresponding internal cables in internal cable 415. When internal component 405 is a splitter, the fiber optic signal coupled to port 420 may be transmitted to the splitter 405 via internal cable 410, and split into multiple fiber optic signals, which are then transmitted to port 425 respectively via corresponding internal cables in internal cable 415.

[0049] Turn now Figure 5A This figure shows a perspective view of a port subassembly 505 including a port retainer 510, an adapter 515, and an internal cable connection terminal 520. The figure shows the positioning of the port subassembly 505 relative to a mounting plate 525 of the module interface. As can be seen from this figure, the port subassembly 505 can be positioned on the mounting plate 525 to rotate about an axis Z perpendicular to the mounting plate 525. In one such embodiment, the port subassembly 505 can be rotatably attached to the mounting plate 525 by screws or rivets passing through an opening 505a in the port subassembly 505. Notably, the adapter 515 is a single-type adapter including a single external port 515a and a single internal port 515b. The single internal port 515b is shown with an inserted internal cable connection terminal 520.

[0050] Figure 5B This is an exploded view of the port retainer 530 and adapter 535, showing the port retainer 530 coupled to the mounting plate 540 of the module interface section. Figure 5B In this embodiment, the port retainer 530 is rotatably coupled to the mounting plate via a coupling member 545 having a head 545a and a shaft 545b (e.g., shown in...). Figure 5C , Figure 6A and Figure 6B (in the middle), where the diameter of the head 545a is greater than the diameter of the port holder opening (not shown) through which the shaft 545b passes.

[0051] Figure 5CThis is a perspective view of a mounting section 550 of a snap-fit ​​port retainer coupled to a mounting plate (e.g., mounting plate 540). As can be seen from this figure, the mounting section 550 includes an opening 550a and a tongue 550b bordering the opening 550a. The snap-fit ​​port retainer can be rotatably coupled to the mounting plate 540 via an engaging member (e.g., engaging member 545). The opening 550a is sized such that the head 545a of the engaging member 545 cannot easily pass through the opening 550a.

[0052] Figure 5D This is an exploded view showing a hinged snap-fit ​​port retainer 555 and an adapter (e.g., adapter 535), wherein the hinged snap-fit ​​port retainer 555 is rotatably coupled to a mounting plate, such as mounting plate 540, of the module interface portion. The hinged snap-fit ​​port retainer 555 may include, for example, a... Figure 5C The mounting section 550 is the same as the mounting section shown, and the retaining part 560 is coupled to the mounting section 550 via a hinge 565.

[0053] In relation to Figure 5C and Figure 5D Having discussed embodiments of the snap-fit ​​port retainer, reference will be made, by way of example, to mounting section 550, engaging member 545, and mounting plate 540 regarding... Figures 6A-6E The operation of the snap-on port retainer embodiment will be discussed in more detail.

[0054] Figures 6A-6D This is a perspective view showing the mounting section 550 of the snap-on port retainer and how the snap-on port retainer itself can be mounted on and detached from the engagement member 545. Figure 6A An opening 550a of a mounting section 550, positioned above the engaging member 545 in preparation for installation, is shown. Then, by moving the mounting section 550 in a downward direction A, the engaging member 545 enters the opening 550a, and the head 545a of the engaging member deflects the tongue 550b relative to the remainder of the mounting section 550, as shown. Figure 6B As shown. That is, the tongue 550b is deformable in at least a first direction, allowing the mounting segment 550 to be placed on the engaging member 545 without obstructing this placement. Next, the mounting segment 550 can be moved in the lateral direction B, causing the engaging member 545 to shift within the opening 550a and the tongue 550b to pass under the head 545a of the engaging member 545. Figure 6C The mounting section 550 and the engaging member 545 are shown after the tongue has passed under the head 545a. Figure 6C As shown, the mounting section 550 and the corresponding snap-fit ​​port retainer are rotatably mounted on the mounting plate 540 via the engaging member 545.

[0055] To detach the mounting section 550 from the connecting member 545, the mounting section 550 can be pushed in the upward direction C, such as... Figure 6D As shown, when the mounting segment 550 is pushed upward, the tongue 550b deflects downward relative to the remainder of the mounting segment 550 through the head 545a of the engaging member 545, thereby creating space sufficient for the head 545a to pass through and disengage from the mounting segment 550. That is, the tongue 550b is deformable in at least a second direction, allowing the mounting segment 550 to be removed from the engaging member 545 without obstructing this removal. Furthermore, the mounting segment 550 can deflect in one or more lateral directions, as illustrated by arrows D and E, to accommodate removal of the mounting segment 550 from the engaging member 545.

[0056] Figure 6E This is a perspective view illustrating the relative sizes of the mounting segment 550 and the engaging member 545 according to an embodiment. As can be seen from this view, the opening 550a of the mounting segment 550 may define a shaft receiving dimension L, a tongue circumference dimension N, and a tongue boundary dimension M. As can be further seen from this view, the head 545a of the engaging member 545 may have a head diameter O, and the shaft 545b of the engaging member may have a shaft diameter P. In this embodiment, the size of the tongue circumference dimension N is greater than or equal to the size of the head diameter O; the size of the head diameter O is greater than the size of the shaft receiving dimension L; the size of the shaft receiving dimension L is equal to or approximately equal to the size of the tongue boundary dimension M; and the size of the tongue boundary dimension M is greater than or equal to the size of the shaft diameter P. Such sizes enable the realization of... Figures 6A-6D The operations described in the document.

[0057] Turn now Figure 7A The figure shows a perspective view of a cable connection module 700 according to an embodiment. The cable connection module 700 has a body 705 and an interface portion 710. The interface portion 710 is rotatable relative to the body 705 and includes a mounting plate 715 having a slot 720. The slot 720 is configured to accommodate one or more port holders, such as port holders 725, and further accommodate one or more port sub-assemblies corresponding to the port holders, such as port sub-assemblies 730. As shown, the slot 720 can be aligned such that its longitudinal dimension is parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the mounting plate 715, but other arrangements of the slot 720 are possible. Furthermore, the slot 720 and the port holders 725 can be arranged such that the port holders 725 can rotate and translate freely within the slot 720. By allowing the port holders 725 to rotate and translate within the slot 720, the cable connection module 700 enables rotation and translation of the port sub-assemblies 730, thereby facilitating access to the port sub-assemblies 730.

[0058] In any case, the mounting plate 715 of the cable connection module 700 may include an extendable portion 735. Figure 7B This is a detailed view of the extendable portion 735. In the depicted configuration, the extendable portion 735 extends in the longitudinal direction L relative to the slot 720. The extension range R may be defined by one or more guide slots (e.g., guide slots 740a and 740b). When the slot 720 is extended, the port retainers 725 have a greater amount of space within the mounting plate where they can move. Therefore, when the extendable portion 735 is in the extended position, the port retainers 725 and the associated port subassemblies 730 can translate to a greater extent, thereby further facilitating access to the port subassemblies 730.

[0059] Figure 8A yes Figure 7A A perspective view of the cable connection module 700, wherein the extendable portion 735 of the mounting plate 715 is in the extended position, and the interface portion 710 is not rotated relative to the main body 705. Figure 8B yes Figure 7A A perspective view of the cable connection module 700, wherein the extendable portion 735 of the mounting plate 715 is in the extended position and the interface portion 710 is rotated relative to the main body 705.

[0060] Figure 9A This is a perspective view of adapter mount 900, adapter 905, and cable connection terminals 910a, 910b, 910c, and 910d. Adapter mount 900 has multiple adapter mount openings (e.g., adapter mount openings 915-1, 915-2, and 915-3), and each adapter mount opening may have a rectangular shape defined by four interface portions. For example, adapter mount opening 915-1 is defined by a first interface portion 920i1, a second interface portion 920i2, a third interface portion 920i3, and a fourth interface portion 920i4. Furthermore, each adapter mount opening is configured to receive an adapter. For example, adapter mount opening 915-1 can receive adapter 905. In this respect, the first interface portion 920i1 and the second interface portion 920i2 of adapter mount opening 915-1 may be sized to allow for snap-fit ​​assembly of the adapter through engagement with interface portions 920i1 and 920i2.

[0061] exist Figure 9AIn this embodiment, the adapter mounting member 900 has a flat planar shape with a uniform thickness as indicated by D. Therefore, the four interface portions of each opening have a thickness D. In this embodiment, the first interface portion 920i1 and the second interface portion 920i2 can be fitted into corresponding spaces defined by the adapter portion, such that the spaces respectively limit the first interface portion 920i1 and the second interface portion 920i2 in the thickness direction. The spaces where the interface portions 920i1 and 920i2 are fitted are best seen in the adapter top view direction 930, which is included in the adapter top view direction 930. Figure 9A In the adapter, as can be seen from the top view 930, in conjunction with other drawing elements, the first space 935s1 of the adapter 905 can accommodate the interface portion 920i1, and the second space 935s2 of the adapter 905 can accommodate the interface portion 920i2. As can also be seen, the first space 935s2 is formed between the first protrusion 940p1 and the first tab 945t1, while the second space 935s2 is formed between the second protrusion 940p2 and the second tab 945t2. When the adapter 905 is moved into the opening 915-1, with the tabs 945t1 and 945t2 guiding the protrusions 940t1 and 940t2 into the opening 915-1, the tabs 945t1 and 945t2 flex inward—towards the center of the adapter 905—so that the first interface portion 920i1 and the second interface portion 920i2 enter spaces 935s1 and 935s2, respectively. Therefore, when the first lug 945t1 moves past the first interface portion 920i1, the first lug 945t1 snaps back into its unbent position, thereby confining the first interface portion 920i1 within the first space 935s1, because the first interface portion 920i1 becomes confined in the thickness direction by the first lug 945t1 and the first protrusion 940p1. Similarly, the second interface portion 920i2 becomes confined within the second space 935s2.

[0062] However, after the adapter 905 is inserted into the adapter mounting opening 915-1, the adapter 905 is movable. That is, the adapter mounting opening 915-1 and the adapter 905 are resized so that even after the first interface portion 920i1 and the second interface portion 920i2 of the adapter mounting 900 are respectively confined within the first space 935s1 and the second space 935s2 of the adapter 905, the adapter 905 can still move within the adapter mounting opening 915-1. In this respect, and referring to... Figure 9AIn the adapter 905, the height dimension is indicated by A, the height dimension of the adapter mount opening 915-1 is indicated by B, and the thickness dimensions of the first space 935s1 and the second space 935s2 are indicated by C. With the convention of A, B and C, and where D represents the thickness dimension of the first interface portion 920i1 and the second interface portion 920i2, embodiments of the adapter mount 900 and the adapter 905 are configured such that A × 1.1 < B and D < C × 0.8. Sizing the adapter mount 900 and the adapter 905 in this manner allows the adapter 905 to be retained by the adapter mount 900 while permitting sufficient movement of the adapter 905 relative to the adapter mount 900 to facilitate manipulation of the adapter 905 by a human finger.

[0063] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A a perspective view of the adapter mount 900, wherein all of the adapter mount openings 915-1 to 915-9 receive corresponding adapters 905-1 to 905-9. Each of the adapters 905-1 to 905-9 can be compatible with Figure 9A the same adapter 905. Furthermore, each of the adapters 905-1 to 905-9 is shown as receiving a corresponding cable connection terminal. For example, adapter 905-5 is shown as receiving cable connection terminals 960a, 960b, 960c and 960d. The sizing of the adapter mount openings 915-1 to 915-9 and the adapters 905-1 to 905-9 allows easy access by human fingers to cable connection terminals of adjacent adapters. In Figure 9B this access is illustrated by showing how a human finger 950 can easily access the cable connection terminals 960a and 960b of adapter 905-5 by moving adjacent adapters of adapter 905-5. For example, adapter 905-5 may be an LC-type adapter, and cable connection terminals 960a-960d may be LC-type cable connection terminals; and cable connection terminal 960a may be removed from adapter 905-5 by using finger 950 to press lever 965a of cable connection terminal 960a to unlock cable connection terminal 960a from adapter 905-5, then pulling cable connection terminal 960a out of adapter 905-5.

[0064] It should be noted that the arrangement can be employed in a cable connection module such as Figure 3A the cable connection module 105c of Figure 9A and Figure 9B shown in . For example, Figure 9B the adapter mount 900 can replace or be used as Figure 3AThe port retainer (e.g., port retainer 315). In this way, instead of including multiple port retainers movably coupled to the interface, the cable connection module 105c may include an adapter mount 900 integrated with or attached to the interface, wherein the adapter mount accommodates... Figure 3A The adapter (e.g., adapter 255) allows the adapters to move relative to each other.

[0065] Embodiments of the technology of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following.

[0066] (1) A cable connection module comprising: a body; and an interface portion rotatably coupled to the body, the interface portion being configured to accommodate a plurality of port holders movably coupled to the interface portion, and each of the port holders being configured to hold one or more adapters for receiving a corresponding cable connection terminal.

[0067] (2) The cable connection module according to (1), wherein the interface portion includes a mounting portion and the mounting portion is configured to accommodate the plurality of port holders such that each of the port holders is independently movable relative to the mounting portion and independently movable relative to the other port holders.

[0068] (3) The cable connection module according to (2), wherein each of the port holders is independently translatable relative to the mounting portion and independently translatable relative to other port holders, and each of the port holders is independently rotatable relative to the mounting portion and independently rotatable relative to other port holders.

[0069] (4) According to the cable connection module described in (1), the cable connection module further includes a rotational position stabilizer.

[0070] (5) The cable connection module according to (4), wherein the rotational position stabilizer comprises: a first circular portion attached to or integral with the interface portion, and a second circular portion attached to or integral with the body, and wherein, when an external force is applied to rotate the interface portion relative to the body, the first circular portion and the second circular portion move relative to each other, but maintain their relative positions in the absence of the external force.

[0071] (6) According to the cable connection module described in (1), the cable connection module further includes one or more internal cables.

[0072] (7) According to the cable connection module of (6), the cable connection module further includes an internal component, wherein the internal component is coupled to one or more of the internal cables.

[0073] (8) According to the cable connection module of (1), the cable connection module further includes a coupling structure for fixing the cable connection module in the base frame.

[0074] (9) According to the cable connection module of (1), the cable connection module further includes one or more adapters coupled to the corresponding port holder in the port holder.

[0075] (10) According to the cable connection module of (9), the cable connection module further includes one or more internal cable connection terminals coupled to the corresponding adapter in the adapter.

[0076] (11) The cable connection module according to (1), wherein the cable connection module is fixed in the base frame and the base frame is configured to fix multiple cable connection modules.

[0077] (12) The cable connection module according to (11), wherein the base frame is configured to accommodate the joint structure on the corresponding cable connection module in the cable connection module.

[0078] (13) The cable connection module according to (1), wherein the port retainer includes an adapter mount having a plurality of adapter mount openings.

[0079] (14) A port retainer comprising: a retaining portion configured to retain one or more adapters for receiving respective cable connection terminals; and a mounting section configured to be movably connected to a cable connection module, the mounting section including an opening and a tongue, the opening being configured to receive an engagement member of the mounting portion of the cable connection module, the mounting portion being configured to accommodate a plurality of port retainers including the port retainer such that each of the port retainers is independently movable relative to the mounting portion and independently movable relative to other port retainers, and the tongue being deformable in a first direction such that the mounting section is connected to the engagement member, and the tongue being deformable in a second direction such that the mounting section is disengaged from the engagement member.

[0080] (15) The port retainer according to (14), wherein the retaining part is coupled to the mounting section by a hinge.

[0081] Although the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that many modifications can be made to the illustrative embodiments and other arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cable connection module, the cable connection module comprising: main body; as well as An interface section, rotatably coupled to the main body, is configured to accommodate a plurality of port holders movably coupled to the interface section, and each of the port holders is configured to hold one or more adapters for receiving a corresponding cable connection terminal. as well as A rotational position stabilizer includes: a first circular portion attached to or integral with the interface portion, a second circular portion attached to or integral with the body, and a locking arm, wherein the first circular portion and the second circular portion each include alternating peaks and valleys and are movable relative to each other when an external force is applied to rotate the interface portion about an axis, and wherein the locking arm is configured to lock the interface portion in an unrotated position relative to the body.

2. The cable connection module according to claim 1, wherein, The interface portion includes a mounting portion, and the mounting portion is configured to accommodate the plurality of port holders such that each of the port holders is independently movable relative to the mounting portion and independently movable relative to the other port holders.

3. The cable connection module according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the port holders is independently translatable relative to the mounting portion and independently translatable relative to other port holders, and each of the port holders is independently rotatable relative to the mounting portion and independently rotatable relative to other port holders.

4. The cable connection module according to claim 1, wherein the cable connection module further comprises one or more internal cables.

5. The cable connection module according to claim 4, wherein the cable connection module further includes internal components, and wherein, The internal component is coupled to one or more internal cables in the internal cabling.

6. The cable connection module according to claim 1, wherein the cable connection module further comprises a coupling structure for fixing the cable connection module in the base frame.

7. The cable connection module according to claim 1, wherein the cable connection module further comprises one or more adapters coupled to a corresponding port holder in the port holder.

8. The cable connection module according to claim 7, wherein the cable connection module further comprises one or more internal cable connection terminals coupled to a corresponding adapter in the adapter.

9. The cable connection module according to claim 1, wherein, The cable connection module is fixed inside the base frame, which is configured to fix multiple cable connection modules.

10. The cable connection module according to claim 9, wherein, The base frame is configured to accommodate the joint structure on the corresponding cable connection module within the cable connection module.

11. The cable connection module according to claim 1, wherein, The port retainer includes an adapter mount having multiple adapter mount openings.

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