Sliding tray for fiber panel assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sliding tray for fiber optic panel assemblies. A sliding tray is provided that is capable of sliding multiple fiber optic modules simultaneously. In one example, a fiber optic panel assembly includes a top plate, a bottom cover, and two opposing sides that define an interior opening therein, a mounting bracket disposed in the interior opening and on the bottom cover, the mounting bracket including a plurality of protruding posts extending outwardly from a support structure of the mounting bracket, and a sliding tray having a plurality of protruding structures having a distal end configured to engage an interior surface of the support structure.

Description

[0001] Divisional Statement

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 202011067680.0, filed September 30, 2020, which is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 022,635, filed May 11, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0004] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 022,635, filed May 11, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a sliding tray for a fiber panel assembly. BACKGROUND

[0006] The capabilities of fiber optic connectors, fiber optic cables, and fiber optic hardware have continually advanced to meet the demands of a growing number of users and high transmission rates. Fiber optic hardware is increasingly used for various applications, such as data transmission, video, broadband voice, etc. Fiber optic cables, connectors, or cables are connected to fiber optic modules that are installed in a panel assembly, which is arranged in a cable management rack located in a data distribution center or server room. The fiber optic modules provide fiber-to-cable connections and manage the polarity of the fiber optic cable connections. The fiber optic modules are installed to a tray, which can be further installed to the panel assembly. The tray can be extended like a drawer from the panel assembly to allow a technician or operator to access the fiber optic components, connectors, or fiber optic cables connected to the fiber optic modules without having to remove the fiber optic modules from the panel assembly.

[0007] As the demand for bandwidth continues to increase, it is desirable to have an increased number of fiber optic components and connectors in the fiber optic modules in a higher density of connections within a given space in the panel assembly. However, this higher density of connections often makes it difficult to access the fiber optic components and connectors in the fiber optic modules having multiple trays installed in the panel assembly in a dense arrangement. Conventional tray pull-out configurations typically only allow one tray to be pulled out at a time. Thus, the higher density of horizontal connections with multiple tray arrangements often results in a time-consuming process for a technician or operator to individually pull out a tray for inspection when needed. In addition, the proper organization of the cable connections in the panel assembly in the cable management rack also becomes a daunting task. SUMMARY

[0008] A slide tray capable of simultaneously sliding a plurality of fiber optic modules is provided. The slide tray can be installed in a fiber optic panel assembly. In one example, the fiber optic panel assembly includes a top plate, a bottom cover, and two opposing sides defining an interior opening therein; a mounting bracket disposed in the interior opening and on the bottom cover, the mounting bracket including a plurality of protruding posts extending outwardly from a support structure of the mounting bracket; and a slide tray having a plurality of protruding structures, each protruding structure having a distal end configured to engage an interior surface of the support structure.

[0009] In one example, the mounting bracket includes a plurality of apertures defined between the plurality of protruding posts, wherein the apertures are configured to receive the protruding structures of the slide tray therein. Each of the plurality of protruding structures of the slide tray is configured to engage a fiber optic module. Each of the plurality of protruding structures of the slide tray includes a mounting feature configured to secure the fiber optic module engaged therewith.

[0010] In one example, the slide tray further includes a plurality of apertures defined between the plurality of protruding structures, wherein the apertures are configured to receive the protruding posts of the mounting bracket. Each of the protruding structures of the slide tray is configured to abut against and interleave with a respective protruding post from the mounting bracket. The slide tray further includes a guide rail formed at an edge of the slide tray. The mounting bracket further includes a tray channel formed in the protruding posts, the tray channel configured to engage the guide rail from the slide tray.

[0011] In one example, the slide tray further includes a pull tab formed on a side of the slide tray. The tray channel formed in the protruding posts further includes a stop member disposed in the tray channel. Each of the plurality of protruding posts of the mounting bracket is configured to engage a fiber optic module.

[0012] In one example, the top plate further includes a front top cover and a rear top cover defining the top plate. The plurality of fiber optic modules are configured to engage the protruding posts and the protruding structures. The fiber optic modules are arranged vertically in the interior opening in an array configuration. Each of the fiber optic modules is configured to have an adapter vertically stacked therein. The adapter is a dual polarity adapter.

[0013] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a fiber panel assembly having a top plate, a bottom cover, and two opposing sides defining an interior opening therein; and a slide tray arranged in the interior opening, the slide tray configured to have a plurality of fiber modules arranged vertically in the slide tray, wherein the slide tray is configured to pull out a selected fiber module while maintaining unselected fiber modules from moving, wherein every other fiber module is staggered relative to adjacent fiber modules arranged in the interior opening.

[0014] In one example, a pull tab is attached to a side of the slide tray. The selected fiber module is engaged with the slide tray and the unselected fiber modules are engaged with mounting brackets arranged in the interior opening.

[0015] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a cable management system including a fiber panel assembly arranged in the cable management system. The fiber panel assembly further includes a slide tray arranged in an interior opening of the fiber panel assembly, the slide tray configured to have a plurality of fiber modules arranged vertically in the slide tray, wherein the slide tray is configured to pull out a selected fiber module while maintaining unselected fiber modules from moving, wherein every other fiber module is staggered relative to adjacent fiber modules arranged in the interior opening.

[0016] In one example, the fiber panel assembly is mounted on a rack in the cable management system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figures 1A-1C An example of a fiber optic connector is depicted in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0018] Figures 2A-2B An example of an adapter module is depicted in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0019] Figures 3A-3B An example of a fiber optic module having a fiber optic connector connected to an adapter is depicted in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Figures 2A-2B An example of a front and back view of an adapter module.

[0020] Figure 4 An example of an array of fiber optic modules is depicted in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0021] Figure 5 An example of a fiber optic module is depicted in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Figure 4 An example of a side view of a fiber optic module.

[0022] Figure 6 Another example of a side view of a fiber optic module is depicted in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7 The aspects described in this disclosure can accommodate Figure 4 A top exploded view of an example of a fiber optic panel assembly for a fiber optic module.

[0024] Figure 8 The description pertains to an aspect of this disclosure, in which an array of multiple fiber optic modules is installed. Figure 7 Top front view of the fiber optic panel assembly.

[0025] Figures 9A-9B Depicting the arrangement according to aspects of this disclosure in Figure 8 In the fiber optic panel assembly, respectively in the non-extended and extended positions Figure 8 Top perspective view of the sliding tray.

[0026] Figures 10A-10C The aspects described in this disclosure can be installed Figure 7 Top view, perspective view and side view of the sliding tray in the fiber optic panel assembly.

[0027] Figure 11 An exemplary fiber optic cable management system according to aspects of this disclosure is described, which may have components installed therein. Figure 7 Fiber optic cable panel assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0028] This disclosure provides a fiber optic panel assembly for fiber optic interconnection. The fiber optic panel assembly includes a sliding tray that allows selected fiber optic modules to slide outward from other unselected fiber optic modules arranged within the assembly. Each fiber optic module is arranged vertically side-by-side in a multi-array configuration within the fiber optic panel assembly. In one example, every other fiber optic module (such as a first group of fiber optic modules) is staggered longitudinally from front to rear relative to an adjacent fiber optic module (such as a second group of fiber optic modules). For example, the first group of fiber optic modules is arranged rearward at a certain depth relative to the second group of fiber optic modules. The sliding tray can selectively pull either the first or second group of fiber optic modules outward relative to the other group, allowing technicians or operators to easily access fiber optic connectors within the fiber optic modules in a manner that minimizes interference with adjacent connectors. Furthermore, the sliding tray is configured to pull out multiple selected fiber optic modules simultaneously, enabling technicians or operators to efficiently and quickly visually identify and locate target connectors or cables within the fiber optic panel assembly with minimal search time. Because the fiber optic modules are arranged vertically side-by-side in a close-packed arrangement, good utilization of the space defined within the fiber optic panel assembly is achieved. Therefore, the fiber optic module components disclosed herein provide high-density, easy and fast access and a small footprint for the management and organization of desired cables and connectors.

[0029] Figures 1A to 1C An example of a fiber optic connector 100 providing a bipolar configuration is depicted. Figure 1A A top view of the fiber optic connector 100 is depicted. The fiber optic connector 100 includes a main body 102 having two connector assemblies 110 (shown as 110a, 110b) connected to the main body 102.

[0030] Figure 1B A front view of the fiber optic connector 100 is depicted showing the two connector assemblies 110 (shown as 110a, 110b) formed at the front section 103 of the fiber optic connector 100. A connector polarity marker 104 is formed in the main body 102 that indicates the polarity of the connector 100. The main body 102 encloses two optical fibers that are respectively connected to the two connector assemblies 110a, 110b. The two optical fibers enclosed in the main body 102 are connected to a cable 122 that is connected to the main body 102.

[0031] Figure 1C A side view of the fiber optic connector 100 is depicted. The latch 106 has a first end 120 connected to the connector assemblies 110a, 110b by spring latch arms 130 and a second end 124 connected to the main body 102. The latch 106 is used to secure the fiber optic connector 100 to an adapter. The spring latch arms 130 releasably engage the latch 106. The spring latch arms 130 can be pressed to disengage them from the latch 106. When the spring latch arms 130 are released and disengaged from the latch 106, the connector assemblies 110a, 110b can be inserted into an adapter in a predetermined insertion direction. The adapter can be disposed in an optical fiber module (not shown) that is installed in a fiber management system. The latch 106 abuts against the spring latch arms 130 connected to the connector assemblies 110a, 110b for manually pressing the connector assemblies 110a, 110b to move them downwardly to allow disengagement between the connector assemblies 110a, 110b and the adapter and removal of the connector assemblies 110a, 110b from the port. When a reversal of the polarity configuration is desired, the spring latch arms 130 can be pressed to eject the connector assemblies 110a, 110b from the main body 102. The connector assemblies 110a, 110b can then be flipped and rotated 180 degrees to obtain a polarity reversal and then the latch 106 will be reattached to the opposite site of the main body 102. Details of the adapter that can be used to mate with the fiber optic connector 100 having a bipolarity are shown in detail below. Figures 2A to 2B A side view of the fiber optic connector 100 is depicted. The latch 106 has a first end 120 connected to the connector assemblies 110a, 110b by spring latch arms 130 and a second end 124 connected to the main body 102. The latch 106 is used to secure the fiber optic connector 100 to an adapter. The spring latch arms 130 releasably engage the latch 106. The spring latch arms 130 can be pressed to disengage them from the latch 106. When the spring latch arms 130 are released and disengaged from the latch 106, the connector assemblies 110a, 110b can be inserted into an adapter in a predetermined insertion direction. The adapter can be disposed in an optical fiber module (not shown) that is installed in a fiber management system. The latch 106 abuts against the spring latch arms 130 connected to the connector assemblies 110a, 110b for manually pressing the connector assemblies 110a, 110b to move them downwardly to allow disengagement between the connector assemblies 110a, 110b and the adapter and removal of the connector assemblies 110a, 110b from the port. When a reversal of the polarity configuration is desired, the spring latch arms 130 can be pressed to eject the connector assemblies 110a, 110b from the main body 102. The connector assemblies 110a, 110b can then be flipped and rotated 180 degrees to obtain a polarity reversal and then the latch 106 will be reattached to the opposite site of the main body 102. Details of the adapter that can be used to mate with the fiber optic connector 100 having a bipolarity are shown in detail below.

[0032] Figures 2A to 2B The fiber optic faceplate assembly 700 (to be referred to hereinafter as the faceplate assembly 700) can be installed in a fiber management system (not shown) and is depicted in detail in FIG. 7. The faceplate assembly 700 includes a faceplate 702 having a plurality of ports 704 (shown as 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d, 704e, 704f, 704g, 704h) formed therein. The faceplate 702 is configured to receive a plurality of fiber optic connectors 100 (shown as 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, 100f, 100g, 100h) having a bipolarity. The faceplate 702 includes a plurality of adapters 706 (shown as 706a, 706b, 706c, 706d, 706e, 706f, 706g, 706h) that are disposed in the ports 704. The adapters 706 are configured to receive the fiber optic connectors 100 having a bipolarity. The adapters 706 are configured to mate with the fiber optic connectors 100 having a bipolarity. The faceplate 702 includes a plurality of latch arms 708 (shown as 708a, 708b, 708c, 708d, 708e, 708f, 708g, 708h) that are disposed in the ports 704. The latch arms 708 are configured to releasably engage the latches 106 of the fiber optic connectors 100 having a bipolarity. The faceplate 702 includes a plurality of spring latch arms 710 (shown as 710a, 710b, 710c, 710d, 710e, 710f, 710g, 710h) that are disposed in the ports 704. The spring latch arms 710 are configured to releasably engage the latches 106 of the fiber optic connectors 100 having a bipolarity. The faceplate 702 includes a plurality of polarity markers 712 (shown as 712a, 712b, 712c, 712d, 712e, 712f, 712g, 712h) that are disposed in the ports 704. The polarity markers 712 are configured to indicate the polarity of the fiber optic connectors 100 having a bipolarity that are disposed in the ports 704. Figure 7Perspective and front views of adapter module 200 (described later below). Adapter module 200 includes multiple adapters 250. Adapters 250 are bipolar adapters that can accommodate different orientations and geometries of fiber optic connectors 100 with different polarity configurations. Figure 2A In the example depicted, adapter module 200 includes four adapters 250 connected together (e.g., in rows or stacks) to save space and maximize space utilization between the adapters 250. Note that the adapter module 200 can have any number of adapters 250, such as at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, or other numbers, depending on the different configurations of the junction box on which it is constructed. Note that by utilizing multiple adapter modules 200 arranged side-by-side in multiple arrays, the density of fiber optic interconnects can be maximized. In this way, the adapter modules 200 are adjacent to each other in adjacent rows and columns, thereby eliminating wasted space from adjacent rows and columns and providing maximum density of connected adapters 250 for the available opening space in the junction box. In one example, the adapter module 200 can be configured with any angular configuration to provide any connection orientation angle relative to the junction box.

[0033] Adapter 250 is configured to mate with fiber optic connectors, such as Figures 1A to 1C The fiber optic connector 100 depicted has a different polarity configuration. Note that the adapter 250 can be matched with other types of fiber optic connectors as needed, provided that the geometry of the fiber optic connector can be fitted into the slots and / or ports defined in the adapter 250.

[0034] exist Figure 2A In one example depicted, the adapter module 200 includes a housing 202 having a top wall 204, a bottom wall 210, and a first side wall 212a and a second side wall 212b connecting the top wall 204 and the bottom wall 210. The top wall 204, bottom wall 210, first side wall 212a, and second side wall 212b define an interior region 206, such as a channel. The interior region 206 of the housing 202 is divided by a plurality of partition walls 225, thereby defining a plurality of adapters 250 having a plurality of connector connection ports 248 therein. The partition walls 225 extend from the top wall 204 to the bottom wall 210. Each connector connection port 248 is configured to receive an optical fiber connector, such as... Figures 1A to 1C The fiber optic connector 100 is depicted in the diagram. Each adapter 250 defined in the adapter module 200 may be symmetrically identical, and the first sidewall 212a and the second sidewall 212b may also be symmetrically identical, such that the top and bottom are interchangeable when the adapter module 200 rotates together with its longitudinal axis.

[0035] The adapters 250 can function as termination points between input fiber optic cables connected through the rear section 214 of the adapter module 200 and output fiber optic cables (such as the cable 122) connected through the fiber optic connectors 100.

[0036] While the examples depicted herein have four adapters defined in the adapter module, it is noted that the number of adapters formed, constructed, or connected to form the adapter module can be any number as desired.

[0037] The top wall 204, the bottom wall 210, the first side wall 212a and the second side wall 212b, and the divider walls 225 of the housing 202 can be integrally formed as a unit from a polymeric material, such as molded plastic.

[0038] Figure 2B A front plan view of the adapter module 200 including four adapters 250 is depicted. The divider walls 225 located in the interior region 206 define the connector connection ports 248 in the adapters 250. Each divider wall 225 has three portions, a first portion 242 and a second portion 238, and a center portion 236 sandwiched between the first portion 242 and the second portion 238. In the connector connection ports 248, the first portion 242 formed in each divider wall 225 defines a first slot 302 horizontally, and the second portion 238 formed in each divider wall 225 defines a second slot 304 horizontally, while the center portion 236 defines a center slot 306 horizontally, as shown by the dashed lines. The center slot 306 is configured to receive the connector assembly 110 from the fiber optic connector 100, while the first slot 302 and the second slot 304 are configured to receive the latch 106 from the fiber optic connector 100. In one example, when the fiber optic connector 100 is in a standard polarity configuration, the latch 106 can engage with the first slot 302. In contrast, in a reversed polarity configuration, the position of the latch 106 can be rotated 180 degrees relative to the position of the latch 106 in the standard or positive polarity configuration. In this regard, the latch 106 can then engage with the second slot 304 in view of the rotation of the fiber optic connector 100.

[0039] In other examples, when the standard polarity is configured to position the latch 106 downwards, the latch 106 can engage in the second slot 304, while the connector assembly 110 engages with the center slot 306. Conversely, when the reverse polarity is configured to flip the latch 106 in the opposite direction and position it upwards, the latch 106 can engage in the first slot 302, while the connector assembly 110 engages with the center slot 306. Marking segments 310 can be formed at the upper end of the partition wall 225 (such as in the first portion 242), or at the lower end of the partition wall 225 (such as in the second portion 238), or at other suitable locations to provide a prominent visual indication of the polarity configuration to a technician. Figure 2B In the example depicted, when the latch 106 engages with the first slot 302, the marking segment 310 indicates the standard polarity of the fiber optic connector 100. Note that the marking segment 310 may be formed at different locations on the adapter 250 as needed to help indicate the polarity configuration to technicians and operators.

[0040] Therefore, by configuring the connector connection port 248 with a first slot 302 and a second slot 304 formed adjacent to or connected to the central slot 306, fiber optic connectors 100 with different polarity configurations can be easily installed and inserted into the adapter 250 without requiring additional orientation changes, alignment alterations, or rotations to the fiber optic connector or the adapter. When the fiber optic connector 100 is reversed to change polarity, two additional slots (such as the first slot 302 and the second slot 304) formed laterally relative to the central slot 306 can accommodate different orientations and geometries of the fiber optic connector 100. This reduces the labor and cost of fiber optic management and minimizes the space required to place adapters with different polarity configurations.

[0041] Figure 3A An example of an adapter module 200 located within an optical fiber module 350 is depicted. Figure 3A In the example depicted, the fiber optic module 350 is configured to receive a plurality of adapter modules 200 (shown as 200a, 200b, 200c) arranged in a linear configuration. The fiber optic module 350 can be mounted in a vertical configuration inside the fiber optic panel assembly 700 (e.g., Figure 7 (As shown in Figure 9). The fiber optic module 350 can be arranged in a tray 900 (as shown in Figure 9), which can extend and slide like a drawer from the fiber optic panel assembly 700 to allow technicians access to the adapter 250 provided by the adapter module 200 and any fiber optic cables or connectors connected to the adapter 250 without removing the adapter module 200 from the fiber optic panel assembly 700. Figure 3AIn the example depicted, three adapter modules 200a, 200b, 200c are installed in the fiber optic module 350, thus providing a total of twelve adapter ports 248 in one fiber optic module 350. It should be appreciated that the number of adapters and / or adapter ports can vary in other examples. Note that multiple fiber optic modules 350 can be connected side-by-side, end-to-end, in multiple arrays or columns, or in any suitable configuration as desired.

[0042] Figure 3B An example of two fiber optic connectors 100a, 100b having different polarity configurations connected to an adapter module 200a installed in a fiber optic module 350 is depicted. Because first and second slots 302, 304 are defined in the adapter 250, two fiber optic connectors 100 having different polarities, such as a first fiber optic connector 100a having a latch 106 positioned upward from the housing and a second fiber optic connector 100b having a latch 106 positioned downward from the housing (not shown in Figure 3B may be engaged in the adapter module 200 through the first and second slots 302, 304 formed in the adapter 250.

[0043] Figure 4 A plurality of fiber optic modules 350 (shown as 350a, 350b) arranged side-by-side in an array and vertical configuration is depicted. The plurality of fiber optic modules 350 can be further placed and installed into a fiber panel assembly 700 as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 . In the example depicted in Figure 4 each fiber optic module 350 can include three adapter modules 200a, 200b, 200c installed therein. As discussed above, the divider wall 225 defines four connector connection ports 248 in each adapter module 200a, 200b, 200c. For ease of description, the first, center, and second slots defined in the connector connection ports 248 are not shown, and these slots are omitted in this example. A marker section 310 is formed on one side of the divider wall 225 to provide a visual indication of the polarity configuration.

[0044] The fiber optic module 350 has a front end 402, a rear end 404, and two flat opposing sides 410, 412. A top edge 406 and a bottom edge 408 are connected among the front end 402, the rear end 404, and the opposing sides 410, 412. A catch 414, 416 is formed on the top edge 406 and the bottom edge 408, respectively, for securing the fiber optic module 350 to a mounting feature from the fiber panel assembly 700, such as a mounting rail 702. Figure 10BThe mounting features 790) depicted in the middle. The catches 414, 416 are protrusions having a circular shape and have a correspondingly shaped portion that fits into a mounting feature from the fiber panel assembly 700 to be able to engage with the mounting feature. Thus, the fiber module 350 slides within the fiber panel assembly 700 when installed until the catches 414, 416 align with and rest within the corresponding portions of the mounting features of the fiber panel assembly 700, thereby inhibiting accidental removal of the fiber module 350 from the fiber module assembly 700. In one example, the catches 414, 416 are vertically aligned on the main body of the fiber module 350.

[0045] In one example, a pair of finger hooks 455 are provided and arranged on the rear end 404 of the fiber module 350 such that the respective fiber module 350 is allowed to be easily grabbed from the array.

[0046] In one example, every other fiber module 350 is staggered relative to the adjacent fiber modules 350 in a front-to-rear direction, such as a horizontal direction. The staggering of the fiber modules 350 alternates across the array formed by the fiber modules 350. In one example, the first front ends 402 of a first group of fiber modules 350, such as the first front ends 402a of the odd fiber modules 350a including the first, third, and fifth fiber modules, are aligned. In contrast, the second front ends 402 of a second group of fiber modules 350, such as the second front ends 402b of the even fiber modules 350b including the second, fourth, and sixth fiber modules, are aligned. Note that when viewing the array from the front ends 402 of the fiber modules 350, the numbering of the fiber modules 350 begins with the leftmost fiber module 350 arranged in the array. Thus, the leftmost fiber module 350 is considered the first fiber module, such as the first odd fiber module. Thus, the fiber module abutting the leftmost fiber module 350 is considered the second fiber module, such as the first even fiber. The numbering of the fiber modules continues until the desired number of fiber modules to form the array is reached. In one example, the array can include 12 fiber modules, with the first fiber module arranged as the leftmost fiber module in the array and the twelfth fiber module arranged as the rightmost fiber module in the array. In one example, the first group of fiber modules 350a includes the odd fiber modules in the array, while the second group of fiber modules 350b includes the even fiber modules.

[0047] The first front end 402a of the first group of fiber optic modules 350a and the second front end 402b of the second group of fiber optic modules 350b are configured to be staggered at a depth 430 in the direction from front end to rear end. In other words, the second group of fiber optic modules 350b extends outward from the first group of fiber optic modules 305b at a predetermined depth 430 to provide sufficient space to expose the connectors arranged in the fiber optic modules 350 with relatively easy access by a technician for removal or installation of the connectors as needed. Although Figure 4 The example shows a second set of fiber optic modules 350b extending and protruding outward from the first set of fiber optic modules 305a. However, note that the protrusion of this set of fiber optic modules can be in different arrangements, such as the first set of fiber optic modules 350a instead extending outward from the second set of fiber optic modules 350b. In one example, the depth 350 can be between about 1 mm and about 500 mm.

[0048] In one example, the arrays of the first group of fiber optic modules 350a and the second group of fiber optic modules 350b can be arranged in a predetermined staggered manner. For example, when positioned in the fiber optic panel assembly 700, the first group of fiber optic modules 350a can extend outward from the second group of fiber optic modules 350b, and vice versa. Track channels and sliding trays arranged in the fiber optic panel assembly 700 are configured to allow predetermined groups of fiber optic modules 350 with multiple fiber optic modules 350 to slide out, such as the first group of fiber optic modules 350a with all odd-numbered fiber optic modules or the second group of fiber optic modules 350b with all even-numbered fiber optic modules. Therefore, simultaneous access to multiple connectors arranged in the fiber optic modules provides technicians and / or operators with efficient operation for simultaneously inspecting multiple connectors and / or cables in the fiber optic modules. Furthermore, the staggered configuration between the first group of fiber optic modules 350a and the second group of fiber optic modules 350b also allows technicians and / or operators to easily install connectors and / or cables in the fiber optic modules where sufficient space is available, thereby reducing unnecessary removal of adjacent connectors. Thus, installation efficiency is improved and operating costs are reduced.

[0049] Figure 5 Depicting Figure 4 A side view of the fiber optic module 350. Multiple cables 502 are connected to their respective fiber optic connectors via adapters in each adapter module 200a, 200b, 200c. Note that portion 504 of side 410 encloses adapter modules 200a, 200b, 200c, and the cables 502 are... Figure 5The middle is cut away to show how the cables 502 are positioned in the internal opening defined in the fiber optic module 350 below the side 410. The plurality of cables 502 can be collected in the fiber optic ribbon 506 by adapters 506 or connectors for further connection. The clips 414, 416 are disposed on the top edge 406 and the bottom edge 408, respectively. A pair of finger hooks 455 are provided and disposed on the rear end 404 of the fiber optic module 350 to grab and pull the fiber optic module 350 for installation to or removal from the fiber panel assembly 700.

[0050] Figure 6 A side view of another example of a fiber optic module 600 is depicted. In this example, more than three adapter modules 200a, 200b, 200c can be disposed in the fiber optic module 600. In the example depicted in Figure 6 In the example depicted in FIG. 6, a total of nine adapter modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d, 602e, 602f are disposed in the fiber optic module 600. Because each of the adapter modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d, 602e, 602f has four adapter ports to receive connectors, the fiber optic module 600 can accommodate a total of forty-eight connectors (e.g., 4 x 9 = 48) connected thereto. Figure 6 The fiber optic module 600 depicted in FIG. 6 can accommodate thirty-six connectors connected thereto as needed (e.g., 4 x 9 = 36). In this configuration, when a large number of connectors is needed in a fiber optic cable management system, such as the tight stack of adapter modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d, 602e, 602f vertically stacked from top to tail depicted in Figure 6 The tight stack of adapter modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d, 602e, 602f vertically stacked from top to tail depicted in FIG. 6 can provide a high density of connector connections.

[0051] Figure 7 A top exploded view of an example of a fiber panel assembly 700 is depicted. The fiber panel assembly 700 can accommodate Figure 4 and Figure 5 fiber optic modules 350 that will be disposed in the internal opening 702 defined in the fiber panel assembly 700 as shown by the arrow 704. Note that when the high density fiber optic module 600 is configured to be installed in the fiber panel assembly 700, the size of the fiber panel assembly can be proportionally increased 700 to accommodate the high density fiber optic module 600 having a larger size. Figure 6 Figure 6

[0052] ​​The fiber modules 350 are arranged vertically in the interior opening 702 relative to a horizontal plane defined by the top front cover 706 or the bottom cover 708 of the fiber panel assembly 700. The top front cover 706 and the top rear cover 710 define a top deck of the fiber panel assembly 700 in combination. Two opposing side panels 712, 714 are arranged in parallel in a manner connected between the top front cover 706, the top rear cover 710, and the bottom cover 708, thereby defining the interior opening 702 therein. A mounting structure 720 can be arranged on the side panels 712, 714, which can assist in mounting the fiber panel assembly 700 to a cable management system, such as a cable rack located in a server room or data center.

[0053] A slide tray (or extendable tray) 725 can be mounted in the interior opening 702 of the fiber panel assembly 700. The slide tray 725 can carry a plurality of fiber modules 350 in order to slide or pull a predetermined set of fiber modules 350 outward relative to the fiber panel assembly 700. The slide tray 725 has a front housing 734 that is configured to slide into and engage a track channel 730 defined in the side panels 712, 714 of the fiber panel assembly 700. A pull tab 732 is formed on a sidewall 738 of the front housing 734 to provide a gripping structure to allow the slide tray 725 to be easily pulled out of and pushed into the fiber panel assembly 700.

[0054] A mounting bracket 736 is arranged on the bottom cover 708, which has a rear housing 735 in the fiber panel assembly 700. The mounting bracket 736 has a plurality of protruding posts 738 and a plurality of apertures 740 between the plurality of protruding posts 738. The plurality of protruding posts 738 extend from an inner surface 752 of a support structure 748. The plurality of apertures 740 are defined against and above the inner surface 752 of the support structure 748. A space defined in the rear housing 735 below each protruding post 738 of the mounting bracket 736 is configured to enclose one fiber module 350 therein.

[0055] The plurality of apertures 740 of the mounting bracket 736 can receive a plurality of protruding structures 742 of the slide tray 725, thereby allowing the slide tray 725 to engage with the mounting bracket 736 when the slide tray 725 is retracted to the non-extended position. The plurality of protruding posts 738 can include a tray channel 780 (also in Figure 9BAs shown in the diagram, the tray channel 780 is configured to receive a plurality of protruding structures 742 of a sliding tray 725 that slides therein. The ends 752 of the protruding structures 742 of the sliding tray 725 abut against the inner surface 752 of a mounting bracket 736. When retracted to the non-extended position, each protruding structure 742 of the sliding tray 725 abuts against and intersects with a corresponding protruding post 738 in the mounting bracket 736 having an end 752 that matches the inner surface 752. The space in the front housing 734 defined below each protruding structure 742 of the sliding tray 725 is configured to encapsulate a vertically arranged fiber optic module 350 therein. Thus, the plurality of protruding posts 738 of the mounting bracket 736 encapsulate a first group of fiber optic modules 350, such as first, third, and fifth fiber optic modules 350 (e.g., Figure 4 The odd-numbered fiber optic modules 350a shown are examples of this, while the multiple protruding structures 742 of the sliding tray 725 encapsulate the second group of fiber optic modules 350, such as the second, fourth, and sixth fiber optic modules 350 (e.g., the odd-numbered fiber optic modules 350a). Figure 4 The even-numbered fiber optic modules 350b shown are examples of this. Therefore, the first set of fiber optic modules 350a, encapsulated below the protruding post 738 of the mounting bracket 736, and the second set of fiber optic modules 350b, encapsulated below the protruding structure 742 of the sliding tray 725, are arranged abutting against each other but connected to different components, such as the mounting bracket 736 and the sliding tray 725, respectively. When the sliding tray 725 is slid and pulled outward to the extended position, only the second set of fiber optic modules 350b connected to the sliding tray 725 is pulled out, while the first set of fiber optic modules 350 remains in the non-extended position.

[0056] In one example, the mounting bracket 736 can be securely mounted in the fiber optic panel assembly 700 using fastening features such as bolts, nuts, screws, etc.

[0057] Figure 8 Depicted in non-extended position Figure 7 The image shows a top front view of a fiber optic panel assembly 700, which has multiple arrays of fiber optic modules 350a and 350b mounted therein. As described above, the first group of fiber optic modules 350a and the second group of fiber optic modules 350b are arranged in an interleaved manner, such that the first group of fiber optic modules 350a and the second group of fiber optic modules 350b are interleaved relative to each other at a certain depth. Figure 8In the example depicted in FIG. 7A, the first set of fiber optic modules 350a extend and protrude outwardly and forwardly from the second set of fiber optic modules 350a by a predetermined depth. The first set of fiber optic modules 350a are respectively engaged under the plurality of protruding posts 738 of the mounting bracket 736, while the second set of fiber optic modules 350b are respectively engaged under the plurality of protruding structures 742 of the sliding tray 725. When the technician or operator pulls the pull tab 732, the second set of fiber optic modules 350b engaged under the plurality of protruding structures 742 of the sliding tray 725 are pulled out, thereby causing the sliding tray 725 to extend outwardly to the extended position, while the first set of fiber optic modules 350a remain unmoved in the non-extended position.

[0058] Figure 9A and 9B FIGS. 7A and 7B respectively depict top views of the fiber panel assembly 700 with the sliding tray 725 in the non-extended position and the extended position. In Figure 9A the non-extended position depicted in FIG. 7A, the distal ends 752 of the protruding structures 742 abut and engage the inner surface 754 of the mounting bracket 736, which is also shown in Figure 8 The first front ends 402a of the first set of fiber optic modules 350a extend outwardly from the second front ends 402b of the second set of fiber optic modules 350b. When the sliding tray 725 is pulled out to the extended position as depicted in Figure 9B the second set of fiber optic modules 350b become extended outwardly from the first set of fiber optic modules 350a by a predetermined depth 430. When in the extended position, the distal ends 752 of the protruding structures 742 are pulled out to a position away from the inner surface 754 of the mounting bracket 736. A stop member 782 can be disposed in the tray channel 780 in the mounting bracket 736, or to the edges of the protruding structures 742 of the sliding tray 725 to prevent the sliding tray 725 from extending above the stop member 782 and outside of the tray channel 780 defined in the mounting bracket 736. The sliding tray 725 carries the second set of fiber optic modules 350b, thereby allowing the plurality of connectors disposed in the second set of fiber optic modules 350b to be pulled out simultaneously at one time, thereby avoiding the search time for a particular connector connected at a particular fiber optic module in the fiber panel assembly 700. Furthermore, the staggered configuration defined between the first set of fiber optic modules 350a and the second set of fiber optic modules 350b can also provide an open space defined by the depth 430 to allow easy access by the technician or operator to connect or remove their connectors.

[0059] Figures 10A to 10CA top view, perspective front view, and side view of a slide tray 725 that can be installed in the fiber panel assembly 700 is depicted. The slide tray 725 includes a plurality of protruding structures 742 that extend outwardly from a housing 734. A plurality of apertures 798 are defined between the protruding structures 742. A pull tab 732 is attached to a side of the housing 734. A guide rail 792 is formed on an edge of the housing 734 that is configured to engage with the tray channel 780 in the mounting bracket 736 when the slide tray 725 is installed in the fiber panel assembly 700. Mounting features 790 are formed on the protruding structures 742 that allow the clips 414, 416 from the fiber module 350 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B to engage with the mounting features 790 in order to secure the fiber module 350 in the slide tray 725. In this regard, the apertures 798 defined between the protruding structures 742 are configured to receive another set of fiber modules 350 that are not capable of being actuated or slid by the slide tray 725. Thus, the slide tray 725 is configured to selectively pull out a predetermined set of fiber modules 350 without the other set of fiber modules 350 that are installed in the slide tray 725 remaining in place and moving. In one example, the width of the protruding structures 742 can be similar to or slightly greater than the width of the fiber module 350 in order to receive the fiber module 350 underneath the protruding structures 742 in the slide tray 725. For example, the housing 734 and the protruding structures 742 of the slide tray 725 can be formed as a unitary body that allows the pull tab 732 to be removably attached to the side of the slide tray 725. Figure 4

[0060] Figure 11 An example fiber cable management system 1100 is depicted that can have a fiber panel assembly 700 installed on a rack 1102. After the first set of fiber panel modules 350a and the second set of fiber panel modules 350b are arranged in the fiber panel assembly 700, the fiber panel assembly 700 can then be installed on the rack 1102 by fastening features such as bolts, nuts, or fastening screws. In the fiber cable management system, the rack 1102 can allow for a plurality of fiber panel assemblies 700 to be installed thereon. Figure 7

[0061] ​​Accordingly, a fiber panel assembly is provided having a slide tray disposed therein that enables certain selected fiber modules to be slid outward from other unselected fiber modules. Each fiber module is arranged vertically side-by-side in a multi-array configuration in the fiber panel assembly. In one example, every other fiber module, such as a first group of fiber modules, is staggered relative to adjacent fiber modules, such as a second group of fiber modules, in a longitudinal direction from a front end to a rear end of the fiber modules. Further, the tray is also configured to pull out multiple selected fiber modules at one time so that a technician or operator can efficiently and quickly visually identify and locate a target connector or cable in the fiber module assembly with minimal search time. Because the fiber modules are arranged vertically side-by-side in a dense stack, good utilization of the space defined in the fiber module assembly is achieved. Accordingly, the fiber module assembly disclosed herein provides high density, easy and fast access, and small footprint for the management and organization of desired cables and connectors.

[0062] The foregoing alternative examples are not mutually exclusive unless otherwise specified, but can be implemented in various combinations to achieve unique advantages. Because these and other variations and combinations of features discussed above can be utilized without departing from the subject matter defined by the claims, the foregoing description should not be taken as limiting in scope rather than illustrative of what is defined by the claims. Furthermore, the provision of the examples described herein, as well as clauses phrased in the summary or detailed description sections, should not be interpreted as a limitation on the claimed subject matter; rather these examples are intended to illustrate one specific embodiment from a multitude of possible embodiments. Additionally, statements regarding the use of the terms "for example," "for instance," "such as," or "like," are used to introduce or otherwise convey information regarding particular aspects of embodiments. These terms are, however, not a limitation on the aspects of the embodiments to which these terms refer. These terms are used in their generic sense only, and are not used to limit or narrow their associated aspects of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A fiber panel assembly, comprising: a top plate, a bottom cover, and two opposing sides, the top plate, the bottom cover, and the two opposing sides defining an interior opening therein; a slide tray arranged in the interior opening, the slide tray configured to have a plurality of fiber modules arranged vertically therein; and a mounting bracket arranged in the interior opening, wherein selected fiber modules are engaged with the slide tray and unselected fiber modules are engaged with the mounting bracket, wherein the slide tray is configured to pull out the selected fiber modules while maintaining the unselected fiber modules from moving, wherein every other fiber module is staggered relative to adjacent fiber modules arranged in the interior opening.

2. The fiber panel assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a pull tab attached to a side of the slide tray.

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