EP2868114A1

EP2868114A1 - Patch panel cover

Info

Publication number: EP2868114A1
Application number: EP13736520.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thierry Mike DECLERCK; Peter Jerome J ISTAS; Ludo JACOBS; Samuel LEEMAN
Original assignee: Tyco Electronics Raychem BVBA
Current assignee: Commscope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
Priority date: 2012-06-29
Filing date: 2013-07-01
Publication date: 2015-05-06
Also published as: WO2014001559A1

Abstract

A patch panel cover (10) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the patch panel cover includes a main body (12) and a plurality of adapter port apertures (20) located within the main body (12). A plurality of dust covers (30) is also provided. Each of the plurality of dust covers (30) has a main body (32) removably connected to one of the adapter ports (20) by at least a pair of connection legs (34) wherein each of the connection legs (34) extends into a corresponding recess (20a) of the adapter port aperture (20). In one embodiment, the patch panel cover main body (12) and the plurality of dust covers (30) are integrally molded together from a single material, for example a plastic material.

Description

PATCH PANEL COVER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to dust covers for telecommunications patch panels.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A patch panel in a data/telecommunications cabinet provides for a connection interface for adapters, such as optical fiber adapters. Frequently, the cabinet is not always fully populated with adapters thereby resulting in exposed, empty ports in the patch panel. As a dust protection measure for the empty ports, a separate plastic cap is often clicked into the position of the empty port. In such an application, an installer subsequently needs to remove this plastic cover and press an adapter in the open port of the patch panel. Improvements are desired.

SUMMARY

[0003] A patch panel cover is disclosed. The patch panel cover includes a main body and a plurality of adapter port apertures located within the main body. In one embodiment, an array of adapter ports arranged in multiple columns and rows is provided. The patch panel may also be provided with a plurality of dust covers or break-out ports, each of which covers an adapter port aperture. In one embodiment, the main body of the dust cover is removably connected to one of the adapter ports by at least a pair of connection legs wherein each of the connection legs extends into a recess of the adapter port aperture. In one embodiment, recesses are not provided. In one embodiment, the dust cover is further or alternatively secured to the patch panel main body by a thin film. In one embodiment, the main body and the plurality of dust covers are integrally molded together from a single material, such as a plastic material.

[0004] In one embodiment, each dust cover is provided with four connection legs located at corners of the dust cover. The connection legs are for connecting the dust covers to the adapter port apertures. Alternatively, two connection legs may be provided at opposite corners of the dust cover main body. The connection legs may also be provided at the mid-points of the top and bottom edges of the dust cover main body. Furthermore, multiple connection legs may be disposed along any number of side edges of the dust cover. Multiple connection legs may also be provided on a single side edge of the dust cover.

[0005] The connection legs may be configured to have a first length and the recess may be configured to have a second length wherein the first length of the each leg is greater than the second length of each recess. The connection legs may also be configured to have a first thickness nearest the connection to the dust cover main body and a second thickness nearest the connection to the adapter port aperture recess, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

[0006] In one embodiment, the main body of the patch panel cover has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of each of the plurality of dust covers. In such an application, the dust cover may be recessed from the first and/or second face of the patch panel main body, or may be flush with either of the first and second faces. The dust covers may also be provided to include a recessed area disposed on the main body of each of the dust covers for aiding in removing the dust covers with a pointed instrument.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Non- limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0008] Figure 1 is a front view of a patch panel cover having a plurality of dust covers arranged in an array having features that are examples of aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 is a rear view of the patch panel shown in Figure 1. [0010] Figure 3 is a top view of the patch panel shown in Figure 1. [0011] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the patch panel shown in Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the patch panel shown in Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the patch panel shown in Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the patch panel shown in Figure 1 with an adapter aligned for insertion into one of the ports in the patch panel.

[0015] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the patch panel shown in Figure 1 with a plurality of adapters inserted into the top row of ports in the patch panel.

[0016] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the patch panel shown in Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 10 is an enlarged portion of a portion of the patch panel shown in Figure 9 with a dust cover removed.

[0018] Figure 11 is an enlarged portion of a portion of the patch panel shown in Figure 9 with a dust cover installed.

[0019] Figure 12 is a schematic front view of a second embodiment of a dust cover usable with the patch panel shown in Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 13 is a schematic front view of a third embodiment of a dust cover usable with the patch panel shown in Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 14 is a schematic front view of a fourth embodiment of a dust cover usable with the patch panel shown in Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 15 is a schematic front view of a fifth embodiment of a dust cover usable with the patch panel shown in Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 16 is a schematic front view of a sixth embodiment of a dust cover usable with the patch panel shown in Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

[0025] Referring now to Figures 1-8, an example patch panel cover 10 is shown. In one embodiment, patch panel cover 10 is configured for use in a data/telecommunications cabinet (not shown) and operates to provide dust protection for unused adapter ports on a patch panel. However, it should be understood that the concepts disclosed herein may be applied in a variety of applications where dust or contaminant protection is desired for empty or unused connection ports.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, patch panel cover 10 has a main body 12 with a front face 12a and a rear face 12b. As shown, the main body 12 is provided with a rib structure 24 that extends away from the rear face 12b. The rib structure 24 adds stiffness to the main body such resistance to warping and bending is increased.

[0027] The patch panel cover 10 is additionally shown as having a pair of hinge portions 14 for allowing the main body 12 to be rotated from an open position to a closed position. A pair of retention tabs 16 is also provided for holding the main body 12 in the closed position. Retention tabs 16 are configured to lock against corresponding features on the data/telecommunications cabinet. A user may bend the tabs 16 away from the cabinet to unlatch the patch panel cover 10 so that it may be rotated to the open position. In order to limit the degree to which the main body 12 is allowed to open, a hinge limiter 26 may be provided. Furthermore, patch panel 10 can also be provided with a lock 18 for further securing the main body 12 in the closed position.

[0028] The various features 14, 16, 18, 24, 26 are optional. Other features can be used with patch panel cover 10.

[0029] As shown, the main body 12 of the patch panel cover 10 has a plurality of adapter port apertures 20. Adapter port apertures 20 are for providing an opening through which adapters 40 may be connected to the patch panel and patch panel cover 10. Referring to Figures 7-8, it can be seen that adapters 40 may be configured to connect to the patch panel cover 10. In the particular embodiment shown, indicia 28 are provided for each adapter port aperture 20.

[0030] In one embodiment, the patch panel cover 10 is provided with one or more ledge portions 15 adjacent to each aperture 20. Ledge portions 15 are areas of reduced thickness, as compared to the thickness tl of the cover main body 12. In one embodiment, each ledge portion 15 is configured to accommodate engagement of a spring clip 41 provided on the adapter 40. The spring clip 41, in combination with a flange 42 on the adapter 40 operates to fasten the adapter 40 to the main body 12. As shown, each adapter 40 has two flanges 42 and two spring clips 41 located on opposite sides of the adapter 40 while each aperture 20 has a ledge portion 15 adjacent to a top and bottom side edge of the aperture 20.

[0031] As can be seen most easily at Figure 1, the patch panel cover 10 may be configured with apertures 20 of different configurations. For example, the adapter port apertures 20 demarked by indicia numbers 1 through 16 are open and generally rectangular in shape. As it is generally expected that at least a minimal number of ports will be initially used in a given application, open apertures of a given number may be provided. While a total of 16 open apertures 20 are provided in two rows in the embodiment shown, it should be noted that any number of open apertures may be provided in any number of whole or partial rows or columns without departing from the concepts herein. Additionally, the patch panel cover 10 may be preinstalled with adapters 40 such that every aperture 20 is covered by either an adapter 40 or a dust cover 30 (discussed later).

[0032] The remaining adapter port apertures 20 shown in Figure 1, demarked by indicia numbers 17 to 48, are each provided with an integrally molded dust cover 30. In the particular embodiment shown in Figures 1-8, the apertures 20 are additionally provided with recesses 21, as most clearly seen at Figures 9 and 10. With reference to Figure 9, the aperture 20 is shown with the dust cover removed wherein the aperture 20 has a first width Wl and a first height HI. In one embodiment, all of the apertures 20 in the patch panel cover 10, including the open apertures 20, have a first width Wl and a first height HI. In one embodiment, the first width Wl and the first height HI of the open apertures 20 and/or the apertures covered by a dust cover 30 correspond to a width and height of an adapter 40.

[0033] With reference to Figure 10, the dust cover 30 is shown as being connected to the main body 12 by a plurality of connection legs 34. As shown, connection legs 34 are provided at each corner of the main body 32 of the dust cover 30 for a total of four connection legs 34 per aperture 20. It is noted that the connection legs 34 also function to provide a flow path for molten material to flow into the region of the main body 32 of the dust cover 30 during a molding process. As shown, dust cover 30 is also shown as having a second width W2 and a second height H2 which are less than the first width Wl and first height HI, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the differences in height and width between the aperture 20 and the cover 30 result in a gap 22 between the sides of the two components. The existence of gap 22 allows for easier removal of the dust cover 30.

[0034] Referring to Figure 3, it can be seen that the main body 12 has a first thickness tl while the dust cover 30 has a second thickness t2 that is less than the first thickness tl. As configured the dust cover 30 is inset from both the front face 12a and the rear face 12b of the main body 12. In general, the dust cover 30 has a reduced thickness (i.e. t2 is less than tl) such that removal of the dust cover 30 may be made more easily due to less breaking resistance of the corresponding legs 34. The reduced thickness, in combination with gap 22, also minimizes the chances of the dust cover 30 binding within the aperture 20 during removal wherein the dust cover 30 is likely to be at some angle with respect to the main body 12 of the cover 10.

[0035] Referring back to Figure 10, it can be seen that dust cover 30 is provided with a recessed area 36. Recessed area 36 is for allowing an installer to use a pointed object, such as a pen or a screwdriver to remove the dust cover 30 by providing a secure location against which pressure may be applied. A recessed area 36 may be provided on both sides of the dust cover 30. It is noted that the dust cover 30 may also be removed by simply pressing against the dust cover 30 with a finger such that the use of tools is unnecessary.

[0036] Details of the recessed area 21 and connection leg 34 are most easily seen at Figure 11. Figure 11 is an enlarged portion of Figure 10. In the embodiment shown, the connection legs 34 have a length LI, and may be provided with a first portion 34a proximate the dust cover 30 and a second portion 34b proximate the main body 12. As shown, the first portion 34a has a maximum dimension Tl while the second portion 34b has a maximum dimension T2 wherein dimension T2 is less than dimension Tl. This arrangement is provided to ensure that the connection leg 34 breaks along the second portion 34b of the leg 34 such that as much of the leg 34 is removed as possible when a dust cover 30 is removed from an aperture 20. It is also noted that each recess 21, into which a leg 34 extends, is shown as having a length L2 and a width W3. As shown, length L2 of the recess 21 is less than the length LI of the connection leg 34. The geometry of the recess 21, in combination with the configuration of the connection leg 34, ensures that an adapter 40 can be subsequently inserted into the aperture 20 without interference of residual material, or at the very least minimizes any fragments of a leg 34 that may need to be removed before installing an adapter.

[0037] Referring to Figures 12 to 16, additional embodiments of apertures and dust covers are shown. As many of the concepts and features are similar to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-11, the description for the first embodiment is hereby incorporated by reference for the additional embodiments and vice versa. Where like or similar features or elements are shown, the same reference numbers will be used where possible. The following description for the additional embodiments will be limited primarily to the differences between the first and second embodiments.

[0038] With reference to the second embodiment shown in Figure 12, it can be seen that a dust cover 130 having a main body 132 is provided in an aperture 120 of the cover main body 12. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in at least two respects. First, only two recesses 121 and connection legs 134 are provided at opposite corners of the aperture 120 and main body 132, respectively. Because two fewer connection legs are utilized as compared to the first embodiment, the molding process may be less optimized in this embodiment as the flow path for material into the region of the main body 132 of the dust cover 130 may be reduced. However, this condition can be mitigated or eliminated by providing the connection legs 134 with a larger cross-sectional area. The second difference between the first and second embodiments is that the geometry of the first portion 134a and the second portion 134b of the legs 134 is somewhat different in that the second portion 134b represents a much smaller fraction of the overall length of the connection leg 134. This configuration may result in breakage of the leg 134 at a more proximate location of the main body 12.

[0039] With reference to the third embodiment shown in Figure 13, it can be seen that a dust cover 230 having a main body 232 is provided in an aperture 220 of the main body 12. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in at least two respects. First, only two recesses 221 and connection legs 234 are provided which are located at the midpoints of the top and bottom of the aperture 220 and main body 232, respectively. Second, the geometry of the first portion 234a and the second portion 234b of the legs is somewhat different in that the second portion 234b represents a much smaller portion of the overall length of the connection leg 234. This configuration may result in breakage of the leg 234 at a more proximate location of the main body 12.

[0040] With reference to the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 14, it can be seen that a dust cover 330 having a main body 332 is provided in an aperture 320 of the cover main body 12. The fourth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment in that connection legs 34 are provided at the midpoints of the top and bottom of the aperture 320 and main body 332.

However, no recesses are provided for the connection legs 134 which simply extend across gap 322 from the main body 332 of the dust cover 330 to the main body 12. Another difference is that each connection leg 334 is shown as having a generally constant geometry along its length. Accordingly, some removal of material from legs 334 may be required after removal of the dust cover 330 and before the insertion of an adapter 40.

[0041] With reference to the fifth embodiment presented in Figure 15, it can be seen that a dust cover 430 having a main body 432 is provided in an aperture 420 of the cover main body 12. However, unlike the previously disclosed embodiments, a thin film 522 is shown as extending between the main body 12 and the main body 432 of the dust cover 430. The thin film 522 is relatively thinner than the main body 432 of the dust cover 430 thereby providing an area of weakness for removing the dust cover 430. Dust cover 430 is also further stabilized by a pair of connection legs 434 or a thickened area 434 within the thin film. The thickened area 434 allows for an additional flow path for such that sufficient material may flow into the area of the main body 432 of the dust cover. The sixth embodiment shown at Figure 16 is the same as the fifth embodiment, with the exception that no thickened area is provided such that only the thin film operates to retain the dust cover 530 within aperture 520.

[0042] In example embodiments, the patch panel cover 10 is made of a plastic material, such as a polycarbonate, polypropylene, ccrylonitrile butadiene styrene (i.e. ABS), and

polyoxymethylene (i.e. POM, acetal, polyacetal and polyformaldehyde). Other materials can be used.

[0043] Panels or panel inserts with a single dust cover 30 can be provided. Alternatively, panels or panel inserts can be provided with single rows or single columns of covers 30. The illustrated embodiment shows plural rows and columns of covers 30.

[0044] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

PARTS LIST

10 patch panel cover

12 main body

12a main body front face

12b main body rear face

14 hinge portions

15 flange

16 retention tabs / clicks

18 lock

20 adapter port apertures

21 adapter port recesses

22 gap between dust cover and adapter port aperture

24 Rib for rigidity

26 Hinge limiter

28 adapter port indicia

30 dust cover

32 dust cover main body

34 dust cover connection legs

34a connection leg first portion

34b connection leg second portion

36 dust cover main body recessed area

40 adapter

41 adapter clip

42 adapter flange

HI adapter port height

H2 dust cover height

Wl adapter port width

W2 dust cover width

W3 adapter port recess width

LI dust cover connection leg length

L2 adapter port recess length

tl connection leg first portion thickness t2 connection leg second portion thickness

120 adapter port apertures

121 adapter port recesses

122 gap between dust cover and adapter port aperture

130 dust covers

132 dust cover main body

134 dust cover connection legs

134a connection leg first portion

134b connection leg second portion

220 adapter port apertures

221 adapter port recesses 222 gap between dust cover and adapter port aperture

230 dust covers

232 dust cover main body

234 dust cover connection legs

234a connection leg first portion

234b connection leg second portion

320 adapter port apertures

322 gap between dust cover and adapter port aperture

330 dust covers

332 dust cover main body

334 dust cover connection legs

334a connection leg first portion

334b connection leg second portion

420 adapter port apertures

422 thin film

430 dust covers

432 dust cover main body

434 thickened portion

520 adapter port apertures

522 thin film

530 dust covers

532 dust cover main body

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A patch panel cover (10) comprising:

(a) a main body (12);

(b) a plurality of adapter port apertures (20) located within the main body (12);

(c) a plurality of dust covers (30), each of the plurality of dust covers (30) having a main body (32) removably connected to one of the adapter port apertures (20) by at least a pair of connection legs (34), each of the connection legs (34) extending into a recess (20a) of the adapter port aperture (20).

2. The patch panel cover (10) according to claim 1, wherein the main body (12) and the plurality of dust covers (30) are integrally molded together from a single material.

3. The patch panel cover (10) according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein each main body (32) is connected to an adapter port (20) with four connection legs (34) located at corners of the main body (32).

4. The patch panel cover (10) according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein each main body (132) is connected to an adapter port aperture (120) with two connection legs (134) located at opposite corners of the main body (132).

5. The patch panel cover (10) according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein each main body (332, 432) is connected to an adapter port aperture (320, 420) with two connection legs (334, 434) located at top and bottom mid-points of the main body (332, 432).

6. The patch panel cover (10) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the connection legs (34) have a first length (LI) and the recess (20a) has a second length (L2), the first length (LI) being greater than the second length (L2).

7. The patch panel cover (10) according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the connection legs (34) have a first thickness (Tl) nearest the dust cover main body (32) and a second thickness (T2) nearest the connection to the adapter port aperture recess (20a), wherein the first thickness (Tl) is greater than the second thickness (T2).

8. The patch panel cover (10) according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the main body (12) has a thickness (Tl) that is greater than a thickness (T2) of each of the plurality of dust covers (30).

9. The patch panel cover (10) according to any of claims 1-8, further comprising a recessed area (36) disposed on the main body (32) of each of the dust covers (30).

10. A patch panel cover (10) comprising:

(a) a main body (12) having a first thickness (tl);

(b) a plurality of adapter port apertures (20) located within the main body (12), the plurality of adapter port apertures (20) being arranged in an array containing multiple rows and columns;

(c) a plurality of dust covers (30) covering at least some of the plurality of adapter port apertures (20), each of the plurality of dust covers (30) having a main body (32) removably connected to an adapter port aperture (20), each of the plurality of dust covers (30) having a second thickness (t2) that is less than the first thickness (tl) of the main body (12).