WO2020101851A1

WO2020101851A1 - Parking components for fiber optic connectors, and fiber optic assemblies including the same

Info

Publication number: WO2020101851A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/057594
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jorgen Mitchell HANSEN; Louis Edward PARKMAN, III.; Sven Strunck
Original assignee: Corning Research & Development Corporation
Priority date: 2018-11-14
Filing date: 2019-10-23
Publication date: 2020-05-22

Abstract

A fiber optic assembly includes an adapter and a parking component. The adapter has a receptacle for receiving a fiber optic connector and at least one adapter latching feature for retaining the fiber optic connector in the receptacle. The parking component includes a first portion received in the receptacle of the adapter and a second portion that is positioned outside of the receptacle and configured to securely support the fiber optic connector. The first portion engages the at least one adapter latching feature so that the first portion is retained in the receptacle. The second portion includes at least one parking component latching feature for engaging the fiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector is securely supported by the second portion.

Description

PARKING COMPONENTS FOR FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS, AND FIBER OPTIC

ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING THE SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/767,164, filed on November 14, 2018, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to fiber optic components and assemblies, and more particularly to parking components for interfacing with fiber optic adapters and supporting fiber optic connectors.

[0003] Optical fibers are used in a wide variety of applications, including the

telecommunications industry for voice, video, and data transmissions. The benefits of optical fiber are well known and include higher signal-to-noise ratios and increased bandwidth compared to conventional copper-based transmission technologies. To meet modern demands for increased bandwidth and improved performance, telecommunication networks are increasingly providing optical fiber connectivity closer to end subscribers. These initiatives include fiber-to-the-node (FTTN), fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), and the like (generally described as FTTx).

[0004] In an FTTx network, fiber optic cables are used to carry optical signals to various distribution points and, in some cases, all the way to end subscribers. For example, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary FTTx network 10 that distributes optical signals generated at a switching point 12 (e.g., a central office of a network provider) to subscriber premises 14. Optical line terminals (OLTs; not shown) at the switching point 12 convert electrical signals to optical signals. Fiber optic feeder cables 16 then carry the optical signals to various local convergence points 18, which act as locations for splicing and making cross-connections and interconnections. The local convergence points 18 often include splitters to enable any given optical fiber in the fiber optic feeder cable 16 to serve multiple subscriber premises 14. As a result, the optical signals are "branched out" from the optical fibers of the fiber optic feeder cables 16 to optical fibers of distribution cables 20 that exit the local convergence points 18.

[0005] At network access points closer to the subscriber premises 14, some or all of the optical fibers in the distribution cables 20 may be accessed to connect to one or more subscriber premises 14. Drop cables 22 extend from the network access points to the subscriber premises 14, which may be single-dwelling units (SDU), multi-dwelling units (MDU), businesses, and/or other facilities or buildings. A conversion of optical signals back to electrical signals may occur at the network access points or at the subscriber premises 14.

[0006] There are many different network architectures, and the various tasks required to distribute optical signals (e.g., splitting, splicing, routing, connecting subscribers) can occur at several locations. Regardless of whether a location is considered a local convergence point, network access point, subscriber premise, or something else, fiber optic equipment is used to house components that carry out one or more of the tasks. The term "terminal" will be used in this disclosure to generically refer to such equipment, which may include fiber distribution hubs, cabinets, closures, network interface devices, etc.

[0007] Some terminals may include fiber optic connectors that are reserved for future connections. Depending on the location where the terminal is used in the network, there may be anywhere from one to hundreds of such connectors. Storage or "parking" features are typically included in the terminal to store connectors that are reserved for future use.

Accommodating such features can be challenge when designing a terminal, particularly when dozens or hundreds of unused connectors are involved. The space within a terminal is typically limited because there is also a need to properly route and store cables, to accommodate components for splicing, splitting, or the like, and to allow technicians to effectively install or operate the components. Making terminals larger may not necessarily help with organization and increase the likelihood of customers considering the equipment to be obtrusive.

SUMMARY

[0008] Embodiments of parking components for fiber optic assemblies are provided in this disclosure. The parking components can interface with fiber optic adapters, preventing the adapters from being used for live network connections. At the same time, the parking components can securely support respective fiber optic connectors that a reserved for future connections. Thus, the fiber optic connectors may be stored for later use nearby the locations for such use. Complexities associated with routing cables that are terminated with the fiber optic connectors may be reduced, and equipment housing the fiber optic adapters may be designed in a more space-efficient manner. [0009] According to one embodiment, a fiber optic assembly includes an adapter and a parking component. The adapter has a receptacle for receiving a fiber optic connector and at least one adapter latching feature for retaining the fiber optic connector in the receptacle. The parking component includes a first portion received in the receptacle of the adapter and a second portion that is positioned outside of the receptacle and configured to securely support the fiber optic connector. The first portion engages the at least one adapter latching feature so that the first portion is retained in the receptacle. The second portion includes at least one parking component latching feature for engaging the fiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector is securely supported by the second portion.

[0010] According to another embodiment, a fiber optic assembly includes a fiber optic connector, an adapter having a receptacle and at least one adapter latching feature, and a parking component having a first portion received in the receptacle of the adapter and a second portion that securely supports the fiber optic connector at least partially outside of the receptacle. The first portion is retained in the receptacle by the at least one adapter latching feature. The second portion includes at least one parking component latching feature that engages the fiber optic connector to retain the fiber optic connector with the second portion.

[0011] A further aspect of this disclosure is a parking component for interfacing with a fiber optic adapter and supporting fiber optic connector at least partially outside of the fiber optic adapter. The parking component comprises a body having a first portion defining a front end and a second portion defining a back end. The body extends in a longitudinal direction between the front end and the back end such that the body has a width transverse to the longitudinal direction. The first portion includes a retention region in which the width is smaller than an adjacent region of the first portion that is closer to the front end. The second portion includes opposed parking component latch arms for engaging the fiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector is supported by the parking component.

[0012] Methods of arranging a telecommunications terminal are also provided in this disclosure. According to one embodiment, such a method comprises inserting a first portion of a parking component into a receptacle of an adapter of the telecommunications terminal. The adapter includes at least one adapter latching feature that engages the parking component to retain the first portion in the receptacle. The method also comprises supporting a fiber optic connector of a cable assembly with a second portion of the parking component that remains outside of the receptacle. The second portion of the parking component includes at least one component latching feature that engages the fiber optic connector to retain the fiber optic connector with the parking component.

[0013] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the technical field of optical connectivity. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description, the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary and intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. Features and attributes associated with any of the embodiments shown or described may be applied to other embodiments shown, described, or appreciated based on this disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example FTTx network.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a frame for a terminal.

[0017] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a fiber optic assembly in accordance with one embodiment of this disclosure, with the fiber optic assembly including a fiber optic connector, a parking component, and a fiber optic adapter.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the fiber optic assembly of FIG. 3 in an assembled configuration.

[0019] FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are different perspective views showing the parking component of the fiber optic assembly FIG. 3 in isolation.

[0020] FIG. 8 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the fiber optic assembly of FIG. 3.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a parking component according to another

embodiment of this disclosure, with the parking component including a body that has a first portion and a second portion, an adapter sealing element that extends around the first portion, and a connector sealing element at least partially positioned in a cavity that extends into the body from an opening in the second portion.

[0022] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the parking component of FIG. 9, wherein the connector sealing element, body, and adapter sealing element are shown apart from each other.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the parking component of FIG. 9 interfacing with a fiber optic adapter and supporting a fiber optic connector, with only portions of the fiber optic adapter and fiber optic connector being shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Various embodiments will be further clarified by examples in the description below.

In general, the description relates to parking components that may be used fiber optic networks. The parking components may have dual functions, serving both as covers or caps (e.g., dust covers or caps) for optical fiber adapters and as storage locations (i.e., "parking features") for optical fiber connectors that are reserved for future connections. Both functions are not required, however, as this disclosure also contemplates uses where only one of the functions is needed. Thus, even though the term "parking" may be used in referring to the parking components, this disclosure contemplates use of the parking components as covers or caps for optical fiber adapters without serving as a parking feature for optical fiber connectors. The parking feature function may simply remain an option provided by the parking

components.

[0025] The parking components in this disclosure may be used in FTTx networks, such as the FTTx network 10 (FIG. 1) in terminals at local convergence points 18 or network access points, or even in enterprise networks, such as in data center environments. Thus, although the parking components may be described in connection with an exemplary terminal below, this is merely to facilitate discussion. The parking components may in fact be used in a wide variety of different equipment for all different types of fiber optic networks.

[0026] With this in mind, FIG. 2 illustrates one example of frame 30 for a terminal 32 to be placed at one of the local convergence points 18 in FIG. 1. The terminal 32 may be in the form of a cabinet or enclosure that includes the frame 30 installed in a housing (not shown). The frame 30 supports various components for accomplishing the network tasks associated with the local convergence point 18. For example, a row of fiber optic adapters 34 ("adapters 34") supported by the frame defines a feeder field 36 to receive connections associated with one of the feeder cables 16 of the network 10. Optical fibers (not shown) from the fiber cable 16 may be terminated with fiber optic connectors (directly or by splicing to pigtails) that are plugged into the adapters 34 on the back side of the frame 30.

[0027] Below the feeder field 36, the frame 30 defines a region 40 for receiving and supporting splitter modules 42. Only two splitter modules 42 are shown in FIG. 1, and only the splitter module 42 on the left is schematically illustrated with an input cable 44 and a plurality of output cables 48 to simplify the drawings. The input cable 44 carries an input fiber (not shown), and the output cables 48 carry respective output fibers (not shown). The splitter modules 42 each include an optical splitter (not shown) so that a multiplexed signal carried by the input fiber of the input cable 44 can be separated into demultiplexed signals carried by the output fibers of the output cables 48. The multiplexed signal typically comes from the feeder cable 16. To this end, the input cable 44 of the splitter module 42 may be terminated with fiber optic connectors (not shown in FIG. 2) and plugged into the front side of the adapters 34 in the feeder field 36, thereby establishing optical connections with optical fibers of the feeder cable 16.

[0028] The number output fibers (and corresponding output cables 48) of each splitter module 42 depends on the split ratio (e.g., 1 input fiber and 8 output fibers for a 1x8 splitter, 1 input fiber and 16 output fibers for a 1x16 splitter, 1 input fiber and 32 output fibers for a 1x32 splitter, etc.). Output fibers that are "live" (i.e., used in the network to carry signals to and from subscribers) are plugged into the front side of adapters 34 in a distribution field 52. There are typically several or many rows of adapters 34 defining the distribution field 52. These adapters 34 are used to establish optical connections with optical fibers of one or more distribution cables 20 that exit the terminal 32 and carry signals further into the network 10 so that ultimately the signals can reach subscribers.

[0029] Conventionally, the output cables 48 that are not used for live network traffic, and instead are reserved for future subscribers, are routed to a storage location 54 (also referred to as "parking field 54"). FIG. 2 illustrates four output cables 48 terminated with respective fiber optic connectors 50 ("connectors 50") that are held within a parking clip 60. The parking clip 60 is mounted to a door panel 62 of the frame 30. As can be appreciated, there may be a large number of output cables 48, and routing the output cables 48 to the parking field 54 can be relatively complex. Moreover, the parking clips 60 themselves and the space needed to accommodate the cable routing to the parking field 54 influence the size and organization of the terminal 32, possibly in a manner that is not consistent with the desire of customers or other users.

[0030] Advantageously, the need for a separate parking field (e.g., parking field 54) may be avoided by using parking components that are designed to interface with the adapters 34 of the distribution field 52 and support the connectors 50 of the output cables 48. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an example of a parking component 100 for this purpose, together with a portion of an exemplary adapter 34 and an exemplary connector 50. The parking component 100 provided with the adapter 34 will be referred to as a fiber optic assembly 102 in this disclosure, and the fiber optic assembly 102 may additionally be considered to include the connector 50.

[0031] In general, the parking component 100 includes a body 104 having a first portion 106 that defines a first end 108 of the parking component 100 and a second portion 110 that defines a second end 112 of the parking component 100. The body 104 has a generally rectangular profile in the sense that there are four discernable sides (e.g., a top, bottom, left, and right side). The first end 108 represents can be considered a front end, and the second end can be considered a back end. Thus, when discussing directions in relation to the parking component 100, terms like forward and backward (or rearward), and their respective variations, are in reference to this consideration. A forward direction, for example, is a direction consistent with moving from the second end 112 toward the first end 108. A rearward direction is then the opposite; a direction consistent with moving from the first end 108 toward the second end 112.

[0032] Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first portion 106 is configured to be received in a receptacle 114 of the adapter 34 and engaged by adapter latching features 116 to retain the first portion 106 in the receptacle 114. The second portion 110 is configured to support the connector at least partially outside of the receptacle 114. The adapter 34 and connector 50 are of the SC-type (i.e., SC adapter and SC connector) and well-known in the field of optical communications. An example standard defining intermatability requirements for such adapters and connectors is IEC 61754-4, ed. 2 (2013). Although the parking component 100 will be described in connection with the adapter 34 and connector 50, the concepts in this disclosure may be applicable to different types of connectors and adapters. For example, persons in the field of optical connectivity will appreciate embodiments of parking components for other well-known types of connectors and adapters, such as LC connectors and adapters according to IEC standard 61754-20, ed. 2.0 (2012).

[0033] Given that the adapter 34 is of the SC-type, the adapter latching features 116 in the embodiment shown comprises a pair of adapter latch arms (each also designated with reference number 116 for convenience) that are positioned within the receptacle 114, as best shown FIG. 8. The adapter 34 includes an adapter body 120 defining the receptacle 114 and a sleeve 122 supported within the receptacle 114. The adapter latch arms 116 extend within the receptacle 114 on opposite sides of the sleeve 122, toward a generally rectangular-shaped opening 124 in the adapter body 120 that provides access to the receptacle 114. Each of the adapter latch arms 116 includes an extension 126 and a catch 128 on an end of the extension 126. The extensions 126 define proximal ends of the respective adapter latch arms 116, and the catches 128 define distal ends of the respective adapter latch arms 116.

[0034] Similarly, given that the connector 50 is of the SC-type, the connector 50 comprises a ferrule 130 supported within a connector housing 132 (sometimes referred to as a connector inner housing or connector body). The ferrule 130 includes a ferrule bore 134 in which an optical fiber 136 (e.g., the output optical fiber of one of the output cables) is secured, with an end of the optical fiber 136 positioned at an end face 138 of the ferrule 130. A spring 140 biases the ferrule 130 toward a front end 142 of the connector housing 132 so that the ferrule 130 projects beyond the connector housing 132. The connector housing 132 includes connector latching features 144 in the form of flanges that may be engaged by the adapter latch arms 116 when the connector 50 is mated with the adapter 34 (e.g., when the parking component 100 is not used). The connector 50 also includes an outer housing 146 (sometimes referred to as a shroud) that facilitates releasing engagement between the adapter latch arms 116 and the flanges 144 so that the connector 50 can be removed (i.e., de-mated) from the adapter 34.

[0035] The parking component 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3-8. As shown in these figures, the body 104 of the parking component 100 extends along a longitudinal axis AL (and thereby in a longitudinal direction) between the first and second ends 108, 112. This means that the parking component 100 has a length in the longitudinal direction and a width that is transverse to the longitudinal direction. The first portion 106 is shaped to include a retention region 150 in which the width of the parking component 100 is smaller than an adjacent region of the first portion 106 that is closer to the first end 108. For reasons that will be described in further detail below, the retention region 150 is shaped so that the width tapers along the length of the parking component 100. This is achieved by inclined surfaces 152, 154 on opposite sides of the body 104 in the illustrated embodiment. The inclined surfaces 152, 154 extend inwardly toward the longitudinal axis AL as they also extend rearwardly.

[0036] Between the retention region 150 and the first end 108, the body 104 of the parking component 100 is shaped so that the first portion 106 includes opposed guide channels 156, 158 on the opposite sides of the parking component 100. The width of the parking component 100 is greater at the opposed guide channels 156, 158 than in the retention region 150, as the guide channels 156, 158 occupy the adjacent region referred to above (i.e., the region of the first portion 106 that is adjacent the retention region 150 and closer to the first end 108).

Stated differently, the width in the retention region 150 is smaller than a distance between the opposed guide channels 156, 158, with the distance being measured in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A_L. The first end 108 of the body 104 includes a front opening 160 into a front cavity 162 that extends into the front portion 106.

[0037] Behind the retention region 150, the first portion 106 is shaped so that the width of the parking component 100 increases along the length of the parking component 100. Thus, the width of the parking component 100 is greater in a region of the first portion 106 that is closer to the second portion 110 than in the retention region 150. The width of the first portion 106 proximate to the second portion 110 may be similar to (i.e., within 10% of) a width of the opening 124 in the adapter body 120. Indeed, both the shape and size of the first portion 106 in this region may be substantially similar to the shape and size of the opening 124.

[0038] Inserting the first portion 106 into the receptacle 114 of the adapter 34 can be best appreciated with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 8. The parking component 110 must first be oriented so that its rectangular profile is generally aligned with that of the opening 124 in the adapter body 120. When this occurs, the opposed guide channels 156, 158 are also generally aligned with the adapter latch arms 116. The parking component 100 is then moved toward the adapter 34 so that first end 108 of the first portion 106 enters the receptacle 114 through the opening 124. Eventually first portion 106 contacts the adapter latch arms 116 as the insertion continues. Clearance between the catches 128 of the adapter latch arms 116 is less than the width of the parking component 100 at the opposed guide channels 156, 158. In other words, the catches 128 on the adapter latch arms 116 are spaced apart by a distance that is less than the distance between the opposed guide channels 156, 158. The adapter latch arms 116 must flex slightly outwardly, away from each other, to allow continued insertion. Respective inclined surfaces 166 on the catches 128 facilitate initiating this flexing.

[0039] The first portion 106 can be inserted into the receptacle 114 until the first end 108 contacts an internal wall 168 or some other portion of the adapter 34 that creates a hard stop. The sleeve 122 does not interfere with the insertion, and instead is received within the front cavity 162 of the body 104. By this point, the opposed guide channels 156, 158 have been moved past the catches 128 of the adapter latch arms 116. The smaller width in the retention region 150 allows the adapter latch arms 116 to flex back toward each other. For example, the catches 128 of the adapter latch arms 116 may slide along the inclined surfaces 152, 154 in the retention region 150 as the first portion 106 moves further into the receptacle 114. This results in the adapter latch arms 116 moving at least some distance back toward their initial, unflexed positions. The adapter latch arms 116 may fully return to their initial positions or some slight flexing may remain, depending on the embodiment.

[0040] The reverse then occurs when removing the first portion 106 from the receptacle 114. That is, the first portion 106 flexes the adapter latch arms 116 back outwardly. The tapered shaped of the first portion 106 facilitates this flexing. For example, the inclined surfaces 152, 154 may act as ramps that push the catches 128 in a direction away from each other when the first portion 106 moves backwards. Other embodiments may not facilitate the flexing back outwardly or may do so differently. Regardless, there is at least some force that is overcome to remove the first portion 106 from the receptacle 114. The need to overcome this interference is why the first portion 106 and adapter latch arms 116 are considered to be engaging each other prior to initiating the removal. The adapter latch arms 116 do not necessarily need to be contacting the first portion 106 for there to be engagement. In some embodiments, there could even be some "play" that allows the first portion 106 to move slightly back-and-forth between the hard stop and a position where the interference is encountered. Again, there is a need to overcome some interference to achieve the removal; a need for force to be applied beyond mere gravity. The engagement between the first portion 106 and adapter latch arms 116 retains the first portion 106 in the receptacle 114, even though sufficient force may be applied to overcome the interference and remove the first portion 106 from the receptacle

114. [0041] Referring back to FIGS. 5 and 8, the second portion 110 of the body 104 includes a back opening 170 extending into a back cavity 172, a top support arm 174 on a top side of the parking component 100, a bottom support arm 176 on a bottom side of the parking

component 100, and parking component latch arms 178 on opposite left and right sides of the parking component 100. The top and bottom support arms 174, 176 have different

configurations in the embodiment shown. For example, the top support arm 174 extends rearwardly away from the back opening 170 a shorter distance than the bottom support arm 176. The top support arm 174 also has a tapered end, whereas the bottom support arm 176 does not. The different configurations of the top and bottom support arms 174, 176 may serve a keying function, making the second portion 110 shaped to support the connector 50 in a single orientation.

[0042] To this end, the connector 50 includes a key 180 on only one side of the outer housing 146. The adapter body 120 includes a top wall 182 with a key slot 184. When not using the parking component 100, and instead mating the connector 50 directly to the adapter 34, the connector 50 must be oriented with the key 180 aligned with the key slot 184 (i.e., both on the same side of the fiber optic assembly 102). Otherwise the connector 50 will not properly mate with the adapter 34.

[0043] With the above in mind, the body 104 of the parking component 100 may be oriented with the top support arm 174 aligned with the key slot 184. The connector 50 must then be oriented with the key 180 on the same side of the fiber optic assembly 102 as the top support arm 174. This is the only orientation in which the second portion 110 can support the connector 50 as intended (e.g., with the parking component latch arms 178 engaging the connector 50 as shown in FIG. 4). The top support arm 172 does not contact the key 180 in this orientation, or at least does not do so in a way that interferes with mating the connector 50 to the second portion 110. Conversely, in other orientations of the connector 50 (or at least the orientations where the key 180 faces the same direction as one of the other sides of the parking component 100), the bottom support arm 176 or one of the parking component latch arms 178 would contact the key 180 and prevent the second portion 110 from securely supporting the connector 50.

[0044] To summarize the aspect just described, the adapter 34 is configured to receive the connector 50 in a single orientation. The second portion 110 of the parking component 100 is likewise configured to receive the connector 50 in a single orientation. The acceptable orientation of the connector 50 with respect to both the adapter 34 and the second portion 110 of the parking component 100 may be the same. This is due to the body 104 of the parking component 100 being oriented with top support arm 174 on the same side of the fiber optic assembly 102 as the key slot 184 in the adapter body 120. In some embodiments, the first portion 106 of the parking component 100 may be shaped so that the first portion 106 can only be fully inserted into the receptacle 114 (and thereby engaged by the adapter latch arms 116) when the body 104 is in such an orientation.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, the second portion 110 securely supports the connector 50 when the parking component latch arms 178 engage the connector housing 132. Each of the parking component latch arms 178 includes an extension 186 and a catch 188 on an end of the extension 186. In this regard, the parking component latch arms 178 may be substantially similar to the adapter latch arms 116. Indeed, the parking component latch arms 178 may be intended to function like the adapter latch arms 116; to engage the connector latching features 144 in a same or similar way. The intended engagement (i.e., mating) between the connector 50 and adapter 34 is well-known. The principles need not be described in detail in this disclosure to understand how the parking component latch arms 178 can engage the connector 50 to retain connector 50 with the second portion 110. In this context, the term "engage" and variations thereof again refers to there being an interference that must be overcome to remove the connector 50 (e.g., from the second portion 110).

[0046] The back cavity 172 includes a region that accommodates the front end 142 of the connector housing 132 and a region that accommodates the portion of the ferrule 130 that projects beyond the connector housing 132. Thus, the back cavity 172 allows the connector 50 to be moved into engagement with the parking component latch arms 178 (FIG. 4). Although the back cavity 172 is shown as being separate from the front cavity 162, in alternative embodiments the parking component 100 may include a cavity extending through the body 104 between the front and back openings 160, 170.

[0047] An example use of the parking component 100 will now be described with reference back to FIG. 2 (even though the parking component 100 itself may not be shown in FIG. 2). The terminal 32 may include a plurality of the parking components 100 each interfacing with a respective one of the adapters 34 in the distribution field 52. The parking components 100 may be pre-installed by the manufacturer or supplier of the terminal 32, or installed in the field (e.g., at the intended site for the terminal 32). The installation of any given parking component 100 is the same as that described above with reference to FIGS. 3-8. That is, inserting the first portion 106 into the receptacle 114 of the corresponding adapter 34 so that the adapter latching feature(s) (adapter latch arms 116 in the embodiment described above) engages the parking component 100 to retain the first portion 106 in the receptacle 114.

[0048] Before or after installing the parking components 100 in the adapters 34, the connectors 50 may be installed in the parking components 100. Again, installation may be done by the manufacturer or supplier of the terminal 32, or by an individual in the field. The installation of any given connector 50 is the same as that described above with reference to FIGS. 3-8. That is, bringing the connector 50 into engagement with the parking component latching feature(s) (parking component latch arms 178 in the embodiment described above) so that the second portion 110 of the parking component 100 securely supports the connector 50.

[0049] When used in the manner just described, the parking components 100 prevent the adapters 34 with which they interface from being used for live network connectors. The connectors 50 cannot be mated directly with the adapters 34. Thus, even though the parking components 100 may securely support the connectors 50 at the adapters 34, the presence of the parking components 100 prevents the connectors 50 from establishing optical connections with connectors or other components that interface with the opposite side of the adapters 34. Although the example being described relates to the adapters 34 in the distribution field 52 and the connectors 50 associated with output cables 48 of the splitter modules 42, the principles may apply to adapters 34 used for other purposes (e.g., in the feeder field 36) and/or for different types of cable assemblies that include respective connectors.

[0050] By storing the connectors of cable assemblies that are reserved for future connections at the intended locations of those connections, the need for a separate area to store the connectors may be reduced or eliminated. A terminal, for example, may be designed without a storage area like the parking field 54 (FIG. 2). This may help reduce the overall size and cost associated with the terminal. Using the parking components 100 may also make cable routing less challenging within the terminal and further expand design possibilities.

[0051] When it is time to add a new connection, the adapter 34 corresponding to that location is identified. The parking component 100 interfacing with that adapter 34 may then simply be removed from the adapter 34 and replaced with the connector 50 that was supported by the parking component 100. Thus, the first portion 106 of the body 104 may be removed from the receptacle 114 in the manner described above. Before or after this step, the connector 50 may be removed from the second portion 110 of the body 104 (again, with the removal being as described above). The connector 50 can then be inserted into the receptacle 114 so that the connector latching features 144 engage the adapter latch arms 116 and thereby retain the connector 50 in the receptacle 114. This normal mating of the connector 50 with the adapter 34 can establish an optical connection between the optical fiber 136 supported by the ferrule 130 of the connector 50 and the optical fiber of a mating component (e.g., another connector mated to the opposite side of the adapter 34). Meanwhile, the parking component 100 that was previously used can be discarded, saved for later use, or moved to another location in the terminal (e.g., to interface with a different adapter 34).

[0052] In some situations, it may be desirable to include one or more sealing features on parking components according to this disclosure. FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a parking component 200 according to one such embodiment. The same reference numbers are used to refer to elements corresponding to those in the parking component 100. Accordingly, only the differences between the parking component 200 and the parking component 100 will be described in detail.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, parking component 200 includes a key 202 on the first portion 106 that may serve the same purpose as the key 180 on the outer housing 146 of the connector 50. Thus, parking component 200 must be oriented with the key 180 on the same side of the fiber optic assembly 102 as the key slot 184 in the adapter body 120. This is the only orientation in which the first portion 106 can be fully inserted into the receptacle 114.

[0054] The parking component 200 also includes an adapter sealing element 204 that extends around the first portion 106. In the embodiment shown, the adapter sealing element 204 is a gasket (e.g., O-ring) that is received in recessed area 206 on the body 104. The adapter sealing element 204 extends along sides of the body 104 and around the key 202. Any suitable means of positioning and retaining the adapter sealing element 204 on the first portion 106 may be used. For example, bosses 208 may be provided on the adapter sealing element 204, and holes 210 for receiving the bosses 208 may be provided in the recessed area 206.

[0055] When the first portion 106 is inserted into the receptacle 114 of the adapter 34 (FIG. 11), the adapter sealing element 204 may form a seal between the body 104 of the parking component 200 and the adapter body 120. The adapter sealing element 204, for example, may comprise an elastomer material that is compressed between the body 104 and the adapter body 120. The parking component 200 forming a seal with the adapter 34 helps prevent dust and debris from entering the receptacle 114. This is particularly advantageous when the parking component 100 is installed immediately after cleaning the adapter 34 with a cleaning system (not shown) that sprays or otherwise delivers pressurized cleaning fluid into the receptacle 114. The clean environment within the adapter 34 that is the aim of the cleaning operation may be maintained by the parking component 200. Thus, the adapter 34 may be installed in a terminal with less concern about contamination affecting an optical connection that may eventually be established within the adapter 34 (e.g., an optical connection between two connectors).

[0056] Similarly, and with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the parking component 200 includes a connector sealing element 214 positioned within the back cavity 172. The connector sealing element 214 in the embodiment shown is a gasket that extends around the back cavity 172 next to the back opening 170. Ridges 216 and bosses 218 on the connector sealing element 214 are received in grooves 220 and holes (not shown) in the body 104 to help position and retain the connector sealing element 214 in the back cavity 172. Although the connector sealing element 214 is shown as being fully positioned within the back cavity 172,

embodiments are possible where the connector sealing element 214 is only partially positioned within the back cavity 172.

[0057] When the connector 50 is securely supported by the second portion 110 of the body 104 (FIG. 11), the connector sealing element 214 may form a seal between the connector housing 132 and the adapter body 120. Like the adapter sealing element 204, the connector sealing element 214 may comprise an elastomer material that is compressed. The parking component 200 forming a seal with the connector housing 132 may help prevent dust and debris from entering into the back cavity 172 and migrating to the end face 138 of the ferrule 130. This is particularly advantageous if the ferrule 130 has been cleaned immediately prior to being used with the parking component 200.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Since modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fiber optic assembly for supporting a fiber optic connector, the fiber optic assembly comprising:

an adapter having a receptacle for receiving the fiber optic connector and at least one adapter latching feature for retaining the fiber optic connector in the receptacle; and

a parking component having a first portion received in the receptacle of the adapter and a second portion that is positioned outside of the receptacle and configured to securely support the fiber optic connector, wherein:

the first portion engages the at least one adapter latching feature so that the first portion is retained in the receptacle; and

the second portion includes at least one parking component latching feature for engaging the fiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector is securely supported by the second portion.

2. The fiber optic assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one adapter latching feature comprises adapter latch arms that extend partially over opposite sides of the parking component; and

the first portion of the parking component is shaped such that the adapter latch arms flex in a direction away from each other to remove the first portion from the receptacle.

3. The fiber optic assembly of claim 2, wherein:

each of the adapter latch arms comprises an extension and a catch on an end of the extension;

the catch extends at least partially toward the adapter latch arm that extends partially over the opposite side of the parking component; and

the first portion of the parking component includes a retention region that accommodates the catches of the adapter latch arms.

4. The fiber optic assembly of claim 3, wherein:

the parking component includes a front end defined by the first portion and a back end defined by the second portion;

the parking component extends in a longitudinal direction between the front end and the back end such that the parking component has a width transverse to the longitudinal direction; and

the width of the parking component tapers in the retention region.

5. The fiber optic assembly of claim 4, wherein the first portion of the parking component includes inclined side surfaces in the retention region to facilitate the adapter latch arms flexing away from each other when removing the first portion from the receptacle.

6. The fiber optic assembly of any of claims 3-5, wherein:

the first portion of the parking component includes opposed guide channels through which the extensions of the adapter latch arms extend.

7. The fiber optic assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one adapter latching feature comprises opposed adapter latch arms; and the first portion of the parking component includes opposed guide channels through which the opposed adapter latch arms extend.

8. The fiber optic assembly of claim 7, wherein:

the parking component extends in a longitudinal direction between the front end and the back end such that the parking component has a width transverse to the longitudinal direction;

the first portion includes a retention region behind the opposed guide channels; and the width in the retention region is smaller than a distance between the opposed guide channels.

9. The fiber optic assembly of any of claims 1-8, wherein the parking component further includes an adapter sealing element that extends around the first portion and that forms a seal with the adapter.

10. The fiber optic assembly of any of claims 1-9, wherein:

the first portion of the parking component includes a key; and

the adapter includes a top wall that defines a key slot in which the key is positioned.

11. The fiber optic assembly of any of claims 1-10, wherein the at least one parking component latching feature comprises opposed parking component latch arms that each include an extension and a catch on an end of the extension.

12. The fiber optic assembly of any of claims 1-11, wherein the parking component further includes a cavity for receiving a portion of the fiber optic connector, the cavity extending from an opening in the second portion.

13. The fiber optic assembly of claim 12, wherein the second portion of the parking component includes at least one support arm extending in a direction away from the opening.

14. The fiber optic assembly of claim 13, wherein:

the at least one support arm comprises a top support arm on a top side of the parking component and a bottom support arm on a bottom side of the parking component; and

the top support arm and the bottom support arm have different configurations.

15. The fiber optic assembly of any of claims 12-14, wherein the parking component further includes a connector sealing element at least partially positioned within the cavity, the connector sealing element being configured to form a seal with the fiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector is securely supported by the second portion.

16. A fiber optic assembly, comprising:

a fiber optic connector;

an adapter having a receptacle and at least one adapter latching feature; and a parking component having a first portion received in the receptacle of the adapter and a second portion that securely supports the fiber optic connector at least partially outside of the receptacle, wherein:

the first portion is retained in the receptacle by the at least one adapter latching feature; and

the second portion includes at least one parking component latching feature that engages the fiber optic connector to retain the fiber optic connector with the second portion.

17. The fiber optic assembly of claim 16, wherein:

the fiber optic connector includes a key to define different orientations of the fiber optic connector; and

the second portion of the parking component is shaped to accommodate the key in only one of the different orientations.

18. A parking component for interfacing with a fiber optic adapter and supporting fiber optic connector at least partially outside of the fiber optic adapter, the parking component comprising:

a body having a first portion defining a front end and a second portion defining a back end;

wherein:

the body extends in a longitudinal direction between the front end and the back end such that the body has a width transverse to the longitudinal direction;

the first portion includes a retention region in which the width is smaller than an adjacent region of the first portion that is closer to the front end; and

the second portion includes opposed parking component latch arms for engaging the fiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector is supported by the parking component.

19. The parking component of claim 18, wherein the retention region is shaped so that the width of the parking component tapers along a length of the parking component.

20. The parking component of either claim 18 or 19, wherein the first portion of the parking component includes inclined side surfaces in the retention region.

21. The parking component of any of claims 18-20, wherein:

the first portion of the parking component includes opposed guide channels between the retention region and the front end; and

the width in the retention region is smaller than a distance between the opposed guide channels.

22. The parking component of any of claims 18-21, wherein the parking component further includes an adapter sealing element that extends around the first portion for forming a seal with the adapter when the parking component interfaces with the adapter.

23. The parking component of any of claims 18-22, wherein:

the body further includes a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the fiber optic connector;

the cavity extends from an opening in the second portion; and

the component latch arms extend at least between the opening and the back end.

24. The parking component of claim 23, further comprising:

a connector sealing element at least partially positioned within the cavity at the opening in the second portion, wherein the connector sealing element is configured to form a seal with the fiber optic connector when the fiber optic connector is supported by the parking component.

25. The parking component of either claim 23 or 24, wherein the second portion of the parking component includes at least one support arm extending in a direction away from the opening.

26. The parking component of claim 25, wherein:

the at least one support arm comprises a top support arm on a top side of the parking component and a bottom support arm on a bottom side of the parking component; and the top support arm and the bottom support arm have different configurations.

27. The parking component any of claims 18-26, wherein the body has a top side that defines a key on the first portion, and wherein the key protrudes from a surrounding area on the first portion.

28. A method of arranging a telecommunications terminal that includes an adapter, the method comprising:

inserting a first portion of a parking component into a receptacle of the adapter, wherein the adapter includes at least one adapter latching feature that engages the parking component to retain the first portion in the receptacle; and

supporting a fiber optic connector of a cable assembly with a second portion of the parking component that remains outside of the receptacle, wherein the second portion of the parking component includes at least one component latching feature that engages the fiber optic connector to retain the fiber optic connector with the parking component.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising:

removing the parking component from the adapter;

removing the fiber optic connector from the second portion of the parking component; and

inserting the fiber optic connector into the receptacle of the adapter, wherein the at least one adapter latching feature engages the fiber optic connector to retain the fiber optic connector in the receptacle.

30. The method of either claim 28 or 29, wherein the telecommunications terminal includes a plurality of adapters, the method further comprising:

performing the inserting step with a plurality of the parking components and the plurality adapters, wherein the first portion of each of the parking component of the plurality of parking components is inserted into the receptacle of a different one of the adapters of the plurality of adapters;

performing the supporting step with a plurality of fiber optic connectors and the plurality of parking components.