Double optical connector plug

Abstract

To provide a double optical connector plug capable of smoothly releasing the connection (optical connection) of an optical connector plug with an optical connector adapter.SOLUTION: A double optical connector plug 10 can elastically deform the first and second elastic parts of first and second engagement latches 77a and 77b downward to sufficiently push the elastic parts downward by contacting the upward slopes of the first and second tips of the first and second engagement latches 77a and 77 to the downward slopes of the first and second recessed hole parts of first and second guidance protrusions 36a and 36b formed in the front end parts of first and second plug frames 20a and 20b when entering the first and second tips into the first and second recessed hole parts to elastically deform the first and second engagement latches 77a and 77b and float the first and second tips upward to prevent the first and second tips from floating upward by the recessed holes parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a duplex optical connector plug. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a duplex optical connector plug comprising: a first optical connector assembly having a first plug frame that houses a first ferrule that holds a first optical fiber and extends in the axial direction, a first stop ring that engages with the first plug frame, and a first spring that is installed between the first ferrule and the first stop ring and urges the first ferrule axially forward; a second optical connector assembly that is parallel to the first optical connector assembly and has a second plug frame that houses a second ferrule that holds a second optical fiber and extends in the axial direction, a second stop ring that engages with the second plug frame, and a second spring that is installed between the second ferrule and the second stop ring and urges the second ferrule axially forward; an inner housing that houses the rear end of the first stop ring and the rear end of the second stop ring; an outer housing that houses the inner housing; and a slider that is connected to the outer housing so as to be slidable in the axial direction (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] The outer housing of the duplex optical connector plug has a front-end opening at its front end, a resiliently deformable first engagement latch located on one side of a top wall of the outer housing and extending axially forward from the front-end opening, and a resiliently deformable second engagement latch located on the other side of the top wall of the outer housing and extending axially forward from the front-end opening. The first and second engagement latches have abutting protrusions located at their front ends that abut the top wall of the front end of the plug frame, and an engagement portion located axially rearward of the abutting protrusions that engage with the optical connector adapter when the first and second connector assemblies are inserted into the optical connector adapter.

[0004] In this duplex optical connector plug, when the first and second connector assemblies are inserted into the optical connector adapter and pushed into the optical connector adapter, the elastic portions of the first and second engagement latches elastically deform downward, and the engagement portions of the first and second engagement latches engage with the engagement portions of the optical connector adapter, connecting the optical connector plug to the optical connector adapter and establishing an optical connection. Before the slider is slid axially rearward relative to the outer housing, the elastic portions of the first and second engagement latches are not pressed downward, and the engagement state of the engagement portions of the first and second engagement latches with the optical connector adapter is maintained. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-144132 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the duplex optical connector plug disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the slider is slid axially rearward relative to the outer housing, the elastic portions of the first and second engaging latches are pressed downward by the mutual pushing mechanism of the slider and the first and second engaging latches, thereby releasing the engagement of the engaging portions of the first and second engaging latches with the optical connector adapter, allowing the first and second connector assemblies to be pulled out of the optical connector adapter and releasing the connection (optical connection) between the optical connector plug and the optical connector adapter.

[0007] However, in this duplex optical connector plug, when the engaging latch elastically deforms and concaves downward and the front of the engaging latch warps upward, the tip of the engaging latch rises above the top wall of the front end of the plug frame, and the engaging portion of the engaging latch may not be sufficiently pressed downward. If the engaging portion of the engaging latch cannot be sufficiently pressed downward, the engagement of the engaging portion with the optical connector adapter is maintained, and the connection (optical connection) between the optical connector plug and the optical connector adapter cannot be released.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a duplex optical connector plug that can smoothly release the connection (optical connection) between the optical connector plug and the optical connector adapter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The premise of the present invention for solving the above problem is a duplex optical connector plug including a first plug frame that houses a first ferrule that holds a first optical fiber and extends in the axial direction, a first stop ring that engages with the first plug frame, and a first spring that is installed between the first ferrule and the first stop ring and urges the first ferrule axially forward; a second plug frame that houses a second ferrule that holds a second optical fiber and extends in the axial direction, a second stop ring that engages with the second plug frame, and a second spring that is installed between the second ferrule and the second stop ring and urges the second ferrule axially forward, and is parallel to the first optical connector assembly; an inner housing that houses the rear ends of the first and second stop rings, and an outer housing that houses the inner housing.

[0010] The present invention is characterized in that the first and second plug frames have guide protrusions that protrude upward from the top walls of their front ends, and the guide protrusions have recessed hole portions that are recessed axially forward from their rear end faces facing the stop ring, the outer housing has a front end opening that opens to its front end, an elastically deformable first engagement latch that extends axially from one side of the top wall of the outer housing and extends axially forward from the front end opening, and an elastically deformable second engagement latch that extends axially from the other side of the top wall of the outer housing and extends axially forward from the front end opening, and the first and second engagement latches have tip portions that are located on the top walls of the front ends of the plug frames and enter the recessed hole portions, and engagement portions that are formed axially rearward of the tip portions and engage with the optical connector adapter when the first and second connector assemblies are inserted into the optical connector adapter, and the recessed hole portions prevent the tip portions from floating upward when the first and second engagement latches are elastically deformed.

[0011] In one example of the present invention, the recessed hole portion has a downwardly sloping surface that slopes downward from the rear end surface of the guide protrusion toward the axial front, and the tip ends of the first and second engaging latches have upwardly sloping surfaces that slope upward from their front ends toward the axial rear and abutment surfaces that abut the top wall of the front end of the plug frame, and when the first and second engaging latches elastically deform and the tip ends float upward, the upwardly sloping surfaces of the tip ends abut against the downwardly sloping surface of the recessed hole portion.

[0012] In another example of the present invention, the first and second engagement latches have a connecting portion connected to the top wall of the outer housing and an elastic portion extending axially forward from the connecting portion and extending axially forward from the front end opening of the outer housing, the elastic portion having a rear elastic portion located between the connecting portion and the engagement portion and extending axially forward, and a front elastic portion located between the engagement portion and the tip end and extending axially forward, and the vertical thickness dimension of the rear elastic portion gradually increases from the connecting portion to the engagement portion.

[0013] In another example of the present invention, the axial length dimension of the rear elastic portion of the elastic part is longer than the axial length dimension of the front elastic portion of the elastic part, the front elastic portion slopes downward from the front end of the rear elastic portion toward the axial front, and the vertical thickness dimension of the front elastic portion is smaller than that of the rear elastic portion.

[0014] In another example of the present invention, the rear elastic portion of the elastic part has a rear half portion that extends approximately horizontally from the connecting portion axially forward to a midpoint of the rear elastic portion, and a front half portion that extends axially forward from the midpoint of the rear elastic portion at a downward slope, and then extends approximately horizontally to the engagement portion, and the vertical thickness dimension of the front elastic portion is smaller than that of the rear half portion and the front half portion of the rear elastic portion.

[0015] In another example of the present invention, the vertical elastic force of the front elastic portion is smaller than that of the rear and front half portions of the rear elastic portion, and the front elastic portion elastically deforms more easily than the rear and front half portions.

[0016] As another example of the present invention, in a dual-type optical connector plug, when the first and second connector assemblies are inserted into the optical connector adapter and the optical connector plug is connected to the optical connector adapter, the optical connector plug is pulled in the direction of releasing the connection to the optical connector adapter, and an axial tensile load acts on the first and second engaging latches.When the first and second engaging latches extend in the axial direction, the upwardly inclined surfaces of the tip portions of the first and second engaging latches abut against the downwardly inclined surfaces of the recessed hole portions, thereby preventing the tip portions from floating upward.

[0017] In another example of the present invention, a duplex optical connector plug includes a slider connected to an outer housing so as to be slidable in the axial direction, and in the duplex optical connector plug, the first and second engagement latches are maintained in an engaged state with the optical connector adapter before the slider is slid axially rearward relative to the outer housing, and when the slider is slid axially rearward relative to the outer housing, a predetermined pushing mechanism causes the slider to press the first and second engagement latches downward, and when the tip ends of the first and second engagement latches enter the recessed hole portions of the guide protrusions, the first and second engagement latches are released from their engaged state with the optical connector adapter.

[0018] In another example of the present invention, the push-down mechanism is formed from an inclined upper surface of the front half of the rear elastic part, which extends from the intermediate position axially forward at a downward slope, and inclined lower surfaces formed on both sides of the slider, which slidably abut the inclined upper surfaces and extend axially rearward at an upward slope. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the duplex optical connector plug of the present invention, the connection (optical connection) between the optical connector plug and the optical connector adapter can be smoothly released. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a duplex optical connector plug shown as an example. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of a duplex optical connector plug. [Figure 3] XX line cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a duplex optical connector plug. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first and second plug frames. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first and second stop rings. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inner housing separated into two halves. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of line ZZ in Figure 12 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The duplex optical connector plug according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example duplex optical connector plug 10, and Fig. 2 is a side view of the duplex optical connector plug 10. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the duplex optical connector plug 10. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of first and second plug frames 20a, 20b, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of first and second stop rings 21a, 21b. In Figs. 1 and 2, the axial direction is indicated by arrow A, the radial direction (horizontal or vertical direction) is indicated by arrow B, and the circumferential direction is indicated by arrow C.

[0022] The duplex optical connector plug 10 is attached to the end of an optical fiber cord 102 and is used for optically connecting optical fibers by connecting it to an optical connector adapter (not shown). The optical connector plug 10 is formed of a first optical connector assembly 11a and a second optical connector assembly 11b, a first gear 12a and a second gear 12b, an intermediate gear 13, an inner housing 14 and an outer housing 15, a slider 16 and a crimping ring 17, a boot 18, and a pipe 28. As shown in the exploded perspective view of Fig. 4, the optical connector plug 10 has the inner housing 14, the outer housing 15, the pipe 28, and the slider 16 lined up axially rearward of the first and second optical connector assemblies 11a and 11b, and the crimping ring 17 and the boot 18 lined up axially rearward of the slider 16.

[0023] The first optical connector assembly 11a includes a first ferrule 19a extending in the axial direction, a first plug frame 20a accommodating the first ferrule 19a, a first stop ring 21a engaging with the first plug frame 20a, and a first spring 22a (coil spring). The first ferrule 19a is formed of a first capillary 23a extending in the axial direction and a first sleeve 24a formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction. At least one first optical fiber 25a is held in the first capillary 23a.

[0024] The outer diameter of the first capillary 23a is 1.2485 mm to 1.2493 mm. An optical fiber insertion hole extending in the axial direction is formed inside the first capillary 23a (ferrule). The first optical fiber 25a is inserted into the optical fiber insertion hole formed in the first capillary 23a.

[0025] The first sleeve 24a is connected to the axial rear of the first capillary 23a (first ferrule 19a). A first core cover 29a (PTFE tube) that covers the entire outer periphery of the first optical fiber 25a and extends in the axial direction is connected to the axial rear of the first sleeve 24a. A first flange 30a in the shape of a polygonal tube, whose diameter is larger than those of the first capillary 23a and the first core cover 29a, is integrally formed at the front end of the first sleeve 24a.

[0026] The first plug frame 20a is made of a synthetic resin material and is molded into a hollow, generally rectangular tube shape. The first plug frame 20a has a generally rectangular top wall 31 and a bottom wall 32 that extend axially and are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and generally rectangular side walls 33, 34 that extend axially and are spaced apart in the horizontal direction. A first guide protrusion 36a that protrudes upward from an upper surface 35 of the top wall 31 is formed axially forward of the top wall 31 of the first plug frame 20a (top wall 31 at the front end of the first plug frame 20a).

[0027] A first recessed hole portion 44a is formed in the first guide protrusion 36a of the first plug frame 20a. The first recessed hole portion 44a is recessed axially forward so as to be convex from a rear end surface 45 of the first guide protrusion 36a that faces the first stop ring 21a. The first recessed hole portion 44a has a downwardly inclined surface 46 that slopes downward from above the rear end surface 45 of the first guide protrusion 36a toward the front in the axial direction.

[0028] The first stop ring 21a has a front end portion 47 (front end tubular portion) located axially forward, a rear end portion 49 (rear end tubular portion) located axially forward, and an intermediate portion 48 (intermediate tubular portion) extending between the front end portion 47 and the rear end portion 49.

[0029] The first spring 22a is disposed between the first ferrule 19a and the first stop ring 21a, and extends axially through the first core wire cover 29a. The front end of the first spring 22a abuts against the first flange 30a of the first sleeve 24a, and the rear end of the first spring 22a abuts against the front end 47 of the first stop ring 21a. The first spring 22a biases the first ferrule 19a axially forward by its elastic force in the axial direction.

[0030] The first gear 12a is formed at the rear end 49 of the first stop ring 21a and extends in the axial direction.

[0031] The second optical connector assembly 11b is adjacent to the first optical connector assembly 11a and extends in the axial direction parallel to the first optical connector assembly 11a. The second ferrule 19b, second plug frame 20b, second stop ring 21b, and second spring 22b of the second optical connector assembly 11b have the same structures as the first ferrule 19a, first plug frame 20a, first stop ring 21a, and first spring 22a.

[0032] The second capillary 23b is laterally adjacent to the first capillary 23a and extends in the axial direction parallel to the first capillary 23a. The second capillary 23b is formed in a generally cylindrical shape that is long in the axial direction, and has a tip surface 26 at its axial tip where the end face of the second optical fiber 25b is exposed, and a chamfered portion 27 in the outer diameter region of the end surface of the tip surface 26. The material and outer diameter of the second capillary 23b are the same as those of the first capillary 23a.

[0033] The second sleeve 24b is connected to the axial rear of the second capillary 23b (second ferrule 19b). A second core cover 29b (PTFE tube) that covers the entire outer periphery of the second optical fiber 25b and extends in the axial direction is connected to the axial rear of the second sleeve 24b. The second core cover 29b is laterally adjacent to the first core cover 29a and extends in the axial direction parallel to the first core cover 29a.

[0034] A polygonal cylindrical second flange 30b, whose diameter is larger than those of the second capillary 23b and the second core cover 29b, is integrally formed at the front end of the second sleeve 24b. The second flange 30b is laterally adjacent to the first flange 30a. The second sleeve 24b and the second flange 30b are made of the same material as that of the first sleeve 24a and the first flange 30a.

[0035] The rear end of the second capillary 23b is inserted into the capillary insertion hole of the second sleeve 24b and is fixedly held in the capillary insertion hole of the second sleeve 24b. One end of the second optical fiber is inserted into the core wire insertion hole 32 of the second sleeve 24b and is fixedly held in the core wire insertion hole of the second sleeve 24b.

[0036] The second plug frame 20b is laterally adjacent to the first plug frame 20a and extends axially parallel to the first plug frame 20a. The material, shape, and structure of the second plug frame 20b are the same as those of the first plug frame 20a.

[0037] A second recessed hole portion 44b is formed in the second guide protrusion 36b of the second plug frame 20b. The second recessed hole portion 44b is recessed axially forward so as to be convex from a rear end surface 45 of the second guide protrusion 36b that faces the second stop ring 21b. The second recessed hole portion 44b has a downwardly inclined surface 46 that slopes downward from above the rear end surface 45 of the second guide protrusion 36b toward the front in the axial direction.

[0038] The second stop ring 21b is laterally adjacent to the first stop ring 21a and extends axially parallel to the first stop ring 21a. The material, shape, and structure of the second stop ring 21b are the same as those of the first stop ring 21a.

[0039] The second spring 22b is disposed between the second ferrule 19b and the second stop ring 21b and is inserted through the second core cover 29b. The second spring 22b is laterally adjacent to the first spring 22a and extends in the axial direction parallel to the first spring 22a. The front end of the second spring 22b abuts against the second flange 30b of the second sleeve 24b, and the rear end abuts against the front end 47 of the second stop ring 21b. The second spring 22b urges the second ferrule 19b axially forward by its elastic force in the axial direction.

[0040] The second gear 12b is formed at the rear end 49 of the second stop ring 21b and extends in the axial direction.

[0041] The intermediate gear 13 is interposed between the first gear 12a and the second gear 12b and extends in the axial direction. The intermediate gear 13 is externally circumscribed to the first and second gears 12a, 12b, and transmits the rotational force of one of the first and second gears 12a, 12b to the other gear, causing the other gear to rotate in the same direction as the first gear. The gear ratio between the first gear 12a, the second gear 12b, and the intermediate gear 13 is 1.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of inner housing 14 shown in a state where it is separated into two halves, and Fig. 9 is an exterior view of inner housing 14. Inner housing 14 has a top wall 54 and a bottom wall 55 that extend in the axial direction and are spaced apart in the vertical direction and opposed to each other, and side walls 56, 57 that extend in the axial direction and are spaced apart in the horizontal direction and opposed to each other, and has a first opening 58a that opens at the front end thereof and through which first stop ring 21a is inserted, and a second opening 58b that opens at the front end thereof and through which second stop ring 21b is inserted.

[0043] The interior of the inner housing 14 is formed with a first gear accommodating portion 63a surrounded by the walls 54-57 and the partition wall 62, a second gear accommodating portion 63b surrounded by the walls 54-57 and the partition wall 62, and an intermediate gear accommodating portion 64 surrounded by the partition wall 62 and positioned between the first and second gear accommodating portions 63a, 63b. The first gear 12a formed on the rear end portion 49 of the first stop ring 21a is rotatably accommodated (disposed) in the first gear accommodating portion 63a, and the second gear 12b formed on the rear end portion 49 of the second stop ring 21b is rotatably accommodated (disposed) in the second gear accommodating portion 63b. The intermediate gear 13 is rotatably accommodated (disposed) in the intermediate gear accommodating portion 64.

[0044] In the inner housing 14, the first and second gears 12a, 12b and the intermediate gear 13 are accommodated in the first and second gear accommodating portions 63a, 63b and the intermediate gear accommodating portion 64, so that the gears 12a, 12b, 13 are aligned horizontally, the first gear 12a and the intermediate gear 13 are circumscribing each other, and the second gear 12b and the intermediate gear 13 are circumscribing each other.

[0045] Figure 10 is a perspective view of outer housing 15, and Figure 11 is a front view of outer housing 15. Outer housing 15 is made of a synthetic resin material and has a top wall 71 and a generally rectangular bottom wall 72 that extend in the axial direction and are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and generally rectangular side walls 73, 74 that extend in the axial direction and are spaced apart in the horizontal direction. Outer housing 15 has a front-end opening 75 that opens at its front end, a rear-end opening 76 that opens at its rear end, and a pair of elastically deformable first engagement latches 77a and second engagement latches 77b that are connected to top wall 71.

[0046] The first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b face each other at a predetermined distance in the width direction and extend linearly in parallel to each other in the axial direction. The first engagement latch 77a is located on one side of the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15 and extends axially forward from a front-end opening 75 of the outer housing 15. The first engagement latch 77a is formed of a first connecting portion 81a that is connected to the rear half of one side of the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15 and is integrated with the outer housing 15, and a first resilient portion 82a that is connected to the first connecting portion 81a and extends axially forward from the first connecting portion 81a. The first engagement latch 77a has a first tip portion 83a formed at the front end of the first engagement latch 77a, and a first engagement portion 84a that is formed axially rearward of the first tip portion 83a and protrudes in the width direction.

[0047] The first elastic portion 82a is flexible and elastically deforms in the up-down direction. The first elastic portion 82a has a first rear elastic portion 85a that is connected to the first connecting portion 81a and extends axially forward from the first connecting portion 81a toward the first engaging portion 84a, and a first front elastic portion 86a that is located between the first engaging portion 84a and the first tip end portion 83a and extends axially forward from the first engaging portion 84a toward the first tip end portion 83a.

[0048] The axial length of the first rear elastic portion 85a is longer than the axial length of the first front elastic portion 86a of the first elastic portion 82a. The vertical thickness of the first rear elastic portion 85a gradually increases from the first connecting portion 81a toward the first engaging portion 84a. Therefore, the vertical elastic force of the first rear elastic portion 85a extending toward the first connecting portion 81a is smaller than the vertical elastic force of the first rear elastic portion 85a extending toward the first engaging portion 84a, and the first rear elastic portion 85a on the first connecting portion 81a side elastically deforms more easily than the first rear elastic portion 85a on the first engaging portion 84a side.

[0049] The first rear elastic portion 85a has a first rear half portion 87a that extends axially forward from the first connecting portion 81a to the intermediate position of the first rear elastic portion 85a at a slope of plus or minus 5 degrees, and a first front half portion 88a that extends axially forward from the intermediate position of the first rear elastic portion 85a at a downward slope and then extends at a slope of plus or minus 5 degrees to the first engaging portion 84a.

[0050] The first rear half portion 87a is spaced upward from the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15 and extends in the axial direction parallel to the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15. The first front half portion 88a is located at approximately the same height as the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15 and extends axially forward from the front-end opening 75 of the outer housing 15. A first inclined convex portion 92a (press-down mechanism) is formed in an intermediate position of the first rear elastic part 85a (between the first rear half portion 87a and the first front half portion 88a) and has a slope 91 that slopes upwardly as it extends axially rearward.

[0051] The first front elastic part 86a has a thickness dimension in the vertical direction smaller than that of the first rear elastic part 85a (the first rear half portion 87a and the first front half portion 88a). Therefore, the elastic force of the first front elastic part 86a in the vertical direction is smaller than that of the first rear elastic part 85a, and the first front elastic part 86a elastically deforms more easily than the first rear elastic part 85a.

[0052] The first engagement portion 84a is formed between the first rear elastic portion 85a and the first front elastic portion 86a of the first engagement latch 77a, and releasably engages with the optical connector adapter when the first connector assembly 11a is inserted into the optical connector adapter. The first tip portion 83a is located axially forward of the top wall 31 of the first plug frame 20a (top wall 31 at the front end of the first plug frame 20a), and enters the first recessed hole portion 44a of the first guiding protrusion 36a.

[0053] The first tip portion 83a has an upwardly inclined surface 89 that slopes upward from its front end toward the rear in the axial direction, and an abutment surface 90 that abuts against the axial front side of the top wall 31 of the first plug frame 20a (the top wall 31 at the front end of the first plug frame 20a). In the first engagement latch 77a, when the first elastic portion 82a elastically deforms and the first tip portion 83a rises upward (when it moves upward away from the top wall 31 at the front end of the first plug frame 20a), the upwardly inclined surface 89 of the first tip portion 83a abuts against the downwardly inclined surface 46 of the first recessed hole portion 44a.

[0054] The second engagement latch 77b is located on the other side of the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15 and extends axially forward from the front end opening 75 of the outer housing 15. The second engagement latch 77b is formed from a second connecting portion 81b that is connected to the rear half of the other side of the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15 and is integrated with the outer housing 15, and a second elastic portion 82b (second elastic deformation portion) that is connected to the second connecting portion 81b and extends axially forward from the second connecting portion 81b, and has a second tip portion 83b formed at the front end of the second engagement latch 77b, and a second engagement portion 84b that is formed axially rearward of the second tip portion 83b and protrudes in the width direction.

[0055] The second elastic portion 82b is flexible and elastically deforms in the up-down direction. The second elastic portion 82b has a second rear elastic portion 85b connected to the second connecting portion 81b and extending horizontally axially forward from the second connecting portion 81b toward the second engaging portion 84b, and a second front elastic portion 86b located between the second engaging portion 84b and the second tip end 83b and extending axially forward from the second engaging portion 84b toward the second tip end 83b.

[0056] The second rear elastic portion 85b has a longer axial length than the second front elastic portion 86b of the second elastic portion 82b. The vertical thickness of the second rear elastic portion 85b gradually increases from the second connecting portion 81b toward the second engaging portion 84b. Therefore, the vertical elastic force of the second rear elastic portion 85b extending toward the second connecting portion 81b is smaller than the vertical elastic force of the second rear elastic portion 85b extending toward the second engaging portion 84b, and the second rear elastic portion 85b on the second connecting portion 81b side elastically deforms more easily than the second rear elastic portion 85b on the second engaging portion 84b side.

[0057] The second rear elastic portion 85b has a second rear portion 87b that extends axially forward from the second connecting portion 81b to the intermediate position of the second rear elastic portion 85b at an inclination of plus or minus 5 degrees, and a second front portion 88b that extends axially forward from the intermediate position of the second rear elastic portion 86b at a downward inclination, and then extends horizontally at an inclination of plus or minus 5 degrees to the second engaging portion 84b.

[0058] The second rear half portion 87b is spaced upward from the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15 and extends in the axial direction parallel to the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15. The second front half portion 88b is located at approximately the same height as the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15 and extends axially forward from the front-end opening 75 of the outer housing 15. A second inclined convex portion 92b (press-down mechanism) is formed in an intermediate position of the second rear elastic part 85b (between the second rear half portion 87b and the second front half portion 88b) and has a slope 91 that slopes upwardly as it extends axially rearward.

[0059] The second front elastic part 86b has a thickness dimension in the vertical direction smaller than that of the second rear elastic part 85b (the second rear half portion 87b and the second front half portion 88b). Therefore, the elastic force of the second front elastic part 86b in the vertical direction is smaller than that of the second rear elastic part 85b, and the second front elastic part 86b elastically deforms more easily than the second rear elastic part 85b.

[0060] The second engagement portion 84b is formed between the second rear elastic portion 85b and the second front elastic portion 86b of the second engagement latch 77b, and releasably engages with the optical connector adapter when the second connector assembly 11b is inserted into the optical connector adapter. The second tip portion 83b is located axially forward of the top wall 31 of the second plug frame 20b (top wall 31 of the front end portion of the second plug frame 20b), and enters the second recessed hole portion 44b of the second guide protrusion 36b.

[0061] The second tip portion 83b has an upwardly inclined surface 89 that slopes upward from its front end toward the rear in the axial direction, and an abutment surface 90 that abuts against the axial front side of the top wall 31 of the second plug frame 20b (the top wall 31 at the front end of the second plug frame 20b). In the second engagement latch 77b, when the second elastic portion 82b elastically deforms and the second tip portion 83b rises upward (when it moves upward away from the top wall 31 at the front end of the second plug frame 20b), the upwardly inclined surface 89 of the second tip portion 83b abuts against the downwardly inclined surface 46 of the second recessed hole portion 44b.

[0062] The outer housing 15 can accommodate the inner housing 14 with its top wall 71 facing the top wall 54 of the inner housing 14 and its bottom wall 72 facing the bottom wall 55 of the inner housing 14, and conversely, the outer housing 15 can accommodate the inner housing 14 with its top wall 71 facing the bottom wall 55 of the inner housing 14 and its bottom wall 72 facing the top wall 54 of the inner housing 14. In this way, the outer housing 15 can accommodate the inner housing 14 upside down.

[0063] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the slider 16 as seen from above, and Figure 13 is a perspective view of the slider 16 as seen from below. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line ZZ in Figure 12. The slider 16 is connected to the outer housing 15 so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The slider 16 is formed of a frame 93 disposed behind the rear end opening 76 of the outer housing 15, and a sliding top wall 94 (sliding plate) extending axially forward from the top of the frame 93.

[0064] The sliding top wall 94 is formed with a first outer guide wall 95a extending downward from one side edge and then extending axially, a first inner guide wall 96a located widthwise inward of the first outer guide wall 95a and extending downward in the axial direction at the widthwise center of the sliding top wall 94, a second outer guide wall 95b extending downward from the other side edge and then extending axially, and a second inner guide wall 96b located widthwise inward of the second outer guide wall 95b and extending downward in the widthwise center of the sliding top wall 94 and extending axially.

[0065] A first entrance passage 97a is formed on one side of the sliding top wall 94, extending axially between the first outer guide wall 95a and the first inner guide wall 96a, and is adapted for receiving the first connecting portion 81a and the rear half of the first resilient portion 82a of the first engagement latch 77a. A second entrance passage 97b is formed on the other side of the sliding top wall 94, extending axially between the second outer guide wall 95b and the second inner guide wall 96b, and is adapted for receiving the second connecting portion 81b and the rear half of the second resilient portion 82b of the second engagement latch 77b.

[0066] A first through-hole 99a is formed in front of the first entrance path 97a on one side of the slider 16. The first through-hole 99a has a first inclined recess 98a (press-down mechanism) that is recessed toward the upper surface of the slider 16. The first inclined recess 98a has a slope 100 that slopes upward toward the rear in the axial direction. A first inclined protrusion 92a (press-down mechanism) formed at an intermediate position of the first rear elastic portion 85a enters the first through-hole 99a, and the slope 91 of the first inclined protrusion 92a slidably abuts against the slope 100 of the first inclined recess 98a.

[0067] A second through-hole 99b is formed in front of the second entrance path 97b on the other side of the slider 16. The second through-hole 99b has a second inclined recess 98b (pressing-down mechanism) that is recessed toward the upper surface of the slider 16. The second inclined recess 98b has a slope 100 that slopes upward toward the rear in the axial direction. A second inclined protrusion 92b (pressing-down mechanism) formed at an intermediate position of the second rear elastic portion 85b enters the second through-hole 99b, and the slope 91 of the second inclined protrusion 92b slidably abuts against the slope 100 of the second inclined recess 98b.

[0068] The slider 16 is coupled (connected) to the outer housing 15 by inserting the engagement key 78 of the outer housing 15 into the key engagement portion 101 of the slider 16. When the slider 16 is coupled to the outer housing 15, the frame 93 of the slider 16 is located axially rearward (immediately behind) the rear end opening 76 of the outer housing 15, and the first connecting portion 81a and the rear half of the first elastic portion 82a of the first engagement latch 77a enter the first entrance path 97a of the slider 16, while the second connecting portion 81b and the rear half of the second elastic portion 82b of the second engagement latch 77b enter the second entrance path 97b of the slider 16.

[0069] Furthermore, a first inclined convex portion 92a formed at an intermediate position of the first rear elastic portion 85a of the first engagement latch 77a enters the first through-hole 99a of the slider 16, and the inclined surface 91 of the first inclined convex portion 92a slidably abuts against the inclined surface 100 of the first inclined recess 98a of the first through-hole 99a, and a second inclined convex portion 92b formed at an intermediate position of the second rear elastic portion 85b of the second engagement latch 77b enters the second through-hole 99b of the slider 16, and the inclined surface 91 of the second inclined convex portion 92b slidably abuts against the inclined surface 100 of the second inclined recess 98b of the second through-hole 99b. The slider 16 slides axially forward and backward on the upper surface of the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15 by the axial length dimensions of the first and second inclined recesses 98a, 98b.

[0070] The crimping ring 17 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape and extends in the axial direction. The pipe 28 is inserted into a tubular portion 59 located axially rearward of the inner housing 14. The boot 18 is made of a metal material or a synthetic resin material, is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape, and extends in the axial direction. A first optical fiber core incorporating a first optical fiber 25a and a second optical fiber core incorporating a second optical fiber 25b are bundled together in the inner housing 14 to form an optical fiber cord 102, and the optical fiber cord 102 is inserted through the crimping ring 17 and the boot 18 and extends axially rearward from the rear end of the boot 18.

[0071] 3, in the assembled duplex optical connector plug 10, the first front half portion 88a and the first front resilient portion 86a are spaced upward from the upper surface 35 of the top wall 31 of the first plug frame 20a, and the first tip portion 83a of the first engagement latch 77a is inserted into the first engagement recess 38a formed in the first guiding protrusion 36a. An abutment surface 90 of the first tip portion 83a abuts against the axial front of the top wall 31 of the first plug frame 20a (the upper surface 35 of the top wall 31 of the front end portion of the first plug frame 20a), and the upward inclined surface 89 of the first tip portion 83a is spaced axially rearward from the downward inclined surface 46 of the first recessed hole portion 44a.

[0072] The second front half portion 88b and the second front elastic portion 86b are spaced upward from the upper surface 35 of the top wall 31 of the second plug frame 20b, and the second tip end portion 83b of the second engagement latch 75b is inserted into the second engagement recess 38b formed in the second guide protrusion 36b. An abutment surface 90 of the second tip end portion 83b abuts against the axial front of the top wall 31 of the second plug frame 20b (the upper surface 35 of the top wall 31 of the front end portion of the second plug frame 20b), and the upward inclined surface 89 of the second tip end portion 83b is spaced axially rearward from the downward inclined surface 46 of the second recessed hole portion 44b.

[0073] In the duplex optical connector plug 10, when the first and second connector assemblies 11a, 11b are inserted into the optical connector adapter and the first and second connector assemblies 11a, 11b are pushed into the optical connector adapter, the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b (first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b and first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b) of the first and second engaging latches 77a, 77b elastically deform downward, and the first and second engaging portions 84a, 84b of the first and second engaging latches 77a, 77b engage with the engaging portions of the optical connector adapter, and the optical connector plug 10 is coupled to the optical connector adapter to establish an optically connected state. Before the slider 16 is slid axially rearward relative to the outer housing 15, the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b (first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b and first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b) of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b are not pushed downward, and the engagement state of the first and second connector assemblies 11a, 11b (first and second engagement portions 84a, 84b of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b) with the optical connector adapter is maintained.

[0074] The polarity of the duplex optical connector plug 10 can be changed by rotating the first and second optical connector assemblies 11a and 11b.

[0075] An example of a disconnection procedure for disconnecting the optical connector plug 10 from the optical connector adapter is as follows: With the optical connector plug 10 engaged with the optical connector adapter, the slider 16 is slid axially rearward relative to the outer housing 15. When the slider 16 is slid axially rearward, the slope 100 of the first inclined recess 98a (pressing-down mechanism) formed in the first through-hole 99a of the slider 16 presses downward the slope 91 (pressing-down mechanism) of the first inclined protrusion 92a, causing the first inclined recess 98a to press downward the first inclined protrusion 92a, which in turn elastically deforms the first elastic portion 82a (first rear elastic portion 85a and first front elastic portion 86a) of the first engagement latch 77a and presses it downward. Furthermore, the slope 100 of the second inclined recess 98b (push-down mechanism) formed in the second through hole 99b of the slider 16 presses downward the slope 91 (push-down mechanism) of the second inclined protrusion 92b, causing the second inclined recess 98b to push the second inclined protrusion 92b downward, thereby elastically deforming the second elastic portion 82b (the second rear elastic portion 85b and the second front elastic portion 86b) of the second engagement latch 77b and pushing it downward.

[0076] When the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b (first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b and first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b) of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b are pushed downward, the engagement of the first and second engagement portions 84a, 84b of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b with the optical connector adapter is released, allowing the first and second connector assemblies 11a, 11b to be pulled out from the optical connector adapter, and the connection (optical connection) between the optical connector plug 10 and the optical connector adapter is released.

[0077] When the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b (first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b and first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b) of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b are elastically deformed, for example, the first and second front half portions 88a, 88b (centers of the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b) of the first and second rear elastic portions 86a, 86b are depressed downward, and the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b are depressed downward. When 3b (the front of the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b) bends upward, the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b rise upward from the upper surface 35 of the top wall 31 at the front end of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b (move upward away from the upper surface 35 of the top wall 31), and the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b (the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b and the first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b) may not be pressed downward sufficiently.

[0078] If the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b (first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b and first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b) cannot be sufficiently pressed downward when the slider 16 is slid axially rearward, the engagement of the first and second engagement portions 84a, 84b of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b with the optical connector adapter will be maintained, the first and second connector assemblies 11a, 11b cannot be pulled out from the optical connector adapter, and the connection (optical connection) between the optical connector plug 10 and the optical connector adapter cannot be released.

[0079] However, in the duplex optical connector plug 10, when the slider 16 is slid axially rearward, the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b (first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b and first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b) of the first and second engaging latches 77a, 77b are elastically deformed, the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b of the first and second engaging latches 77a, 77b are bent upward, and the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b are raised upward from the upper surfaces 35 of the top walls 31 of the front ends of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b, the upward inclined surface 89 of the first tip portion 83a abuts against the downward inclined surface 46 of the first recessed hole portion 44a, and the upward inclined surface 89 of the second tip portion 83b abuts against the downward inclined surface 46 of the second recessed hole portion 44b.

[0080] As the upwardly inclined surfaces 89 of the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b abut against the downwardly inclined surfaces 46 of the first and second recessed hole portions 44a, 44b, the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b are prevented from further floating upward by the first and second recessed hole portions 44a, 44b. By preventing the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b from floating upward, the first and second front half portions 88a, 88b (centers of the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b) of the first and second rear elastic portions 86a, 86b do not sink downward, and the pressing action of the first and second inclined convex portions 92a, 92b (pressing down mechanism) and the first and second inclined concave portions 98a, 98b (pressing down mechanism) of the slider 16 elastically deforms the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b (first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b and first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b) of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b downward, and the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b are pressed downward.

[0081] In the duplex optical connector plug 10, when the first engaging latch 77a is elastically deformed and the first tip portion 83a is raised upward, the upward inclined surface 89 of the first tip portion 83a abuts against the downward inclined surface 46 of the first recessed hole portion 44a, and when the second engaging latch 77b is elastically deformed and the second tip portion 83b is raised upward, the upward inclined surface 89 of the second tip portion 83b abuts against the downward inclined surface 46 of the second recessed hole portion 44b. This prevents the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b (front of the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b) from bending upward when the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b are pushed downward, and the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b can be elastically deformed downward to sufficiently push the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b downward, thereby smoothly releasing the connection (optical connection) between the optical connector plug 10 and the optical connector adapter.

[0082] In the duplex optical connector plug 10, the thickness dimension in the vertical direction of the first rear elastic portion 85a of the first elastic portion 82a of the first engaging latch 77a gradually increases from the first connecting portion 81a toward the first engaging portion 84a, and the thickness dimension in the vertical direction of the second rear elastic portion 85b of the second elastic portion 82b of the second engaging latch 77b gradually increases from the second connecting portion 81b toward the second engaging portion 84b. Therefore, the rigidity of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b extending toward the first and second engaging portions 84a, 84b is increased by the rigidity of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b extending toward the first and second connecting portions 81a, 81b. Since the elastic deformation of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b is larger than that of the second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b, the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b on the side of the first and second engagement portions 84a, 84b are less likely to elastically deform. As a result, when the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b are pressed downward, the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b extending toward the first and second engagement portions 84a, 84b do not bend upward, and the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b can be elastically deformed downward to sufficiently press the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b downward.

[0083] In the duplex optical connector plug 10, the thickness dimension in the vertical direction of the first and second front elastic parts 86a, 86b of the first and second elastic parts 82a, 82b is smaller than that of the first and second rear elastic parts 85a, 85b, the rigidity of the first and second rear elastic parts 85a, 85b is greater than that of the first and second front elastic parts 86a, 86b, and the elastic force in the vertical direction of the first and second front elastic parts 86a, 86b is smaller than that of the first and second rear elastic parts 85a, 85b, While the first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b are less likely to elastically deform than the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b, the fronts of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b do not bend upward when the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b are pushed downward, and the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b can be elastically deformed downward to sufficiently push the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b downward.

[0084] The duplex optical connector plug 10 has a first inclined protrusion 91a formed on the first rear elastic portion 85a of the first engaging latch 77a and inclined upward in the axial rear direction, a second inclined protrusion 91b formed on the second rear elastic portion 85b of the second engaging latch 77b and inclined upward in the axial rear direction, a first inclined recess 98a formed on one side of the slider 16 and in slidable contact with the first inclined protrusion 92a and inclined upward in the axial rear direction, and a first inclined recess 98a located on the other side of the slider 16 and in slidable contact with the second inclined protrusion 92b and inclined upward in the axial rear direction. Since the pushing-down mechanism is formed from the second inclined recess 98b which is inclined upward as it approaches, when the slider 16 is slid axially rearward relative to the outer housing 15, the pushing-down mechanism acts reliably, causing the slider 16 to push the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b downward, and the slider 16 is used to elastically deform the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b downward, thereby sufficiently pushing the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b downward, and the connection (optical connection) between the optical connector plug 10 and the optical connector adapter can be reliably released.

[0085] The dual-type optical connector plug 10 can be pulled out of the optical connector adapter by simply sliding the slider 16 axially backward relative to the outer housing 15, thereby smoothly releasing the connection between the optical connector plug 10 and the optical connector adapter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10 Duplex optical connector plug 11a First optical connector assembly 11b Second optical connector assembly 12a 1st gear 12b 2nd gear 13 Intermediate gear 14 Inner housing 15 outer housing 16 Slider 17 Crimping ring 18 Boots 19a First ferrule 19b Second ferrule 20a 1st plug frame 20b Second plug frame 21a First stop ring 21b Second stop ring 22a First Spring 22b Second spring 23a First capillary 23b Second capillary 24a 1st sleeve 24b Second Sleeve 25a First optical fiber 25b Second optical fiber 26 Tip surface 27 Chamfered part 28 Pipe 29a First core cover 29b Second core cover 30a First flange 30b Second flange 31 Top Wall 32 Bottom wall 33 Side wall 34 Side wall 35 Top 36a First guide protrusion 36b Second guide protrusion 38a First entrance recess 38b Second entry recess 44a 1st recessed hole part 44b 2nd recessed hole part 45 Rear end surface 46 Downhill slope 47 Front end 48 Middle section 49 Rear end 54 Top wall 55 bottom wall 56 Side wall 57 Side wall 58a 1st opening 58b 2nd opening 59 Cylinder part 62 Partition Wall 63a First gear housing 63b Second gear housing 64 Intermediate gear housing 71 Top Wall 72 Bottom wall 73 Side wall 74 Side wall 75 Front end opening 76 Rear end opening 77a First engagement latch 77b Second engagement latch 78 Key 81a 1st connection part 81b 2nd connection part 82a First elastic part 82b Second elastic portion 83a 1st tip 83b 2nd tip 84a 1st engagement part 84b Second engagement portion 85a First rear elastic part 85b Second rear elastic part 86a First front elastic part 86b Second front elastic part 87a 1st back half 87b 2nd half part 88a First half section 88b 2nd front half 89 Uphill 90 Contact surface 91 Slope 92a First inclined convex portion (pressing down mechanism) 92b Second inclined convex portion (pressing down mechanism) 93 frames 94 Sliding top wall 95a First outer guide wall 95b Second outer guide wall 96a First inner guide wall 96b Second inner guide wall 97a 1st approach road 97b 2nd approach road 98a First inclined recess (pressing mechanism) 98b Second inclined recess (pressing mechanism) 100 Slopes 101 Key Clerk Join 102 Optical fiber cord

Claims

1. a first optical connector assembly including a first plug frame accommodating a first ferrule extending in the axial direction and holding a first optical fiber, a first stop ring engaged with the first plug frame, and a first spring disposed between the first ferrule and the first stop ring and biasing the first ferrule forward in the axial direction; a second plug frame accommodating a second ferrule extending in the axial direction and holding a second optical fiber, a second stop ring engaged with the second plug frame, and a second spring disposed between the second ferrule and the second stop ring and biasing the second ferrule forward in the axial direction, the second optical connector assembly being parallel to the first optical connector assembly; an inner housing accommodating rear ends of the first and second stop rings; and an outer housing accommodating the inner housing, the first and second plug frames each have a guide protrusion that protrudes upward from a top wall at a front end thereof, and the guide protrusion has a recessed hole portion that is recessed axially forward from a rear end surface facing the stop ring, the outer housing has a front end opening that opens at its front end, a resiliently deformable first engagement latch that extends axially from one side portion of a top wall of the outer housing and extends axially forward from the front end opening, and a resiliently deformable second engagement latch that extends axially from the other side portion of the top wall of the outer housing and extends axially forward from the front end opening, the first and second engagement latches each have a tip end portion located on a top wall of a front end portion of the plug frame and entering the recessed hole portion, and an engagement portion formed axially rearward of the tip end portion and engaging with the optical connector adapter when the first and second connector assemblies are inserted into the optical connector adapter, A duplex optical connector plug, characterized in that the recessed hole portion prevents the tip portion from floating upward when the first and second engagement latches are elastically deformed.

2. 2. A duplex optical connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the recessed hole portion has a downwardly inclined surface that slopes downward from the rear end surface of the guide protrusion toward the front in the axial direction, and the tip ends of the first and second engaging latches have upwardly inclined surfaces that slope upward from the front ends of the tip ends toward the rear in the axial direction and abutment surfaces that abut against the top wall of the front end of the plug frame, and when the first and second engaging latches elastically deform and the tip ends float upward, the upwardly inclined surfaces of the tip ends abut against the downwardly inclined surface of the recessed hole portion.

3. 2. A duplex optical connector plug as described in claim 1, wherein the first and second engagement latches have a connecting portion connected to the top wall of the outer housing and an elastic portion extending axially forward from the connecting portion and extending axially forward from the front end opening of the outer housing, the elastic portion having a rear elastic portion located between the connecting portion and the engagement portion and extending axially, and a front elastic portion located between the engagement portion and the tip portion and extending axially, and the thickness dimension in the vertical direction of the rear elastic portion gradually increases from the connecting portion toward the engagement portion.

4. 4. A duplex optical connector plug as described in claim 3, wherein the axial length dimension of the rear elastic portion of the elastic portion is longer than the axial length dimension of the front elastic portion of the elastic portion, the front elastic portion slopes downward from the front end of the rear elastic portion toward the axial front, and the vertical thickness dimension of the front elastic portion is smaller than that of the rear elastic portion.

5. 5. A duplex optical connector plug as described in claim 4, wherein the rear elastic portion of the elastic portion has a rear half portion that extends axially forward from the connecting portion to a midpoint of the rear elastic portion, and a front half portion that extends axially forward from the midpoint of the rear elastic portion at a downward slope and then extends to the engaging portion, and the thickness dimension in the vertical direction of the front elastic portion is smaller than that of the rear half portion and the front half portion of the rear elastic portion.

6. 6. A duplex optical connector plug as described in claim 5, wherein the vertical elastic force of the front elastic portion is smaller than that of the rear and front half portions of the rear elastic portion, and the front elastic portion elastically deforms more easily than the rear and front half portions.

7. 2. The duplex optical connector plug according to claim 1, wherein when the duplex optical connector plug and the optical connector adapter are disconnected, the upwardly inclined surfaces at the tip ends of the first and second engaging latches abut against the downwardly inclined surfaces of the recessed hole portion.

8. 2. The duplex optical connector plug according to claim 1, wherein the duplex optical connector plug has a slider connected to be slidable in the axial direction, and when the slider is slid axially rearward, the first and second engagement latches are released from their engagement with the optical connector adapter when the tip ends of the first and second engagement latches enter the recessed hole portions of the guide protrusions.

9. 9. A duplex optical connector plug according to claim 8, wherein the first and second engagement latches have inclined upper surfaces in the front half of the rear elastic portion that extend from the intermediate position axially forward at a downward inclination, and the slider has inclined lower surfaces formed on both sides of the slider that slidably abut the inclined upper surfaces and extend axially rearward at an upward inclination.

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