Duplex optical fiber connector plug

Abstract

Provided is a duplex optical fiber connector plug capable of smoothly releasing the connection (optical connection) between the optical fiber connector plug and an optical fiber connector adapter. In a duplex optical fiber connector plug (10), first and second tip portions of first and second engagement latches (77a, 77b) enter first and second groove portions of first and second guide protrusions (36a, 36b) formed at front end portions of first and second plug frames (20a, 20b), and when the first and second engagement latches (77a, 77b) are elastically deformed and the first and second tip portions float upward, the first and second tip portions of the first and second engagement latches (77a, 77b) are inserted into the first and second groove portions of the first and second guide protrusions (36a, 36b). Upward inclined surfaces of the tip portions abut against downward inclined surfaces of the first and second groove portions, and upward floating of the first and second tip portions is prevented by the groove portions, so that first and second elastic portions of the first and second engagement latches (77a, 77b) can be elastically deformed downward and sufficiently pressed downward.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a duplex optical fiber connector plug. BACKGROUND

[0002] A duplex optical fiber connector plug is disclosed (see Patent Document 1), which has a first optical fiber connector assembly having a first plug frame that accommodates a first ferrule that holds a first optical fiber and extends in an axial direction, a first stop ring that is fitted into the first plug frame, and a first spring that is provided between the first ferrule and the first stop ring and pushes the first ferrule toward the front in the axial direction; a second optical fiber connector assembly that is provided in parallel with the first optical fiber connector assembly and has a second plug frame that accommodates a second ferrule that holds a second optical fiber and extends in the axial direction, a second stop ring that is fitted into the second plug frame, and a second spring that is provided between the second ferrule and the second stop ring and pushes the second ferrule toward the front in the axial direction; an inner housing that accommodates the rear end portion of the first stop ring and the rear end portion of the second stop ring; an outer housing that accommodates the inner housing; and a slider that is connected so as to be slidable in the axial direction with respect to the outer housing.

[0003] The outer housing of the duplex optical fiber connector plug has a front end opening, a first engagement latch that is elastically deformable and is located at one side portion of the top wall of the outer housing and extends toward the front in the axial direction from the front end opening, and a second engagement latch that is elastically deformable and is located at the other side portion of the top wall of the outer housing and extends toward the front in the axial direction from the front end opening. The first engagement latch and the second engagement latch have an abutting protrusion that is located at the front end thereof and abuts against the top wall of the front end portion of the plug frame, and an engagement portion that is located rearward in the axial direction of the abutting protrusion and engages with the fiber connector adapter when the first optical fiber connector assembly and the second optical fiber connector assembly are inserted into the fiber connector adapter.

[0004] In this duplex optical fiber connector plug, when the first optical fiber connector assembly and the second optical fiber connector assembly are inserted into the fiber connector adapter and the first optical fiber connector assembly and the second optical fiber connector assembly are pushed into the inside of the fiber connector adapter, the elastic portions of the first engagement latch and the second engagement latch are elastically deformed downward, and at the same time, the engagement portions of the first engagement latch and the second engagement latch engage with the engagement portions of the fiber connector adapter, and the fiber connector plug is connected to the fiber connector adapter in a light connection state. In a state before the slider is slid rearward in the axial direction with respect to the outer housing, the elastic portions of the first engagement latch and the second engagement latch are not pressed downward, and the engagement state of the engagement portions of the first engagement latch and the second engagement latch with respect to the engagement portions of the fiber connector adapter is maintained.

[0005] (Patent Document 1) Japanese Patent No. 5733396 (Patent Literature) (Patent Literature 1) Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-144132 SUMMARY PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION In the dual optical fiber connector plug disclosed in the Patent Literature 1, when the slider is slid toward the axial rear direction with respect to the outer housing, the elastic portions of the first and second engagement latches are pressed downward by the mutual pressing mechanism of the slider and the first and second engagement latches, whereby the engagement of the engagement portions of the first and second engagement latches with the optical fiber connector adapter is released, so that the first and second optical fiber connector assemblies can be pulled out of the optical fiber connector adapter, and the connection (optical connection) of the optical fiber connector plug with the optical fiber connector adapter is released.

[0006] However, in the dual optical fiber connector plug, when the engagement latches are elastically deformed and recessed downward and the front directions of the engagement latches are upwardly warped, the tip portions of the engagement latches are floated upward from the top wall of the plug frame front end portion, which can cause insufficient pressing of the engagement portions of the engagement latches downward. When the engagement portions of the engagement latches cannot be pressed downward sufficiently, the engagement of the engagement portions with the optical fiber connector adapter is maintained, and the connection (optical connection) of the optical fiber connector plug with the optical fiber connector adapter cannot be released.

[0007] An object of the present application is to provide a dual optical fiber connector plug capable of smoothly releasing the connection (optical connection) of the optical fiber connector plug with the optical fiber connector adapter.

[0008] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM The premise of the present application for solving the above problem is a dual optical fiber connector plug including: a first optical fiber connector assembly having a first plug frame accommodating a first ferrule holding a first optical fiber and extending in an axial direction, a first stop ring engaged in the first plug frame, and a first spring provided between the first ferrule and the first stop ring and pushing the first ferrule toward the axial front direction; a second optical fiber connector assembly provided in parallel with the first optical fiber connector assembly and having a second plug frame accommodating a second ferrule holding a second optical fiber and extending in the axial direction, a second stop ring engaged in the second plug frame, and a second spring provided between the second ferrule and the second stop ring and pushing the second ferrule toward the axial front direction; an inner housing accommodating rear end portions of the first and second stop rings; and an outer housing accommodating the inner housing.

[0009] In the above-described context, the present application is characterized in that the first and second plug frames have a guide protrusion protruding upward from a top wall of a front end portion thereof, the guide protrusion having a recessed portion recessed toward an axial front from a rear end surface facing the stop ring, the housing has a front end opening in a front end of the housing, a first engagement latch elastically deformable and extending axially from a side portion of the top wall of the housing and extending axially forward from the front end opening, and a second engagement latch elastically deformable and extending axially from another side portion of the top wall of the housing and extending axially forward from the front end opening, the first and second engagement latches having a tip portion positioned at the top wall of the front end portion of the plug frame and entering the recessed portion, and an engagement portion formed axially rearward of the tip portion and engaged with the fiber optic connector adapter when the first and second fiber optic connector assemblies are inserted into the fiber optic connector adapter, the upward floating of the tip portion of the first and second engagement latches when elastically deformed being prevented by the recessed portion.

[0010] As an example of the present application, the recessed portion has a downward inclined surface inclined downwardly at a downward slope from the rear end surface of the guide protrusion toward the axial front, and the tip portion of the first and second engagement latches has an upward inclined surface inclined upwardly at an upward slope from a front end thereof toward the axial rear, and an abutting surface abutting against the top wall of the front end portion of the plug frame, the upward inclined surface of the tip portion abutting against the downward inclined surface of the recessed portion when the first and second engagement latches are elastically deformed and the tip portion floats upward.

[0011] As another example of the present application, the first and second engagement latches have a connection portion connected to the top wall of the housing, and an elastic portion extending axially forward from the connection portion and extending axially forward from the front end opening of the housing, the elastic portion having a rear elastic portion positioned between the connection portion and the engagement portion and extending axially forward, and a front elastic portion positioned between the engagement portion and the tip portion and extending axially forward, the thickness dimension in the up-down direction of the rear elastic portion gradually increasing from the connection portion toward the engagement portion.

[0012] As another example of the present application, 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 is inclined downwardly at a downward slope from a front end of the rear elastic portion toward the axial front, and the thickness dimension in the up-down direction of the front elastic portion is smaller than the thickness dimension in the up-down direction of the rear elastic portion.

[0013] As another example of the present application, the rear elastic portion of the elastic portion has a rear half portion extending substantially horizontally from the connection portion toward the middle position of the rear elastic portion in the axial front direction, and a front half portion extending obliquely downward from the middle position of the rear elastic portion toward the axial front direction and then extending substantially horizontally to the engagement portion, and the thickness dimension in the up-down direction of the front elastic portion is smaller than the thickness dimension in the up-down direction of the rear half portion and the front half portion of the rear elastic portion.

[0014] As another example of the present application, the elastic force of the front elastic portion in the up-down direction is smaller than the elastic force of the rear half portion and the front half portion of the rear elastic portion in the up-down direction, and the front elastic portion is easily elastically deformed compared to the rear half portion and the front half portion.

[0015] As another example of the present application, in the dual-type fiber-optic connector plug, when the first fiber-optic connector assembly and the second fiber-optic connector assembly are inserted into the fiber-optic connector adapter in the connected state of the fiber-optic connector adapter, and when the fiber-optic connector plug is stretched in the direction of releasing the connection with respect to the fiber-optic connector adapter and an axial tensile load is applied to the first engagement latch and the second engagement latch to elongate the first engagement latch and the second engagement latch in the axial direction, the upward inclined surface of the tip portion of the first engagement latch and the second engagement latch is prevented from abutting against the downward inclined surface of the groove portion by the upward inclined surface of the tip portion of the first engagement latch and the second engagement latch.

[0016] As another example of the present application, the dual-type fiber-optic connector plug includes a slider connected to the outer housing so as to be slidable in the axial direction with respect to the outer housing, and in the dual-type fiber-optic connector plug, in a state before the slider is slid in the axial rear direction with respect to the outer housing, the engagement state of the first engagement latch and the second engagement latch with respect to the fiber-optic connector adapter is maintained, and when the slider is slid in the axial rear direction with respect to the outer housing, the slider presses down the first engagement latch and the second engagement latch by a prescribed pressing mechanism, and in a state where the tip portions of the first engagement latch and the second engagement latch enter the guide protrusion groove portion, the engagement state of the first engagement latch and the second engagement latch with respect to the fiber-optic connector adapter is released.

[0017] As another example of the present application, the pressing mechanism is constituted by an inclined upper surface of a front half portion of the rear elastic portion extending obliquely downward from the middle position toward the axial front direction, and an inclined lower surface formed on both side portions of the slider so as to abut against the inclined upper surface in a slidable manner and extending obliquely upward toward the axial rear direction.

[0018] Effects of the Invention The dual-type fiber-optic connector plug according to the present application can smoothly release the connection (optical connection) of the fiber-optic connector plug with the fiber-optic connector adapter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a duplex fiber optic connector plug shown as an example.

[0020] Figure 2 is a side view of the duplex fiber optic connector plug.

[0021] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of

[0022] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the duplex fiber optic connector plug.

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first plug frame and the second plug frame.

[0024] Figure 6 is Figure 5 a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y-Y of

[0025] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the first stop ring and the second stop ring.

[0026] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the inner housing shown in a state of being separated into two.

[0027] Figure 9 is an outer face view of the inner housing.

[0028] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the outer housing.

[0029] Figure 11 is a front view of the outer housing.

[0030] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the slider seen from above.

[0031] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the slider seen from below.

[0032] Figure 14 is Figure 12 a cross-sectional view taken along the line Z-Z of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] A duplex fiber optic connector plug according to the present application is explained in detail as follows with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a duplex fiber optic connector plug 10 shown as an example, Figure 2 is a side view of the duplex fiber optic connector plug 10. Figure 3 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of Figure 4is an exploded perspective view of the duplex optical fiber connector plug 10. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b, Figure 6 is Figure 5 is a Y-Y line arrow direction sectional view of Figure 7 is a perspective view of the first and second stop rings 21a, 21b. In Figure 1 , 2 , the arrow A indicates the axial direction, the arrow B indicates the radial direction (lateral direction or up-down direction), and the arrow C indicates the circumferential direction.

[0034] The duplex optical fiber connector plug 10 is mounted to the tip portion of an optical fiber cable 102, and is used for optical connection of optical fibers to each other by being connected to an optical fiber connector adapter (not shown). The optical fiber connector plug 10 is formed of a first optical fiber connector assembly 11a and a second optical fiber connector assembly 11b, first and second gears 12a, 12b, an intermediate gear 13, an inner housing 14 and an outer housing 15, a slider 16 and a clamping ring 17, a sheath 18 and a tube 28. As shown in the exploded perspective view of Figure 4 , the optical fiber connector plug 10 is arranged with the inner housing 14 and the outer housing 15 and the tube 28 and the slider 16 behind the axial direction of the first and second optical fiber connector assemblies 11a, 11b, and is arranged with the clamping ring 17 and the sheath 18 behind the axial direction of the slider 16.

[0035] The first and second optical fiber connector assemblies 11a, 11b have first and second ferrules 19a, 19b extending in the axial direction, first and second plug frames 20a, 20b housing the first and second ferrules 19a, 19b, first and second stop rings 21a, 21b clamped into the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b, and first and second springs 22a, 22b (coil springs). The first and second ferrules 19a, 19b are formed of first and second capillary tubes 23a, 23b extending in the axial direction, and first and second sleeves 24a, 24b extending in the axial direction and shaped in a cylindrical shape. At least one first and second optical fiber 25a, 25b is held in the first and second capillary tubes 23a. The second optical fiber connector assembly 11b is adjacent to the first optical fiber connector assembly 11a, and extends in the axial direction in parallel with the first optical fiber connector assembly 11a.

[0036] The outer diameter of the first and second capillary tubes 23a, 23b is 1.2485 mm to 1.2493 mm. Inside the first and second capillary tubes 23a, 23b (ferrules), fiber insertion holes extending in the axial direction are formed. The first and second optical fibers 25a, 25b are inserted into the fiber insertion holes formed in the first and second capillary tubes 23a, 23b. The second capillary tube 23b is laterally adjacent to the first capillary tube 23a and extends in the axial direction in parallel with the first capillary tube 23a. The first and second capillary tubes 23a, 23b are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape elongated in the axial direction, have tip surfaces 26 at the axial tip ends thereof exposing end surfaces of the first and second optical fibers 25a, 25b, and have chamfered portions 27 in the outer diameter regions of the end surfaces of the tip surfaces 26. The rear end portions of the first and second capillary tubes 23a, 23b are inserted into the capillary tube insertion holes of the first and second sleeves 24a, 24b, and the rear end portions of the first and second capillary tubes 23a, 23b are fixedly held in the capillary tube insertion holes of the first and second sleeves 24a, 24b. The one end portions of the first and second fiber cores are inserted into the core insertion holes 32 of the first and second sleeves 24a, 24b and are fixedly held in the core insertion holes of the first and second sleeves 24a, 24b.

[0037] The first and second sleeves 24a, 24b are connected to the axial rear of the first and second capillary tubes 23a, 23b (the first and second ferrules 19a, 19b). The first and second core sheaths 29a, 29b (PTFE tubes) covering the entire outer periphery of the first and second optical fibers 25a, 25b and extending in the axial direction are connected to the axial rear of the first and second sleeves 24a, 24b. At the front end of the first and second sleeves 24a, 24b, the first and second flanges 30a, 30b in a polygonal cylindrical shape are integrally formed, and the diameters thereof are larger than the diameters of the first and second capillary tubes 23a, 23b and the first and second core sheaths 29a, 29b. The second core sheath 29b and the second flange 30b are laterally adjacent to the first core sheath 29a and the first flange 30a and extend in the axial direction in parallel with the first core sheath 29a.

[0038] The first and second plug frames 20a, 20b are made of a synthetic resin material and are formed in a substantially quadrangular cylindrical shape with a hollow. The first and second plug frames 20a, 20b have a substantially rectangular top wall 31 and a bottom wall 32 spaced apart in the up-down direction and facing each other and extending in the axial direction, and two side walls 33, 34 spaced apart in the lateral direction and facing each other and extending in the axial direction. In the axial front of the top wall 31 of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b (the top wall 31 of the front end portions of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b), the first and second guide protrusions 36a, 36b protruding upward from the upper face 35 of the top wall 31 are formed. The second plug frame 20b is laterally adjacent to the first plug frame 20a and extends in the axial direction in parallel with the first plug frame 20a.

[0039] First and second recessed portions 44a, 44b are formed in the first and second guide protrusions 36a, 36b of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b. The first and second recessed portions 44a, 44b are recessed toward the axial front from the rear end surfaces 45 of the first and second guide protrusions 36a, 36b facing the first and second stop rings 21a, 21b so as to protrude toward the axial front. The first and second recessed portions 44a, 44b have descending inclined surfaces 46 inclined downward from above the rear end surfaces 45 of the first and second guide protrusions 36a, 36b toward the axial front.

[0040] The first and second stop rings 21a, 21b have front end portions 47 (front end cylindrical portions) located toward the axial front, rear end portions 49 (rear end cylindrical portions) located toward the axial front, and intermediate portions 48 (intermediate cylindrical portions) extending between the front end portions 47 and the rear end portions 49. The second stop ring 21b is laterally adjacent to the first stop ring 21a and extends axially in parallel with the first stop ring 21a.

[0041] The first and second springs 22a, 22b are provided between the first and second ferrules 19a, 19b and the first and second stop rings 21a, 21b and are inserted axially through the first and second core sheaths 29a, 29b. The front ends of the first and second springs 22a, 22b abut the first and second flanges 30a, 30b of the first and second sleeves 24a, 24b, and the rear ends thereof abut the front end portions 47 of the first and second stop rings 21a, 21b. The first and second springs 22a, 22b push the first and second ferrules 19a, 19b toward the axial front by the axial elastic force. The second spring 22b is laterally adjacent to the first spring 22a and extends axially in parallel with the first spring 22a.

[0042] The first and second gears 12a, 12b are formed in the rear end portions 49 of the first and second stop rings 21a, 21b and extend axially.

[0043] The intermediate gear 13 is provided between the first and second gears 12a, 12b and extends axially. The intermediate gear 13 circumscribes the first and second gears 12a, 12b and rotates the other gear in the same direction as one gear while transmitting the rotational force of one gear to the other gear. In addition, the gear ratio of the first gear 12a, the second gear 12b, and the intermediate gear 13 is 1.

[0044] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the inner housing 14 shown in a state of being separated into two, Figure 9This is an external view of the inner housing 14. The inner housing 14 has: a top wall 54 and a bottom wall 55 that are spaced apart in the upward and downward direction, facing each other and extending axially; two side walls 56 and 57 that are spaced apart in the horizontal direction, facing each other and extending axially; a first opening 58a that opens at the front end of the inner housing 14 and through which a first stop ring 21a is inserted; and a second opening 58b that opens at the front end of the inner housing 14 and through which a second stop ring 21b is inserted.

[0045] Inside the inner housing 14, there are: a first gear receiving portion 63a surrounded by the walls 54-57 and the partition wall 62; a second gear receiving portion 63b surrounded by the walls 54-57 and the partition wall 62; and an intermediate gear receiving portion 64 surrounded by the partition wall 62 and located between the first and second gear receiving portions 63a and 63b. The first gear receiving portion 63a rotatably houses (arranges) a first gear 12a formed at the rear end 49 of the first stop ring 21a, and the second gear receiving portion 63b rotatably houses (arranges) a second gear 12b formed at the rear end 49 of the second stop ring 21b. The intermediate gear receiving portion 64 rotatably houses (arranges) an intermediate gear 13.

[0046] In the inner housing 14, the first and second gears 12a, 12b and the intermediate gear 13 are respectively housed in the first and second gear receiving portions 63a, 63b and the intermediate gear receiving portion 64, so that these gears 12a, 12b and 13 are arranged laterally, and the first gear 12a is externally connected to the intermediate gear 13, and the second gear 12b is externally connected to the intermediate gear 13.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view of the outer shell 15. Figure 11 This is a front view of the outer casing 15. The outer casing 15 is made of synthetic resin material and has: a top wall 71 that is spaced apart in the vertical direction and faces each other and extends axially; and a generally rectangular bottom wall 72; and two side walls 73 and 74 that are spaced apart in the horizontal direction, face each other, and extend axially. The outer casing 15 has: a front opening 75 that opens at the front end of the inner casing 14; a rear opening 76 that opens at its rear end; and a pair of elastically deformable first latches 77a and elastically deformable second latches 77b connected to the top wall 71.

[0048] The first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b are spaced apart by a predetermined dimension in the width direction and face each other, and extend linearly in the axial direction in parallel with each other. The first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b are located at one side portion of the top wall 71 of the outer case 15, and extend out in the axial forward direction from the front end opening 75 of the outer case 15. The first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b are formed by first and second connecting portions 81a, 81b that are connected to the rear half portion of the one side portion of the top wall 71 of the outer case 15 and are integral with the outer case 15, and first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b (first and second elastic deformation portions) that are connected to the first and second connecting portions 81a, 81b and extend in the axial forward direction from the first and second connecting portions 81a, 81b, and have first and second tip portions 83a, 83b formed at the front ends of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b, and first and second engagement portions 84a, 84b that protrude in the width direction and are formed at the axial rearward direction of the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b.

[0049] The first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b are flexible and elastically deform in the up-down direction. The first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b have first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b that are connected to the first and second connecting portions 81a, 81b and extend in the axial forward direction from the first and second connecting portions 81a, 81b toward the first and second engagement portions 84a, 84b, and first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b that are located between the first and second engagement portions 84a, 84b and the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b and extend in the axial forward direction from the first and second engagement portions 84a, 84b toward the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b.

[0050] The axial length dimension of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b is longer than the axial length dimension of the first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b of the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b. The up-down direction thickness dimension of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b gradually increases from the first and second connecting portions 81a, 81b toward the first and second engagement portions 84a, 84b. Therefore, the elastic force in the up-down direction of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b that extend toward the first and second connecting portions 81a, 81b is smaller than the elastic force in the up-down direction of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b that extend toward the first and second engagement portions 84a, 84b, and the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b on the first and second connecting portions 81a, 81b side are more easily elastically deformed than the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b on the first and second engagement portions 84a, 84b side.

[0051] The first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b have first and second rear half portions 87a, 87b extending from the first and second connecting portions 81a, 81b to the middle positions of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b in the axial forward direction and having a slope of plus or minus 5 degrees. The first and second front half portions 88a, 88b extend from the middle positions of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b in the axial forward direction with a slope of a downward slope, and then extend to the first and second engaging portions 84a, 84b and have a slope of plus or minus 5 degrees.

[0052] The first and second rear half portions 87a, 87b extend in the axial direction from the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15 upward and in parallel with the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15. The first and second front half portions 88a, 88b are located at substantially the same height as the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15 and extend in the axial forward direction from the front end opening 75 of the outer housing 15. In the middle positions of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b (between the first and second rear half portions 87a, 87b and the first and second front half portions 88a, 88b), first and second inclined projections 92a, 92b (pressing mechanisms) having slopes 91 inclined upward with respect to the axial rearward direction are formed.

[0053] The thickness dimension in the up-down direction of the first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b is smaller than the thickness dimension in the up-down direction of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b (the first and second rear half portions 87a, 87b and the first and second front half portions 88a, 88b). Therefore, the elastic force in the up-down direction of the first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b is smaller than the elastic force in the up-down direction of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b, and the first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b are easily elastically deformed compared to the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b.

[0054] The first and second engaging portions 84a, 84b are formed between the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b and the first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b of the first and second latching lugs 77a, 77b and engage with the fiber optic connector adapter in a manner capable of being engaged and disengaged when the first and second fiber optic connector assemblies 11a, 11b are inserted into the fiber optic connector adapter. The first and second tip portions 83a, 83b are located in the axial forward direction of the top wall 31 of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b (the top wall 31 of the front end portions of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b) and enter the first and second groove portions 44a, 44b of the first and second guide projections 36a, 36b.

[0055] The first and second tip portions 83a, 83b have an uplink inclined surface 89 inclined with an uplink slope from the front end thereof toward the axial rearward direction, and an abutting surface 90 which abuts against the axial frontward direction of the top wall 31 of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b (the top wall 31 of the front end portion of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b). In the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b, when the elastic deformation thereof (the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b) and the upward floating of the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b (the spacing upward from the top wall 31 of the front end portion of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20a) are performed, the uplink inclined surfaces 89 of the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b abut against the downlink inclined surfaces 46 of the first and second groove portions 44a, 44b.

[0056] The outer housing 15 can accommodate the inner housing 14 in a state where the top wall 71 thereof faces the top wall 54 of the inner housing 14 and the bottom wall 72 thereof faces the bottom wall 55 of the inner housing 14, and vice versa. Thus, the outer housing 15 can accommodate the inner housing 14 in a state of being upside down.

[0057] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the slider 16 as seen from above, Figure 13 is a perspective view of the slider 16 as seen from below. Figure 14 is Figure 12 is a Z-Z line arrow direction sectional view of

[0058] In the sliding top wall 94, a first outer side guide wall 95a extending downward from one side edge thereof and extending in the axial direction, a first inner side guide wall 96a located on the width direction inner side of the first outer side guide wall 95a and extending downward from the width direction center of the sliding top wall 94 and extending in the axial direction, a second outer side guide wall 95b extending downward from the other side edge thereof and extending in the axial direction, and a second inner side guide wall 96b located on the width direction inner side of the second outer side guide wall 95b and extending downward from the width direction center of the sliding top wall 94 and extending in the axial direction are formed.

[0059] On one side portion of the sliding top wall 94, a first entry path 97a extending in the axial direction between a first outer side guide wall 95a and a first inner side guide wall 96a and into which a rear half of the first connecting portion 81a and the first elastic portion 82a of the first engagement latch 77a enter is formed. On the other side portion of the sliding top wall 94, a second entry path 97b extending in the axial direction between a second outer side guide wall 95b and a second inner side guide wall 96b and into which a rear half of the second connecting portion 81b and the second elastic portion 82b of the second engagement latch 77b enter is formed.

[0060] In front of the first and second entry paths 97a, 97b on one side portion of the slider 16, first and second through holes 99a, 99b of first and second inclined recessed portions 98a, 98b (depressing mechanism) having a recessed shape toward the upper surface of the slider 16 are formed. The first and second inclined recessed portions 98a, 98b have a slope 100 inclined with an upward slope toward the rear in the axial direction. In the first and second through holes 99a, 99b, first and second inclined protrusions 92a, 92b (depressing mechanism) formed at an intermediate position of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b enter, and the slope 100 of the first and second inclined recessed portions 98a, 98b abuts against the slope 91 of the first and second inclined protrusions 92a, 92b in a slidable manner.

[0061] The slider 16 is connected to the outer housing 15 by engaging the engagement key 78 of the outer housing 15 into the key engagement portion 101 of the slider 16. In a state in which the slider 16 is connected to the outer housing 15, the frame 93 of the slider 16 is positioned rearward (directly rearward) in the axial direction of the rear end opening 76 of the outer housing 15, the rear half of the first connecting portion 81a and the first elastic portion 82a of the first engagement latch 77a enter the first entry path 97a of the slider 16, and the rear half of the second connecting portion 81b and the second elastic portion 82b of the second engagement latch 77b enter the second entry path 97b of the slider 16.

[0062] Further, the first and second inclined protrusions 92a, 92b formed at an intermediate position of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b enter the first and second through holes 99a, 99b of the slider 16, and thus the slope 91 of the first and second inclined protrusions 92a, 92b abuts against the slope 100 of the first and second inclined recessed portions 98a, 98b of the first and second through holes 99a, 99b in a slidable manner. The slider 16 slides in the axial direction of the first and second inclined recessed portions 98a, 98b in the axial direction of the top wall 71 of the outer housing 15.

[0063] The clamping ring 17 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and extends in the axial direction. The tube 28 is inserted through the cylindrical portion 59 formed on the rear side of the inner housing 14 in the axial direction. The sheath 18 is made of a metal material or a synthetic resin material, formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and extends in the axial direction. The first optical fiber core wire in which the first optical fiber 25a is housed and the second optical fiber core wire in which the second optical fiber 25b is housed are bundled into one optical fiber cable 102 in the inner housing 14, and the optical fiber cable 102 is inserted through the clamping ring 17 and the sheath 18 and extends out of the rear end of the sheath 18 in the axial direction to the rear side.

[0064] In the assembled dual optical fiber connector plug 10, as shown in Figure 3 the first and second front half portions 88a, 88b and the first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b are spaced upward from the upper surface 35 of the top wall 31 of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b, and the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b of the first and second latching lugs 77a, 77b enter the first and second latching recesses 38a, 38b formed in the first and second guide projections 36a, 36b. The abutting surfaces 90 of the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b abut the axial front of the top wall 31 of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b (the upper surface 35 of the top wall 31 of the front end portions of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b), and the upward inclined surfaces 89 of the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b are spaced rearward from the downward inclined surfaces 46 of the first and second recessed portions 44a, 44b.

[0065] In the dual optical fiber connector plug 10, when the first and second optical fiber connector assemblies 11a, 11b are inserted into the optical fiber connector adapter and pushed into the inside of the optical fiber connector adapter, 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) of the first and second latching lugs 77a, 77b are elastically deformed downward, and at the same time, the first and second latching portions 84a, 84b of the first and second latching lugs 77a, 77b are latched with the latching portions of the optical fiber connector adapter, and the optical fiber connector plug 10 is connected to the optical fiber connector adapter in a light connection state. In a state before the slider 16 is slid rearward relative to the outer housing 15, 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) of the first and second latching lugs 77a, 77b are not pressed downward, thereby maintaining the latching state of the first and second optical fiber connector assemblies 11a, 11b (the first and second latching portions 84a, 84b of the first and second latching lugs 77a, 77b) relative to the optical fiber connector adapter.

[0066] The polarity of the dual fiber optic connector plug 10 can be changed by rotating the first and second fiber optic connector assemblies 11a and 11b.

[0067] An example of the connection release steps for disconnecting the fiber optic connector plug 10 from the fiber optic connector adapter is described below. From the engaged state of the fiber optic connector plug 10 and the fiber optic connector adapter, the slider 16 is slid axially rearward relative to the housing 15. When the slider 16 is slid axially rearward, the inclined surface 100 of the first inclined recess 98a (pressing mechanism) formed in the first through hole 99a of the slider 16 presses down on the inclined surface 91 (pressing mechanism) of the first inclined protrusion 92a. This causes the first inclined recess 98a to press down on the first inclined protrusion 92a, thereby causing the first elastic portion 82a (first rear elastic portion 85a and first front elastic portion 86a) of the first engaging latch 77a to elastically deform and be pressed downward. Furthermore, the inclined surface 100 of the second inclined recess 98b (pressing mechanism) formed in the second through hole 99b of the slider 16 presses down on the inclined surface 91 (pressing mechanism) of the second inclined protrusion 92b, thereby the second inclined recess 98b presses down on the second inclined protrusion 92b, thereby the second elastic portion 82b (second rear elastic portion 85b and second front elastic portion 86b) of the second engaging latch 77b is elastically deformed and pressed down.

[0068] When the first and second elastic portions 82a and 82b (first and second rear elastic portions 85a and 85b and first and second front elastic portions 86a and 86b) of the first and second latching latches 77a and 77b are pressed downward, the engagement of the first and second latching portions 84a and 84b of the first and second latching latches 77a and 77b with respect to the fiber optic connector adapter is released, thereby allowing the first and second fiber optic connector assemblies 11a and 11b to be pulled out from the fiber optic connector adapter, and the connection (optical connection) between the fiber optic connector plug 10 and the fiber optic connector adapter is released.

[0069] When 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) of the first and second latching latches 77a, 77b are elastically deformed, for example, the first and second front half portions 88a, 88b (the center 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 (the front of the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b) of the first and second latching latches 77a, 77b are upwardly bent, the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b are floated upward from the top wall 31 of the front end portion of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b (are spaced upward from the top wall 31), and thus, 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) can not be sufficiently pressed downward.

[0070] When 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) are not sufficiently pressed downward when the slider 16 is slid in the axial rearward direction, the engagement of the first and second latching portions 84a, 84b of the first and second latching latches 77a, 77b with respect to the fiber optic connector adapter is maintained, and thus, the first and second fiber optic connector assemblies 11a, 11b cannot be pulled out of the fiber optic connector adapter, and the connection (optical connection) of the fiber optic connector plug 10 with the fiber optic connector adapter cannot be released.

[0071] However, in the duplex fiber optic connector plug 10, even when the slider 16 is slid in the axial rearward direction, 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) of the first and second latching latches 77a, 77b are elastically deformed, the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b of the first and second latching latches 77a, 77b are upwardly bent, the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b are floated upward from the top wall 31 of the front end portion of the first and second plug frames 20a, 20b, and the upward inclined surface 89 of the first tip portion 83a also comes into abutment with the downward inclined surface 46 of the first recessed portion 44a, and the upward inclined surface 89 of the second tip portion 83b also comes into abutment with the downward inclined surface 46 of the second recessed portion 44b.

[0072] The upper inclined surface 89 of the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b abuts against the lower inclined surface 46 of the first and second groove portions 44a, 44b, thereby preventing the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b from further floating upward by the first and second groove portions 44a, 44b. The first and second tip portions 83a, 83b are prevented from floating upward, so that the first and second front half portions 88a, 88b (the center of the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b) of the first and second rear elastic portions 86a, 86b do not sag downward, 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) of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b are elastically deformed downward by the pressing action of the first and second inclined protrusions 92a, 92b (the pressing mechanism) and the first and second inclined recesses 98a, 98b (the pressing mechanism) of the slider 16, so that the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b are pressed downward.

[0073] In the duplex optical fiber connector plug 10, since the upper inclined surface 89 of the first tip portion 83a abuts against the lower inclined surface 46 of the first groove portion 44a when the first engagement latch 77a is elastically deformed and the first tip portion 83a floats upward, and the upper inclined surface 89 of the second tip portion 83b abuts against the lower inclined surface 46 of the second groove portion 44b when the second engagement latch 77b is elastically deformed and the second tip portion 83b floats upward, the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b whose upper inclined surfaces 89 abut against the lower inclined surfaces 46 do not further float upward, so that upward buckling of the first and second tip portions 83a, 83b (the front of the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b) when the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b of the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b are pressed downward can be reliably prevented, the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b can be elastically deformed downward and the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b can be sufficiently pressed downward, and further, the connection (optical connection) of the optical fiber connector plug 10 and the optical fiber connector adapter can be smoothly released.

[0074] In the duplex optical fiber connector plug 10, since the thickness dimension in the up-down direction of the first elastic portion 82a of the first engaging latch 77a and the first rear elastic portion 85a gradually increases from the first connecting portion 81a toward the first engaging portion 84a, and the thickness dimension in the up-down direction of the second elastic portion 82b of the second engaging latch 77b and the second rear elastic portion 85b gradually increases from the second connecting portion 81b toward the second engaging portion 84b, the rigidity of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b extending toward the first and second engaging portions 84a, 84b is greater than the rigidity of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b extending toward the first and second connecting portions 81a, 81b, and the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b on the first and second engaging portions 84a, 84b side become difficult to elastically deform, so that when the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b of the first and second engaging latches 77a, 77b are pressed downward, the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b extending toward the first and second engaging portions 84a, 84b do not upwardly kick, so that the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b can be elastically deformed downward and the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b can be sufficiently pressed downward.

[0075] In the duplex optical fiber connector plug 10, since the thickness dimension in the up-down direction of the first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b of the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b is smaller than the thickness dimension in the up-down direction of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b, the rigidity of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b is greater than the rigidity of the first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b, and the elastic force in the up-down direction of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b is greater than the elastic force in the up-down direction of the first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b, the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b become difficult to elastically deform, and the first and second front elastic portions 86a, 86b are easier to elastically deform than the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b, so that when the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b of the first and second engaging latches 77a, 77b are pressed downward, the front of the first and second rear elastic portions 85a, 85b does not upwardly kick, so that the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b can be elastically deformed downward and the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b can be sufficiently pressed downward.

[0076] In the duplex optical fiber connector plug 10, since the pressing mechanism is formed of the first rear elastic portion 85a formed in the first engagement latch 77a and the first inclined protrusion 91a inclined upwardly toward the axial rear, the second rear elastic portion 85b formed in the second engagement latch 77b and the second inclined protrusion 91b inclined upwardly toward the axial rear, the first inclined recess 98a recessed upwardly toward the axial rear and slidably abutting against the first inclined protrusion 92a formed in one side portion of the slider 16, and the second inclined recess 98b recessed upwardly toward the axial rear and slidably abutting against the second inclined protrusion 92b formed in the other side portion of the slider 16, the pressing mechanism reliably functions when the slider 16 is slid toward the axial rear relative to the outer housing 15, the slider 16 presses downward the first and second engagement latches 77a, 77b, thereby the first and second elastic portions 82a, 82b are elastically deformed downward by the slider 16 and are sufficiently pressed downward, and further the connection (optical connection) of the optical fiber connector plug 10 with the optical fiber connector adapter is reliably released.

[0077] In the duplex optical fiber connector plug 10, by only the operation of sliding the slider 16 toward the axial rear relative to the outer housing 15, the first and second optical fiber connector assemblies 11a, 11b of the optical fiber connector plug 10 can be pulled out from the optical fiber connector adapter, thereby the connection of the optical fiber connector plug 10 with the optical fiber connector adapter can be smoothly released.

[0078] (Explanation of Reference Numerals) 10 duplex optical fiber connector plug 11a first optical fiber connector assembly 11b second optical fiber connector assembly 12a first gear 12b second gear 13 intermediate gear 14 inner housing 15 outer housing 16 slider 17 clamping ring 18 sheath 19a first ferrule 19b second ferrule 20a first 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 first sleeve 24b second sleeve 25a first optical fiber 25b second optical fiber 26 tip surface 27 chamfered portion 28 tube 29a first core sheath 29b second core sheath 30a first flange 30b second flange 31 top wall 32 bottom wall 33 side wall 34 side wall 35 first guide protrusion 36a upper surface 38a first engaging recess 38b second engaging recess 44a first groove portion 44b second groove portion 45 rear end surface 46 downward inclined surface 47 front end portion 48 middle portion 49 rear end portion 54 top wall 55 bottom wall 56 side wall 57 side wall 58a first opening 58b second opening 59 cylindrical portion 62 partition wall 63a first gear accommodating portion 63b second gear accommodating portion 64 middle gear accommodating portion 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 engaging key 81a first connecting portion 81b second connecting portion 82a first elastic portion 82b second elastic portion 83a first pointed end portion 83b second pointed end portion 84a first engagement portion 84b second engagement portion 85a first rear elastic portion 85b second rear elastic portion 86a first front elastic portion 86b second front elastic portion 87a first rear half portion 87b second rear half portion 88a first front half portion 88b second front half portion 89 upward inclined surface 90 abutting surface 91 inclined surface 92a first inclined protrusion (pressing mechanism) 92b second inclined protrusion (pressing mechanism) 93 frame 94 sliding top wall 95a first outer side guide wall 95b second outer side guide wall 96a first inner side guide wall 96b second inner side guide wall 97a first entry path 97b second entry path 98a first inclined recess (pressing mechanism) 98b second inclined recess (pressing mechanism) 100 inclined surface 101 key engaging portion 102 optical fiber cable

Claims

1. A duplex fiber optic connector plug having: a first fiber optic connector assembly having a first plug frame that houses a first ferrule that holds a first optical fiber and extends axially, a first retaining ring that is snapped into the first plug frame, a first spring that is disposed between the first ferrule and the first retaining ring and that urges the first ferrule axially forward; A second fiber connector assembly is provided in parallel with the first fiber connector assembly and has a second plug frame in which a second ferrule holding a second fiber and extending in an axial direction is accommodated, a second stop ring fitted into the second plug frame, and a second spring provided between the second ferrule and the second stop ring and pushing the second ferrule in an axial forward direction. An inner housing accommodates rear end portions of the first and second stop rings, and an outer housing accommodates the inner housing. The first and second plug frames have a guide protrusion protruding upward from a top wall of a front end portion thereof. The guide protrusion has a recessed portion recessed in an axial forward direction from a rear end surface facing the stop ring. The outer housing has a front end opening at a front end thereof, a first engagement latch elastically deformable and extending in an axial direction from a side portion of a top wall of the outer housing and extending out in an axial forward direction from the front end opening, and a second engagement latch elastically deformable and extending in an axial direction from another side portion of the top wall of the outer housing and extending out in an axial forward direction from the front end opening. The first and second engagement latches have a tip portion located at the top wall of the front end portion of the plug frame and entering the recessed portion, and an engagement portion formed in an axial rearward direction of the tip portion and engaged with a fiber connector adapter when the first and second connector assemblies are inserted into the fiber connector adapter. The tip portion of the first and second engagement latches is prevented from floating upward when the first and second engagement latches are elastically deformed by the recessed portion. The recessed portion has a downward inclined surface inclined downward at a slope from the rear end surface of the guide protrusion in an axial forward direction. The tip portion of the first and second engagement latches has an upward inclined surface inclined upward at a slope from a front end of the tip portion in an axial rearward direction, and an abutting surface abutting against the top wall of the front end portion of the plug frame. When the first and second engagement latches are elastically deformed and the tip portion floats upward, the upward inclined surface of the tip portion abuts against the downward inclined surface of the recessed portion. The first and second engagement latches have a connection portion connected to the top wall of the outer housing, and an elastic portion extending in an axial forward direction from the connection portion and extending out in an axial forward direction from the front end opening of the outer housing. The elastic portion has a rear elastic portion located between the connection portion and the engagement portion and extending in an axial direction. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ and a front elastic portion which is located between the engagement portion and the tip portion and extends in the axial direction, the thickness dimension of the rear elastic portion in the up-down direction gradually increases from the connection portion toward the engagement portion.

4. The duplex fiber optic connector plug of 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 is inclined downwardly with a slope from the front end of the rear elastic portion toward the axial front direction, and the thickness dimension of the front elastic portion in the up-down direction is smaller than the thickness dimension of the rear elastic portion in the up-down direction.

5. The duplex fiber optic connector plug of claim 4, wherein, the rear elastic portion of the elastic portion has a rear half portion which extends from the connection portion toward the axial front direction to a middle position of the rear elastic portion and a front half portion which extends from the middle position of the rear elastic portion toward the axial front direction with a slope downwardly to the engagement portion, and the thickness dimension of the front elastic portion in the up-down direction is smaller than the thickness dimension of the rear half portion and the front half portion of the rear elastic portion in the up-down direction.

6. The duplex fiber optic connector plug of claim 5, wherein, the elastic force of the front elastic portion in the up-down direction is smaller than the elastic force of the rear half portion and the front half portion of the rear elastic portion in the up-down direction, and the front elastic portion is easily elastically deformed compared to the rear half portion and the front half portion.

7. The duplex fiber optic connector plug of claim 1, wherein, when the connection of the duplex fiber optic connector plug and the fiber optic connector adapter is released, the up-slope surface of the tip portion of the first and second engagement latches and the down-slope surface of the groove portion abut.

8. The duplex fiber optic connector plug of claim 1, wherein, the duplex fiber optic connector plug has a slider which is connected in a manner capable of sliding in the axial direction, and when the slider is slid in the axial rear direction, the engagement state of the first and second engagement latches with respect to the fiber optic connector adapter is released in a state in which the tip portions of the first and second engagement latches enter the groove portion of the guide protrusion.

9. The duplex fiber optic connector plug of claim 8, wherein, the first and second engagement latches have an inclined upper surface of the front half portion of the rear elastic portion which extends from the middle position toward the axial front direction with a slope downwardly, and the slider has an inclined lower surface which is formed in both side portions of the slider, abuts the inclined upper surface in a manner capable of sliding, and extends in the axial rear direction with a slope upwardly.

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