MECHANICAL CONNECTION INTERFACE

Abstract

This description refers to a swivel connection interface for clamping two components together. The swivel connection interface includes stop arrangements with a press-fit element.

Description

MECHANICAL CONNECTION INTERFACE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is filed on May 14, 2020, as an International PCT Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 62 / 849,760, filed on May 17, 2019, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 62 / 891,749, filed on August 26, 2019, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 62 / 929,532, filed on November 1, 2019, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 62 / 961,044, filed on January 14, 2020, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 003,996, filed on April 2, 2020, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference. reference. TECHNICAL FIELD This description generally refers to mechanical connection interfaces. More specifically, this description refers to twist-fit mechanical connection interfaces for clamping that can be used with telecommunications connectors. BACKGROUND A twist-to-lock interface is an interface that connects and disconnects by means of a twisting motion. Twist-to-lock interfaces have been used with telecommunications connectors. For example, they have been used to secure telecommunications connectors to each other, to secure telecommunications connectors to telecommunications adapters, and to interconnect separate pieces of telecommunications connectors. U.S. Patent 7,744,288 and European Patent 2302431 describe telecommunications connectors that utilize twist-to-lock interfaces. COMPENDIUM The aspects described herein pertain to twist-fit interfaces for attaching two components together. In one example, the two components might be parts of a telecommunications connection system, such as a fiber optic connection system. In certain examples, each component might be part of a telecommunications connector or a telecommunications adapter. In another example, one component might include a fiber optic adapter or part of a fiber optic adapter, and the other component might include a fiber optic connector or part of a fiber optic connector. In other examples, the components might be different parts of a fiber optic connector. Still other examples might show one component as a dust cap and the other as a retaining sleeve for a fiber optic connector. In certain examples, the components incorporating the clamping swivel interface rotate around a central axis relative to each other between the first and second rotational states. The components may include stop arrangements that limit the range of rotational movement between the first and second rotational states. The stop arrangements may also be configured to allow the components to axially separate from each other when in the first rotational state, and to prevent the components from axially separating from each other when in the second rotational state. The components may include a press-fit arrangement to resist movement from the second rotational state to the first rotational state. In one example, the press-fit configuration may be designed so that the assembly is required to be damaged (e.g., break) for the components to rotate relative to each other from the second rotational state to the first rotational state. In other examples, the press-fit configuration may be configured to flex, without breaking or being damaged in any other way, to accommodate movement from the second rotational state to the first rotational state. In certain examples, the components do not move axially relative to each other as they rotate between the first and second rotational states. Another aspect of the present description relates to a swivel connection interface for clamping that includes a first component defining a shaft. The first component includes a rotary clamping lock. The first component also includes a first stop arrangement comprising a first stop surface oriented on a first axis in the axial direction, and a second stop surface oriented in a second axial direction along the shaft. The first axial direction is opposite to the second axial direction. The first component also includes a third stop surface oriented in a first rotational direction about the shaft. The swivel connection interface for clamping also includes a second component comprising a rotary clamping retainer.The second component also includes a second stop arrangement comprising a fourth stop surface oriented in the second axial direction, a fifth stop surface oriented in the first axial direction, and a sixth stop surface oriented in a second rotational direction about the axis that is opposite to the first rotational direction. The swivel connection interface for clamping can be placed in a first rotational state in which the first stop surface opposes the fourth stop surface, the second stop surface is rotationally displaced from the fifth stop surface, and the third stop surface is rotationally displaced from the sixth stop surface by a rotation angle less than or equal to 360 degrees.The rotating clamping interface can also be placed in a second rotational state where the first stop surface opposes the fourth stop surface, the second stop surface opposes the fifth stop surface, and the third stop surface opposes and is adjacent to the sixth stop surface. The rotating clamping interface can be moved from the first rotational state to the second rotational state by rotating the first and second components relative to each other through the rotation angle. The rotating clamping latch and the rotating clamping retainer are circumferentially opposed to each other when the rotating clamping interface is in the second rotational state to resist its rotation from the second to the first state.The contact between the rotary clamping latch and the rotary clamping retainer, as the rotary clamping interface moves from the first rotational state to the second, causes the rotary clamping latch to flex elastically from a clamping position to a disengaged position. This allows the rotary clamping latch and the rotary clamping retainer to rotate past each other. The rotary clamping latch then elastically returns to the clamping position after the rotary clamping latch and the rotary clamping retainer have passed each other, resisting rotation of the rotary clamping interface from the second rotational state to the first. Another aspect of the present description relates to a swivel connection interface for clamping, comprising a first component defining one axis and a second component defining a second axis. The first and second components are configured to be axially inserted together and mechanically coupled when coaxially aligned. The first component includes a first stop assembly, and the second component includes a second stop assembly. The first and second components are configured to rotate relative to each other about the first and second axes between the first and second rotational states when axially inserted. The first and second stop arrangements are configured to limit a range of rotary motion between the first and second rotational states.The first and second stop arrangements are also configured to allow the first and second components to separate axially from each other when they are in the first rotational state, and to prevent them from separating axially when they are in the second rotational state. The first and second components further include a press-fit arrangement to resist movement from the second rotational state to the first rotational state. Another aspect of this description relates to a fiber optic unit that includes a fiber optic connector having a connector end. The fiber optic connector defines a shaft. The fiber optic connector supports an optical fiber having a fiber end adjacent to the connector end. The fiber optic connector further includes a retaining sleeve. The fiber optic unit also includes a cap that mounts over the connector end to protect the fiber end. The cap is secured to the fiber optic connector by the retaining sleeve. The retaining sleeve and cap can be inserted axially together and, when inserted together, are rotatable relative to each other between a first and a second rotational state. The cap can be axially removed from the fiber optic connector when the retaining sleeve and cap are in the first rotational state.The cap cannot be axially removed from the fiber optic connector when the retaining sleeve and cap are in the second rotational position. The cap and retaining sleeve include a snap-fit ​​interface to retain them in the second rotational position. This snap-fit ​​interface must be damaged to move the cap and cap from the second rotational position to the first. An additional aspect of this description relates to a fiber optic connector that includes a connector body defining a connector axis. The fiber optic connector also includes a retaining sleeve for securing the fiber optic connector to a fiber optic adapter. The retaining sleeve is mounted on the connector body and is rotatable relative to the connector body around the connector axis. The retaining sleeve includes a stop arrangement adapted to interface with a corresponding stop arrangement on the fiber optic adapter. The stop arrangement of the retaining sleeve includes axial stop surfaces oriented in opposite first and second axial directions along the connector axis. The stop arrangement of the retaining sleeve also includes rotatable stop surfaces oriented in opposite first and second rotation directions around the connector axis. Yet another aspect of the present description relates to a fiber optic adapter that includes an adapter body defining an adapter axis. The adapter body includes a stop arrangement integrated within an exterior of the adapter body to interface with a corresponding stop arrangement of a fiber optic connector. The stop arrangement of the adapter body includes axial stop surfaces oriented in opposite first and second axial directions along the adapter axis. The stop arrangement of the adapter body also includes rotary stop surfaces oriented in opposite first and second rotation directions around the adapter axis. The following description will set forth a variety of additional aspects. These aspects may relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It should be understood that both the preceding general description and the detailed description that follows are merely illustrative and explanatory and do not restrict the broad inventive concepts on which the examples described herein are based. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein and form part of the description, illustrate various aspects of this description. The following is a brief description of the figures: Figure 1 illustrates a fiber optic connector and a corresponding fiber optic adapter that includes a twist-lock connection interface for clamping in accordance with the principles of the present description for mechanically fixing the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic adapter together; Figure 2 is another view of the fiber optic adapter and fiber optic connector from Figure 1; Figure 3 is an additional view of the fiber optic connector and fiber optic adapter from Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a first end of a fiber optic connector retaining sleeve from Figures 1-3 that forms part of the twist-on connection interface for clamping; Figure 5 is another perspective view of the first end of the retaining sleeve of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second opposite end of the retaining sleeve of Figure 4; Figure 7 is an end view of the first end of the retaining sleeve of Figure 4; Figure 8 is a side view of the retaining sleeve of Figure 4; Figure 9 is a schematic view in which the retaining sleeve of Figure 4 has been axially cut and laid flat so that an interior of the retaining sleeve is visible in plan view, a circumference of the retaining sleeve is labeled C and a length of the retaining sleeve is labeled L; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the fiber optic adapter from Figures 13 showing an illustrative snap-fit ​​closure; Figure 11 is a side view of the fiber optic adapter in Figure 10; Figure 12 is another side view of the fiber optic adapter from Figure 10; Figure 13 is an end view of the fiber optic adapter from Figure 10; IVIA / t / ZUZZ / UII óóü Figure 14 is a schematic view of a portion of the fiber optic adapter from Figures 10-13 in which the portion has been axially cut and laid flat so that an exterior of the entire adapter body is visible in plan view, a circumference of the adapter body is labeled C and a length of the adapter body portion is labeled L; Figure 15 is a schematic plan view showing the twist-lock interface for clamping the fiber optic connector and fiber optic adapter of Figures 1-3 before the interface is axially inserted together; Figure 16 shows the swivel clamping interface of Figure 15 with the fiber optic connector retaining sleeve and the fiber optic adapter body inserted together in a first rotational state; Figure 17 shows the swivel connection interface for clamping Figures 15 and 16 rotated to a second rotation state; Figure 18 is a perspective view illustrating the fiber optic connector of Figures 1-3 shown aligned with a corresponding dust cap; Figure 19 is a perspective view of the dust cover of Figure 18; Figure 20 is an end view of the dust cap of Figure 19; Figure 21 is an end view of the fiber optic connector from Figures 1-3 and 18; Figure 22 illustrates another snap-fit ​​closure in accordance with the principles of the present description; Figure 23 illustrates yet another snap-fit ​​closure in accordance with the principles of the present description; Figure 24 illustrates a cantilever-type snap-fit ​​closure according to the principle of the present description; Figure 25 illustrates another cantilever-type snap-fit ​​closure in accordance with the principles of the present description; Figure 26 is another view of the closure of Figure 25; Figure 27 is an additional view of the closure of Figure 25; Figure 28 illustrates an illustrative tapered entry for an interlock in accordance with the principles of the present description; Figure 29 illustrates another example of a tapered entry for a deadlock in accordance with the principles of the present description; Figure 30 illustrates a fiber optic adapter that includes a coupling arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present description that forms part of a twist-on connection interface for clamping; Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber optic adapter in Figure 30; Figure 32 is another cross-sectional view of the fiber optic adapter from Figure 30; Figure 33 is an exploded view of an optical fiber connector according to the principles of the present description; Figure 34 is an assembled view of the fiber optic connector from Figure 33; Figure 35 shows the fiber optic connector from Figure 34 with an external fastener and the external dust cap removed; Figure 36 illustrates a core unit of the optical fiber connector of Figure 34; Figure 37 is a side view of the fiber optic connector of Figure 34 with the external dust cap and external fastener removed; Figure 38 is a perspective view of a portion of the unit in Figure 37; Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the unit in Figure 37; Figure 40 is another cross-sectional view of the unit in Figure 37; Figure 41 is an end view showing a rear closure arrangement integrated with a unit guard from Figure 37; Figure 42 is a perspective view of the external fastener of the fiber optic connector in Figure 34; Figure 43 is a perspective view of the external dust cap of the fiber optic connector in Figure 34; Figure 44 is a perspective view showing the external dust cap of Figure 43, which is used to pry open the external fastener of Figure 42; and Figure 45 illustrates a pre-unit that includes the dust cap, cord, fastener, and protector from Figure 33. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1-3 illustrate a fiber optic connector 20 and a corresponding fiber optic adapter 22 that includes a mechanical twist-lock connection interface for securing the fiber optic connector 20 and the fiber optic adapter 22 together, in accordance with the principles of this description. In the illustrated example, the twist-lock connection interface includes a first component illustrated as an external adapter body 24 of the fiber optic adapter 22 and a second component illustrated as an external retaining sleeve 26 of the fiber optic connector 20. The retaining sleeve 26 is mounted on a connector body 28 of the fiber optic connector 20 and is configured to rotate relative to the connector body 28 about a central axis defined by the fiber optic connector 20. MA / E / ZUZZ / U1 Ί OOO It will be noted that the swivel connection interface for clamping, incorporated as part of the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24, is adapted to retain the connector body 28 within the fiber optic adapter 22. During use, the connector body 28 is inserted into the fiber optic adapter 22, and then the retaining sleeve 26 is axially slid over the external adapter body 24 to a first inserted position in which the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24 are in a first rotational state relative to each other. The retaining sleeve 26 is then rotated relative to the connector body 28 and the external adapter body 24 from the first rotational state to a second rotational state. In the first rotational state, the retaining sleeve 26 can be axially pulled from the external adapter body 24.Conversely, in the second rotation state, the stop arrangements of the twist-to-lock interface prevent the retaining sleeve 26 from being pulled axially from the external adapter body 24. An internal stop, such as a shoulder within the retaining sleeve 26, opposes a corresponding stop on the connector body 28 so that when the retaining sleeve 26 is in the second rotation state, the retaining sleeve 26 prevents the connector body 28 from being removed from the fiber optic adapter 22. In a preferred example, a snap-fit ​​arrangement is provided to retain the retaining sleeve 26 in the second rotation state relative to the external adapter body 24. The external adapter body 24 defines an adapter shaft 30 (see Figure 13), and the retaining sleeve 26 defines a sleeve shaft 32 (see Figure 7). The external adapter body 24 and the retaining sleeve 26 are configured to be axially inserted together and mechanically engaged when the external adapter body 24 and the retaining sleeve 26 are coaxially aligned. The external adapter body 24 includes a first stop arrangement 34 of the swivel connection interface for clamping, and the retaining sleeve 26 defines a second stop arrangement 36 of the swivel connection interface for clamping. With reference to Figures 10-14, the first stop arrangement 34 includes a plurality of triangular projections 38 on an exterior of the external adapter body 24. The triangular projections 38 are spaced around a circumference C of the external adapter body 24. Figure 14 shows the external adapter body 24 axially cut at a circumferential location and laid flat so that the entire circumference C of the external adapter body 24 and a length L of the external adapter body 24 are shown in plan view. The triangular projections 38 are spaced evenly around circumference C. The first stop arrangement 34 also includes at least one press-fit element that is part of the press-fit arrangement. As ML / t / ZUZZ / UII óóó is illustrated in Figures 10-14, the snap-fit ​​element includes two elastic rotary clamping fasteners 40 positioned on opposite sides of the external adapter body 24. The second stop arrangement 36 of the swivel connection interface for clamping includes a plurality of recesses 42 positioned within the inside of the retaining sleeve 26 (see Figures 4-10). The recesses 42 are evenly spaced around a circumference C of the retaining sleeve 26. As shown in Figure 9, the retaining sleeve 26 has been axially cut at one location and laid flat so that the entire interior of the retaining sleeve 26 is visible in plan view. As shown in Figure 9, the recesses 42 are evenly spaced along a circumference C of the retaining sleeve 26. The second stop arrangement 36 also includes a plurality of press-fit elements that are part of the press-fit arrangement for retaining the retaining sleeve 26 in the second rotational state relative to the external adapter body 24. The press-fit elements are illustrated as rotary retaining retainers 44 that are evenly spaced around the circumference of the retaining sleeve 26 within the interior of the retaining sleeve 26. Each of the rotary retaining retainers 44 includes a ramp surface 46 and a clamping surface 48. It will be noted that the first and second stop assemblies 34, 36 are adapted to provide the swivel connection interface for clamping with a number of functions. For example, when the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24 are initially inserted together, the adapter shaft 30 and the sleeve shaft 32 are coaxially aligned, and the retaining sleeve 26 can be rotated relative to the external adapter body 24 about axes 30, 32 between the first and second rotation states. The first and second stop assemblies 34, 36 are configured to limit a range of rotary motion that is permitted between the first and second rotation states. In one example, the permitted range of rotary motion is less than or equal to 360 degrees, less than or equal to 180 degrees, or less than or equal to 90 degrees.In the illustrated example, the interaction between the first and second stop assemblies 34, 36 limits the range of rotation between the first and second rotation states to 90 degrees or less. The first and second stop assemblies 34, 36 are also configured to allow the fiber optic adapter 22 and the retaining sleeve 26 to be inserted axially together and to be axially separated from each other when the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24 are in the first rotation state. Furthermore, the first and second stop assemblies 34, 36 are configured such that when the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24 are in the second rotation state, the interference between the first and second stop assemblies 34, 36 prevents the retaining sleeve 26 from being axially withdrawn from the external adapter body 24. The press-fit arrangement of the twist-fit connection interface for clamping is configured to resist rotational movement between the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24 toward the first rotational state when the external adapter body 24 and the retaining sleeve 26 are in the second rotational state. The rotary clamping locks 40 and rotary clamping retainers 44 are configured such that contact between the ramp surfaces 46 of the rotary clamping retainers 44 and the rotary clamping locks 40, as the retaining sleeve 26 rotates from the first rotational state to the second rotational state, causes the rotary clamping locks 40 to flex elastically from a clamping position to a disengaging position, allowing the rotary clamping locks 40 and rotary clamping retainers 44 to rotate past each other.The rotary clamping fasteners 40 are configured to return elastically to the clamping position after the rotary clamping fasteners 40 and the rotary clamping retainers 44 have been passed past each other. Once the retaining sleeve 26 has moved to the second rotational state and the rotary clamping fasteners 40 have moved back to the clamping position, the clamping surfaces 48 of the rotary clamping retainers 44 oppose the stop surfaces 50 on the sides of the rotary clamping fasteners 40 to resist the retaining sleeve 26 rotating from the second rotational state back to the first rotational state. With reference to Figures 10 and 14, the rotary retaining locks 40 on the external adapter body 24 are each formed by a flexible beam 62 having first and second opposite ends 64, 66 that are integrally formed and fixed with respect to the main body of the external adapter body 24. A space or open region 68 is defined between each of the flexible beams 62 and the main body of the external adapter body 24 to provide space that allows the flexible beams 62 to flex radially inward with respect to the adapter axis 30 when they come into contact with the corresponding ramp surfaces 46 of one of the rotary retaining locks 44. Each of the flexible beams 62 includes a rotary stop surface 70 that is oriented in a first rotation direction 72 and a ramp coupling surface 74 that is oriented in a second rotation direction 76 opposite to the first rotation direction 72.When the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24 rotate relative to each other between the first and second rotational states, the ramp surfaces 46 of the rotary retainers 44 engage with the ramp engagement surfaces 74 of the flexible beams 62, causing the flexible beams 62 to flex radially inward to allow the rotary retainers 44 to move past the flexible beams 62. Once the rotary retainers 44 have moved past the flexible beams 62, the flexible beams 62 elastically return to their undeflected state so that the rotary stop surfaces 70 oppose the rotary stop surfaces 48 of the corresponding retainers 48. The rotating stop surfaces 48 of the clamping retainers 44 are oriented in the second rotation direction 76. In certain instances, the coupling between the rotating stop surfaces 70 and the rotating stop surfaces 48 prevents the retaining sleeve 26 from rotating relative to the external adapter body 24 from the second rotational position back to the first rotational position. In other instances, the coupling of the stop surfaces 70 and 48 is strong enough that the flexible beams 62 must be damaged or broken for the retaining sleeve 26 to move from the second rotational position back to the first rotational position. Therefore, in such situations, sufficient torque must be applied to the retaining sleeve 26 to break the flexible beams 62 in order to move the retaining sleeve 26 from the second rotational position back to the first rotational position.In certain applications, the flexible beams 62 can be designed to control the amount of force required to break them. For example, by altering the thickness of the flexible beams 62 or by providing regions within them that have reduced strength (e.g., serrated regions, partially sheared regions, etc.), the force required to break them can be customized for different applications (e.g., see Figures 22 and 23). In certain applications, damage to the flexible beams 62 can be used as a visible indicator that the retaining sleeve 26 has been moved from the second rotation position back to the first rotation position. The flexible beams 62 can thus function as tamper indicators. With reference still to Figures 10 and 14, the first stop arrangement 34 includes axial stop surfaces 54 that are oriented in a first axial direction 58 along the adapter axis 30, and stop surfaces 55 that are oriented in a second axial direction 60 along the adapter axis 30. The first and second axial directions 58, 60 are opposite to each other. The first stop arrangement 34 also includes rotating stop surfaces 57 that are oriented in the second rotation direction 76. The axial stop surfaces 54 are defined by the corners of the first triangular projections 38, the axial stop surfaces 55 are defined by the sides of the first triangular projections 38 that are opposite the corners that define the stop surfaces 54, and the rotating stop surfaces 57 are defined by the sides of the first triangular projections 38 that extend between the axial stop surfaces 54, 55.It will be appreciated that the first stop arrangement 34 is defined partly by the first triangular projections 38 and partly by the rotating clamping closures 40. It will be appreciated that the second stop arrangement 36 is defined partly by the gaps 42 and partly by the rotating retaining clips 44 within the inside of the retaining sleeve 26. For example, with reference to Figure 9, the rotating retaining clips 44 define the MLE / E / ZUZZ / Ul 1333 rotating stop surfaces 48 oriented in the second rotation direction 76. In addition, the triangular recesses 42 include axial stop surfaces 56 oriented in the second axial direction 60, axial stop surfaces 59 oriented in the first axial direction 58, and rotating stop surfaces 61 oriented in the first rotation direction 72. The recesses 42 include triangular portions 63 shaped to complement the shape of the triangular projections 38. The access spaces 52 narrow to facilitate the guidance of the triangular projections 38 within the recesses 42 as the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24 are inserted axially together. As used in the present description, a surface is “oriented in a direction” if the surface is oriented at least partially in that direction. Figure 15 shows the retaining sleeve 26 axially aligned with the external adapter body 24 before axial insertion between the external adapter body 24 and the retaining sleeve 26. As positioned, the triangular projections 38 on the external adapter body 24 align with the spaces 52 that provide access to the recesses 42 within the inside of the retaining sleeve 26. When the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24 are axially inserted together, the narrowing of the triangular projections 38, as well as the tapered configuration of the access spaces 52, facilitates the guidance of the triangular projections 38 into the recesses 42. Figure 16 shows the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24 inserted axially together, with the external adapter body 24 and the retaining sleeve 26 in the first rotational state. In the first rotational state, the stop surfaces 54 of the external adapter body 24 oppose or engage with the corresponding stop surfaces 56 of the retaining sleeve 26 to limit the axial insertion depth that can occur between the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24. Furthermore, the axial stop surfaces 55 of the first stop assembly 34 are rotationally offset from the axial stop surfaces 59 of the second stop assembly 36 so that no interference is provided between the stop surfaces 55, 59 that would prevent the external adapter body 24 and the retaining sleeve 26 from axially separating from each other.Therefore, in the first rotational state of Figure 16, the external adapter body 24 and the retaining sleeve 26 can be axially separated from each other. Additionally, the rotating stop surfaces 57 of the first stop assembly 34 are rotately displaced from the rotating stop surfaces 61 of the second stop assembly 36 by a rotation angle α. In certain examples, the rotation angle α is no more than approximately 90 degrees. In one example, the rotation angle α is approximately 90 degrees, which generally corresponds to a quarter turn of the retaining sleeve 26 relative to the external adapter body 24. In another example, the rotation angle α is approximately 45 degrees. Figure 17 shows the external adapter body 24 and the retaining sleeve 26 in the second rotational state. To move the external adapter body 24 and the retaining sleeve 26 from the first rotational state to the second rotational state, the retaining sleeve 26 can be rotated in the first direction 72 relative to the external adapter body 24 through angle A. When the retaining sleeve 26 rotates from the first rotational state to the second rotational state, the triangular projections 38 are received within the triangular portions 63 of the recesses 42 of the retaining sleeve 26, as shown in Figure 17. As it is positioned in this way, the stop surfaces 54 of the first stop assembly 34 continue to oppose the stop surfaces 56 of the second stop assembly 38.Furthermore, the stop surfaces 55 of the first stop assembly 34 oppose the stop surfaces 59 of the second stop assembly 36 such that the interference between the stop surfaces 55 and 59 prevents the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24 from separating axially from each other. Additionally, the rotating stop surfaces 57 of the first stop assembly 34 oppose and are adjacent to the rotating stop surfaces 61 of the second stop assembly 36 to limit the range of rotary motion possible between the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24 as the retaining sleeve 26 rotates between the first and second rotational states. When the retaining sleeve 26 is in the second rotational position, the rotating stop surfaces 48 of the rotating retaining clips 44 oppose the rotating stop surfaces 70 of the rotating retaining clips 40. In this way, the stop surfaces 70 and 48 resist the rotation of the retaining sleeve 26 from the second rotational position back to the first rotational position. As the retaining sleeve 26 rotates from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, the ramp engagement surfaces 74 of the rotating retaining clips 40 engage with the ramp surfaces 46 of the rotating retaining clips 44, causing the rotating retaining clips 40 to flex elastically from a clamping position to a disengaging position, thus allowing the rotating retaining clips 44 to rotate past the rotating retaining clips 40.The rotary clamping fasteners 40 elastically return to their clamping positions after the rotary clamping retainers have moved past the rotary clamping fasteners 40. Once the rotary clamping fasteners 40 move back to the clamping positions, the rotary stop surfaces 70 of the rotary clamping fasteners 40 oppose the rotary stop surfaces 48 of the rotary clamping retainers 44 to resist rotation of the retaining sleeve 26 from the second rotational state back to the first rotational state. In the illustrated example, the rotating stop surfaces 48 of the rotating retaining clips 44 and the rotating stop surfaces 70 of the rotating locking fasteners 40 are generally arranged perpendicular to the direction of rotation 76 required to move the retaining sleeve 26 from the second rotational position back to the first rotational position. Therefore, it would generally be necessary to break the rotating locking fasteners 40 to move the retaining sleeve 26 from the second rotational state back to the first rotational state.In other examples, the rotating stop surfaces 48 and / or the rotating stop surfaces 70 may be tilted relative to the rotation direction 76 so that the surfaces resist moving the retaining sleeve 26 from the first rotational state to the second rotational state, but will cause the rotating clamping fasteners 40 to flex radially inward to allow the retaining sleeve 26 to move from the first rotational state to the second rotational state if sufficient torque is applied to the retaining sleeve 26. It will be appreciated that the amount of torque required depends on the selected angles of the stop surfaces. In this type of configuration, the retaining sleeve 26 can move from the first rotational state to the second rotational state without breaking the rotating clamping fasteners 40. Figure 18 shows the optical fiber connector 20 aligned with a corresponding dust cap 100. The optical fiber connector has a connector end 102. The optical fiber connector defines a shaft 104. The optical fiber connector 20 supports an optical fiber 106 that has a fiber end adjacent to the connector end 102. In the illustrated example, the optical fiber 106 is supported within a ferrule 107. In other examples, ferrule-less connectors may be used. The retaining sleeve 26 is rotatably mounted on the connector body 28. The dust cap 100 includes the first stop arrangement 36. The cap 100 is mounted over the connector end 102 to protect the end of the optical fiber 106. The cap 100 is secured to the optical fiber connector 20 by the retaining sleeve 26.The retaining sleeve 26 and the cap 100 are axially insertable together and, when inserted together, are rotatable relative to each other between a first and a second rotational state in the same manner described with respect to the relationship between the retaining sleeve 26 and the external adapter body 24. The cap 100 can be axially removed from the connector 20 when the retaining sleeve 26 and the cap 100 are in the first rotational state. The cap 100 cannot be axially removed from the fiber optic connector 20 when the retaining sleeve 26 and the cap 100 are in the second rotational state due to interference between the first and second stop arrangements 34, 36. The snap-fit ​​assembly provided as part of the first and second stop assemblies 34, 36 is configured to retain cap 100 and retaining sleeve 26 in the second rotational position. In certain instances, the snap-fit ​​assembly must be damaged to move retaining sleeve 26 and cap 100 from the second rotational position back to the first. In this way, the snap-fit ​​interface can function as a tamper indicator. For example, once the fiber optic connector 20 has been processed and cleaned at the factory, cap 100 can be factory-installed on the fiber optic connector 20 by interlocking the dust cap 100 with the retaining sleeve 26. Preferably, the dust cap 100 is not removed before the fiber optic connector is used in the field.Therefore, when the fiber optic connector is ready for field use, the field technician will rotate the external adapter body 24 and the retaining sleeve 26 from the second rotation position back to the first rotation position, thereby breaking the snap-fit ​​assembly. If the snap-fit ​​assembly has already broken, the field technician will notice that the fiber optic connector may have been damaged. As used in this description, the first rotational state may be referred to as an uncoupled rotational state, and the second rotational state may be referred to as a coupled rotational state. In the uncoupled rotational state, the first and second stop arrangements 34, 36 do not interlock, so the two connectable parts (e.g., the adapter body 24 and the retaining sleeve 26) can be axially separated from each other. Conversely, in the coupled rotational state, the stops of the two components interlock to overlap each other and prevent the two components from uncoupling in an axial direction. Furthermore, in the coupled rotational position, the press-fit structures of the components are also preferably interlocked to prevent the components from rotating from the coupled rotational state back to the uncoupled rotational state.In some examples, the press-fit arrangement may include a ratchet that can be overcome when sufficient torque is applied between the components to disengage the press-fit connection. In some examples, the ratchet configuration is reusable and designed not to break when the components are moved from the engaged rotational position back to the disengaged rotational position. In other examples, the press-fit configuration may be adapted as a single-use connection and must be broken to move the coupled components from the engaged rotational position back to the disengaged rotational position.In other examples, the press-fit configuration may include a fastener that can be manually moved (e.g., pressed) from a retaining position to a release position to allow the mating components to move from the coupled rotational position back to the uncoupled rotational position. In such an example, the fastener may include a portion that is positioned outside the mating components (e.g., outside the retaining sleeve 26) that can be accessed to move the fastener to the release position where the fastener does not obstruct the rotational movement of the components from the coupled rotational position back to the uncoupled rotational position. In certain examples, once the two components are fully axially inserted together, they can be rotated from the uncoupled rotational state to the coupled rotational state without using or requiring axial movement between them. Therefore, in certain examples, the press-fit configuration for retaining the components in the coupled rotational state can be achieved without requiring axial movement between the two components being coupled together. For example, unlike a standard bayonet connection, one of the components does not have to retract in a pull-out direction (e.g., a direction opposite to the insertion direction) to retain the components in the coupled rotational position.Furthermore, in certain examples, the swivel interface for clamping as described herein does not require a separate coil spring or other separate spring mechanism to apply the axial spring load to either of the mating components. In certain examples, the press-fit connection for retaining the first and second components in the coupled rotational state can be engaged by pure rotary motion between the two components. Therefore, in certain examples, axial component movement is not required to engage the press-fit connection between the components. Figure 22 illustrates an alternative rotary clamping fastener 40a according to the principles described herein. The rotary clamping fastener 40a includes a beam 300 having opposite fixed ends. There is an open space beneath the beam 300. Notches 301 are provided on opposite sides of the beam adjacent to the ends of the beam 300. The beam 300 has a length extending in a transverse direction with respect to the direction of rotation of the movement of the first and second components that are coupled together. Therefore, the beam 300 is transverse with respect to the circumferential direction. Figure 23 shows another rotary clamping fastener 40b in accordance with the principles described herein. The rotary clamping fastener 40b also includes a beam 310 having fixed opposite ends. A coupling point 311 at one end of the beam 310 has a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the opposite end 313. An open space is located between the beam 310 and the main body of the component to which the beam is coupled. The beam 310 has a length that is transverse with respect to a rotational orientation of the components being coupled together. ML / E / ZUZZ / Ul 1333 Figure 24 illustrates another rotary clamping fastener 40c in accordance with the principles of the present description. The rotary clamping fastener 40c has a cantilever configuration that includes an integral end 315 with its corresponding component and an opposite free end 317. A portion 318 of the beam may be contoured to facilitate the sliding of a rotary clamping retainer on the beam. It will be appreciated that any of the beams 40a-40c may be used in combination with the rotary clamping fasteners 44 described above that are part of the second stop arrangement provided within the retaining sleeve 26. Furthermore, all the beams illustrated in Figures 22-24 have principal dimensions that extend transversely with respect to the direction of rotation in which the relative rotary motion between the first and second components to be coupled together is generated. Figures 25-27 illustrate an additional rotary clamping fastener 40d in accordance with the principles of the present description. The rotary clamping fastener 40d may replace the rotary clamping fastener 40 and may be incorporated as part of the first stop assembly 34. The rotary clamping fastener 40d may be configured to provide a press-fit connection with the rotary clamping retainers 44 of the second stop assembly 36. Unlike the preceding rotary clamping fasteners, the rotary clamping fastener 40d has a beam 340 with a cantilever configuration and a length extending in a direction d parallel to the direction of rotation in which the first and second components to be coupled together are rotated between the uncoupled rotation position and the coupled rotation position. The beam 340 has a fixed end 341 and a free end 342.The free end 342 is circumferentially offset from the fixed end 341. A contoured ramp feature 344 is defined at an axially offset location along the main length of the beam. The ramp element 344 is configured to facilitate the passage of the rotary clamping latches 44 over the rotary clamping latch 40d as the components move from the uncoupled rotation position to the coupled rotation position. When the rotary clamping latches 44 engage the contoured ramp surface, the cantilever beams flex radially inward to allow the rotary clamping latches 44 to pass over the latches 40d.Once the rotary clamping retainers 44 pass through the fasteners 40d and the components reach the coupled rotation state, the beams 340 rotate elastically to the undeflected state and the free ends of the beams oppose the rotary clamping retainers 44 to prevent the components from rotating from the coupled rotation state back to the uncoupled rotation state. It will be appreciated that the 40a-40d fasteners can be easily used to prevent the rotation of a component such as the retaining sleeve 26 from the engaged rotational state back to the disengaged rotational state. The 40d fastener is configured so that when MA / E / ZUZZ / U1 Ί OOO is closed with the retaining sleeve 26. A portion of the closure 40d can be accessed from outside the retaining sleeve 26 to allow the closure to flex and be manually released relative to the retaining sleeve. This allows the retaining sleeve to be rotated from the engaged rotational state back to an unengaged rotational state. The closure 40d and other closures described herein can be integrated with structures such as fiber optic adapter housings, fiber optic connector housings, dust caps, connector protectors, and the like. Figures 28 and 29 show modified configurations for the second stop arrangement 36, where each figure shows a modified version of the stop 38 moving from the uncoupled rotational state to the coupled rotational state. In Figure 28, the stop 38 has been modified with a chamfer or bevel 38a to facilitate rotation of the first and second components relative to each other. In Figure 29, the stop 38 has been modified with the chamfer 38a, and the recess 42 has been modified with a taper or chamfer to facilitate rotation of the first and second components relative to each other. For example, the axial stop surface 59 may include a chamfered or angled entry portion 59a that is slightly inclined relative to a main stop surface 59b.The chamfered nature of surfaces 30a and 59a facilitates the rotation of the first and second components to be coupled together from the uncoupled rotational state to the coupled rotational state. Specifically, the two components can be rotated from the uncoupled rotational state to the coupled rotational state even if they are not initially fully axially inserted together. If the two components are not fully axially inserted together at the moment the rotation from the uncoupled to the coupled rotational state begins, the tapered entry surfaces 59a and 38a engage with each other and force the two components into the fully inserted position as the rotation between the first and second components occurs.Once the first and second components are in the coupled rotation position, substantially complete contact is maintained between the butt surfaces 59 and the butt surfaces 55. For example, butt surface 55 may include an angled butt surface 38b opposing surface 59a, and butt surface 55 may include an angled surface 59b opposing surface 38a. Figures 30-32 illustrate another fiber optic adapter 400 according to the principles of the present description. The fiber optic adapter 400 includes a first stop assembly 34a that is a modified version of the first stop assembly 34 and is compatible with the second stop assembly 36. Similar to the first stop assembly 34, the first stop assembly 34a includes the plurality of triangular projections 38 adapted to interlock with the recesses 42 of the second stop assembly 36 when the first and second stop assemblies are rotated relative to each other to the coupled rotational state. The first stop assembly 34a also includes at least one press-fit element adapted to provide a press-fit connection with the rotating retaining catches 44 of the second stop assembly 36 when the second stop assemblies 34a and 36 are coupled together.The press-fit element is illustrated as including a pawl 40e (e.g., a protrusion) adapted to engage with the corresponding retainer 44 when the first and second stop assemblies 34a, 36 are engaged. In certain examples, the body (e.g., the retaining sleeve 26) that carries the second stop assembly 36 is sufficiently flexible to allow the ramp 46 to pass over the pawl 40e and the stop 48 to engage with the pawl 40e. The pawl 40e is configured to retain the components to be engaged together in the engaged rotational state but permits rotation from the engaged rotational state to the unengaged rotational state if sufficient torque is applied between the components. Preferably, the retainer 40e does not break when the components are rotated from the engaged rotational state back to the unengaged rotational state.Therefore, the first 34a stop arrangement is suitable for multiple uses compared to a single-use arrangement. Additionally, in certain implementations, the 400 fiber optic adapter includes a retaining ring 450 that can be used to selectively inhibit the rotation of the retaining sleeve 26 relative to the 400 fiber optic adapter from the engaged rotational state to the disengaged rotational state. The retaining ring 450 can be used to provide rotational locking of the retaining sleeve 26 with or without the ratchet element 40e or other type of press-fit element that inhibits rotation when engaged. The retaining ring 450 can slide between a retracted and an extended position. As will be described in more detail herein, when in the extended position, the retaining ring 450 inhibits the rotation of the retaining sleeve 26 relative to the 400 adapter. When in the retracted position, the retaining ring 450 permits rotation of the retaining sleeve 26 relative to the 400 adapter. The 450 retaining ring is mounted so that it does not rotate relative to the main body of the 400 fiber optic adapter. For example, an internal portion of the 450 retaining ring may interlock with a corresponding structure in the 400 adapter to prevent the 450 retaining ring from rotating relative to the 400 adapter but to allow the 450 retaining ring to move axially relative to the 400 adapter between the extended and retracted orientations. In one example, the interlock may include an axial rail that fits within an axial groove. In certain examples, a ratchet arrangement 457 can be used to retain the retaining ring 450 in the extended and / or retracted positions. In the example illustrated in Figure 31, the ratchet arrangement 457 includes a protrusion 459 arranged between the first and second recesses (e.g., slots) 456, 458 defined in the adapter 400. An inward-facing protrusion 453 carried by the retaining ring 450 engages in the first recess 456 when the retaining ring is in the retracted position and engages in the second recess 458 when the retaining ring is in the extended position. The inward-facing protrusion 453 moves over the protrusion 459 when sufficient force is applied to the retaining ring 450. Consequently, the retaining ring 450 is held in one position until the user chooses to move it to the other position. It will be noted that the retaining ring may include internal retaining members 455 (e.g., fingers) as shown in Figure 32. The retaining members 455 fit inside the retaining sleeve 26. When the retaining ring 450 is moved from the retracted to the extended position while the retaining sleeve 26 is in the engaged rotation position, the retaining members 455 oppose the rotating retaining clips 44 to prevent the retaining sleeve 26 from rotating from the engaged rotation state to the disengaged rotation state. When the retaining ring 450 is moved from the extended position back to the retracted position, the retaining members 455 clear the retaining clips 44. Therefore, the retaining sleeve 26 can rotate from the engaged rotation state to the disengaged rotation state.In certain examples, the retaining sleeve 26 is rotated when both the retaining ring 450 is retracted and when sufficient torque is applied to the retaining sleeve 26 to overcome the ratchet 40e and move the retaining sleeve 26 from the engaged rotation state back to the unengaged rotation state. In certain examples, the retaining ring 450 may be spring-loaded and tilted to the extended position. This allows the retaining ring 450 to automatically move from the retracted to the extended position once the retaining sleeve 26 is rotated from the uncoupled to the coupled rotational state. To disengage the retaining sleeve 26, the ring 450 can be manually slid from the extended to the retracted position against the spring pressure, allowing the sleeve 26 to rotate from the coupled to the uncoupled rotational state. Inserting the core unit into the adapter 400 may cause the ring 450 to move from the extended to the retracted position (for example, through physical contact between the retaining sleeve and the core unit) against the spring pressure. Figures 33 and 34 illustrate an illustrative fiber optic connector 520 according to the principles of this description. The fiber optic connector 520 includes a core unit 522 terminated on a fiber optic cable 524. The core unit 522 is configured to plug directly into an optical adapter, such as any of the optical adapters 24, 400 described herein. In certain examples, a retaining sleeve 542 carried by the core unit 522 carries either the first stop assembly 34 of the twist-to-lock interface or the second stop assembly 36 of the twist-to-lock interface. The retaining sleeve 542 can also carry any of the parts of a snap-fit ​​assembly (e.g., rotary locking latches 40 or rotary locking retainers 44).Accordingly, the stop arrangement 34, 36 of the retaining sleeve 542 can be coupled to the stop arrangement 36, 34 of the adapter to fix the core unit 522 to the adapter. In certain implementations, the 520 fiber optic connector is also configured to receive a 526 shield that mounts over a 534 core of the 522 core unit and an external retainer 528 that mounts over the 526 shield to allow the 522 core unit to be mounted inside a different type of optical adapter, dust cap, or other mating component. The shield carries the butt assembly and snap-fit ​​components that engage the corresponding butt assembly and snap-fit ​​components in the retaining sleeve 542 to secure the shield to the 522 core unit. The external retainer 528 has a connection interface arrangement adapted to mate with a corresponding connection interface arrangement integrated with a structure such as an optical fiber adapter, dust cap, or other optical fiber connector to provide a mechanical connection between them.In the illustrated example, the connection interface arrangement of the external fastener 528 is illustrated as including external threads, but alternative arrangements could include a bayonet arrangement, internal threads, a butt arrangement, or another type of rotary clamping arrangement. In certain implementations, the core unit 522 can receive any of a plurality of shields, each having a different form factor or keyway arrangement to mate with different types of adapters. In certain implementations, each shield 526 can mate with any of a plurality of external fasteners 528, each having a different connection interface to mate with different types of adapters. In certain examples, the 520 fiber optic connector includes an external dust cap 530 that engages with the external retainer 528 and a lanyard 532 to anchor the external dust cap 530 to the core unit 522. In the illustrated example, the external retainer 528 includes external threads adapted to engage with internal threads of the dust cap 530 to secure the dust cap onto the core of the core unit 522. When it is desired to optically connect the 520 fiber optic connector to another fiber optic connector, either directly or through an intermediate fiber optic adapter, the external dust cap 530 is disengaged from the external retainer 528, thus allowing the external retainer 528 to be used to secure the 520 fiber optic connector to a mating fiber optic connector or fiber optic adapter. The core 534 of the core unit 522 includes an end 536 that supports a ferrule 538 (see Figure 36). It will be noted that the ferrule 538 is adapted to support an end portion of an optical fiber 539 corresponding to the optical fiber cable 524. As shown in Figures 33 and 35, the ferrule 538 is protected by a removable internal dust cap 540. The core unit 522 also includes a retaining sleeve 542 for securing the core unit 522 to a rear end 544 of the shield 526. It will be noted that the shield 526 fits over the core 534 and may include a key arrangement 546 adapted to engage with a corresponding arrangement provided on an optical fiber adapter to ensure that the optical fiber connector 520 is inserted into the optical fiber adapter in a particular rotational position.In certain examples, different protectors having different configurations can be mounted interchangeably on the 534 core to provide compatibility with different types of fiber optic adapters (for example, see U.S. Patent No. 9,733,436, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). It will be noted that a twist-lock interface for clamping between the rear end 544 of the guard 526 and the retaining sleeve 542 can also be provided. For example, the rear end 544 of the guard 526 can include a stop arrangement that interlocks with a corresponding stop arrangement of the retaining sleeve 542 when the retaining sleeve 542 and the rear end 544 of the guard 526 are rotationally locked together (i.e., moved from a first rotational state in which the parts can be axially separated from each other to a second rotational state in which the parts are prevented from being axially separated from each other). The stop arrangements can be of the type described earlier in this description. The interface may also include a snap-fit ​​arrangement for retaining the retaining sleeve 542 in an interlocked rotational position (e.g., the second rotational state) relative to the rear end 544 of the guard 526. In the illustrated example, the snap-fit ​​arrangement includes spring fasteners 548 provided in the guard 526 (see Figure 41) that interlock with corresponding retainers 550 (e.g., stops) of the retaining sleeve 542 (see Figure 36) when the retaining sleeve 542 is rotated relative to the guard 526 to a retaining rotational position (e.g., the second rotational state). The coupling (e.g., closure) between the elastic closures 548 and the retainers 550 prevents the retaining sleeve 542 from rotating relative to the protector 526 from the retaining rotation position back to the release rotation position (e.g., the first rotation state).It will be observed that when the retaining sleeve 542 is in the locked rotation position relative to the guard 526, the retaining sleeve 542 and the guard 526 are locked together. Conversely, when the retaining sleeve 542 is in the released rotation position relative to the guard 526, the retaining sleeve 542 and the guard 526 can be axially separated from each other. With reference to Figures 35 and 37-41, the snap-fit ​​fasteners 548 include the release-actuating portions 552 (e.g., tabs, buttons, protrusions, etc.) that are exposed and accessible when the retaining sleeve 542 and guard 526 are engaged in the retaining rotation position (e.g., see Figure 39). The fasteners 548 include coupling portions 551 that project axially from the release-actuating portions 552 (see Figures 40 and 41). The coupling portions 551 move at the same time as the release drive portions 552. The coupling portions 551 have stop surfaces 549 (Figure 41) that are adapted to engage the stops 550 of the retaining sleeve 542 (see Figure 36) to provide rotary locking.For example, engagement with the ramp portion of the retainers 550 displaces the coupling portions 551 (and therefore the release drive portions 552) inward to an unclosed position until the coupling portion 551 clears the stop 550. The coupling portion 551 then returns to the closed position where the stop surface 549 abuts the shoulder of the stop 550. The release drive portions 552 of the retainers 548 can be pressed to move the coupling portions 551 of the spring retainers 548 from a closed position to an unclosed position where the stop surface 549 clears the retainer 550. The spring retainers 548 are preferably spring-deflected to the closed position.When the elastic closures 548 have been pressed into the unclosed position, the snap-fit ​​interface does not prevent the retaining sleeve 542 from rotating relative to the guard 526 from the retaining rotation position to the release rotation position. When the external fastener 528 is mounted onto the guard 526 as shown in Figure 34, the external fastener 528 covers and blocks access to the release drive portions 552. Therefore, while the external fastener 528 is mounted onto the guard 526, the release drive portions 552 are inaccessible, and the press-fit interface prevents the retaining sleeve 542 from rotating from its retaining rotation position to its release rotation position relative to the guard 526. To access the release drive portions 552, the external fastener 528 can be removed from the guard 526 by separating the lanyard 532 from the external fastener 528 and then breaking the external fastener 528. In certain examples, the external fastener 528 may include a predefined break location 560 (see Figure 42).In one example, the predefined break location 560 may include a predefined break line 561 defined by a line of reduced cross-sectional area defined through a thickness of the fastener 528. The reduced thickness may be provided by a longitudinal slit provided axially along the body of the external fastener 528. In certain examples, a tool carried by the external dust cap 530 can be used to break the external fastener 528 along the predefined break line. In one example, a pry tool 570 can be integrated with the external dust cap 530. The pry tool 570 can be configured to fit within a pry tool receiving notch 572 defined by the external fastener 528 at the predefined break location. By inserting the pry tool 570 into the pry tool receiving notch 572 and rotating the dust cap, the external fastener 528 can be cracked along the longitudinal break line or lines 561. In one example, break locations 560 are provided on opposite sides of the fastener 528 to allow the fastener 528 to be broken in half by breaking it at each of the break locations 560. It will be observed that during the assembly of the 520 fiber optic connector, a rear end of the 532 cord and the external retainer 528 are initially inserted onto the 522 core unit. Then, the 526 shield is inserted onto the 534 core of the 522 core unit, and the 542 retaining sleeve of the 522 core unit interlocks with the rear end 544 of the 526 shield to mechanically couple the 526 shield to the 524 core unit. The external retainer 528 is then slid forward onto the 526 shield after the 580 locking clips (Figure 37) retain the 528 shield in place. It will be observed that the 528 shield can rotate around the 526 shield.Subsequently, the front end of the cord 532 can be attached to the external dust cap 530, and the external dust cap can be secured to the rest of the fiber optic connector by screwing the threaded interface of the external fastener 528 into the threaded interface of the external dust cap 530. The locking clips 580 prevent the external fastener 528 from being removed from the shield 526 without breaking the external fastener 528 at the predefined break location. With reference to Figure 45, the dust cap 530, cord 532, fastener 528, and protector 526 of Figure 33 can form a unit 531 that is pre-assembled together before connection to the core unit 522. As illustrated, one end of the cord 532 is attached to the dust cap 530 (for example, adjacent to the front end of the dust cap), and the opposite end of the cord is attached to the external fastener 528 (for example, adjacent to a rear end of the fastener). A front portion of the shield 526 fits inside the dust cap 530, and the retainer 528 mounts onto a rear portion of the shield 526. The retainer 528 attaches to the dust cap 530 via a twist-lock connection and secures the shield 526 inside the dust cap 530. The pre-assembled nature of the unit 531 prevents the loss of parts and facilitates its use in the field.In certain examples, the core unit 522 can be attached to the protector 526 by means of a twist-on connection for clamping. MLE / E / ZUZZ / Ul 1333 without disassembly of unit 531. For example, the core 534 of core unit 522 is inserted into the guard 526 through a rear end of the guard 526 accessible from the rear end of unit 531. Furthermore, the retaining sleeve 542 of core unit 522 interlocks with the rear end 544 of the guard 526 to mechanically couple the guard 526 to core unit 524. It will be noted that a twist-lock connection interface for clamping on the rear end 544 of the guard 526 is accessible through the rear end of unit 531 for coupling with the retaining sleeve 542. In other examples, at least partial disassembly of unit 531 may be necessary for connection to core unit 522. It will be appreciated that the first and second stop arrangements described herein provide two separate interlocking functions when in the coupled rotational state. One of the interlocking functions provides interlocking elements that interlock to resist axial movement between the two components to be coupled together. For example, axial interlocking elements interlock to prevent the first component from axially disengaging or being pulled away from the second component. A second interlocking element can be provided by a press-fit element that prevents rotational movement between the two components when they are in the coupled rotational state.The second interlocking element functions to prevent or resist the components from rotating from the coupled rotational state, in which the components are axially locked to each other, to the uncoupled rotational state, in which the two components can axially separate from each other. The components may include fiber optic connectors, connector retaining sleeves, fiber optic adapters, dust caps, retaining sleeves, rotating clamping elements, connector parts, connector protectors, and the like.

Claims

1. A swivel connection interface for clamping comprising: first and second components that can be axially inserted together and that align along an axis when axially inserted together; wherein the first component includes a rotary clamping closure, wherein the first component further includes a first stop arrangement comprising a first stop surface oriented in a first axial direction along the axis and a second stop surface oriented in a second axial direction along the axis, wherein the first axial direction is opposite to the second axial direction, wherein the first component further includes a third stop surface oriented in a first rotational direction about the axis;wherein the second component includes a rotating clamping retainer, wherein the second component further includes a second stop arrangement comprising a fourth stop surface oriented in the second axial direction, a fifth stop surface oriented in the first axial direction, and a sixth stop surface oriented in a second rotational direction about the axis that is opposite to the first rotational direction; wherein the rotating clamping interface can be placed in a first rotational state in which the first stop surface opposes the fourth stop surface, the second stop surface is rotatably displaced from the fifth stop surface, and the third stop surface is rotatably displaced from the sixth stop surface by a rotational angle less than or equal to 360 degrees;where the swivel connection interface for clamping can be placed in a second rotational state in which the first stop surface opposes the fourth stop surface, the second stop surface opposes the fifth stop surface, and the third stop surface opposes and is adjacent to the sixth stop surface; where the swivel connection interface for clamping can be moved from the first rotational state to the second rotational state by rotating the first and second components relative to each other through the rotation angle; where the rotary clamping closure and the rotary clamping retainer circumferentially oppose each other when the swivel connection interface for clamping is in the second rotational state to resist the swivel clamping interface rotating from the second rotational state to the first rotational state;and IVIA / t / ZUZZ / UII óóü wherein the contact between the rotary clamping closure and the rotary clamping retainer as the clamping twist-connection interface moves from the first rotational state to the second rotational state causes the rotary clamping closure to flex elastically from a clamping position to a disengagement position to allow the rotary clamping closure and the rotary clamping retainer to rotate past each other, and wherein the rotary clamping closure elastically returns to the clamping position after the rotary clamping closure and the rotary clamping retainer have moved past each other to resist the clamping twist-connection interface rotating from the second rotational state to the first rotational state.

2. The twist-lock connection interface for clamping, wherein the first component is a fiber optic adapter or dust cap, and the second component is a fiber optic connector clamp.

3. The rotating clamping interface of claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotating clamping closure includes a beam having a first and a second end fixed relative to a main body of the first component, wherein a length of the beam extends through a defined open space between the beam and the main body.

4. The rotating clamping interface of claim 3, wherein the beam includes a first side surface oriented in the first rotation direction and a second side surface oriented in the second rotation direction, wherein the rotating clamping retainer includes a ramp surface oriented in the second rotation direction and a seventh stop surface oriented in the first rotation direction, wherein the ramp surface engages with the first side surface to move the beam from the clamping position to the disengagement position, and wherein the seventh stop surface opposes the second side surface to resist the rotating clamping interface from rotating from the second rotation state to the first rotation state.

5. The swivel connection interface for clamping of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first component includes at least a first triangular projection having a first side defining the second stop surface and a second side defining the third stop surface, and wherein the second component includes at least a recess having at least a portion that is triangular and is defined by a first side defining the fifth stop surface and a second side defining the sixth stop surface.

6. The swivel connection interface for clamping of claim 5, wherein the second stop surface and the fifth stop surface are oriented in reference planes that are perpendicular to the axis.

7. The swivel connection interface for clamping of claim 6, wherein the first triangular projection includes a corner oriented in the first axial direction. MLE / E / ZUZZ / Ul 1333 8. The rotating clamping connection interface of claim 1, wherein the rotating clamping closure must be damaged to rotate the rotating clamping interface from the second rotation state to the first rotation state.

9. An optical fiber unit comprising: an optical fiber connector having a connecting end, wherein the optical fiber connector defines an axis, wherein the optical fiber connector supports an optical fiber having a fiber end adjacent to the connecting end, wherein the optical fiber connector further includes a retaining sleeve; a cap mounted over the connecting end to protect the fiber end, wherein the cap is secured to the optical fiber connector by the retaining sleeve, wherein the retaining sleeve and the cap are axially inserted together and, when inserted together, can rotate relative to each other between a first rotational state and a second rotational state, wherein the cap can be axially removed from the optical fiber connector when the retaining sleeve and the cap are in the first rotational state,where the cap cannot be axially removed from the fiber optic connector when the retaining sleeve and cap are in the second rotational state, where the cap and retaining sleeve include a snap-fit ​​interface to retain the cap and retaining sleeve in the second rotational state, where the snap-fit ​​interface must be damaged to move the retaining sleeve and cap from the second rotational state to the first rotational state.

10. The optical fiber unit of claim 9, wherein the snap-fit ​​connection must be broken to move the retaining sleeve and cap from the second rotation state to the first rotation state.

11. An optical fiber connector comprising: a connector body defining a connector axis; a retaining sleeve for securing the optical fiber connector to an optical fiber adapter, wherein the retaining sleeve is mounted on the connector body and can be rotated relative to the connector body about the axis, wherein the retaining sleeve includes a stop arrangement within the retaining sleeve adapted to interact with a corresponding stop arrangement of the optical fiber adapter, wherein the stop arrangement of the retaining sleeve includes axial stop surfaces oriented in opposite first and second axial directions along the connector axis, wherein the stop arrangement of the retaining sleeve also includes rotatable stop surfaces oriented in opposite first and second rotation directions about the connector axis.

12. The optical fiber connector of claim 11, wherein the stop arrangement includes at least one recess having at least one portion that is triangular and is defined by a first side defining a first axial stop surface and a second side defining a first rotating stop surface.

13. The optical fiber connector of claim 12, wherein the stop arrangement includes at least one rotating retaining detent defining a second of the rotating stop surfaces and also includes a ramp surface oriented in the opposite direction to the second of the rotating stop surfaces.

14. The optical fiber connector of claim 13, wherein the recess includes an access space that tapers to enlarge as the access space extends towards an open end of the retaining sleeve.

15. The optical fiber connector of claim 14, wherein the first of the axial stop surfaces is oriented away from the open end of the retaining sleeve and is oriented along a reference plane that is perpendicular to the connector axis.

16. The optical fiber connector of claim 15, wherein a second axial stop surface is oriented towards the open end of the retaining sleeve and is defined by an internal shoulder extending in a circumferential orientation within the retaining sleeve.

17. An optical fiber adapter comprising: an adapter body defining an adapter axis, wherein the adapter body includes a stop arrangement integrated with an exterior of the adapter body for interacting with a corresponding stop arrangement of an optical fiber connector, wherein the stop arrangement of the adapter body includes axial stop surfaces oriented in opposite first and second axial directions along the adapter axis, wherein the stop arrangement of the adapter body further includes rotatable stop surfaces oriented in opposite first and second rotation directions about the adapter axis.

18. The optical fiber adapter of claim 17, further comprising an elastic rotating locking mechanism.

19. The optical fiber adapter of claim 18, wherein the rotating clamping closure includes a beam having the first and second ends fixed relative to the adapter body, wherein a length of the beam extends through a defined open space between the beam and the adapter body.

20. The optical fiber adapter of claim 19, wherein the stop arrangement includes at least one triangular projection having a first side defining a first axial stop surface and a second side defining a first rotating stop surface, and wherein a second rotating stop surface is defined by a side of the beam.

21. The optical fiber adapter of claim 20, wherein a corner of the at least one triangular projection is axially oriented outwards from the adapter body, and wherein the first side of the at least one triangular projection is axially oriented inwards towards the adapter body and is oriented along a reference plane that is perpendicular to the adapter axis.

22. The swivel connection interface for clamping of claim 1, wherein the rotation angle is less than or equal to 180 degrees.

23. The swivel connection interface for clamping of claim 1, wherein the rotation angle is less than or equal to 90 degrees.

24. A swivel connection interface for clamping comprising: a first component defining a first axis and a second component defining a second axis, wherein the first and second components are configured to be axially inserted together and mechanically coupled together when the first and second components are coaxially aligned, wherein the first component includes a first stop arrangement and the second component includes a second stop arrangement;wherein the first and second components are configured to rotate relative to each other about the first and second axes between the first and second states of rotation when the first and second components have been axially inserted together, wherein the first and second stop arrangements are configured to limit a range of rotary motion between the first and second states of rotation, wherein the first and second stop arrangements are configured to allow the first and second components to separate axially from each other when the first and second components are in the first state of rotation, and to prevent the first and second components from separating axially from each other when the first and second components are in the second state of rotation; and wherein the first and second components include a press-fit arrangement to resist movement of the first and second components from the second state of rotation to the first state of rotation.

25. The swivel connection interface for clamping of claim 24, wherein the first and second stop arrangement respectively include triangular projections and recesses having at least portions that are triangular.

26. The swivel connection interface for clamping of claim 25, wherein the triangular projections of the first stop arrangement are circumferentially separated around the first axis, and wherein the gaps of the second stop arrangement are circumferentially separated around the second axis.

27. The pivoting interface for clamping of claim 26, wherein the triangular projections have corners that are oriented in a first axial direction and the hollow MLE / E / ZUZZ / Ul 1444 openings have access spaces that open in a tapered manner to receive the triangular projections when the first and second components are axially inserted together.

28. The rotating clamping interface of claim 26, wherein the triangular projections each include a first side defining an axial stop surface and a second side defining a rotating stop surface.

29. The pivoting interface for clamping of any of claims 24-28, wherein the snap-fit ​​arrangement includes a flexible beam closure integrated with the first component having fixed ends and a retainer integrated with the second component having a ramp surface for flexing the flexible beam closure to a separation position to allow the first and second components to rotate from the first rotational state to the second rotational state, and a retaining surface for engaging the flexible beam closure to resist the first and second components rotating from the second rotational state to the first rotational state.

30. The rotating clamping interface of any of claims 24-29, wherein the snap-fit ​​arrangement must be broken to move the first and second components from the second rotation state to the first rotation state.

31. The rotating clamping interface of any of claims 24-30, wherein the first and second components do not move axially relative to each other as the first and second components rotate between the first and second rotation states.

32. The rotating clamping interface of one of claims 24-30, wherein the press-fit arrangement interlocks without the need for axial movement between the first and second components.

33. The pivoting interface for clamping of any of claims 24-28, wherein the snap-fit ​​arrangement includes a flexible beam closure integrated with the first component and a retainer integrated with the second component having a ramp surface for flexing the flexible beam closure to a separation position to allow the first and second components to rotate from the first rotational state to the second rotational state, and a retaining surface for engaging the flexible beam closure to resist the first and second components rotating from the second rotational state to the first rotational state.

34. The swivel interface for clamping according to claim 33, wherein the flexible beam closure has a cantilever configuration. MLE / E / ZUZZ / Ul 1444 35. The swivel interface for clamping of claim 33, wherein the flexible beam closure has a length extending in a direction transverse to a rotation direction between the first and second rotation states.

36. The swivel interface for clamping of claim 33, wherein the flexible beam closure has a length extending in a direction parallel to a rotation direction between the first and second rotation states.

37. The swivel interface for clamping of claim 36, wherein the flexible beam closure has a cantilever configuration.

38. The pivoting interface for clamping of claim 37, wherein the flexible beam closure includes an axially displaced portion adjacent to a free end of the flexible beam closure adapted to engage with the ramp surface when the first and second components rotate from the first rotation state to the second rotation state.

39. The rotating clamping interface of claim 38, wherein the axial displacement portion is ramped.

40. The rotating clamping interface of any of claims 31-39, wherein the snap-fit ​​arrangement must be broken to move the first and second components from the second rotation state to the first rotation state.

41. The rotating clamping interface of any of claims 24-30, wherein the snap-fit ​​arrangement need not be broken to move the first and second components from the second rotation state to the first rotation state.

42. The rotating clamping interface of claim 41, further comprising a retaining ring mounted non-rotatingly on one of the first and second components and slidable from a first position where the retaining ring prevents relative rotation between the first and second components and a second position where the retaining ring permits rotation between the first and second components.

43. The rotating clamping interface of claim 42, wherein the retaining ring is spring-deflected to the first position.

44. The clamping swivel interface of claim 24, wherein at least one of the first and second stop arrangements includes a tapered inlet for moving the first and second component to a fully axially inserted position as the first and second component rotate from the first rotational state to the second rotational state.

45. An optical fiber connector comprising: a core unit including a core supporting a ferrule; a shield mounting on the core unit; the core unit including a retaining sleeve rotatably interlocking with the shield to couple the shield to the core unit, wherein the retaining sleeve can be rotated relative to the shield between a retaining rotation position and a release rotation position;a snap-fit ​​interface for retaining the retaining sleeve in the retaining rotation position relative to the guard, wherein the snap-fit ​​interface includes a flexible retaining closure that can move between a closing position in which the snap-fit ​​interface is adapted to retain the retaining sleeve in the retaining rotation position and an unclosing position in which the retaining sleeve can rotate from the retaining rotation position to the release rotation position, wherein the flexible retaining closure is deflected towards the closing position and includes a release drive portion to allow the flexible retaining closure to be manually moved from the closing position to the unclosing position while the retaining sleeve is in the retaining rotation position;and an external fastener that mounts onto the shield, wherein the external fastener has a swivel interface adapted to engage with a corresponding interface of a dust cap, fiber optic adapter, or other fiber optic connector, wherein the external fastener blocks access to the release drive portion of the flexible retention lock when mounted on the shield.

46. ​​The optical fiber connector of claim 45, wherein the outer fastener must be broken to remove the outer fastener from the shield to provide access to the release drive portion.

47. The optical fiber connector of claim 46, wherein the external fastener includes a predefined break location.

48. The optical fiber connector of claim 47, wherein the predefined break location includes a predefined break line and a notch for receiving a prying tool.

49. The optical fiber connector of claim 48, further comprising an external dust cap that is retained over at least a portion of the core unit and protected by the external fastener, wherein the prying tool is integrated with the external dust cap.

50. A unit for connection to a core unit, wherein the unit comprises: a dust cap; a shield received within the dust cap; an external swivel retainer attached to the dust cap retaining the shield within the dust cap; a cord having one end attached to the dust cap and the opposite end attached to the external swivel retainer; and wherein the unit is pre-assembled prior to connection to the core unit.

51. The unit of claim 50, wherein the unit is configured so that the core unit can be connected to the protector without disassembly of the unit.

Images