JP-2022534198-A5 -

Dates

Publication Date

20230522

Application Date

20200514

Description

It will be understood that the first and second stop configurations disclosed herein provide two distinct interlock functions when in a coupled rotational state. One of the interlock functions provides an interlock feature that interlocks to resist axial movement between two components which are desirable to be coupled together. For example, an axial interlock feature interlocks to prevent a first component of the components from being axially disengaged or pulled out from a second component. A second interlock feature may be provided by a snap-fit feature that functions to prevent rotational movement between the two components when the two components are in a coupled rotational state. The second interlock feature functions to prevent or resist rotation of the components from a coupled rotational state in which the components are axially fixed together to an uncoupled rotational state in which the two components can be axially separated from each other. Components may include fiber optic connectors, connector retaining sleeves, fiber optic adapters, dust caps, retaining sleeves, rotatable fastening elements, connector components, connector shrouds, and the like. The following are also included in the nature of this disclosure: [Aspect 1] A connection interface that turns and is fixed in place. It comprises first and second components that can be inserted together in the axial direction and are aligned along the axis when inserted together in the axial direction, The first component includes a rotary fixing latch, and the first component also includes a first stopping surface facing a first axial direction along the axis, and a second stopping surface facing a second axial direction along the axis, wherein the first axial direction is opposite to the second axial direction, and the first component further includes a third stopping surface facing a first rotational direction about the axis. The second component includes a rotating fixing catch, and the second component also includes a second stopping configuration which includes a fourth stopping surface facing the second axial direction, a fifth stopping surface facing the first axial direction, and a sixth stopping surface facing a second rotational direction about the axis, opposite to the first rotational direction. The connecting interface that is turned and fixed is positionable in a first rotational state in which the first stop surface faces the fourth stop surface, the second stop surface is offset in the rotational direction from the fifth stop surface, and the third stop surface is offset in the rotational direction from the sixth stop surface by a rotation angle of 360 degrees or less. The connecting interface that is turned and fixed is positionable in a second rotational state in which the first stop surface faces the fourth stop surface, the second stop surface faces the fifth stop surface, and the third stop surface faces and is adjacent to the sixth stop surface. The connecting interface that is turned and fixed is movable from the first rotational state to the second rotational state by rotating the first and second components relative to each other through the rotational angle, The rotating fixing latch and the rotating fixing catch, when the connecting interface to be turned and fixed is in the second rotating state, face each other in the circumferential direction and resist the rotating interface to be turned and fixed from the second rotating state to the first rotating state. The contact between the rotating fixing latch and the rotating fixing catch elastically bends the rotating fixing latch from the fixing position to the clearance position when the turning and fixing connection interface is moved from the first rotational state to the second rotational state, allowing the rotating fixing latch and the rotating fixing catch to move through each other in the rotational direction, and the rotating fixing latch elastically returns to the fixing position after the rotating fixing latch and the rotating fixing catch have moved through each other, thereby resisting the turning and fixing interface from rotating from the second rotational state to the first rotational state, in a turning and fixing connection interface. [Aspect 2] A connection interface that turns and is fixed, wherein the first component is an optical fiber adapter or dust cap, and the second component is a fastening member of an optical fiber connector. [Aspect 3] A turn-and-fix connection interface according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the rotating fixing latch includes a beam having first and second ends fixed to the main body of the first component, and the length of the beam extends across an open space defined between the beam and the main body. [Aspect 4] The turn-and-fix connection interface according to embodiment 3, wherein the beam includes a first side surface facing the first rotational direction and a second side surface facing the second rotational direct