WO2022251625A1

WO2022251625A1 - Plug connector and removal tool

Info

Publication number: WO2022251625A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/031331
Authority: WO
Inventors: Connor Thomas WILSON; Scott C. Sievers; Carl LUNDBORG; Chhun Hour CHEA
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2021-05-28
Filing date: 2022-05-27
Publication date: 2022-12-01
Anticipated expiration: 2023-11-28

Abstract

A connection system includes a plug connector and a guide tool. The plug connector includes a front body and a rear body latched to the front body. The front body includes a latch arm. The rear body includes a tool catch member. The guide tool including an engagement arrangement at a first end of the guide tool. The engagement arrangement is configured to contact and to deflect the latch arm while engaging the tool catch arm to assist in removing the plug connector from an adapter.

Description

PLUG CONNECTOR AND REMOVAL TOOL

Cross-Reference to Related Application

This application is being filed on May 27, 2022 as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No.

63/194,558, filed on May 28, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background

Fiber optic communication systems are becoming prevalent in part because service providers want to deliver high bandwidth communication capabilities (e.g., data and voice) to customers. Fiber optic communication systems employ a network of fiber optic cables to transmit large volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances. Optical fiber connectors are an important part of most fiber optic communication systems. Fiber optic connectors allow two optical fibers to be quickly optically connected without requiring a splice. Fiber optic connectors can be used to optically interconnect two lengths of optical fiber. Fiber optic connectors can also be used to interconnect lengths of optical fiber to passive and active equipment.

A typical fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly supported at a distal end of a connector housing. When two fiber optic connectors are interconnected, the distal end faces of the ferrules abut one another and the ferrules are forced proximally relative to their respective connector housings against the bias of respective springs. With the fiber optic connectors connected, their respective optical fibers are coaxially aligned such that the end faces of the optical fibers directly oppose one another. In this way, an optical signal can be transmitted from optical fiber to optical fiber through the aligned end faces of the optical fibers. For many fiber optic connector styles, alignment between two fiber optic connectors is provided through the use of an intermediate fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connectors carry latch members, catch surfaces, or other features to releasably secure the connector to the fiber optic adapter.

Recent innovations in the size and shape of the connectors has enhanced density of adapters. However, this enhanced density presents challenges in accessibility of the individual connectors (e.g., when inserting a connector into and/or removing a connector from an adapter). Integrated pull-tabs have been proposed to enhance accessibility to the latch member or catch surfaces, but a feature provides unwanted bulk. Improvements are desired.

Summary Some aspects of the disclosure are directed to plug connectors configured to be removed from an adapter port through the use of a separate guide tool. In certain implementations, the plug connectors include a main body carrying a ferrule or other fiber support and a second body attached to the main body. The main body also includes a latch arm or other securement member. The second body includes a tool catch member configured to be engaged by the guide tool.

In some implementations, the tool catch member is a rigid tool catch arm cantilevered from the second body. In some examples, the tool catch arm and the latch arm of the main body are disposed at a common end of the plug connector. In other examples, the tool catch arm is disposed at an opposite end of the plug connector from the latch arm. In other implementations, the tool catch member is flexible and tethers a latch arm of the main body to the second body.

In some implementations, the guide tool includes two legs that pinch together like tweezers. In other implementations, the guide tool includes a single leg.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

Brief Description of the Drawings The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a first perspective of a first example plug connector including a first implementation of a second body mounted to a main body, the second body being configured in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example optical adapter defining a plurality of ports;

FIG. 3 shows the optical adapter of FIG. 2 populated with the plug connectors of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the plug connector of FIG. 1 where the second body is exploded from the main body;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the plug connector of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an example second body suitable for use with the plug connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the second body of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example guide tool spaced from the rear end of the plug connector of FIG. 1, which is disposed at an adapter port;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the guide tool of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a stabilizer portion of an alternative guide tool engaged with the second body of the plug connector of FIG. 8 and a hook member of the alternative guide tool aligned with a latch arm and a tool catch arm of the plug connector;

FIG. 11 shows the hook member of the alternative guide tool of FIG. 10 engaged with the latch arm and tool catch arm of the plug connector;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the plug connector and adapter of FIG. 8 mounted to a cassette and a second implementation of a guide tool arranged to remove the plug connector from the adapter;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the plug connector and a hook member of the guide tool of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the plug connector and hook member of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a plug connector and a third implementation of a guide tool, the plug connector having a second implementation of a second body configured in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the plug connector of FIG. 15 received at an adapter port;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the plug connector of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows a hook member of a guide tool aligned with a tool catch member of the plug connector of FIG. 17; FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a plug connector having a third implementation of a second body and tool catch member, the plug connector being received at an adapter port and configured in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the plug connector of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the plug connector of FIG. 19 showing the second body exploded away from the main body;

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the plug connector of FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 23 shows a guide tool engaging the tool catch member of the plug connector of FIG. 19;

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of an example implementation of the guide tool of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a fifth implementation of a guide tool suitable for use in inserting and/or removing the plug connector of at least FIG. 1 from an adapter;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an example gripping tool aligned with the plug connector of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the gripping tool and plug connector of FIG. 26 shown from a different perspective; and

FIG. 28 shows the gripping tool mounted over the plug connector.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

The present disclosure is directed to a plug connector having an integrated insertion and/or removal feature. The plug connector defines one or more abutment surfaces sized and positioned to be engaged by a separate tool during insertion and/or removal of the plug connector at an optical adapter or other port member. In certain implementations, the abutment surfaces are separate and spaced from the latching features of the plug connector.

Referring to the figures in general, a plug connector 100, 200, 300 extends between a front end 106 and a rear end 108. The front end 106 provides access to end faces (e.g., polished end faces) of one or more optical fibers. In some examples, the optical fibers are held by one or more optical ferrules. In other examples, the plug connector 100, 200, 300 is a ferrule-less optical connector. In an example, the plug connector 100, 200, 300 is an SN plug connector offered by Senko Advanced Components Inc. The plug connector 100, 200, 300 has a securement feature that enables the plug connector 100, 200, 300 to be secured at a port of a fiber optic adapter 150. In certain examples, the plug connector 100, 200, 300 includes a tab 112 carried by a latch arm 110 that is deflectable along a deflection axis D (FIG. 5) relative to the main body 102. Deflection of the latch arm 110 allows one of the tabs 112 to pass by catch members 158 within an adapter 150.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an example optical adapter 150 includes an adapter body 152 defining one or more aligned pairs of ports 154. Each pair includes a forward port 154 and a rearward port 154 aligned along a plug insertion axis I. Each port 154 defines receiving structure 156 configured to receive a plug connector 100, 200, 300. In the example shown in FIG. 2, each port 154 includes two sets of receiving structure 156 that are each configured to receive a plug connector 100, 200, 300. Accordingly, two of the plug connectors 100, 200, 300 can be mounted side-by-side within a port 154 with no dividing structure between a majority of the plug connectors 100, 200, 300 (e.g., see FIG. 3). Mounting the plug connectors 100, 200, 300 so closely can result in accidental detachment of a plug connector while attempting to remove the adjacent plug connector. Further, the presence of one plug connector 100, 200, 300 may inhibit access to the latch arms 110 of a plug connector 100, 200, 300 in an adjacent port 154. For example, in FIG. 3, the presence of the connectors 100, 200, 300 in the right port 154b inhibit access to the latch arms 110 of the connectors 100, 200, 300 in the left port 154a.

To facilitate insertion and/or removal of the plug connectors 100, 200, 300, a guide tool 170, 190, 270, 370 can be configured to releasably engage a portion of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 to assist in manipulation of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 relative to the adapter 150. In general, the guide tool 170, 190, 270, 370 is configured to deflect the latch arm 110 away from the corresponding catch member 158 of the adapter 150 or to otherwise release the plug connector 100, 200, 300 from the adapter 150. The guide tool 170, 190, 270, 370 can then be pulled away from the adapter 150 while deflecting the latch arm 110 to remove the plug connector 100, 200, 300 from the port 154. In certain implementations, guide the tool 170, 190, 270, 370 engages the plug connector 100, 200, 300 sufficiently securely to direct and push the plug connector 100, 200, 300 into the adapter port 154.

Referring back to the figures in general, the plug connector 100, 200, 300 has a length L (FIG. 5) extending between opposite front and rear ends 106, 108 of the plug connector 100, 200, 300, a first cross-dimension CD1 (FIG. 1) extending between opposite first and second ends 103, 105 of the plug connector 100, 200, 300, and a second cross-dimension CD2 (FIG. 1) extending between opposite first and second sides 107, 109 of the plug connector 100, 200, 300. The first cross-dimension CD1 is transverse to the length L. The second cross-dimension CD2 is transverse to the length L and to the first cross-dimension CD 1.

The plug connector 100, 200, 300 includes a main body 102 that defines the front end 106 and a second body 104, 204, 304 that defines the rear end 108 of the plug connector 100, 200, 300. The main body 102 carries the ferrule(s) or otherwise supports the optical fiber(s) terminated at the plug connector. In some examples, the main body 102, 202, 302 carries two optical ferrules that each receive a respective optical fiber. In other examples, the main body 102 carries a single optical ferrule. In some such examples, the single ferrule holds a single optical fiber (e.g., an LC connector, an SC connector, etc.). In other such examples, the single ferrule holds multiple optical fibers (e.g., an MPO connector).

A latch arm 110 is movably coupled to the main body 102. The latch arm 110 deflects relative to the main body 102 between a latching position and a releasing position. The latch arm 110 carries one or more stop members 112 that align with and engage corresponding catch surfaces within the adapter 150 to secure the plug connector 100, 200, 300 at the adapter 150 when the latch arm 110 is disposed in the latching position. Deflecting the latch arm 110 to the releasing position moves the stop member(s) 112 out of alignment with the catch surface (s) 158 within the adapter 150. In certain examples, the plug connector 100, 200, 300 also includes a rail or tab 113 at an opposite end of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 from the latch arm 110. The rail or tab 113 may slide into an internally facing groove or channel of the adapter 150 (e.g., see FIG. 3).

The main body 102 of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 defines a through passage 116 extending between the front end 106 and a rear end 114 of the main body 102. The second body 104, 204, 304 is configured to mount to the main body 102 at the rear end 114 of the main body 102. The second body 104, 204, 304 defines a second through passage 118 extending between a front end 120 of the second body 104, 204, 304 and the rear end 108 of the plug connector 100, 200, 300. The second through passage 118 aligns with the first through passage 116 of the main body 102 when the second body 104, 204, 304 is mounted to the main body 102. Accordingly, one or more optical fibers can be routed through the second and first through passages 118, 116 to reach the ferrules or other fiber alignment structures carried by the main body 102.

In certain implementations, the second body 104, 204, 304 is configured to snap-fit or otherwise attach to the main body 102. In certain examples, the second body 104, 204, 304 includes an insertion section 124 sized to fit within the first through passage 116 of the main body 102 from the rear end 114 of the main body 102, 202, 302 (e.g., see FIG. 4). In certain examples, the main body 102 defines an aperture 122 and the insertion section 124 of the second body 104, 204, 304 includes an abutment member 126, 226, 326 sized to fit within the aperture 122. In the example shown, the abutment member 126,

226, 326 has a forwardly-facing ramp 128 over which sidewalls of the main body 102 ride so that the abutment member 126, 226, 326 reaches the aperture 122. The abutment member 126, 226, 326 also defines a rearwardly-facing shoulder 130 that abuts an inner edge of the aperture 122 to hold the second body 104,204, 304 against rearward movement out of the main body 102.

In some implementations, the second body 104, 204, 304 includes an external section 132 that remains external of the main body 102 when the second body 104, 204, 304 is mounted to the main body 102. In some examples, the external section 132 of the second body 104, 204, 304 is made from a common material with the main body 102. In other examples, the external section 132 is at least as rigid as the main body 102.

The second body 104, 204, 304 includes a tool catch member 134, 234, 334 configured to receive an engagement surface of a guide tool 170, 190, 270, 370. The tool catch member 134, 234, 334 extends outwardly from the second body 104, 204, 304. In some examples, the tool catch member 134, 234 is cantilevered outwardly from the external section 132, 232. In other examples, the tool catch member 334 is tethered between the external section 332 and the latch arm 110. The tool catch member 134, 234, 334 defines a catch surface 136, 236, 336 facing toward the front end 106 of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 to receive the engagement surface of the tool 170, 190, 270, 370. FIGS. 4-7 illustrate a first example implementation of a second body 104 for use with a main body 102 of the plug connector 100 and FIGS. 8-11 illustrate a first example implementation of a corresponding tool 170 configured to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the plug connector 100 at an adapter 150. FIGS. 12-14 illustrate a second example implementation of a corresponding tool 190 configured to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the plug connector 100 at an adapter 150. FIGS. 15-18 illustrate a second example implementation of a second body 204 for use with a main body 102 of the plug connector 200 and also illustrate a third example implementation of a corresponding tool 270 configured to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the plug connector 200 at an adapter 150. FIGS. 19-24 illustrate a fourth example implementation of a second body 304 for use with a main body 102 of the plug connector 300 and also illustrate a third example implementation of a corresponding tool 370 configured to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the plug connector 300 at an adapter 150.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, the latch arm 110 and the tool catch member 134 are both disposed at the first end 103 of the plug connector 100. In certain examples, the external section 132 is larger than the insertion section 124. In certain examples, the enlarged external section 132 is sufficiently large to inhibit forward movement of the insertion section 124 into the main body 102 beyond where the abutment member 126 snaps into the aperture 122. In certain examples, the enlarged section 132 does not taper inwardly as the enlarged section 132 extends rearwardly from the main body 102. In certain implementations, the enlarged section 132 has a generally rectangular transverse cross-sectional profile.

In certain implementations, the tool catch member 134 includes a rigid arm that extends outwardly from the external section 132 of the second body 104 along the deflection axis D (e.g., see FIG. 5). Accordingly, the tool catch arm 134 does not deflect like the latch arm 110. Rather, the tool catch arm 134 is stationary relative to the external section 132 of the second body 104. In certain examples, the tool catch arm 134 extends past the first end 103 of the main body 102 (e.g., see FIG. 5). In certain examples the tool catch arm 134 extends sufficiently outward to protect a fiber from being pinched between the latch arm 110 and the second body 104 during deflection of the latch arm 110 by inhibiting passage of the fiber past the tool catch arm 134 towards the latch arm 110.

In certain implementations, the tool catch arm 134 extends over less than the second cross-dimension CD2 of the plug connector 100. For example, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, one end of the tool catch arm 134 is flush with the first side 107 of the enlarged section 132 of the second body 104 while the opposite end of the tool catch arm 134 is recessed from the second side 109. In some examples, the catch surface 136 is parallel with the rear end 108 of the second body 104. In other examples, however, the catch surface 136 angles relative to the rear end 108 of the second body 104 so that the tool catch arm 134 grows thicker as the tool catch arm 134 extends away from the enlarged section 114.

In certain implementations, the enlarged section 132 defines a pocket 138 having an open entrance at the rear end 108 of the plug connector 100. The pocket 138 extends into the second body 104 from the rear end 108 parallel with the second through passage 118. In some examples, the pocket 138 does not extend fully through the enlarged section 132. Rather, the pocket 138 extends to a closed end. In other examples, however, the pocket 138 may extend fully through the second body 104. In certain examples, the pocket 138 is smaller than the second through passage 118. In certain examples, the pocket 138 is about half the size of the second through passage 118.

In certain implementations, the enlarged section 132 also defines an aperture 140 at the first side 107 of the second body 104. In certain examples, the aperture 140 aligns with the pocket 138. In certain examples, the aperture 140 leads to the pocket 138 in a direction transverse to the pocket 138. In some examples, the aperture 140 forms a passage leading fully through the second body 104 along the second cross-dimension CD2. In other examples, the aperture 140 leads to the pocket 138 without extending through the second side 109.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, a guide tool 170 may selectively engage the latch arm 110 and the tool catch arm 134 to remove the plug connector 100 from the adapter 150. In certain examples, the tool 170 also may selectively engage the tool catch arm 134 to insert the plug connector 100 into a port 154 of the adapter 150. In certain examples, the tool 170 also may engage the pocket 138 to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the plug connector 100. In certain examples, the tool 170 may engage the aperture 140 to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the plug connector 100.

The guide tool 170 includes an engagement arrangement 172 at a first end of the guide tool 170. The engagement arrangement 172 is configured to contact and to deflect the latch arm 110 of the plug connector 100 while engaging the tool catch arm 134 to assist in removing the plug connector 100 from the adapter 150. In certain implementations, the engagement arrangement 172 includes a hook member 174 that is configured to engage the latch arm 110. In certain examples, the hook member 174 also is configured to engage the tool catch arm 134.

For example, the hook member 174 may define a first aperture (see FIG.

10) or open-ended notch 178 (see FIG. 9) sized and shaped to enable a free end 111 of the latch arm 110 to pass therethrough, thereby capturing the free end of the latch arm 110 between atip 180 and a support member 182 (e.g., see FIG. 11). Accordingly, the latch arm 110 may be deflected by pressing the hook member 174 towards along the deflection axis D towards the main body 102. In certain examples, the tip 180 is wedge shaped or otherwise pointed to facilitate insertion of the hook member 174 into the narrow gap between the latch arm 110 and an adjacent component (e.g., the main body 102 of an adjacent plug 100, a wall of a cassette, etc.). The wedge-shaped tip 180 also facilitates threading the hook member 174 through optical cables or wires.

In certain examples, the hook member 174 also defines a second aperture or open-ended notch 184 that aligns with the tool catch arm 134 when the first aperture or open-ended notch 178 aligns with the free end 111 of the latch arm 110 (e.g., see FIG. 13). Accordingly, moving the hook member 174 to depress the latch arm 110 also captures the tool catch arm 134 within the second aperture or open-ended notch 184 between the support member 182 and a remainder of the tool 170.

In certain implementations, the engagement arrangement 172 also includes a stabilizer member 176 configured to engage another portion of the second body 104 of the plug connector 100 while the hook member 174 engages the latch arm 110 and tool catch arm 134. In certain examples, the stabilizer member 176 includes a prong 186 configured to be inserted into the rearwardly-facing pocket 138 defined in the second body 104 of the plug connector 100 (e.g., see FIG. 10). Inner walls of the pocket 138 inhibit lateral movement of the stabilizer member 176 along both transverse cross-dimensions CD1, CD2. In certain examples, the pocket 138 has a closed end that limits insertion of the prong 186 into the pocket 138.

In certain implementations, the hook member 174 is carried on a first leg 187 of the tool 170 and the stabilizer member 176 is carried on a second leg 188 of the tool 1700 The first and second legs 187, 188 can be squeezed together so that the guide tool 170 is operated as tweezers. In some examples, the first and second legs 187, 188 are straight. In other examples, however, the first and second legs 187, 188 are contoured (e.g., see FIG. 9).

In use, a plug connector 100 can be mounted on the hook member 174 by inserting the prong 186 of the stabilizer member 176 into the pocket 138. In certain examples, the free end 111 of the latch arm 110 is inserted into the first aperture or open- ended notch 178 and/or the tool catch arm 134 is inserted through the second aperture or open-ended notch 184. The guide tool 170 can then be used to push the plug connector 100 towards the adapter port 154. In particular, the prong 186 pushes against the closed end of the pocket 138 (e.g., or against a tapered open end of the pocket 138), the free end 111 of the latch arm 110 is entrained by the support member 184, and/or the tool catch arm 134 is entrained by an end of the first leg 187.

To remove the plug connector 100 from an adapter port 154, the prong 186 of the stabilizer member 176 is slid forwardly into the pocket 138 of the second body 104. The tip 180 of the hook member 174 is pushed between the latch arm 110 and an adjacent component (e.g., an adjacent plug connector, a cassette latch, etc.) until the first and second apertures 178, 184 align with the latch arm 110 and tool catch arm 134, respectively. The first and second legs 187, 188 are deflected towards each other until the latch arm 110 and tool catch arm 134 pass through the respective apertures 178, 184.

Then the guide tool 170 can be pulled away from the adapter 150, thereby entraining the plug connector 100.

By facilitating movement of the hook member 174 and optionally the stabilizer member 176 of the guide tool 170 along a forward-rearward axis relative to the plug connector 100, the guide tool 170 can engage and entrain specific plug connectors 100 even when disposed side-by-side with adjacent plug connectors. For example, in FIG. 3, the guide tool 170 can be used to insert and/or remove a plug connector 100 from one of the bottom positions of the ports 154 without interfering with a plug connector already loaded in the corresponding top position.

In certain implementations, however, the stabilizer member 176 of the guide tool 170 also can be inserted into the aperture 140 in a direction transverse to a front-to-rear direction. When oriented to utilize the aperture 140, the hook member 174 may be aligned with the latch arm 110 for engagement without allowing part of the latch arm 110 to pass through the hook member 174. Instead, the first leg 187 can be deflected towards the second leg 188 to depress the latch arm 110 towards the main body 102 sufficient to release the plug connector 100 from the adapter port 154. In certain examples, an ordinary pair of tweezers can be used for this process.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate a second example implementation of a guide tool 190 configured to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the plug connector 100 at the adapter 150. The second guide tool 190 includes the leg 187 and hook member 174 of the guide tool 170, but does not include a second leg 188 and stabilizer member 176. Instead, the second guide tool 190 can be manipulated by hand to align with the latch arm 110 and tool catch arm 134. A user then moves the second guide tool 190 towards the connector 100 to depress the latch arm 110 and hook onto the tool catch arm 134. The second guide tool 190 can then be pulled back to remove the connector 100 from the adapter port 154. Alternatively, the latch arm 110 and/or tool catch arm 134 of the plug connector 100 can be fitted to the hook member 174 of the second guide tool 190 and pushed into an adapter port 154 using the second guide tool 190.

FIG. 25 illustrate another example implementation of a guide tool 470 configured to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the plug connector 100 at the adapter 150. The guide tool 470 includes a tweezer-type base structure 472 including two prongs 472a extending from a handle 472b. A first extension 474 is coupled to one of the prongs 472a and a second extension 476 is coupled to the other of the prongs 472a. In certain examples, the extensions 474, 476 are removably coupled to the base structure 472 (e.g., by fasteners 478). Distal ends of the first and second extensions 474, 476 define an engagement arrangement 480. Because the extensions 474, 476 are removable, the engagement arrangement 480 of the tool 470 is customizable for different applications.

In certain implementations, the engagement arrangement 480 is configured to contact and to deflect the latch arm 110 of the plug connector 100 while engaging the tool catch arm 134 to assist in removing the plug connector 100 from the adapter 150. In certain implementations, the engagement arrangement 480 includes a hook member 482 that is configured to engage the latch arm 110. In certain examples, the hook member 482 also is configured to engage the tool catch arm 134. In certain examples, the first extension 474 defines the hook member 482 at the distal end.

In certain examples, the hook member 482 includes a solid surface 486 that aligns with a free end 111 of the latch arm 110. Accordingly, the latch arm 110 may be deflected by pressing the solid surface 486 of the hook member 174 towards along the deflection axis D towards the main body 102. In certain examples, a tip 488 is wedge shaped or otherwise pointed to facilitate insertion of the hook member 482 into the narrow gap between the latch arm 110 and an adjacent component (e.g., the main body 102 of an adjacent plug 100, a wall of a cassette, etc.). The wedge-shaped tip 488 also facilitates threading the hook member 482 through optical cables or wires. In certain examples, the hook member 482 also may define an aperture or open-ended notch 490 that aligns with the tool catch arm 134 when the solid surface 486 of the hook member 482 aligns with the free end 111 of the latch arm 110. Accordingly, moving the hook member 482 to depress the latch arm 110 also captures the tool catch arm 134 within the aperture or open-ended notch 490.

In certain implementations, the second extension 476 includes a stabilizer member 484 configured to engage another portion of the second body 104 of the plug connector 100 while the hook member 482 engages the latch arm 110 and tool catch arm 134. In certain examples, the stabilizer member 484 includes a prong 492 configured to be inserted into the rearwardly-facing pocket 138 defined in the second body 104 of the plug connector 100. Inner walls of the pocket 138 inhibit lateral movement of the stabilizer member 484 along both transverse cross-dimensions CD1, CD2. In certain examples, the pocket 138 has a closed end that limits insertion of the prong 492 into the pocket 138.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate a second example implementation of a plug connector 200 including a second example implementation of a second body 204. A third example implementation of a guide tool 270 also is disclosed. The second example of the second body 204 defines a second through passage 218 and includes an abutment member 226 that snap-fits within the aperture 122 defined by the main body 102 when the second body 204 is mounted to the main body 102. The second through passage 218 and the abutment member 226 are substantially similar to the second through passage 118 and the abutment member 126 of the second body 104 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The second body 204 also includes an enlarged section 232 disposed external of the main body 102.

In certain examples, the external section 232 is larger than the insertion section 124. In certain examples, the enlarged external section 232 is sufficiently large to inhibit forward movement of the insertion section 124 into the main body 102 beyond where the abutment member 126 snaps into the aperture 122. In certain examples, the enlarged section 232 does not taper inwardly as the enlarged section 232 extends rearwardly from the main body 102. In certain implementations, the enlarged section 232 has a generally rectangular transverse cross-sectional profile. The second body 204 includes a tool catch member 234 extending outwardly from the enlarged section 232 away from the latch arm 110. In certain implementations, the tool catch member 234 includes a rigid arm that extends outwardly from the enlarged section 232 of the second body. Accordingly, the tool catch arm 234 does not deflect like the latch arm 110. Rather, the tool catch arm 234 is stationary relative to the enlarged section 232 of the second body 204. In certain examples, the tool catch arm 234 extends in an opposite direction to the tool catch arm 134 of the second body 104 of FIGS. 4-11. In certain examples, the tool catch arm 234 of the second body 204 is cantilevered off the enlarged section 232 and extending along the first cross dimension CD 1. In certain implementations, no structure extends outwardly from the first end 103 of the second body 204 (e.g., see FIG. 16).

In some implementations, the tool catch arm 234 is substantially similar to the tool catch arm 134 of the second body 104 except for the change in orientation discussed above. In other implementations, the tool catch arm 234 includes two fingers 238 separated along the second cross-dimension CD2 by a notch 240. In the example shown, an expanded central region 242 is disposed along the notch 240. In certain examples, the notch 240 extends along a length of the tool catch arm 234 towards the second through passage 218.

The third example guide tool 270 includes first and second legs 287, 288, which can be selectively moved towards each other like tweezers. The first leg 287 includes a hook member 274 that defines an aperture or open-ended notch 278 that receives the free end 111 of the latch arm 110. Accordingly, the first leg 287 of the third guide tool 270 can be used to delatch the plug connector 200 from the adapter 100 as discussed above with respect to the first and second guide tools 170, 190. In certain examples, the hook member 274 does not define a second aperture.

The second leg 288 of the third guide tool 270 defines a necked-in portion 292 that results in forwardly-facing abutment surfaces 294 and rearwardly facing abutment surfaces 296. The necked-in portion 292 can be inserted into the notch 240 so that the fingers 238 are disposed between the forwardly-facing and rearwardly-facing abutment surfaces 294, 296. Engagement between the tool catch fingers 238 and the forwardly- facing abutment surfaces 294 allow the third guide tool 270 to push the plug connector 200 towards the adapter port 154. Engagement between the tool catch fingers 238 and the rearwardly-facing abutment surfaces 296 allow the third guide tool 270 to pull the plug connector 200 away from the adapter port 154.

FIGS. 19-24 illustrate a third example implementation of a plug connector 300 including a third example implementation of a second body 304 that mounts to the main body 102. A fourth example implementation of a guide tool 370 also is disclosed for removing the plug connector 300 from the adapter 150 also is disclosed. The third example of the second body 304 includes an abutment member 326 that snap-fits within the aperture 122 defined by the main body 102 when the second body 204 is mounted to the main body 102. In certain implementations, the main body 102 defines a groove 360 leading to a stop surface 362 to inhibit forward movement of the second body 304 beyond wherein the abutment member 326 snap-fits within the aperture 122. The second body 304 also defines a second through passage 318 that aligns with the first through passage 116 of the main body 102. In certain examples, second through passage 318 and the abutment member 326 are substantially similar to the second through passage 118 and the abutment member 126 of the second body 104 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

In some implementations, the external portion 332 of the second body 304 defines a strain-relief boot for the plug connector 300. In certain examples, the strain relief boot 332 is formed of a more resilient material than the main body 102. In certain examples, the strain relief boot 332 tapers inwardly as the second body 304 extends rearwardly from the main body 102. In certain examples, the strain relief boot 332 has a rectangular transverse cross-sectional area (e.g., see FIG. 19). In other implementations, the external portion 332 may be at least as rigid as the main body 102

The second body 304 includes a tool catch member 334 having a first end 333 attached to the external portion 332 and a second end 335 attached to the free end 111 of the latch arm 110. In certain examples, the second end 335 of the tether 334 defines an opening 337 for receiving the free end 111 of the latch arm 110 (see FIG. 21). The tool catch member 334 is flexible and tethers the latch arm 110 to the second body 304. In certain examples, the too catch member 334 defines a tool catch surface 336 facing towards the front end 106 of the plug connector 300. In certain examples, the tool catch member 334 contours outwardly towards the rear end 108 of the plug connector 300. In some such examples, the tool catch surface 336 has a concave curvature.

As shown in FIG. 23, a guide tool 370 can be used to grab onto the tool catch surface 336 of the flexible tether 334. For example, the guide tool 370 can include a leg 372 having a hook member 374 at one end. The hook member 374 may be manipulated to grab onto the tool catch surface 336. The leg 372 of the guide tool 370 can be pulled along a direction PI . The hook member 374 transfers the pulling force to the tool catch surface 336, which moves the flexible tether 334 along the pull direction PI. When the tool catch surface 336 moves along the direct PI, the second end 335 of the tether 334 is pulled towards the first end 333 along a direction P2 that is transverse to the direction PI . The second end 335 of the tether 334 entrains the free end 111 of the latch arm 110 to deflect the latch 110. Continuing to pull on the leg 372 of the guide tool 370 after delatching the plug connector 300 pulls the plug connector 300 along the direction PI away from the adapter 150.

Referring now to FIGS. 26-28, a gripping tool 400 is suitable for assisting in cleaning the end faces of optical fibers held by the plug connector 100, 200, 300. For example, the gripping tool 400 is shown with plug connector 100, but can be used with any of the plug connectors 100, 200, 300 disclosed herein. The gripping tool 400 is mounted over the main body 102 of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 so that ferrules 160 carried by the plug body 100, 200, 300 extend forwardly of the gripping tool 400. The ferrules 160 hold the optical fibers so that end faces of the optical fibers are accessible at tips of the ferrules 160. Accordingly, the end faces of the optical fibers can be cleaned by swiping the ferrule tips over a cleaning cloth or other cleaning surface.

The gripping tool 400 includes a body 402 that extends at least partially around the main body 102 of the plug connector 100, 200, 300. The body 402 of the gripping tool 400 extends over flexible tabs 162 of the plug connector main body 102 that retain the ferrules 160. In certain implementations, the body 402 fully surrounds the main body 102 of the plug connector 100, 200, 300. The body 402 defines grip surfaces 404 on opposite sides. In certain examples, the grip surfaces 404 overlay the flexible tabs 162. In certain examples, the grip surfaces 404 have a concave curvature to facilitate grasping of the gripping tool 400.

In certain examples, the body 404 defines a through-passage 406 extending between a rear 405 and a front 407. The main body 102 of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 can be slid through the through-passage 406 to mount the gripping tool 400 to the plug connector 100, 200, 300. In certain examples, the body 404 defines a slot 408 extending inwardly from the rear 405 of the body 404 so that the rail or tab 113 of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 can slide along the slot 408 as the plug connector 100, 200, 300 is inserted into the gripping tool 400. In certain examples, the body 404 also defines an aperture 410 to receive the tab 112 of the latch arm 110 when the plug connector main body 102 is received in the gripping tool 400. The latch tab 112 engages a stop 412 of the gripping tool body 402 to inhibit removal of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 until the latch arm 110 is depressed.

In certain implementations, the gripping tool body 402 also includes stop surfaces 414 towards the front 407. The stop surfaces 414 are configured to oppose portions of the plug connector main body 102 to inhibit continued movement of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 through the gripping tool 400. In certain implementations, guide surfaces 416 are disposed at the sides of the stop surfaces 414. In certain examples, the guide surfaces 416 are disposed closer to the rear 405 than the stop surfaces 414. In certain examples, the guide surfaces 416 are ramped or contoured to guide the main body 102 of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 to bring the ferrules 160 into alignment with the front of the through-passage 406 as the gripping tool 400 is mounted to the plug connector 100, 200, 300. Accordingly, the guide surfaces 416 inhibit contact between the ferrule tips — and hence the fiber end faces — with the stop surfaces 414 or other interior surfaces of the gripping tool 400.

In certain implementations, the front 407 of the gripping tool 400 is shaped to facilitate cleaning of the fiber end faces. For example, the gripping tool 400 is configured so that a front of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 extends out of the front of the through-passage 406 so that the ferrules 160 are disposed forward of the gripping tool 400. Accordingly, the gripping tool 400 does not interfere as the ferrule tips are swiped over the cleaning cloth. In certain examples, the front 407 of the gripping tool 400 has a contoured or tapered surface 420 that facilitates tilting of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 to angle the ferrule tips over the cleaning cloth as needed without interference from the gripping tool 400.

In certain implementations, the gripping tool body 402 includes retainer members 418 extending forwardly from the front of the through-passage 406. The retainer members 418 are disposed at opposite sides of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 so that the ferrules 160 are disposed therebetween. In certain examples, a portion of the plug connector main body 102 also is disposed between the retainer members 418.

Engagement between the retainer members 418 and the portion of the main body 102 inhibits tilting of the plug connector 100, 200, 300 relative to the gripping tool 400 during swiping of the ferrules 160 over the cleaning surface.

Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A plug connector comprising: a main body defining a first through passage extending between opposite front and rear ends, the front end of the main body providing access to a plurality of optical ferrules carried by the main body, the main body also including a deflectable latch arm extending outwardly from the main body; and a second body configured to mount to the main body at the rear end of the main body, the second body defining a second through passage that aligns with the first through passage of the main body when the second body is mounted to the main body, the second body including a cantilevered catch arm extending outwardly from the second body.

2. The plug connector of claim 1, wherein the catch arm and the latch arm are disposed at opposite ends of the plug connector.

3. The plug connector of claim 1, wherein the catch arm and the latch arm are disposed at a common end of the plug connector.

4 The plug connector of claim 3, wherein the second body defines a tool insertion pocket extending parallel to the second through passage.

5. The plug connector of claim 3, wherein the tool insertion pocket is disposed at an opposite side of the second through passage from the catch arm.

6. The plug connector of claim 3, wherein the second body also defines an aperture extending transverse to the second through passage.

7. The plug connector of claim 6, wherein the aperture aligns with the pocket.

8. The plug connector of claim 1, wherein the second body also defines an aperture extending transverse to the second through passage.

9. The plug connector of any of claims 1-8, wherein the second body has a first portion extending into the first through-passage from the end of the main body.

10. The plug connector of claim 9, wherein the first portion latches to the main body.

11. The plug connector of any of claims 1-10, wherein the second body is as rigid as the main body.

12. The plug connector of any of claims 3-11, wherein the plug connector has a length extending between opposite front and rear ends of the plug connector, has a first cross dimension extending between opposite first and second sides of the plug connector, and has a second cross-dimension extending between opposite first and second ends of the plug connector, the front end of the main body defining the front end of the plug connector, the first cross-dimension being transverse to the length and the second cross dimension being transverse to the length and to the first cross-dimension, wherein the latch arm and the catch arm are both disposed at the first end of the plug connector.

13. The plug connector of claim 12, wherein the catch arm extends along only part of the first cross-dimension.

14. The plug connector of any of claims 1-10, further comprising a gripping tool mounted over the main body, wherein the main body defines a flexible tab that assists in retaining a ferrule at the main body, and wherein the gripping tool extends over an exterior of the flexible tab.

15. The plug connector of claim 14, wherein the gripping tool incudes internal guide surfaces that guide insertion of the main body to inhibit engagement between the ferrule and an interior of the gripping tool.

16. A connection system comprising: a plug connector extending along a length between a front end and a rear end, the front end of the plug connector providing access to multiple fiber ferrules, the plug connector including a front body defining the front end and a rear body defining the rear end, the rear body being latched to the front body, the front body including a latch arm, the rear body including a tool catch member; and a guide tool including an engagement arrangement at a first end of the guide tool, the engagement arrangement is configured to contact and to deflect the latch arm while engaging the tool catch arm to assist in removing the plug connector from an adapter.

17. The connection system of claim 16, wherein the engagement arrangement includes a hook member that is configured to engage the latch arm.

18. The connection system of claim 17, wherein the hook member also is configured to engage the catch arm.

19. The connection system of claim 17, wherein the engagement arrangement includes a stabilizer member configured to engage another portion of the rear body of the plug connector while the hook member engages the latch arm.

20. The connection system of claim 19, wherein the stabilizer member includes a prong configured to be inserted into a rearwardly-facing opening defined in the rear body of the plug connector.

21. The connection system of claim 19, wherein the tool catch arm includes two fingers separated by a notch; and the stabilizer member includes a necked-in portion configured to be inserted between the two fingers.

22. The connection system of any of claims 19-21, wherein the hook member is carried on a first leg and the stabilizer member is carried on a second leg, the first and second legs being arranged in a tweezer configuration.

23. A plug connector comprising : a main plug body configured to carry a plurality of optical ferrules, the main plug body including a latch arm; a second body latched to the main plug body, the second body defining a through- passage leading into an interior of the main plug body, the second body including a tether having a first end attached to the second body and a second end attached to a free end of the latch arm, the tether having a flexible section disposed between the first and second ends, the flexible section being arranged to pull the second end towards the first end along a first direction when the flexible section is pulled in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

24. A second body configured to mount to a rear end of a main body of a plug connector, the main body defining a first through-passage, the second body comprising: an insertion portion configured to latch to the main body at the rear end of the main body; an external portion configured to be disposed external of the first through-passage, the external portion cooperating with the insertion portion to define a second through passage that aligns with the first through passage of the main body when the second body is mounted to the main body; and a tool catch member extending outwardly from the external portion.

25. The second body of claim 24, wherein the tool catch member includes a cantilevered catch arm.

26. The second body of claim 25, wherein the catch arm is disposed at a common side of the plug connector as a latch arm on the main body.

27. A guide tool for inserting and/or removing a plug connector at an adapter port, the guide tool comprising: a leg; and an engagement arrangement disposed at an end of the leg, the engagement arrangement including an engagement surface configured to engage a tool catch member of a plug connector, the engagement arrangement also including a hook member configured to contact and to deflect a latch arm of a plug connector while the engagement arrangement engages the tool catch member.

28. The guide tool of claim 27, wherein the hook member is configured to contact and entrain the tool catch member.

29. The guide tool of claim 27, wherein the engagement arrangement also includes a stabilizer member configured to engage the tool catch member.

30. The plug connector or connection system of any of the above claims, wherein the plug connector is an SN plug connector.

31. The guide tool of claim 27, wherein the engagement arrangement is removably coupled to the leg.

32. A gripping tool comprising: a body defining a through passage extending between a front and a rear, the body having a width extending between opposite first and second sides and a height extending between opposite first and second ends, the body defining a keyway at an interior surface of the first end and an aperture at the second end, the body also defining concave external surfaces at the first and second sides, the body also including retainer members extending forwardly from opposite ends of the through passage.