US 11,726,269 B2
Lockable MPO connector for securing within a port of an adapter having a unique removal key
Yim Wong, Kowloon (HK); and Kazuyoshi Takano, Tokyo (JP)
Assigned to Senko Advanced Components, Inc., Hudson, MA (US)
Filed by Senko Advanced Components, Inc., Marlborough, MA (US)
Filed on Sep. 22, 2020, as Appl. No. 17/28,962.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/904,751, filed on Sep. 24, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2021/0088733 A1, Mar. 25, 2021
Int. Cl. G02B 6/38 (2006.01)
CPC G02B 6/3885 (2013.01) [G02B 6/3825 (2013.01); G02B 6/3894 (2013.01)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A lockable MPO connector, comprising:
an inner housing having an inner cavity, an open front and being configured to receive a latch for connecting the MPO connector to an adapter, the inner cavity being sized and shaped for receiving an MPO ferrule so that the MPO ferrule is accessible for optical connection through the open front,
a slidable outer housing at least partially received around the inner housing, the slidable outer housing configured for sliding relative to the inner housing for disconnecting the lockable MPO connector from the adapter;
a rear body including a shield, the shield defining a space receiving at least a portion of the slidable outer housing therein, the shield being configured so that when the lockable MPO connector is connected to the adapter, the shield and the adapter cooperate to block finger access to the outer housing, the shield defining an opening through which a portion of a removal tool is insertable into the space;
wherein the slidable outer housing is configured to operatively engage the portion of the removal tool inserted into the space such that the slidable outer housing can be activated by the removal tool to slide within the space for disconnecting the lockable MPO connector from the adapter.