Fiber Optic Connector and Pin Keeper with Field Changeable Guide Pins

摘要

A new pin keeper and a connector that uses the pin keeper allows for installation and removal of guide pins within the pin keeper and the fiber optic connector in the field. The pin keeper may have latches that are accessible to disengage from a guide pin to allow removal or a tool may be used to widen openings in the pin keeper to allow the guide pins to be inserted or removed. Alternatively, the guide pin may be rotated to engage or disengage the pin keeper.

主权项

1. A pin-keeper for use with a fiber optic connector, the fiber optic connector having at least one housing, a fiber optic ferrule disposed at least partially within the at least one housing of the fiber optic connector, the fiber optic ferrule having guide pin openings extending from a front face to a rear face of the fiber optic ferrule to receive a guide pin therein, the pin-keeper comprising:
a first portion to receive a first guide pin; a second portion to receive to a second guide pin; a bridge portion connecting the first portion and the second portion; a first guide pin opening in each of the first and second portions to receive a portion of a guide pin therein, the first guide pin openings in the first and second portions of the pin-keeper aligned with the guide pin openings in the fiber optic ferrule when the fiber optic ferrule and pin-keeper are disposed within the fiber optic connector; a first latch associated with the first portion and having a second guide pin opening therein, the first latch and the second guide pin opening therein movable relative to the first portion and the first guide pin opening therein; and a second latch associated with the second portion and having a second guide pin opening therein, the second latch and the second guide pin opening therein movable relative to the second portion and the first guide pin opening therein.