Fiber optic multi-cable pair connector

摘要

A fiber optic connector assembly of the type which optically couples one or more pairs of fiber optic cables together by aligning and closely spacing the terminal ends of each cable pair includes a connector having a cable terminating tubular pin which receives one of the cables and which also has an outer circumferential flange. The pin is received within a channel of the connector body which channel has a forwardly facing annular shoulder portion. A cylindrical retainer coaxially disposed about the pin has a rear surface engaging the channel shoulder and forwardly depending fingers engaging the pin flange. The rearward end of the retainer also includes an integral spring mechanism which urges the pin in the forward direction so that its forward end continuously engages a spacer within a mating connector which causes the terminal ends of the coupled cables to be closely and controllably spaced for efficient light transfer between the fiber optic cables. The terminating pin also includes improved structure for receiving and gripping cable strength members and the mating connector includes an alignment sleeve which captivates the mating connector terminal pin and aligns the terminating pin pairs. The alignment sleeve also has an inner annular flange which forms a spacer for closely spacing the terminal ends of the cables.