Dual spring multi-fiber optic connector

Abstract

A fiber optic connector having a set of opposing pins set in a recess configured to accept a corresponding spring therein. The springs are placed on either side of the fiber optic cable bundle and secured within a pinkeep. The dual or outer springs help prevent rotation of the ferrule assembly during use.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fiber optic connector comprising:
 a ferrule having a front end portion and a rear end portion spaced apart along a longitudinal axis, the front end portion of the ferrule being configured to expose a plurality optical fibers for making an optical connection;   a pinkeep separable from the ferrule, the pin keep having a front end portion and a rear end portion spaced apart along the longitudinal axis, the front end portion of the pinkeep being located rearward of the rear end portion of the ferrule, the pinkeep defining a longitudinal fiber channel that extends from the rear end portion the front end portion, the longitudinal fiber channel fiber being configured so that optical fibers are passable longitudinally through the longitudinal fiber channel into the ferrule for being exposed by the ferrule for making an optical connection;   a first pin fixed to the pinkeep and extending rearward from the rear end portion of the pin keep on a first side of the longitudinal fiber channel;   a second pin fixed to the pinkeep and extending rearward from the rear end portion of the pin keep on a second side of the longitudinal fiber channel opposite the first side;   a first spring received over the first pin; and   a second spring received over the second pin;   
       wherein the first spring and the second spring are configured to bias the ferrule forward and further stabilize the ferrule in the fiber optic connector.