A miniaturized fiber optic connector for small conduit installations

Abstract

The application relates to a small-pipeline construction small-sized optical fiber connector, which comprises a preassembled ferrule assembly, a ceramic ferrule assembly preassembled with an optical cable at the tail end, the ceramic ferrule assembly comprising a tail handle, an outer thread for connecting a traction cap being arranged at the end of the tail handle away from the optical cable; an adapter sleeve assembly, the adapter sleeve assembly comprising a clamping sleeve sleeved on the outer periphery of the tail handle, the clamping sleeve comprising a fixed clamping sleeve and a movable clamping sleeve, the movable clamping sleeve being flipped relative to the fixed clamping sleeve to clamp or loosen the tail handle; a plug connection assembly, the plug connection assembly comprising an inner plug sleeve and an outer plug sleeve, the clamping sleeve being detachably connected in the inner plug sleeve, the outer plug sleeve being slidably connected with a locking sleeve on the outside, and an unlocking sleeve for driving the locking sleeve to move. The application can realize the air-blowing pipe-penetration construction of small-pipeline construction while meeting the traction effect, the preassembled ferrule assembly is assembled in the plug connection assembly on site through the adapter sleeve assembly, and the on-site assembly efficiency and the tensile performance of the small-sized optical fiber connector are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fiber optic connector technology, and in particular to a miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction. Background Technology

[0002] A fiber optic connector is a device that allows for a detachable (movable) connection between optical fibers. It precisely aligns the two end faces of the optical fibers to maximize the coupling of light energy from the transmitting fiber to the receiving fiber and minimize the impact on the system caused by its intervention in the optical link. These are the basic requirements of a fiber optic connector.

[0003] In related technologies, the existing pre-assembled detachable fiber optic connectors are often complex in structure, large in size, and cannot be disassembled after assembly, making them difficult to apply to some special applications, such as air blowing scenarios.

[0004] Driven by the "fiber to the home" policy, air-blown optical cable technology has been widely used. In most cases, the size of the pipe used for air blowing corresponds to the diameter of the optical cable in the drop section, which is generally around 3 to 4 mm.

[0005] However, conventional fiber optic connectors require at least an 11mm inner diameter conduit after connecting the fiber optic cable ends, resulting in significant waste of conduit space. This is why it is difficult to use fiber optic cables with pre-installed connectors for air blowing in current technologies, which to some extent hinders the sustainable development of air blowing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction, which solves the problem in related technologies where pre-assembled fiber optic connectors with detachable ends often cannot be disassembled after assembly, making them unsuitable for air-blowing construction in small pipelines.

[0007] This application provides a miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction, comprising:

[0008] A pre-installed ferrule assembly, the pre-installed ferrule assembly including a ceramic ferrule assembly with an optical cable pre-connected to its end, the ceramic ferrule assembly including a tail shank, the end of the tail shank away from the optical cable having an external thread for connecting a traction cap;

[0009] An adapter sleeve assembly includes a clamping sleeve fitted around the outer periphery of the tailstock. The clamping sleeve includes a fixed clamp and a movable clamp, the movable clamp being flipped relative to the fixed clamp to clamp or release the tailstock.

[0010] A plug connection assembly includes an inner insertion sleeve and an outer insertion sleeve arranged coaxially. A clamping sleeve is detachably connected to the inner insertion sleeve. A locking sleeve and an unlocking sleeve for driving the locking sleeve to move are slidably connected to the outside of the outer insertion sleeve.

[0011] In some embodiments, a positioning groove is provided on the outer wall of the tailstock to position the tailstock axially and circumferentially within the clamping sleeve;

[0012] The fixed sleeve includes a large-diameter sleeve and a small-diameter sleeve fixedly connected to one end of the large-diameter sleeve.

[0013] One end of the movable sleeve is rotatably connected to one end of the large-diameter sleeve via a rotating shaft, and is interlocked with the small-diameter sleeve.

[0014] The inner walls of both the movable jacket and the small-diameter jacket, at the end furthest from the large-diameter sleeve, are provided with positioning blocks that are adapted to the positioning groove.

[0015] In some embodiments: the cross-sections of the movable sleeve and the small-diameter sleeve are both "C" shaped structures, and when the movable sleeve and the small-diameter sleeve are fastened together, they form a tube structure that is closed on all sides.

[0016] The movable sleeve has symmetrical elastic clamping arms on both sides near the small diameter sleeve, and the small diameter sleeve has symmetrical protrusions on both sides that are snapped together with the elastic clamping arms.

[0017] In some embodiments: the end of the large-diameter sleeve away from the small-diameter jacket is coaxially connected to a tail end sleeve, and an annular limiting groove is formed between the tail end sleeve and the large-diameter sleeve;

[0018] The adapter sleeve assembly further includes a first locking nut that is rotatably connected within the annular limiting groove and threadedly connected to the end of the inner insert sleeve.

[0019] In some embodiments: the front end opening of the external insertion sleeve is recessed, and the front end of the internal insertion sleeve is provided with a retaining ring that abuts against the front end opening of the external insertion sleeve.

[0020] The end of the external insertion sleeve is threaded with a second locking nut that axially locks the internal insertion sleeve inside the external insertion sleeve.

[0021] In some embodiments: the outer wall of the external insertion sleeve is provided with a locking groove for locking the plug or adapter, and one end of the locking sleeve is provided with a locking block located outside the locking groove, the locking block extending toward the axial direction of the locking sleeve;

[0022] The outer wall of the external insertion sleeve is also provided with an elastic arm. One end of the elastic arm is a fixed end and is fixedly connected to the external insertion sleeve. The other end of the elastic arm is a free end and is provided with a barb that axially limits the locking sleeve.

[0023] In some embodiments: the outer wall of the external insertion sleeve is provided with a compression spring that elastically pushes the locking sleeve toward the direction of the barb and the locking groove;

[0024] The locking sleeve is coaxially located inside the unlocking sleeve, and the inner wall of the unlocking sleeve is provided with a baffle that pushes the locking sleeve to move away from the barb and the locking groove;

[0025] A ring is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the unlocking slide sleeve, and a pull rope is connected to the ring sleeve to pull the unlocking slide sleeve to slide outward toward the end of the sleeve.

[0026] In some embodiments: a first sealing ring is provided on the outer wall of the end of the external insertion sleeve, which is in sealing connection with the unlocking slide sleeve, and a second sealing ring is provided on the inner wall of the unlocking slide sleeve near the front end of the external insertion sleeve, which is in sealing connection with the plug or adapter.

[0027] In some embodiments: the ceramic ferrule assembly further includes a ceramic ferrule seat connected to the front end of the tailstock, the front end of the ceramic ferrule seat is connected to a ceramic ferrule, and a telescopic spring is connected between the ceramic ferrule seat and the tailstock.

[0028] The tailstock is threaded to a traction cap at its front end. The ceramic insert, ceramic insert, and telescopic spring are all located inside the traction cap. The traction cap has a traction hole at its front end.

[0029] In some embodiments, a third sealing ring is provided on the tailstock, and the third sealing ring is sealed to the inner wall of the traction cap opening.

[0030] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application include:

[0031] This application provides a miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction. The miniaturized fiber optic connector of this application includes a pre-installed ferrule assembly, which includes a ceramic ferrule assembly with an optical cable pre-connected to its end. The ceramic ferrule assembly includes a tail shank, the end of which away from the optical cable has an external thread for connecting a traction cap; an adapter sleeve assembly, which includes a clamping sleeve fitted around the outer periphery of the tail shank, the clamping sleeve including a fixed clamp and a movable clamp, the movable clamp being flipped relative to the fixed clamp to clamp or release the tail shank; and a plug connection assembly, which includes an inner insertion sleeve and an outer insertion sleeve coaxially arranged, the clamping sleeve being detachably connected inside the inner insertion sleeve, and a locking sleeve and an unlocking sleeve for driving the locking sleeve to move slidably on the outside of the outer insertion sleeve.

[0032] Therefore, the miniaturized fiber optic connector of this application pre-connects the ceramic ferrule assembly to the optical cable to form a pre-assembled end. The optical cable and ceramic ferrule assembly are fixed before leaving the factory, eliminating the need to solve the optical cable fixing problem on site and improving the efficiency of on-site conduit installation. A traction cap is threaded onto the tail of the ceramic ferrule assembly, and the traction cap is connected to an air-blowing traction device, which can achieve air-blowing conduit installation for small-diameter pipes while satisfying the traction function. After the pre-assembled ferrule assembly completes the air-blowing conduit installation, the pre-assembled ferrule assembly is inserted into the clamping sleeve of the adapter sleeve assembly. The clamping sleeve flips relative to the fixed sleeve through the movable clamp to clamp the tail of the pre-assembled ferrule assembly, thereby fixing the ceramic ferrule assembly in the adapter sleeve assembly, improving the on-site assembly efficiency and tensile strength of the miniaturized fiber optic connector.

[0033] Furthermore, the adapter sleeve assembly serves as an intermediate transition component connecting the pre-installed ferrule assembly and the plug connection assembly. After clamping and fixing the pre-installed ferrule assembly, the pre-installed ferrule assembly and the adapter sleeve assembly are detachably connected together within the plug connection assembly to form a complete miniaturized fiber optic connector, enabling on-site installation and disassembly of the miniaturized fiber optic connector. The plug connection assembly includes an inner and outer insert sleeve arranged coaxially. The clamping sleeve is detachably connected within the inner insert sleeve, thereby axially and circumferentially fixing the pre-installed ferrule assembly and the adapter sleeve assembly within the plug connection assembly. A locking sleeve and an unlocking sleeve are slidably connected on the outer insert sleeve. When the plug connection assembly is inserted into the adapter or plug, the locking sleeve locks the plug connection assembly to the adapter or plug to prevent loosening. When the plug connection assembly needs to be disengaged from the adapter or plug, the unlocking sleeve unlocks the locking sleeve, thereby detaching the plug connection assembly from the adapter or plug. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the miniaturized fiber optic connector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a first cross-sectional view of the miniaturized fiber optic connector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a second cross-sectional view of the miniaturized fiber optic connector according to an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the pre-installed ferrule assembly in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the pre-assembled ferrule assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pre-installed insert assembly connected to the traction cap in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the adapter sleeve assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the adapter sleeve assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the plug connection assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a first cross-sectional view of the plug connection assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 11 This is a second cross-sectional view of the plug connection assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plug in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the miniaturized fiber optic connector plug according to an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the miniaturized fiber optic connector plug according to an embodiment of this application.

[0049] Figure label:

[0050] 10. Pre-assembled ferrule assembly; 11. Optical cable; 12. Tailstock; 13. External thread; 14. Positioning groove; 15. Ceramic ferrule holder; 16. Ceramic ferrule; 17. Telescopic spring; 18. Traction cap; 19. Third sealing ring;

[0051] 20. Adapter sleeve assembly; 21. Fixed sleeve; 22. Movable sleeve; 23. Large diameter sleeve; 24. Small diameter sleeve; 25. Elastic clamping arm; 26. Tail end sleeve; 27. First locking nut; 28. Positioning block; 29. ​​Rotating shaft;

[0052] 30. Plug connection assembly; 31. Inner insert sleeve; 31a. Retaining ring; 32. Outer insert sleeve; 32a. Elastic arm; 32b. Barb; 32c. Locking groove; 33. Locking sleeve; 33a. Locking block; 34. Unlocking sleeve; 34a. Baffle; 35. Ring sleeve; 36. Pull rope; 37. Compression spring; 38. Second locking nut; 39. First sealing ring;

[0053] 40. Plug; 41. Second sealing ring; 42. Elastic locking arm. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0055] This application provides a miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-pipe construction, which solves the problem in related technologies where pre-assembled fiber optic connectors with detachable ends often cannot be disassembled after assembly, which is not conducive to air-blowing construction of small pipes.

[0056] See Figures 1 to 11 As shown, this application embodiment provides a miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction, comprising:

[0057] A pre-assembled ferrule assembly 10 includes a ceramic ferrule assembly with an optical cable 11 pre-attached to its end. The ceramic ferrule assembly includes a tail shank 12, with an external thread 13 at the end furthest from the optical cable 11 for connecting a traction cap 18. The pre-attached ceramic ferrule assembly and optical cable 11 form a pre-assembled end, and the optical cable 11 is fixed to the ceramic ferrule assembly before leaving the factory, eliminating the need to address cable fixing on-site and improving the efficiency of on-site pipe installation. A traction cap 18 is threaded onto the tail shank 12 of the ceramic ferrule assembly, and the traction cap 18 is used to connect an air-blowing traction device, enabling air-blowing pipe installation for small-diameter pipes while simultaneously providing traction.

[0058] The adapter sleeve assembly 20 includes a clamping sleeve fitted around the outer periphery of the tail shank 12. The clamping sleeve includes a fixed clamp 21 and a movable clamp 22. The movable clamp 22 flips relative to the fixed clamp 21 to clamp or release the tail shank 12. The tail shank 12 is a hollow metal tube structure. After the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10 completes the air-blowing tube insertion, the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10 is inserted into the clamping sleeve of the adapter sleeve assembly 20. The clamping sleeve, through the movable clamp 22 flipping relative to the fixed clamp 21, clamps the tail shank 12 of the pre-installed ferrule assembly, thereby fixing the tail shank 12 of the ceramic ferrule assembly inside the adapter sleeve assembly 20, improving the field assembly efficiency and tensile strength of the miniaturized fiber optic connector.

[0059] The plug connection assembly 30 includes an inner insertion sleeve 31 and an outer insertion sleeve 32 arranged coaxially. A clamping sleeve is detachably connected to the inner insertion sleeve 31. A locking sleeve 33 is slidably connected to the outside of the outer insertion sleeve 32, and an unlocking sleeve 34 drives the locking sleeve 33 to move. The adapter sleeve assembly 20 serves as an intermediate transition assembly for connecting the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10 and the plug connection assembly 30. After the adapter sleeve assembly 20 clamps and fixes the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10, the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10 and the adapter sleeve assembly 20 are detachably connected as a whole within the plug connection assembly 30 to form a complete miniaturized fiber optic connector, which can then be plugged and unplugged with the adapter or plug 40.

[0060] The miniaturized fiber optic connector of this embodiment pre-connects the ceramic ferrule assembly to the optical cable 11 to form a pre-assembled end. The optical cable 11 and the ceramic ferrule assembly are fixed before leaving the factory, eliminating the need to solve the problem of fixing the optical cable 11 and the ceramic ferrule assembly on site, thus improving the efficiency of on-site pipe installation. A traction cap 18 is threaded onto the tail shank 12 of the ceramic ferrule assembly, and the traction cap 18 is used to connect an air-blowing traction device, which can realize air-blowing pipe installation for small-diameter pipes while satisfying the traction function.

[0061] After the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10 completes the air-blowing tube installation, it is inserted into the clamping sleeve of the adapter sleeve assembly 20. The clamping sleeve is rotated relative to the fixed sleeve 21 via the movable clamp 22 to clamp the tail shank 12 of the pre-installed ferrule assembly, thereby fixing the ceramic ferrule assembly inside the adapter sleeve assembly 20. This improves the field assembly efficiency and tensile strength of the miniaturized fiber optic connector. The adapter sleeve assembly 20, together with the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10, is inserted and fixed inside the plug connection assembly 30, facilitating the air-blowing tube installation and field assembly of the miniaturized fiber optic connector.

[0062] The adapter sleeve assembly 20 serves as an intermediate transition component connecting the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10 and the plug connection assembly 30. After the adapter sleeve assembly 20 clamps and fixes the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10, the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10 and the adapter sleeve assembly 20 are detachably connected together within the plug connection assembly 30 to form a complete miniaturized fiber optic connector. The plug connection assembly 30 is used for plugging and unplugging adapters or plugs 40. The plug connection assembly 30 includes an inner insertion sleeve 31 and an outer insertion sleeve 32 arranged coaxially. The clamping sleeve is detachably connected within the inner insertion sleeve 31, thereby fixing the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10 and the adapter sleeve assembly 20 axially and circumferentially within the plug connection assembly 30.

[0063] A locking sleeve 33 and an unlocking sleeve 34 are slidably connected to the external connector sleeve 32. When the plug connector 30 is inserted into the adapter or plug 40, the locking sleeve 33 locks the plug connector 30 to the adapter or plug 40 to prevent loosening after connection. When the plug connector 30 needs to be disconnected from the adapter or plug 40, the unlocking sleeve 34 unlocks the locking sleeve 33, thereby disconnecting the plug connector 30 from the adapter or plug 40, facilitating the on-site assembly of the miniaturized fiber optic connector and its plug-and-play connection with the adapter or plug 40.

[0064] In some alternative embodiments, see Figures 1 to 8 As shown in the illustration, this application provides a miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction. The outer wall of the tail shank 12 of this miniaturized fiber optic connector has a positioning groove 14 that positions the tail shank 12 axially and circumferentially within a clamping sleeve. The positioning groove 14 surrounds the tail shank 12 for one or half a circumference. When the positioning groove 14 surrounds the tail shank 12 for one circumference, the clamping sleeve can axially position the tail shank 12, preventing axial movement of the tail shank 12 within the clamping sleeve. When the positioning groove 14 surrounds half a circumference of the tail shank 12, the clamping sleeve can axially and circumferentially position the tail shank 12, preventing axial movement and circumferential rotation of the tail shank 12 within the clamping sleeve.

[0065] The fixed sleeve 21 includes a large-diameter sleeve 23 and a small-diameter sleeve 24 fixedly connected to one end of the large-diameter sleeve 23. The large-diameter sleeve 23 has a hollow tube structure. The small-diameter sleeve 24 and the movable sleeve 22 are interlocked to form a small-diameter sleeve with a diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter sleeve 23. One end of the movable sleeve 22 is rotatably connected to one end of the large-diameter sleeve 23 via a rotating shaft 29, and is also interlocked with the small-diameter sleeve 24. When it is necessary to assemble the tail shank 12 into the adapter sleeve assembly 20, firstly, the movable sleeve 22 is rotated in the opposite direction around the rotating shaft 29 to open the movable sleeve 22 and the small-diameter sleeve 24. Then, the tail shank 12 is assembled into the adapter sleeve assembly 20. Finally, the movable sleeve 22 is rotated in the forward direction around the rotating shaft 29 to close the movable sleeve 22 and the small-diameter sleeve 24, clamping the tail shank 12.

[0066] On the inner walls of the movable jacket 22 and the small-diameter jacket 24 away from one end of the large-diameter sleeve 23, positioning blocks 28 adapted to the positioning grooves 14 are provided. When the movable jacket 22 is rotated forward around the rotating shaft 29 to make the movable jacket 22 and the small-diameter jacket 24 close to each other and clamp the tail handle 12, the positioning blocks 28 on the inner walls of the movable jacket 22 and the small-diameter jacket 24 are both located in the positioning grooves 14. The positioning blocks 28 and the positioning grooves 14 cooperate with each other to axially and circumferentially limit the tail handle 12, preventing the tail handle 12 from axially moving and circumferentially rotating relative to the adapter sleeve assembly 20 after being assembled in the adapter sleeve assembly 20.

[0067] In some alternative embodiments, refer to Figures 7 to 8 As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a miniaturized optical fiber connector for small pipeline construction. The cross-sections of the movable jacket 22 and the small-diameter jacket 24 of the miniaturized optical fiber connector are both "C" or "匚"-shaped structures. When the movable jacket 22 and the small-diameter jacket 24 are buckled together to form a tube structure closed on all sides. Elastic clamping arms 25 are symmetrically provided on both sides of the movable jacket 22 close to the small-diameter jacket 24, and bosses for snap-connecting with the elastic clamping arms 25 are symmetrically provided on both sides of the small-diameter jacket 24.

[0068] The elastic clamping arms 25 of the embodiment of the present application radially extend to both sides of the small-diameter jacket 24 on both sides of the small-diameter jacket 24, and bosses for snap-connecting with the elastic clamping arms 25 are symmetrically provided on both sides of the small-diameter jacket 24. When the movable jacket 22 and the small-diameter jacket 24 are buckled together to form a tube structure closed on all sides, the free ends of the elastic clamping arms 25 are snap-connected to the bosses, so that the movable jacket 22 and the small-diameter jacket 24 are buckled and locked with each other to prevent the movable jacket 22 from accidentally opening by rotating around the rotating shaft 29.

[0069] A tail-end sleeve 26 is coaxially connected to one end of the large-diameter sleeve 23 away from the small-diameter jacket 24. The tail-end sleeve 26 is used to penetrate the optical cable 11 to protect the connection position between the optical cable 11 and the tail handle 12. An annular limiting groove is formed between the tail-end sleeve 26 and the large-diameter sleeve 23. The adapter sleeve assembly 20 further includes a first locking nut 27 rotatably connected in the annular limiting groove and threadedly connected to the end of the inner insertion sleeve 31. The first locking nut 27 is provided with an internal thread, and an external thread connected to the first locking nut 27 is provided at the end of the inner insertion sleeve 31. When the first locking nut 27 is threadedly connected to the end of the inner insertion sleeve 31, the adapter sleeve assembly 20 is fixed in the inner insertion sleeve 31. {

[0070] In some alternative embodiments, refer to Figures 9 to 11As shown in the embodiment of this application, a miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction is provided. The front end orifice of the outer insertion sleeve 32 of this miniaturized fiber optic connector is recessed, and a retaining ring 31a is provided at the front end of the inner insertion sleeve 31, which abuts against the front end orifice of the outer insertion sleeve 32. When the front end of the inner insertion sleeve 31 is inserted from the end of the outer insertion sleeve 32, the retaining ring 31a at the front end of the inner insertion sleeve 31 abuts against the front end orifice of the outer insertion sleeve 32, thereby axially limiting the inner insertion sleeve 31 within the outer insertion sleeve 32.

[0071] A second locking nut 38 is threadedly connected to the end of the outer insert sleeve 32 to axially lock the inner insert sleeve 31 inside the outer insert sleeve 32. The end of the outer insert sleeve 32 is provided with an internal thread, and the outer wall of the front end of the second locking nut 38 is provided with an external thread that connects with the threaded end of the outer insert sleeve 32. When the second locking nut 38 is threadedly connected to the end of the outer insert sleeve 32, the front end face of the second locking nut 38 abuts against the outer wall of the inner insert sleeve 31, thereby axially locking the inner insert sleeve 31 inside the outer insert sleeve 32, which facilitates the on-site assembly of the inner insert sleeve 31 and the outer insert sleeve 32.

[0072] In some alternative embodiments, see Figures 9 to 14 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a miniaturized fiber optic connector for small pipeline construction. The outer wall of the outer insertion sleeve 32 of the miniaturized fiber optic connector is provided with locking grooves 32c for locking the plug 40 or the adapter. There are two locking grooves 32c, which are symmetrically arranged on the outer wall of the outer insertion sleeve 32. One end of the locking sleeve 33 is provided with a locking block 33a located outside the locking groove 32c, and the locking block 33a extends in the axial direction of the locking sleeve 33.

[0073] The locking sleeve 33 slides axially on the outer wall of the outer insertion sleeve 32. When the locking block 33a of the sliding locking sleeve 33 coincides with the radial projection of the locking block 33a and the locking groove 32c, the locking block 33a of the locking sleeve 33 presses the elastic locking arm 42 of the locking plug 40 or the adapter into the locking groove 32c. At this time, the locking plug 40 or the adapter and the miniaturized fiber optic connector are locked together by the locking groove 32c and the elastic locking arm 42, so as to prevent the plug 40 or the adapter from accidentally coming loose after being inserted into the miniaturized fiber optic connector.

[0074] When the locking block 33a of the sliding locking sleeve 33 is slidably locked, so that the projections of the locking block 33a and the locking groove 32c in the radial direction do not coincide, the locking block 33a of the locking sleeve 33 unlocks the elastic locking arm 42 of the locking plug 40 or the adapter. The elastic locking arm 42, which is not pressed by the locking block 33a, is in a free state. At this time, the locking plug 40 or the adapter can be detached from the miniaturized fiber optic connector.

[0075] In some alternative embodiments, see Figures 9 to 11 As shown, this application embodiment provides a miniaturized optical fiber connector for small pipeline construction. The outer wall of the outer insertion sleeve 32 of the miniaturized optical fiber connector is also provided with an elastic arm 32a. One end of the elastic arm 32a is a fixed end and is fixedly connected to the outer insertion sleeve 32. The other end of the elastic arm 32a is a free end and is provided with a barb 32b of an axial limiting locking sleeve 33 and an unlocking sleeve 34.

[0076] The outer wall of the external insertion sleeve 32 is provided with a slot for accommodating the elastic arm 32a. The barb 32b at the free end of the elastic arm 32a protrudes out of the slot in the free state. Under the pressure of external force, the barb 32b at the free end of the elastic arm 32a retracts into the slot. After the locking sleeve 33 and the unlocking sleeve 34 are fitted onto the external insertion sleeve 32 from the front end of the external insertion sleeve 32, they continue to slide towards the end of the external insertion sleeve 32. After the locking sleeve 33 and the unlocking sleeve 34 slide past the barb 32b, the barb 32b protrudes out of the slot, thus axially limiting the locking sleeve 33 and the unlocking sleeve 34.

[0077] The outer wall of the external insertion sleeve 32 is provided with a compression spring 37 that elastically pushes the locking sleeve 33 and the unlocking sleeve 34 toward the barb 32b and the locking groove 32c. One end of the compression spring 37 abuts against the locking sleeve 33, and the other end of the compression spring 37 abuts against the outer wall of the end of the external insertion sleeve 32. The locking sleeve 33 is coaxially located inside the unlocking sleeve 34, and the inner wall of the unlocking sleeve 34 is provided with a baffle 34a that pushes the unlocking sleeve 34 toward the direction away from the barb 32b and the locking groove 32c.

[0078] A ring 35 is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the unlocking slide sleeve 34. A pull rope 36 is connected to the ring 35 to pull the locking slide sleeve 33 towards the end of the external insertion sleeve 32. When it is necessary to disengage the plug 40 or adapter from the miniaturized fiber optic connector, the pull rope 36 is pulled by hand. The pull rope 36 pulls the unlocking slide sleeve 34 towards the end of the external insertion sleeve 32 through the ring 35. The unlocking slide sleeve 34 drives the locking slide sleeve 33 to move away from the barb 32b and the locking groove 32c through the baffle 34a. When the locking block 33a on the locking slide sleeve 33 unlocks the elastic locking arm 42 of the plug 40 or adapter, the unlocking action is achieved.

[0079] In some alternative embodiments, see Figures 9 to 14 As shown, this application embodiment provides a miniaturized optical fiber connector for small pipeline construction. The outer wall of the end of the outer insertion sleeve 32 of the miniaturized optical fiber connector is provided with a first sealing ring 39 that is sealed to the unlocking slide sleeve 34. The inner wall of the unlocking slide sleeve 34 near the front end of the outer insertion sleeve 32 is provided with a second sealing ring 41 that seals the connection plug 40 or adapter. The second sealing ring 41 is sleeved on the outer wall of the connection plug 40 or adapter.

[0080] See Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the ceramic insert assembly also includes a ceramic insert seat 15 connected to the front end of the tailstock 12. A ceramic insert 16 is connected to the front end of the ceramic insert seat 15, and a telescopic spring 17 is connected between the ceramic insert seat 15 and the tailstock 12. A traction cap 18 is threadedly connected to the front end of the tailstock 12. The ceramic insert seat 15, the ceramic insert 16, and the telescopic spring 17 are all located inside the traction cap 18, and a traction hole is provided at the front end of the traction cap 18. A third sealing ring 19 is provided on the tailstock 12, and the third sealing ring 19 is sealed to the inner wall of the hole in the traction cap 18.

[0081] Working principle

[0082] This application provides a miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction. The miniaturized fiber optic connector includes a pre-installed ferrule assembly 10, which comprises a ceramic ferrule assembly with an optical cable 11 pre-connected to its end. The ceramic ferrule assembly includes a tail shank 12, with an external thread 13 for connecting a traction cap 18 at the end of the tail shank 12 away from the optical cable 11. An adapter sleeve assembly 20 includes a clamping sleeve fitted around the tail shank 12, comprising a fixed clamping sleeve 21 and a movable clamping sleeve 22. The movable clamping sleeve 22 is flipped relative to the fixed clamping sleeve 21 to clamp or release the tail shank 12. A plug connection assembly 30 includes an inner insertion sleeve 31 and an outer insertion sleeve 32 coaxially arranged. The clamping sleeve is detachably connected to the inner insertion sleeve 31. A locking sleeve 33 is slidably connected to the outside of the outer insertion sleeve 32, and an unlocking sleeve 34 drives the locking sleeve 33 to move.

[0083] Therefore, the miniaturized fiber optic connector of this application pre-connects the ceramic ferrule assembly to the optical cable 11 to form a pre-assembled end. The optical cable 11 and the ceramic ferrule assembly are fixed before leaving the factory, eliminating the need to solve the problem of fixing the optical cable 11 on site, thus improving the efficiency of on-site pipe installation. A traction cap 18 is threaded onto the tail shank 12 of the ceramic ferrule assembly. The traction cap 18 is used to connect to an air-blowing traction device, which can achieve air-blowing pipe installation for small-diameter pipes while satisfying the traction function. After the pre-assembled ferrule assembly 10 completes the air-blowing pipe installation, the pre-assembled ferrule assembly 10 is inserted into the clamping sleeve of the adapter sleeve assembly 20. The clamping sleeve is rotated relative to the fixed clamping sleeve 21 by the movable clamp 22 to clamp the tail shank 12 of the pre-assembled ferrule assembly, thereby fixing the ceramic ferrule assembly in the adapter sleeve assembly 20, which improves the on-site assembly efficiency and tensile strength of the miniaturized fiber optic connector.

[0084] The adapter sleeve assembly 20 serves as an intermediate transition component connecting the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10 and the plug connection assembly 30. After the adapter sleeve assembly 20 clamps and fixes the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10, the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10 and the adapter sleeve assembly 20 are detachably connected together within the plug connection assembly 30 to form a complete miniaturized fiber optic connector. The plug connection assembly 30 includes an inner insertion sleeve 31 and an outer insertion sleeve 32 arranged coaxially. The clamping sleeve is detachably connected within the inner insertion sleeve 31, thereby fixing the pre-installed ferrule assembly 10 and the adapter sleeve assembly 20 axially and circumferentially within the plug connection assembly 30. A locking sleeve 33 and an unlocking sleeve 34 are slidably connected on the outer insertion sleeve 32. When the plug connection assembly 30 is inserted into the adapter or plug 40, the locking sleeve 33 locks the plug connection assembly 30 to the adapter or plug 40 to prevent loosening. When the plug connection assembly 30 needs to be disconnected from the adapter or plug 40, the locking sleeve 33 is unlocked by the unlocking sleeve 34, thereby disconnecting the plug connection assembly 30 from the adapter or plug 40.

[0085] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0086] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0087] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A miniaturized optical fiber connector for small-diameter pipeline construction, characterized in that, include: The pre-installed ferrule assembly (10) includes a ceramic ferrule assembly with an optical cable (11) pre-connected to its end. The ceramic ferrule assembly includes a tail shank (12), and the end of the tail shank (12) away from the optical cable (11) is provided with an external thread (13) for connecting a traction cap (18). The adapter sleeve assembly (20) includes a clamping sleeve fitted around the outer periphery of the tail shank (12). The clamping sleeve includes a fixed clamp (21) and a movable clamp (22). The movable clamp (22) is flipped relative to the fixed clamp (21) to clamp or release the tail shank (12). The plug connection assembly (30) includes an inner insertion sleeve (31) and an outer insertion sleeve (32) arranged coaxially. The clamping sleeve is detachably connected to the inner insertion sleeve (31). The outer insertion sleeve (32) is slidably connected to a locking sleeve (33) and an unlocking sleeve (34) that drives the locking sleeve (33) to move. The outer wall of the external insertion sleeve (32) is provided with a locking groove (32c) for locking the plug (40) or the adapter. One end of the locking sleeve (33) is provided with a locking block (33a) located outside the locking groove (32c). The locking block (33a) extends toward the axial direction of the locking sleeve (33). The outer wall of the external insertion sleeve (32) is also provided with an elastic arm (32a). One end of the elastic arm (32a) is a fixed end and is fixedly connected to the external insertion sleeve (32). The other end of the elastic arm (32a) is a free end and is provided with a barb (32b) for axially limiting the locking sleeve (33). The outer wall of the tail shank (12) is provided with a positioning groove (14) that positions the tail shank (12) axially and circumferentially within the clamping sleeve. The fixed sleeve includes a large-diameter sleeve (23) and a small-diameter sleeve (24) fixedly connected to one end of the large-diameter sleeve (23); One end of the movable sleeve (22) is rotatably connected to one end of the large-diameter sleeve (23) via a rotating shaft (29), and is interlocked with the small-diameter sleeve (24); The inner walls of the movable sleeve (22) and the small diameter sleeve (24) at the end away from the large diameter sleeve (23) are provided with positioning blocks (28) that are adapted to the positioning groove (14). The cross-sections of the movable sleeve (22) and the small-diameter sleeve (24) are both "C" shaped structures. When the movable sleeve (22) and the small-diameter sleeve (24) are fastened together, they form a tube structure that is closed on all sides. The movable sleeve (22) is provided with elastic clamping arms (25) symmetrically on both sides near the small diameter sleeve (24), and the small diameter sleeve (24) is provided with protrusions that are snapped together with the elastic clamping arms (25) symmetrically on both sides.

2. The miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the large-diameter sleeve (23) away from the small-diameter jacket (24) is coaxially connected to the tail end sleeve (26), and an annular limiting groove is formed between the tail end sleeve (26) and the large-diameter sleeve (23). The adapter sleeve assembly (20) further includes a first locking nut (27) that is rotatably connected in the annular limiting groove and threaded to the end of the inner insert sleeve (31).

3. The miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the external insertion sleeve (32) is recessed, and the front end of the internal insertion sleeve (31) is provided with a retaining ring (31a) that abuts against the front end of the external insertion sleeve (32). The end of the external insertion sleeve (32) is threaded with a second locking nut (38) that axially locks the internal insertion sleeve (31) inside the external insertion sleeve (32).

4. The miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the external insertion sleeve (32) is provided with a compression spring (37) that elastically pushes the locking sleeve (33) to move toward the barb (32b) and the locking groove (32c). The locking sleeve (33) is coaxially located inside the unlocking sleeve (34), and the inner wall of the unlocking sleeve (34) is provided with a baffle (34a) that pushes the locking sleeve (33) to move away from the barb (32b) and the locking groove (32c). A ring (35) is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the unlocking slide (34), and a pull rope (36) is connected to the ring (35) to pull the unlocking slide (34) to slide towards the end of the external insertion sleeve (32).

5. The miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the end of the external insertion sleeve (32) is provided with a first sealing ring (39) that is sealed to the unlocking slide sleeve (34), and the inner wall of the unlocking slide sleeve (34) near the front end of the external insertion sleeve (32) is provided with a second sealing ring (41) for sealing connection plug (40) or adapter.

6. The miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The ceramic ferrule assembly also includes a ceramic ferrule seat (15) connected to the front end of the tailstock (12), a ceramic ferrule (16) is connected to the front end of the ceramic ferrule seat (15), and a telescopic spring (17) is connected between the ceramic ferrule seat (15) and the tailstock (12). The tailstock (12) is threaded to a traction cap (18). The ceramic insert (15), ceramic insert (16) and telescopic spring (17) are all located inside the traction cap (18). The traction cap (18) has a traction hole at its front end.

7. The miniaturized fiber optic connector for small-diameter pipeline construction as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The tailstock (12) is provided with a third sealing ring (19), which is sealed to the inner wall of the hole of the traction cap (18).

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