Fiber Optic Sealing Joint Leak Detection Equipment and Its Usage Method

Abstract

This invention provides a fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device and its usage method. The device includes a helium mass spectrometer leak detector, a leak detection fixture bracket, and a helium spray gun. The leak detection fixture bracket has a leak detector connection end and a sealing joint mounting end. The leak detector connection end is connected to the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector, and the sealing joint mounting end is configured to mate with the nozzle of the helium spray gun. The leak detector connection end has a first through hole extending into the leak detection fixture bracket, and the sealing joint mounting end has a second through hole extending into the leak detection fixture bracket. The first and second through holes are interconnected. The sealing joint mounting end has a sealing ring and a locking cap. The sealing ring has a sealing joint mounting hole for mounting the fiber optic sealing joint, and the locking cap has a gas inlet. The second through hole, the sealing joint mounting hole, and the gas inlet are sequentially arranged opposite each other. The locking cap is detachably mounted on the sealing joint mounting end. This method is applied to the device. This invention has a simple structure and can improve the detection efficiency of fiber optic sealing joints.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fiber optic sealing joint testing technology, specifically to a fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device, and also to a method of using the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic sealing joints are products formed by combining metallized optical fibers and metal sheaths. They are used for coupling, positioning, welding, and hermetically sealing between the optical fiber and the housing in various active and passive devices. Achieving gold plating of the optical fiber, thus realizing fully metallized sealed encapsulation of optical devices, is of great significance. It can replace the currently widely used polymer bonding methods, solving problems such as easy aging, creep, and poor high-temperature resistance of polymer materials. It has very broad applications and prospects in fields with high reliability and stability requirements, such as high-speed trunk communication, submarine communication, military defense, and aerospace.

[0003] In existing fiber optic sealing joints, the fiber optic cable is inserted into the inner hole of a gold-plated sleeve, ensuring the bare fiber portion is centered within the sleeve and not exposed. Solder is then filled around the bare fiber portion inside the sleeve, and a high-frequency heating machine is used to melt the solder, allowing it to bond tightly to both the bare fiber portion and the gold-plated sleeve. After soldering, adhesive is applied to both ends of the gold-plated sleeve to secure the protective portion of the fiber optic cable to the sleeve, thus completing the assembly of the fiber optic sealing joint.

[0004] However, during the welding and glue filling process, gaps may exist, preventing the fiber optic sealing joint from being completely sealed, which can lead to a decrease in the performance of the fiber optic sealing joint. Therefore, leak testing is required after the fiber optic sealing joint is manufactured. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device that is simple in structure and can improve the detection efficiency of fiber optic sealing joints.

[0006] The second objective of this invention is to provide a method for using a fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device that can improve the detection efficiency of fiber optic sealing joints.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned first objective, the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device provided by the present invention includes a helium mass spectrometer leak detector, a leak detection fixture bracket, and a helium spray gun. The leak detection fixture bracket is provided with a leak detector connection end and a sealing joint mounting end. The leak detector connection end is connected to the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector, and the sealing joint mounting end is configured to cooperate with the nozzle of the helium spray gun. The leak detector connection end is provided with a first through hole extending into the interior of the leak detection fixture bracket, and the sealing joint mounting end is provided with a second through hole extending into the interior of the leak detection fixture bracket. The first through hole and the second through hole are connected. The sealing joint mounting end is provided with a sealing ring and a locking cap. The sealing ring is provided with a sealing joint mounting hole for installing the fiber optic sealing joint, and the locking cap is provided with a gas inlet. The second through hole, the sealing joint mounting hole, and the gas inlet are arranged sequentially opposite to each other. The locking cap is detachably installed on the sealing joint mounting end.

[0008] As can be seen from the above solution, the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device of the present invention, by setting a leak detection fixture bracket, has a first through hole and a second through hole that are connected. The first through hole is connected to the gas inlet of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector, and the second through hole is used to insert the fiber optic sealing joint. Simultaneously, the cooperation of the sealing ring and the locking cap allows the fiber optic sealing joint to seal the second through hole, so that when helium gas is blown onto the fiber optic sealing joint with a helium spray gun, helium gas is prevented from entering the helium mass spectrometer leak detector through the gap between the fiber optic sealing joint and the second through hole, thus avoiding inaccurate detection. This solution has a simple structure, the fiber optic sealing joint is easy to install, and the detection rate can be improved.

[0009] In a further design, the sealing joint mounting end and the locking cap are connected by a threaded connection.

[0010] It can be seen that the sealing joint mounting end and the locking cover are connected by a threaded connection, which facilitates the installation and removal of the locking cover.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the leak detector connection end is detachably connected to the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector via a connection component.

[0012] Therefore, the leak detector connection end can be detachably connected to the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector through the connection component, which facilitates the disassembly and replacement of the leak detection fixture bracket.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the connecting assembly includes a connecting base and a clamp. The first end of the connecting base is detachably connected to the connecting end of the leak detector, and the second end of the connecting base is detachably connected to the gas inlet of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector via the clamp. The connecting base is provided with a connecting through hole extending from the first end of the connecting base to the second end of the connecting base. The first through hole is connected to the gas inlet of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector via the connecting through hole.

[0014] It can be seen that the connecting assembly, by setting a connecting base and a clamp, ensures the coaxiality and stability between the first through hole and the air inlet of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector, and facilitates the disassembly and replacement of the leak detection fixture bracket.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the first end of the connecting base is provided with a threaded post, and the connecting end of the leak detector is provided with a threaded groove. The threaded post and the threaded groove are connected in a mating manner. A sealing gasket is provided in the threaded groove, and the first end of the connecting base abuts against the connecting end of the leak detector through the sealing gasket.

[0016] As can be seen, the connecting base is equipped with a threaded post, and the leak detector connecting end is equipped with a threaded groove. The connection is facilitated by the threaded post and the threaded groove, which makes disassembly and installation easy. At the same time, the first end of the connecting base abuts against the leak detector connecting end through a sealing gasket, which can further play a sealing role and ensure the accuracy of the test.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the clamp includes a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm, with the first end of the first clamping arm and the first end of the second clamping arm hinged together, and the second end of the first clamping arm and the second end of the second clamping arm locked together.

[0018] Therefore, the clamp is equipped with a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm, which facilitates use and improves the efficiency of assembly and disassembly.

[0019] In a further embodiment, a first slot is provided on the inner side of the first clamping arm, and a second slot is provided on the inner side of the second clamping arm. The first and second slots cooperate to form a connecting slot for fixing the second end of the connecting base and the gas inlet of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector. A first protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the second end of the connecting base, and a second protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the gas inlet of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector. Both the first and second protrusions are engaged in the connecting slot, and the first and second protrusions are sealed together.

[0020] It can be seen that the first and second clamping arms work together to form a connecting slot between the second end of the fixed connection base and the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector, which can ensure the stability of the connection.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the leak testing fixture bracket is also equipped with an optical fiber receiving tube, which is installed on the side of the leak testing fixture bracket facing away from the sealing joint mounting end; the optical fiber receiving tube is equipped with a blind hole extending along the length direction, the opening of the blind hole is connected to the second through hole, and the axis of the blind hole is the same as the axis of the second through hole.

[0022] As can be seen, optical fibers are provided at both ends of the optical fiber sealing joint. Therefore, during the leak detection process, the optical fibers can be inserted into the optical fiber receiving tube to avoid damage to the optical fibers.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the second through hole includes a first sub-through hole and a second sub-through hole, which are connected to each other. The first sub-through hole is located on the side near the locking cover, and the diameter of the first sub-through hole is larger than the diameter of the second sub-through hole.

[0024] Therefore, the second through hole includes a first sub-through hole and a second sub-through hole. The diameter of the first sub-through hole is larger than that of the second sub-through hole, so that when the fiber optic sealing joint is installed in the first sub-through hole, it can play a limiting role.

[0025] To achieve the second objective mentioned above, the method of using the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device provided by the present invention includes: installing the leak detection fixture bracket on the inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector, so that the connection end of the leak detector is connected to the inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector; inserting the fiber optic sealing joint into the sealing joint mounting hole of the sealing ring, placing the sealing ring on the sealing joint mounting end, so that a part of the fiber optic sealing joint is located in the second through hole, and tightening the locking cap to seal the second through hole with the sealing ring; starting the helium mass spectrometer leak detector to enter the leak detection mode, using a helium spray gun to spray helium into the inlet through hole, checking the helium detection value of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector and determining whether the fiber optic sealing joint is leaking; after the detection is completed, loosening the locking cap and removing the fiber optic sealing joint.

[0026] As can be seen from the above scheme, when using the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device of the present invention, it is only necessary to install the leak detection fixture bracket on the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector, insert the fiber optic sealing joint into the sealing joint mounting hole of the sealing ring, place the sealing ring on the sealing joint mounting end, so that a part of the fiber optic sealing joint is located in the second through hole, and tighten the locking cap to seal the second through hole with the sealing ring, so that the fiber optic sealing joint and the sealing ring can be sealed, and the air jet leak detection can be performed. The detection steps are simple and can improve the detection efficiency of fiber optic sealing joints. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a structural cross-sectional view of the leak detection tooling bracket portion in the first embodiment of the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the leak detection fixture bracket and connecting components in the first embodiment of the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a structural cross-sectional view of the leak detection fixture bracket in the first embodiment of the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the connecting base in the first embodiment of the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the clamp in the loosened state in the first embodiment of the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7This is a structural cross-sectional view of the leak detection fixture bracket in the second embodiment of the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device of the present invention.

[0034] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0035] First embodiment of fiber optic sealing joint leak detection equipment:

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device includes a helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1, a leak detection fixture bracket 2, and a helium spray gun 3. The leak detection fixture bracket 2 is installed at the gas inlet 11 of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1.

[0037] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The leak testing fixture bracket 2 is equipped with a leak detector connection end 21 and a sealing joint mounting end 22. The leak detector connection end 21 is connected to the gas inlet end 11 of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1, and the sealing joint mounting end 22 is configured to mate with the nozzle of the helium spray gun 3. See also Figure 4 The leak detector connection end 21 is provided with a first through hole 211 extending into the interior of the leak testing fixture bracket 2, and the sealing joint installation end 22 is provided with a second through hole 221 extending into the interior of the leak testing fixture bracket 2. The first through hole 211 and the second through hole 221 are connected.

[0038] The sealing joint mounting end 22 is provided with a sealing ring 23 and a locking cap 24. The sealing ring 23 has a sealing joint mounting hole 231 for mounting the optical fiber sealing joint 6, and the locking cap 24 has an air inlet hole 241. The second through hole 221, the sealing joint mounting hole 231, and the air inlet hole 241 are arranged sequentially opposite to each other. The locking cap 24 is detachably mounted on the sealing joint mounting end 22. In this embodiment, the sealing joint mounting end 22 and the locking cap 24 are connected by a threaded connection. When the locking cap 24 is tightened, the locking cap 24 compresses the sealing ring 23, causing it to deform, thereby more tightly wrapping the optical fiber sealing joint and sealing the second through hole 221.

[0039] The leak detector connection end 21 is detachably connected to the gas inlet end 11 of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1 via the connection assembly 4. In this embodiment, the connection assembly 4 includes a connection base 41 and a clamp 42. The first end of the connection base 41 is detachably connected to the leak detector connection end 21, and the second end of the connection base 41 is detachably connected to the gas inlet end 11 of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1 via the clamp 42. In this embodiment, the first end of the connection base 41 is provided with a threaded post 411, and the leak detector connection end 21 is provided with a threaded groove 212. The threaded post 411 and the threaded groove 212 are connected in a mating manner. In addition, a sealing gasket 5 is provided in the threaded groove 212, and the first end of the connection base 41 abuts against the leak detector connection end 21 via the sealing gasket 5. Preferably, the sealing gasket 5 is a silicone gasket. See also Figure 5The connecting base 41 is provided with a connecting through hole 412 extending from the first end of the connecting base 41 to the second end of the connecting base 41. The first through hole 211 is connected to the gas inlet 11 of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1 through the connecting through hole 412.

[0040] See Figure 6 The clamp 42 includes a first clamping arm 421 and a second clamping arm 422. The first end of the first clamping arm 421 and the first end of the second clamping arm 422 are hinged together, and the second end of the first clamping arm 421 and the second end of the second clamping arm 422 are locked together. In this embodiment, the second end of the first clamping arm 421 and the second end of the second clamping arm 422 are connected by a locking device 424. The locking device 424 includes a locking bolt 4241 and a locking nut 4242. The first end of the locking bolt 4241 is mounted on the second end of the first clamping arm 421, and the locking nut 4242 is mounted on the locking bolt 4241. The locking nut 4242 is adjustable along the axial direction of the locking bolt 4241. By adjusting the locking bolt 4241, the second end of the first clamping arm 421 and the second end of the second clamping arm 422 can be locked or loosened.

[0041] The inner side of the first clamping arm 421 is provided with a first slot 4231, and the inner side of the second clamping arm 422 is provided with a second slot 4232. The first slot 4231 and the second slot 4232 cooperate to form a connecting slot 423 for fixing the second end of the connecting base 41 and the gas inlet 11 of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1. The second end of the connecting base 41 is provided with a first boss 413 along its outer periphery, and the gas inlet 11 of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1 is provided with a second boss 111 along its outer periphery (see...). Figure 2 The first boss 413 and the second boss 111 are both engaged in the connecting slot 423, and the first boss 413 and the second boss 111 are sealed together.

[0042] In addition, by Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is known that the leak testing fixture 2 is also provided with an optical fiber receiving tube 25. The optical fiber receiving tube 25 is installed on the side of the leak testing fixture 2 facing away from the sealing joint mounting end 22. The optical fiber receiving tube 25 is provided with a blind hole 251 extending along its length. The opening of the blind hole 251 communicates with the second through hole 221, and the axis of the blind hole 251 is the same as the axis of the second through hole 221. In this embodiment, the leak testing fixture 2 is provided with a receiving tube mounting groove 26 on the side facing away from the sealing joint mounting end 22. The receiving tube mounting groove 26 communicates with the second through hole 221. The optical fiber receiving tube 25 is installed in the receiving tube mounting groove 26, and the opening of the blind hole 251 is located in the receiving tube mounting groove 26. The length of the blind hole 251 can be set according to actual needs. During the leak testing process, the optical fiber of the optical fiber sealing joint 6 can be inserted into the blind hole 251 of the optical fiber receiving tube 25, avoiding damage to the optical fiber.

[0043] In use, the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device of the present invention firstly installs the leak detection fixture bracket 2 on the inlet end 11 of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1, so that the leak detector connection end 21 is connected to the inlet end 11 of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1. When installing the leak detection fixture bracket 2, the connecting base 41 is installed on the leak detector connection end 21, and then the connecting base 41 is fixedly connected to the inlet end 11 of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1 using the clamp 42. Next, the fiber optic sealing joint 6 is inserted into the sealing joint mounting hole 231 of the sealing ring 23, and the sealing ring 23 is placed on the sealing joint mounting end 22, so that a portion of the fiber optic sealing joint 6 is located in the second through hole 221. The locking cap 24 is then tightened, so that the fiber optic sealing joint 6 and the sealing ring 23 seal the second through hole 221. After installing and securing the fiber optic sealing section 6, activate the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1 to enter leak detection mode. Use the helium spray gun 3 to spray helium into the air inlet vent 241, check the helium detection value of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1, and determine whether the fiber optic sealing section 6 is leaking. When spraying helium into the air inlet vent 241 with the helium spray gun 3, the air inlet vent 241 must be blocked to avoid wasting helium. If the helium detection value is less than the preset value, the fiber optic sealing section 6 is not leaking. The leak detection standard set for the helium mass spectrometer is: less than 1×10⁻⁸ Pa·m³ is considered not leaking. After the test is completed, loosen the locking cover 24, remove the fiber optic sealing section 6, and move it to the next process.

[0044] Second embodiment of fiber optic sealing joint leak detection equipment:

[0045] The only difference between the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device in this embodiment and the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device in the first embodiment is the structure of the second through hole. Therefore, only the second through hole will be described below, and the numbering of the second through hole will follow that in the first embodiment.

[0046] In this embodiment, the second through hole 221 includes a first sub-through hole 2211 and a second sub-through hole 2212, which are interconnected. The first sub-through hole 2211 is located on the side near the locking cover 24, and its diameter is larger than that of the second sub-through hole 2212. The diameter of the first sub-through hole 2211 can be set according to the diameter of the fiber optic sealing section 6. The larger diameter of the first sub-through hole 2211 than the second sub-through hole 2212 allows the fiber optic sealing section 6 to be positioned within the first sub-through hole 2211, thus providing a limiting effect.

[0047] As described above, the fiber optic sealing joint leak detection device of the present invention, by setting a leak detection fixture bracket 2, has a first through hole 211 and a second through hole 221 that are connected. The first through hole 211 is connected to the gas inlet 11 of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1, and the second through hole 221 is used to insert the fiber optic sealing joint 6. Simultaneously, the cooperation of the sealing ring 23 and the locking cap 24 allows the fiber optic sealing joint 6 to seal the second through hole 221. This prevents helium from entering the helium mass spectrometer leak detector 1 through the gap between the fiber optic sealing joint 6 and the second through hole 221 when helium is blown onto the fiber optic sealing joint 6 using the helium spray gun 3, thus avoiding inaccurate detection. This solution has a simple structure, the fiber optic sealing joint 6 is easy to install, and the detection rate can be improved.

[0048] It should be noted that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the design concept of the invention is not limited thereto. Any non-substantial modifications made to the present invention using this concept also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An optical fiber splice leak detection apparatus, comprising: The helium mass spectrometer leak detector, the leak detection tool support and the helium gas spray gun are included. The leak detection tool support is provided with a leak detector connecting end and a seal section mounting end, the leak detector connecting end is in communication with the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector, and the seal section mounting end is matched with the nozzle of the helium gas spray gun. The leak detector connecting end is provided with a first through hole extending to the inside of the leak detection tool support, and the seal section mounting end is provided with a second through hole extending to the inside of the leak detection tool support, and the first through hole and the second through hole are in communication. The seal section mounting end is provided with a sealing rubber ring and a locking cover, the sealing rubber ring is provided with a seal section mounting hole for mounting the optical fiber seal section, the locking cover is provided with an air inlet through hole, the second through hole, the seal section mounting hole and the air inlet through hole are sequentially arranged, and the locking cover is detachably mounted on the seal section mounting end. The leak detection tool support is further provided with an optical fiber containing tube, and the optical fiber containing tube is mounted on the side of the leak detection tool support away from the seal section mounting end. The optical fiber containing tube is provided with a blind hole extending along the length direction, the opening of the blind hole is in communication with the second through hole, and the axis of the blind hole is the same as the axis of the second through hole.

2. The optical fiber seal section leak detection equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The leak detector connecting end is detachably connected with the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector through a connecting assembly.

3. The optical fiber seal section leak detection equipment according to claim 2, wherein: The connecting assembly comprises a connecting base and a clamp, the first end of the connecting base is detachably connected with the leak detector connecting end, and the second end of the connecting base is detachably connected with the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector through the clamp. The connecting base is provided with a connecting through hole penetrating from the first end of the connecting base to the second end of the connecting base, and the first through hole is in communication with the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector through the connecting through hole.

4. The optical fiber seal section leak detection equipment according to claim 3, wherein: The first end of the connecting base is provided with a threaded column, the leak detector connecting end is provided with a threaded groove, and the threaded column is matched with the threaded groove. A sealing gasket is arranged in the threaded groove, and the first end of the connecting base abuts against the leak detector connecting end through the sealing gasket.

5. The optical fiber seal section leak detection equipment according to claim 3, wherein: The clamp comprises a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm, the first end of the first clamping arm and the first end of the second clamping arm are hinged, and the second end of the first clamping arm and the second end of the second clamping arm are locked.

6. The optical fiber seal section leak detection equipment according to claim 5, wherein: The inner side of the first clamping arm is provided with a first clamping groove, and the inner side of the second clamping arm is provided with a second clamping groove, and the first clamping groove and the second clamping groove cooperate to form a connecting clamping groove for fixing the second end of the connecting base and the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector; The second end of the connecting base is provided with a first boss along the outer periphery, and the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector is provided with a second boss along the outer periphery, and the first boss and the second boss are clamped in the connecting clamping groove, and the first boss and the second boss are sealingly connected.

7. The optical fiber sealing joint leak detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The second through hole includes a first sub-through hole and a second sub-through hole, and the first sub-through hole and the second sub-through hole are arranged in communication, the first sub-through hole is located on the side close to the locking cover, and the aperture of the first sub-through hole is larger than the aperture of the second sub-through hole.

8. A method of using a fiber optic seal joint leak detection apparatus, applied to the fiber optic seal joint leak detection apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method comprises: The leak detection tool support is installed at the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector, so that the leak detector connecting end is in communication with the gas inlet end of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector; The optical fiber sealing joint is inserted into the sealing joint mounting hole of the sealing rubber ring, the sealing rubber ring is placed on the sealing joint mounting end, a part of the optical fiber sealing joint is located in the second through hole, and the locking cover is tightened, so that the optical fiber sealing joint and the sealing rubber ring seal the second through hole; The helium mass spectrometer leak detector is started in the leak detection mode, the helium gas spray gun sprays helium gas into the gas inlet through hole, the helium detection value of the helium mass spectrometer leak detector is observed, and it is judged whether the optical fiber sealing joint leaks or not; After the detection is completed, the locking cover is loosened, and the optical fiber sealing joint is taken out.

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