A detachable hermetically sealed fiber optic connector

Abstract

This invention discloses a detachable hermetically sealed fiber optic connector, comprising: a housing, a fixing block, and a fiber optic contact. The housing has fixing holes and stepped holes formed on two opposite end faces. The cross-section of the fixing holes fully covers the stepped holes, and the fixing holes and stepped holes are connected facing each other. The fixing block is press-fitted into the fixing holes. The fiber optic contact is fixed between the housing and the fixing block, with the head of the fiber optic contact inserted into the stepped hole. The tail end of the fiber optic contact has an optical cable tape that extends out through the fixing block. A rear seal is provided on the side of the fiber optic contact that contacts the fixing block. A front sealing ring is provided between the fiber optic contact and the stepped hole. The rear seal deforms as the fixing block is pressed in, forming a sealing surface for the stepped hole and the optical cable tape. The front sealing ring deforms as the fixing block is pressed in, forming a sealing surface between the stepped hole and the fiber optic contact. This fiber optic connector can simultaneously meet the requirements of a detachable structural design and hermetically sealed performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of connector technology, and specifically relates to a detachable hermetically sealed fiber optic connector. Background Technology

[0002] An MT ferrule is a connecting component used in fiber optic connectors. It is usually used as the connector head of a fiber optic connector. It has an internal channel for fixing the optical fiber and uses guide holes or guide posts on both sides as a mating reference.

[0003] As a crucial component of communication connectors, the MT ferrule needs to meet certain airtightness requirements under harsh operating conditions, such as an airtightness rating of 10. -4 Pa·m 3 / s, in existing technologies, connectors are usually made using sintering or soldering processes. Although connectors made using this process can meet the requirements of hermetic sealing, if there are problems such as component damage, aging or failure, the entire cable needs to be replaced. This is especially true for multi-channel connectors (i.e., at least two MT ferrules), which have high maintenance costs. And there are few existing technologies that can achieve a multi-channel detachable hermetic fiber optic connector structure based on MT ferrules. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the problems of existing technologies by providing a detachable, hermetically sealed fiber optic connector, the specific technical solution of which is as follows:

[0005] A detachable hermetically sealed fiber optic connector includes: a housing, a retaining block, and fiber optic contacts. Wherein:

[0006] The outer casing has fixing holes and stepped holes formed on two opposite end faces. The cross-section of the fixing holes fully covers the stepped holes, and the fixing holes and stepped holes are connected to each other.

[0007] The fixing block is press-fitted into the fixing hole;

[0008] The optical fiber contact is fixed between the housing and the fixing block, with its head inserted into the stepped hole. The tail end of the optical fiber contact has an optical cable strip that extends out through the fixing block. A rear seal is provided on the side of the optical fiber contact that contacts the fixing block, and a front sealing ring is provided between the optical fiber contact and the stepped hole. The rear seal deforms as the fixing block is pressed in, forming a sealing surface for the stepped hole and the optical cable strip. The front sealing ring deforms as the fixing block is pressed in, forming a sealing surface between the stepped hole and the optical fiber contact. The rear seal and the front sealing ring form a bidirectional seal at the front and rear ends of the optical fiber contact, providing not only a sealing effect but also, due to this bidirectional sealing through the seal, the seal possesses the elastic characteristics of this application. Therefore, during the insertion and removal of the two connectors, the rear seal and the front sealing ring also provide a certain buffering effect to protect the insertion and removal process.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the stepped hole has a first stepped surface in the middle, and the side wall of the optical fiber contact has an annular second stepped surface. A front sealing ring is fitted on the second stepped surface. During the insertion of the optical fiber contact, the first stepped surface and the second stepped surface of the stepped hole cooperate to limit the optical fiber contact to a certain insertion depth. On the other hand, the first stepped surface and the second stepped surface simultaneously squeeze the front sealing ring during the pressing process of the fixing block to deform it and produce a sealing effect.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, a third step surface is formed at the connection between the fixing hole and the step hole. The middle of the rear seal has a hole with the same cross-section as the optical cable strip, and the optical cable strip passes through the hole. The side of the rear seal facing the optical fiber contact has a fourth step surface. The rear seal is deformed as it is pressed onto the third step surface, at the connection between the optical fiber contact and the optical cable strip, and in the hole through which the optical cable strip passes.

[0011] During the research and design of the rear seal, the inventors also tried: 1. using a sealing ring instead of the rear seal in this invention; 2. omitting the fourth step surface of the rear seal, causing the rear seal to not enter the step hole during press-fitting. Actual test results showed that the airtightness of both methods failed to reach 10. -4 Pa·m 3 / s.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the fixing block has an opening groove extending inward from the side wall, and the optical cable is embedded in the opening groove.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, a groove is provided on the contact surface between the fixing block and the rear seal, and the rear seal can be embedded into the side wall of the groove.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, an annular groove is provided on the end face of the outer shell where the stepped hole is opened, and an interface sealing ring is embedded in the annular groove.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the stepped hole array is distributed, the opening groove is distributed along with the stepped hole array, and adjacent stepped holes form an abutment surface on one side of the fixed hole. The rear seal is deformed as it is pressed onto the abutment surface by the fixed block.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the above technical solution, the fixing block has fastening holes for bolts to pass through.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The fiber optic connector of this invention achieves a detachable structural design based on the MT ferrule, effectively reducing maintenance costs. Simultaneously, this fiber optic connector can also achieve detachable connections based on multiple MT ferrules and can meet 10... -4 Pa·m 3 / s airtight performance requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the fiber optic connector in the embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fit between the outer shell and the optical fiber contact in the embodiment;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the outer shell in the embodiment;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the outer shell in the embodiment;

[0022] Figure 5 For the example Figure 4 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the mating state of the optical fiber contact in the embodiment;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing block in the embodiment;

[0025] Figure 8 These are two array methods for the opening slots in the embodiments;

[0026] Figure 9 These are two array methods for the stepped holes in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0028] Example

[0029] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of a fiber optic connector. The fiber optic connector includes a housing 1, which has a fiber fixing surface 11 and a mating fixing surface 12 disposed opposite to each other. The fiber fixing surface 11 is used to fix the fiber optic contact 2 and the optical cable strip 3 connected to the tail end of the fiber optic contact 2. The mating fixing surface 12 is used to connect with other compatible connectors to achieve fiber optic docking.

[0030] In some specific embodiments, the outer shell 1 is directly fixed to the back plate of the device. The outer shell 1 has a fixing hole 15 that passes through the optical fiber fixing surface 11 and the mating fixing surface 12. The fixing bolt (not shown in the figure) is passed through the fixing hole 15 to fix the outer shell 1 to the back plate of the device.

[0031] In other embodiments, the aforementioned housing 1 is plugged into a suitable connector to mate the two fiber optic contacts.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 1 has an annular groove 13 on one side of the mating fixing surface 12, in which an interface sealing ring 14 is embedded to achieve a seal between the housing 1 and the back panel of the device or the compatible connector.

[0033] like Figures 2-5 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the outer casing 1 and the optical fiber contact 2. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the outer shell 1. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the outer shell 1. Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial enlarged view at point A shows that the outer casing 1 has an array of stepped holes 111 extending from the mating fixing surface 12 to the optical fiber fixing surface 11, and fixing holes 15 extending from the optical fiber fixing surface 11 to the mating fixing surface 12. The fixing holes 15 and the stepped holes 111 are interconnected, but the stepped holes 111 are isolated from each other. The middle part of the stepped hole 111 has a first stepped surface 141, and the diameter of the stepped hole 111 facing the mating fixing surface 12 is smaller than the diameter facing the optical fiber fixing surface 11. The stepped hole 111 is adapted to the optical fiber contact 2 for the optical fiber contact 2 to be inserted into and fixed by the fixing hole 15.

[0034] like Figure 2 and 6 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the outer casing 1 and the optical fiber contact 2. Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the mating state of the fiber optic contact 2. The tail end of the fiber optic contact 2 is used for inserting and fixing the optical cable 3. The side wall of the fiber optic contact 2 has an annular second stepped surface 21, which is adapted to the first stepped surface 141 so that the small cross-section of the second stepped surface 21 can be embedded in the small diameter section of the stepped hole 111, and the large cross-section of the second stepped surface 21 can be embedded in the large diameter section of the stepped hole 111. At the same time, a front sealing ring 22 is also sleeved on the outside of the fiber optic contact 2. The front sealing ring 22 is limited at the second stepped surface 21. When it is inserted and mated with the fiber optic contact 2, the second stepped surface 21 and the first stepped surface 141 clamp and fix the front sealing ring 22, causing it to undergo compressive deformation, improving the sealing effect of the gap between the fiber optic contact 2 and the outer shell 1, and preventing dust, liquid, and gas from entering the tail end of the fiber optic contact 2 from the mating fixing surface 12 side through the gap between the stepped hole 111 and the fiber optic contact 2.

[0035] Figure 2 and 6 In the process, after the optical fiber contact 2 is fully embedded in the stepped hole 111, a rear seal 23 is also provided at the tail end of the optical fiber contact 2. The rear seal 23 has a central opening with a cross-section that is the same as the cross-section of the optical cable 3, so that the rear seal 23 passes through the optical cable 3. The projected area of ​​the fixing hole 15 in the extending direction fully covers the stepped hole 111, so that a third stepped surface 151 is formed between the fixing hole 15 and the stepped hole 111, and an abutment surface 152 is formed between adjacent stepped holes 111. The side of the rear seal 23 facing the optical fiber contact 2 has a fourth stepped surface 231, which fits against the third stepped surface 151 and the abutment surface 152 to form the fourth stepped surface 231. The small cross-section segment can be embedded into the small diameter segment of the stepped hole 111, and the large cross-section segment forming the fourth step surface 231 is restricted outside the stepped hole 111. When the rear seal 23 undergoes compressive deformation, it can seal the annular opening of the large diameter segment of the stepped hole 111 on the one hand, and seal the connection between the optical fiber contact 2 and the optical cable strip 3 on the other hand, improving the sealing performance between the optical fiber contact 2 and the hole wall of the fixing hole 15, as well as improving the sealing performance of the connection of the optical cable strip 3 caused by the connection process of the optical fiber contact 2 itself. At the same time, the rear seal 23 can also block the guide pin hole 24 existing in the optical fiber contact 2 itself, preventing dust, liquid and gas from entering the tail end of the optical fiber contact 2 from the stepped hole 111 through the guide pin hole 24.

[0036] Figure 1 and 2In the middle, a fixing block 4 is also press-fitted into the fixing hole 15. The fixing block 4 is fixed in the fixing hole 15 by screws 5. Correspondingly, there is a threaded hole on the optical fiber fixing surface 11 of the outer shell 1 that mates with the screws 5. Under the tightening action of the screws 5, the fixing block 4 applies pressure to the rear seal 23, thereby causing the rear seal 23 and the front sealing ring 22 to deform synchronously to produce a multiple sealing effect.

[0037] like Figure 7 The diagram shows a schematic of the fixing block 4. The fixing block 4 has an opening groove 41 extending inward from the side wall. The number of opening grooves 41 is the same as the number of stepped holes 111 arrayed on the outer shell 1, and their positions correspond. The opening directions of the opening grooves 41 can be the same or opposite, which facilitates the insertion or removal of the optical cable 3 from the opening of the opening groove 41 during the assembly and disassembly of the optical fiber contact 2, thereby enabling the quick assembly and disassembly of the entire solid connector.

[0038] Figure 7 In the middle, the fixing block 4 also has a through hole 42 through the fixing block 4, for the screw 5 to fix the fixing block 4 in the fixing hole 15 of the housing 1.

[0039] In addition, such as Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a groove 43 can also be provided on the contact surface of the fixing block 4 relative to the rear seal 23. The groove 43 accommodates part of the rear seal 23 during the press-fitting process. The cross-section of the groove 43 is preferably the same as that of the rear seal 23. This allows the fixing block 4 to be fully embedded in the fixing hole 15 as much as possible, reducing the length of the exposed part and thus compressing the size of the entire connector to achieve miniaturization. On the other hand, while the rear seal 23 performs multiple sealing functions, the groove 43 can also be used to secure the optical cable strip 3 at the end of the optical fiber contact 2 by circumferentially fastening the rear seal 23. This minimizes the problem of air gaps caused by the swing of the optical cable strip 3 along the opening direction of the opening groove 41 between the end of the optical fiber contact 2 and the optical cable strip 3.

[0040] In other embodiments, the stepped hole 111 and the opening slot 41 are arranged in different arrays. For example... Figure 8 and 9 As shown, Figure 8 Two array configurations of the open slot 41 are shown in (a) and (b). Figure 9 The two array methods of stepped holes 111 are shown in (c) and (d). (a) is a linear array of optical cable strip 3, in which the opening direction of the opening slot 41 can be on the same side or opposite side, corresponding to the linear array of stepped holes 111 in (c); (b) is a matrix array of optical cable strip 3, in which the opening direction of the opening slot 41 is partly on the same side and partly opposite side, corresponding to the matrix array of stepped holes 111 in (d).

[0041] In other embodiments, the stepped hole 111 and the opening slot 41 can also be configured with different array quantities and array methods according to specific needs, without departing from the array method in the above embodiments.

[0042] The fiber optic connector in this embodiment, after actual testing, meets the 10... -4 Pa·m 3 / s airtight performance requirements.

[0043] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it.

Claims

1. A detachable hermetically sealed fiber optic connector, characterized in that, include: The outer shell (1) has a fixing hole (15) and a stepped hole (111) formed on two opposite end faces. The cross section of the fixing hole (15) fully covers the stepped hole (111). The fixing hole (15) and the stepped hole (111) are connected to each other. Fixing block (4), which is press-fitted into fixing hole (15); And fiber optic contact (2), the fiber optic contact (2) is fixed between the outer shell (1) and the fixing block (4) and the head of the fiber optic contact (2) is inserted into the step hole (111). The tail end of the fiber optic contact (2) has an optical cable strip (3) thrown out through the fixing block (4). A rear seal (23) is provided on the side of the fiber optic contact (2) that contacts the fixing block (4). A front seal (22) is provided between the fiber optic contact (2) and the step hole (111). The rear seal (23) deforms as the fixing block (4) is pressed to form a sealing surface for the step hole (111) and the optical cable strip (3). The front seal (22) deforms as the fixing block (4) is pressed to form a sealing surface between the step hole (111) and the fiber optic contact (2). The fixing block (4) has an opening groove (41) extending inward from the side wall, and the optical cable strip (3) is embedded in the opening groove (41); A groove (43) is provided on the contact surface between the fixing block (4) and the rear seal (23), and the rear seal (23) can fit into the side wall of the groove (43).

2. The detachable hermetically sealed fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stepped hole (111) has a first stepped surface (141) in the middle, and the optical fiber contact (2) has an annular second stepped surface (21) on its side wall. A front sealing ring (22) is fitted on the second stepped surface (21). The front sealing ring (22) is deformed between the first stepped surface (141) and the second stepped surface (21) as the fixing block (4) is pressed.

3. The detachable hermetically sealed fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection between the fixing hole (15) and the stepped hole (111) forms a third stepped surface (151). The middle of the rear seal (23) has a hole with the same cross-section as the optical cable strip (3). The optical cable strip (3) passes through the hole. The side of the rear seal (23) facing the optical fiber contact (2) has a fourth stepped surface (231). The rear seal (23) is pressed onto the third stepped surface (151) along with the fixing block (4), and deformed at the connection between the optical fiber contact (2) and the optical cable strip (3) and in the hole through which the optical cable strip (3) passes.

4. A detachable hermetically sealed fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, An annular groove (13) is provided on the end face of the shell (1) with the stepped hole (111), and an interface sealing ring (14) is embedded in the annular groove (13).

5. A detachable hermetically sealed fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stepped holes (111) are arranged in an array, and the opening groove (41) is arranged in the same array as the stepped holes (111). Adjacent stepped holes (111) form an abutment surface (152) on one side of the fixing hole (15). The rear seal (23) is deformed by pressing the fixing block (4) onto the abutment surface (152).

6. A detachable hermetically sealed fiber optic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing block (4) has fastening holes for bolts to pass through.

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