Optical fiber connector with anti-pollution function

Abstract

The application provides an optical fiber connector with a pollution prevention function, and belongs to the technical field of optical fiber connector devices. The optical fiber connector comprises a flange assembly and a pair of optical fiber assemblies installed at two ends of the flange assembly. The pair of optical fiber assemblies are respectively connected with external optical fibers, so that the two external optical fibers contact in the flange assembly to realize optical fiber connection. The optical fiber assembly is a double-layer shell structure, the inner shell of which is inserted into a positioning slot of the flange assembly to realize connection, and a lower sealing base fixed on the double-layer shell structure and upper sealing bases on two sides of the flange assembly are soft magnetic materials. The two are controlled to be magnetically attracted by a magnetic attraction assembly, and the magnetic attraction assembly is provided with an external switch for controlling disappearance and recovery of magnetic force. The application can effectively prevent the optical fiber end face from being polluted by dust and water vapor, has the characteristics of convenient operation, and has good economic benefits and popularization value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber connector technology, and more specifically to an optical fiber connector with anti-pollution function. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of fiber optic technology in industry and communications, optical fibers are widely used to transmit various high-power lasers. During the use of fiber optic connectors, two optical fibers are connected via flanges. Current technology cannot guarantee the cleanliness of the fiber end faces in complex operating environments. Over time, contaminants such as dust and moisture can enter the flange and adhere to the fiber end faces. When the transmission power exceeds a threshold, these contaminants can induce fiber damage. Therefore, designing a fiber optic connector with anti-contamination capabilities to effectively improve the lifespan of the fiber and its transmission threshold is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the issue of fiber optic end face contamination in complex operating environments, this invention proposes a fiber optic connector with anti-contamination function, which can effectively prevent dust and moisture contamination of the fiber optic end face, while also being easy to operate.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A fiber optic connector with anti-pollution function includes a flange assembly and a pair of fiber optic assemblies installed at both ends of the flange assembly. The pair of fiber optic assemblies are respectively connected to external optical fibers, so that the two external optical fibers contact each other inside the flange assembly to achieve fiber optic connection.

[0006] The optical fiber assembly has a double-shell structure. The inner shell is inserted into the positioning slot of the flange assembly to achieve connection. The lower sealing base fixed on the double-shell structure and the upper sealing base on both sides of the flange assembly are made of soft magnetic material, preferably ferrite. The two are magnetically attracted by a magnetic attraction assembly. The magnetic attraction assembly is equipped with an external switch for controlling the disappearance and restoration of the magnetic force.

[0007] The optical fiber assembly includes an optical fiber outer shell, an optical fiber inner shell, an inner shell positioning block, an optical fiber ferrule, a snap fastener, and a lower sealing base. The optical fiber outer shell is fitted over the optical fiber inner shell, and the two are arranged coaxially. One end of the optical fiber outer shell is connected to the same side end of the optical fiber inner shell, and the other end of the optical fiber inner shell extends out of the optical fiber outer shell. An inner shell positioning block is provided on the outer wall near the other end of the optical fiber inner shell, and a snap fastener is provided on the edge of the outer wall, preferably a pair of symmetrically distributed snap fasteners. The optical fiber ferrule passes through the optical fiber inner shell. The lower sealing base is threadedly connected to the optical fiber outer shell and fitted over the optical fiber inner shell.

[0008] Preferably, the length of the fiber optic ferrule is greater than the length of the fiber optic inner shell, and the fiber optic ferrules in a pair of fiber optic assemblies are mated within the flange assembly.

[0009] Preferably, the fiber optic outer shell, fiber optic inner shell, inner shell positioning block, fiber optic ferrule, and buckle are an integrated structure.

[0010] Preferably, the flange assembly includes a flange barrel, upper sealing bases located on both sides of the flange barrel, and a magnetic suction assembly for independently controlling the two upper sealing bases; the flange barrel and the upper sealing bases on both sides are an integral structure.

[0011] Preferably, the magnetic attraction assembly includes a movable cavity, a permanent magnet, an encapsulation shell, a magnetically conductive material, and a magnetically shielding material. The encapsulation shell is fixed to the flange barrel and tightly adheres to the sealing base. The encapsulation shell has a circularly shaped movable cavity inside. The inner wall of the movable cavity has a pair of semi-circular magnetically conductive materials, separated by the magnetically shielding material. The permanent magnet is embedded within the movable cavity, conforming to the inner wall of the semi-circular magnetically conductive materials and capable of rotating under the control of an external magnetic switch. When both magnetic poles of the permanent magnet simultaneously contact the same magnetically conductive material, it does not exhibit magnetism externally; when the two magnetic poles of the permanent magnet contact different magnetically conductive materials, it exhibits magnetism externally. More preferably, the permanent magnet is a neodymium iron boron magnet, the magnetically conductive material is electrical pure iron, and the magnetically shielding material is copper.

[0012] Preferably, the flange barrel is provided with a coupling cavity and a desiccant placement slot communicating with the coupling cavity. The desiccant placement slot contains a desiccant, such as granular desiccant (color-changing silica gel), packaged in textured paper. The side wall of the flange barrel is provided with a transparent observation window, such as an observation window made of sapphire glass, which is installed by adhesive bonding. The fiber optic pins of a pair of fiber optic assemblies are mated in the coupling cavity of the flange barrel.

[0013] Preferably, the upper sealing base on both sides of the flange barrel is provided with annular positioning slots coaxial with the flange barrel. The annular positioning slots penetrate the sealing base and extend into the interior of the flange barrel wall. One end of the positioning spring is fixed to the end of the annular positioning slot, and the other end of the positioning spring is a free end.

[0014] Preferably, the upper sealing base on both sides of the flange barrel is provided with a gasket groove, and a sealing ring is provided in the gasket groove. After the lower sealing base and the upper sealing base are attracted together, the sealing ring is pressed tightly to achieve a sealing effect. More preferably, the sealing ring has a square cross-section and is made of silicone rubber.

[0015] Preferably, the fiber optic inner shell is sized to match the annular positioning slot. During installation, the fiber optic inner shell is inserted into the annular positioning slot and the positioning spring is compressed, and the fiber optic inner shell is positioned by the snap fasteners on the outer edge of the outer wall.

[0016] Preferably, the inner wall of the annular positioning slot is provided with a groove. The relative position of the groove and the buckle is confirmed by the inner shell positioning block. When the fiber optic assembly is rotated so that the buckle coincides with the groove, the buckle is released and the fiber optic inner shell pops out under the action of the positioning spring.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are: it can effectively prevent the optical fiber end face from being contaminated by dust and water vapor, and it is easy to operate, thus having good economic benefits and promotional value. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the fiber optic connector with anti-pollution function proposed in this invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the flange barrel of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic component of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic suction component of the present invention;

[0022] In the diagram: 1-First fiber optic assembly, 101-First fiber optic outer shell, 102-First fiber optic inner shell, 103-First inner shell positioning block, 104-First fiber optic ferrule, 105-First snap-fit, 106-First lower sealing base, 2-Flange assembly, 201-First sealing ring, 202-First upper sealing base, 203-First magnetic attraction assembly, 204-First magnetic switch, 205-Flange barrel, 206-Observation window, 207-Second magnetic attraction assembly, 208-Second magnetic switch, 209-Second upper sealing base, 210- 211-Second gasket slot, 212-Second sealing ring, 213-First gasket slot, 214-Positioning spring, 215-Desiccant placement slot, 216-Coupling cavity, 217-Magnetic shielding material, 218-Magnetic conductive material, 219-Encapsulation shell, 220-Moving cavity, 221-Permanent magnet, 3-Second optical fiber assembly, 301-Second optical fiber shell, 302-Second optical fiber inner shell, 303-Second inner shell positioning block, 304-Second optical fiber ferrule, 305-Second buckle, 306-Second lower sealing base. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described in complete and clear form below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] This invention addresses the issue of optical fiber end faces being easily contaminated in complex operating environments, and provides the following solution: Figure 1The fiber optic connector shown includes a first fiber optic assembly 1, a flange assembly 2, and a second fiber optic assembly 3. The first fiber optic assembly 1 and the second fiber optic assembly 3 are two completely identical fiber optic assemblies, and their components and assembly methods are completely identical.

[0025] The first optical fiber assembly 1 includes a first optical fiber outer shell 101 with internal threads, a first optical fiber inner shell 102, a first inner shell positioning block 103, a first optical fiber ferrule 104, a first buckle 105, and a first lower sealing base 106. The first lower sealing base 106 includes a washer and a hollow threaded connecting shaft disposed on one side of the washer. The hollow threaded connecting shaft is a shaft with external threads and is used to connect the first optical fiber outer shell 101 to achieve a seal. The other side of the washer is used to connect a flange assembly to achieve a seal.

[0026] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the first optical fiber outer shell 101, the first optical fiber inner shell 102, the first inner shell positioning block 103, the first optical fiber ferrule 104, and the first buckle 105 are an integrated structure, and the first optical fiber ferrule 104 is used to connect to an external optical fiber; similarly, the second optical fiber outer shell 301, the second optical fiber inner shell 302, the second inner shell positioning block 303, the second optical fiber ferrule 304, and the second buckle 305 are an integrated structure, and the second optical fiber ferrule 304 is used to connect to an external optical fiber. Taking the first optical fiber assembly 1 as an example, in the integrated structure, the first optical fiber outer shell 101 is sleeved on the outside of the first optical fiber inner shell 102, and the two are arranged coaxially. One end of the first optical fiber outer shell 101 is aligned with the same side end of the first optical fiber inner shell 102, and the other end of the first optical fiber inner shell 102 extends out of the first optical fiber outer shell 101. A first inner shell positioning block 103 is provided on the outer wall near the other end of the first optical fiber inner shell 102, and a first buckle 105 is provided on the edge of the outer wall. The first buckle 105 is used to connect the first optical fiber assembly 1 and the flange assembly 2, and the first inner shell positioning block 103 is used to mark a specific position designed for the flange assembly 2, so that the first buckle 105 is no longer locked, thereby realizing the disconnection of the first optical fiber assembly 1 and the flange assembly 2. A first optical fiber ferrule 104 is provided inside the first optical fiber inner shell 102 near the side wall, and the first optical fiber ferrule 104 extends out of the other end of the first optical fiber inner shell 102.

[0027] The first lower sealing base 106 is provided with an external thread that matches the internal thread of the first optical fiber shell 101. The two are connected by a thread. The first lower sealing base 106 is made of a soft magnetic material so that it can be strongly attracted and closed under the action of the first magnetic attraction component 203. Similarly, the second lower sealing base 306 is provided with an external thread that matches the internal thread of the second optical fiber shell 301. The two are connected by a thread. The second lower sealing base 306 is made of a soft magnetic material so that it can be strongly attracted and closed under the action of the second magnetic attraction component 207.

[0028] The flange assembly includes a first sealing ring 201, a first upper sealing base 202, a first magnetic attraction assembly 203, a first magnetic attraction switch 204, a flange barrel 205, an observation window 206, a second magnetic attraction assembly 207, a second magnetic attraction switch 208, a second upper sealing base 209, a second gasket groove 210, a second sealing ring 212, and a first gasket groove 213. The flange barrel 205 is provided with a positioning slot 211, a positioning spring 214, a desiccant placement groove 215, and a coupling cavity 216.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, one side of the first upper sealing base 202 and one side of the second upper sealing base 209 are respectively fitted to the two end faces of the flange barrel 205. The other side of the first upper sealing base 202 is provided with a first gasket groove 213 for placing the first sealing ring 201. When connected, the magnetic force generated by the first magnetic suction component 203 makes the first sealing ring 201 tightly fitted by the upper and lower sealing bases 106 and 202, which achieves the effect of dust prevention. Similarly, the other side of the second upper sealing base 209 is provided with a second gasket groove 210 for placing the second sealing ring 212. When connected, the magnetic force generated by the second magnetic suction component 207 makes the second sealing ring 212 tightly fitted by the upper and lower sealing bases 209 and 306, which achieves the effect of dust prevention.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the first upper sealing base 202 and the second upper sealing base 209 on the two end faces of the flange barrel are provided with annular positioning slots 211 coaxial with the flange barrel. The annular positioning slots 211 penetrate through the sealing base and extend into the interior of the flange barrel wall. One end of the positioning spring 214 is fixed to the end of the annular positioning slot 211. The other end of the positioning spring 214 is a free end. When the positioning spring 214 is not under force, the positioning spring 214 is completely located in the positioning slot 211, and its other end is close to the outer end face of the positioning slot 211. The inner shell 102 of the first optical fiber assembly 1 and the second optical fiber assembly 3 is sized to match the annular positioning slot 211. When the first optical fiber assembly 1 is engaged with the flange assembly 2, the inner shell 102 of the first optical fiber is inserted into the positioning slot 211, and the positioning spring 214 inside the positioning slot 211 is compressed. When inserted into place, the first buckle 105 located on the outer edge of the inner shell 102 of the first optical fiber will lock the inner wall of the positioning slot 211. When the first optical fiber assembly 1 is separated from the flange assembly 2, the first optical fiber assembly 1 is rotated so that the first buckle 105 moves to a specific position. The first inner shell positioning block 103 plays a role in visual auxiliary positioning to find the specific position. There is an outwardly protruding space on the inner wall of the positioning slot 211 at the specific position so that the first buckle 105 is no longer locked and pops out under the action of the positioning spring 214.

[0031] Similarly, when the second optical fiber assembly 3 is engaged with the flange assembly 2, the second optical fiber inner shell 302 is inserted into the positioning slot 211, and the positioning spring 214 in the positioning slot 211 is compressed. When inserted into place, the second buckle 305 located on the outer edge of the second optical fiber inner shell 302 will lock the inner wall of the positioning slot 211. When the second optical fiber assembly 3 is separated from the flange assembly 2, the second optical fiber assembly 3 is rotated so that the second buckle 305 moves to a specific position. The second inner shell positioning block 303 plays a role in visual auxiliary positioning to find the specific position. There is an outwardly protruding space on the inner wall of the positioning slot 211 at the specific position, so that the second buckle 305 is no longer locked and pops out under the action of the positioning spring 214.

[0032] The flange barrel 205 has a desiccant placement slot 215 inside, which is connected to the coupling cavity 216 inside the flange barrel. A desiccant, such as color-changing silica gel, is placed in the desiccant placement slot 215. The desiccant, which changes color after absorbing moisture, can be observed through the observation window 206 on the flange barrel, effectively removing water vapor pollution and determining the internal moisture level and whether the desiccant needs to be replaced.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the magnetic attraction assembly includes a movable cavity 220, a permanent magnet 221, an encapsulation shell 219, a magnetically conductive material 218, and a magnetically shielding material 217. The encapsulation shell 219 has a circularly shaped movable cavity 220 inside. The inner wall of the movable cavity is provided with a pair of semi-circular magnetically conductive materials 218, which are separated by the magnetically shielding material 217. The permanent magnet 221 is embedded within the movable cavity 220, and the permanent magnet 221 fits against the inner wall of the semi-circular magnetically conductive materials 218 and can rotate under the control of an external magnetic switch.

[0034] Taking the first magnetic attraction component as an example, the encapsulation shell 219 and the first upper sealing base 202 are connected together by welding. During installation, the magnetic shielding material 217 is first embedded into the upper and lower slots of the encapsulation shell 219, dividing the circular cross-section of the movable cavity 220 into two semicircles. Then, a pair of semicircular magnetic conductive materials 218 are installed against the inner wall of the movable cavity and completely separated by the magnetic shielding material 217. Finally, the permanent magnet 221 is embedded into the movable cavity, and the permanent magnet 221 is attached to the inner wall of the semicircular magnetic conductive material 218 to ensure that the magnetic shielding material 217 does not affect the rotation of the permanent magnet 221. In this embodiment, the inner wall of the magnetic conductive material 218 is coated with lubricating oil to ensure the smooth rotation of the permanent magnet. The first magnetic attraction switch 204 or the second magnetic attraction switch 208 is fixed to the permanent magnet by welding to realize the control of the permanent magnet.

[0035] When the first magnetic attraction component 203 or the second magnetic attraction component 207 is released, the position of the internal permanent magnet 221 is as follows: Figure 4As shown, since the two magnetic poles of the internal permanent magnet 221 are in contact with a magnetically conductive material 218 at the same time, the magnetic attraction circuit formed inside the first magnetic attraction component 203 or the second magnetic attraction component 207 has no external magnetic force.

[0036] When the first magnetic attraction component 203 or the second magnetic attraction component 207 performs its attraction function, the position of the internal permanent magnet 221 is at... Figure 4 Rotate 90 degrees on the basis of the internal permanent magnet 221. At this time, each of the two magnetic poles of the internal permanent magnet 221 contacts a magnetic conductive material 218, and the two magnetic conductive materials 218 and the encapsulation shell 219 are separated by a magnetic shielding material 217. Therefore, an internal magnetic circuit cannot be formed. The first magnetic attraction component 203 or the second magnetic attraction component 207 exhibits magnetism to the outside and plays the role of attraction.

[0037] The connection or release of the first upper sealing base 202 and the first lower sealing base 106 can be achieved by rotating the first magnetic switch 204, and the connection or release of the second upper sealing base 209 and the second lower sealing base 306 can be achieved by rotating the second magnetic switch 208. It has the advantages of being simple and easy to operate.

[0038] This invention uses snap-fit ​​and magnetic devices to securely connect fiber optic connector assemblies, making operation simple and convenient. A sealing ring prevents dust accumulation, and an internal desiccant effectively removes moisture contamination. An observation window on the flange allows for easy assessment of the desiccant's moisture level. This invention effectively prevents dust and moisture contamination of the fiber optic end face, while also offering ease of operation, resulting in good economic benefits and significant potential for widespread adoption.

[0039] Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fiber optic connector with anti-pollution function, characterized in that, It includes a flange assembly and a pair of optical fiber assemblies installed at both ends of the flange assembly. The pair of optical fiber assemblies are respectively connected to external optical fibers, so that the two external optical fibers contact each other inside the flange assembly to achieve optical fiber connection. The optical fiber assembly has a double-shell structure. The inner shell is inserted into the positioning slot of the flange assembly to achieve connection. The lower sealing base fixed on the double-shell structure and the upper sealing base on both sides of the flange assembly are made of soft magnetic material. The two are magnetically attracted by a magnetic attraction assembly. The magnetic attraction assembly is equipped with an external switch for controlling the disappearance and restoration of the magnetic force. The optical fiber assembly includes an optical fiber outer shell, an optical fiber inner shell, an inner shell positioning block, an optical fiber ferrule, a snap fastener, and a lower sealing base. The optical fiber outer shell is fitted over the optical fiber inner shell, and the two are arranged coaxially. One end of the optical fiber outer shell is connected to the same side end of the optical fiber inner shell, and the other end of the optical fiber inner shell extends out of the optical fiber outer shell. An inner shell positioning block is provided on the outer wall near the other end of the optical fiber inner shell, and a snap fastener is provided on the edge of the outer wall. The optical fiber ferrule passes through the optical fiber inner shell. The lower sealing base is threadedly connected to the optical fiber outer shell and fitted over the optical fiber inner shell.

2. The fiber optic connector with anti-pollution function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the fiber optic ferrule is greater than the length of the fiber optic inner shell, and the fiber optic ferrules in a pair of fiber optic assemblies are mated inside the flange assembly.

3. The fiber optic connector with anti-pollution function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fiber optic outer shell, fiber optic inner shell, inner shell positioning block, fiber optic ferrule, and buckle are an integrated structure.

4. The fiber optic connector with anti-pollution function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flange assembly includes a flange barrel, upper sealing bases located on both sides of the flange barrel, and a magnetic suction assembly that independently controls the two upper sealing bases; the flange barrel and the upper sealing bases on both sides are an integral structure.

5. The fiber optic connector with anti-pollution function according to claim 4, characterized in that, The magnetic attraction assembly includes a movable cavity, a permanent magnet, an encapsulation shell, a magnetic conductive material, and a magnetic shielding material. The encapsulation shell is fixed to the flange barrel and tightly attached to the sealing base. The encapsulation shell has a movable cavity with a circular cross-section inside. The inner wall of the movable cavity is provided with a pair of semi-circular magnetic conductive materials, which are separated by the magnetic shielding material. The permanent magnet is embedded in the movable cavity. The permanent magnet is attached to the inner wall of the semi-circular magnetic conductive materials and can rotate under the control of an external magnetic attraction switch. When the two magnetic poles of the permanent magnet are in contact with the same magnetic conductive material at the same time, it does not exhibit magnetism externally. When the two magnetic poles of the permanent magnet are in contact with different magnetic conductive materials respectively, it exhibits magnetism externally.

6. The fiber optic connector with anti-pollution function according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flange barrel is provided with a coupling cavity and a desiccant placement slot communicating with the coupling cavity. The desiccant placement slot contains desiccant, and the side wall of the flange barrel is provided with a transparent observation window; the fiber optic pins of a pair of fiber optic assemblies are connected in the coupling cavity of the flange barrel.

7. The fiber optic connector with anti-pollution function according to claim 4, characterized in that, The upper sealing base on both sides of the flange barrel is provided with annular positioning slots coaxial with the flange barrel. The annular positioning slots penetrate through the sealing base and extend into the interior of the flange barrel wall. One end of the positioning spring is fixed to the end of the annular positioning slot, and the other end of the positioning spring is a free end.

8. The fiber optic connector with anti-pollution function according to claim 4, characterized in that, The upper sealing base on both sides of the flange barrel is provided with a gasket groove, and a sealing rubber ring is provided in the gasket groove. After the lower sealing base and the upper sealing base are attracted together, the sealing rubber ring is pressed tightly to achieve the sealing effect.

9. The fiber optic connector with anti-pollution function according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fiber optic inner shell is sized to match the annular positioning slot. During installation, the fiber optic inner shell is inserted into the annular positioning slot and the positioning spring is compressed. The fiber optic inner shell is positioned by the snap fasteners on the outer edge of its outer wall.

10. The fiber optic connector with anti-pollution function according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inner wall of the annular positioning slot is provided with a groove. The relative position of the groove and the buckle is confirmed by the inner shell positioning block. When the fiber optic assembly is rotated so that the buckle coincides with the groove, the buckle is released and the fiber optic inner shell pops out under the action of the positioning spring.

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