Deepwater-resistant optical fiber connector of general FC optical fiber patch cord and manufacturing method of deepwater-resistant optical fiber connector

Abstract

The invention discloses an optical connector technology, and aims to provide a deepwater-resistant optical fiber connector of a general FC (Fiber Channel) optical fiber patch cord and a manufacturing method of the deepwater-resistant optical fiber connector. The key points of the technical scheme are that the connector comprises a socket shell which is used for being in butt joint with a standard FC connector and has a customizable replacement function, an optical transmission assembly which is coaxially inserted in the socket shell and is used for transmitting signals, and a pressing sleeve which is used for fixing the optical transmission assembly in the socket shell; a sealing structure is arranged between the optical transmission assembly and the socket shell; by optimizing a sealing structure and structural arrangement, the interchange universality, durability and stability of the connector in a complex underwater environment are remarkably improved. Through the technical progress, the connector has wide application potential in the fields of ocean exploration, deepwater oil-gas exploration, underwater sensor networks and the like, strict requirements on optical fiber communication under extreme conditions can be met, and a solid guarantee is provided for technical development of related industries; the optical connector is suitable for the technical field of optical connectors.

Description

Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an optical connector technology, and more specifically, to a deep-water-resistant optical fiber connector for a universal FC optical fiber jumper and a manufacturing method thereof. Background Art

[0005] Normally, underwater optical connections require the use of dedicated watertight connectors, which are stable in structure but generally expensive and must be used in sets; finished optical cables must be used for the plugs, and if the optical fiber needs to be replaced, the optical cable and plug must be re-produced, which is time-consuming and material-intensive. Some applications do not require a stable structure but require frequent optical fiber replacement, such as short-term underwater testing of equipment or testing the transmission of optical path signals in a pressure chamber. Sealed optical connectors that are easy to use, compact, and easy to replace are more suitable. Summary of the invention

[0007] In view of the fact that the current sealed optical fiber connectors have complex structures, poor interchangeability, can only be matched with special plugs and sockets, are large in size, and are inconvenient when used in short-term applications and the plug may need to be replaced each time it is used, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a watertight optical fiber socket that can be universally plugged in and out of conventional FC / PC standard optical fiber connectors on the market and can be used for optical fiber transmission that requires a sealed environment for a short period of time.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a deep-water resistant optical fiber connector for a universal FC optical fiber jumper, comprising a socket shell for docking with a standard FC connector and having a customizable replacement function, an optical transmission component coaxially inserted in the socket shell and used for transmitting signals, and a compression sleeve for fixing the optical transmission component in the socket shell; a sealing structure is arranged between the optical transmission component and the socket shell.

[0009] The present invention is further configured such that: the front end of the socket housing adopts a standard FC connector design to ensure interchangeable connection with a conventional FC connector on the market.

[0010] The present invention is further configured as follows: the optical transmission component is integrated with the metal part through a special optical fiber curing technology to form a sealing structure;

[0011] The optical transmission component includes a docking shell adapted to the assembly surface inside the socket shell, a transmission pin arranged in the docking shell, and a docking C-type tube arranged in the docking shell and having one end passing through the docking shell for docking with a standard FC connector pin and the other end docking with the transmission pin.

[0012] The present invention is further configured as follows: the sealing structure comprises a plurality of sealing grooves which are spaced apart on the docking housing and located at the transmission pins, and a sealing ring arranged in the sealing grooves.

[0013] The present invention is further configured such that: the socket housing can be customized and replaced according to different usage conditions, including but not limited to threaded installation and flange screw installation, so as to adapt to various environments and application requirements.

[0014] The present invention is further configured such that: the connection between the socket housing and the compression sleeve is a threaded connection, which can effectively respond to water flow impact and maintain stable signal output performance.

[0015] The present invention is further configured as follows: the special optical fiber curing technology includes combining the optical fiber and the metal component by heat curing or ultraviolet curing, thereby ensuring the sealing effect and mechanical strength.

[0016] A method for manufacturing a deep-water resistant optical fiber connector for a universal FC optical fiber jumper, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0017] S1. Material preparation: prepare the socket housing, optical transmission components, compression sleeve, and sealing ring to ensure that they meet the requirements of deep water resistance and sealing performance;

[0018] S2. Optical transmission component manufacturing: Use optical fiber curing technology to combine optical fiber and metal parts and open sealing grooves on the docking shell of the optical transmission component to form an integrated optical transmission component to ensure that it has good sealing performance; then conduct preliminary tests on the optical transmission component to check its optical transmission loss;

[0019] S3. Socket shell processing: The front end of the socket shell is processed into a shape that can be connected to a standard FC connector. At the same time, the design of the socket shell takes into account the principles of fluid dynamics to reduce the impact of water flow impact on connector performance;

[0020] S4. Assembly: Install the sealing ring in the sealing groove to ensure its watertightness, then place the optical transmission component in the socket housing, and fix the optical transmission component through the compression sleeve so that the sealing structure is located between the optical transmission component and the socket housing. After assembly, check its appearance and function to ensure that all components are firmly connected;

[0021] S5, Performance test: First, conduct a water tightness test to simulate a water pressure environment of ≥6000m water depth to check for water leakage; second, test the insertion loss A to ensure that A≤0.6dB (850nm-1550nm); finally, test the operating temperature range to ensure stable operation under the conditions of -30℃ to +80℃;

[0022] S6. Inspection and packaging: Finally, conduct a comprehensive inspection on the product to ensure that it meets the design indicators, and then package the qualified products and mark the relevant technical parameters and instructions for use.

[0023] The present invention is further configured as follows: in S5, the calculation formula of the insertion loss A is:

[0024]

[0025] Among them, P1 is the input optical power and P2 is the output optical power.

[0026] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0027] 1. Compared with the prior art, the deep-water resistant optical fiber connector of the universal FC optical fiber jumper of the present invention has excellent watertight performance. By adopting a high-quality sealing structure and a special optical transmission component design on the optical transmission component, it can operate stably in a deep water environment. This feature not only ensures the reliability of the optical fiber connection, but also effectively prevents the attenuation or loss of the optical signal caused by water intrusion. Traditional optical fiber connectors often face water leakage problems when used underwater, which greatly affects the overall performance and service life of the system. The present invention significantly improves the durability and stability of the connector in a complex underwater environment by optimizing the sealing structure and structural settings. This technological advancement makes the connector have a wide range of application potential in the fields of ocean detection, deep-water oil and gas exploration, and underwater sensor networks, and can meet the strict requirements for optical fiber communications under extreme conditions, providing a solid guarantee for the technological development of related industries.

[0028] 2. The deep-water resistant optical fiber connector of the universal FC optical fiber jumper of the present invention is designed as a modular structure, which makes the replacement and maintenance of optical transmission components easier. When a traditional optical fiber connector fails, it often requires professionals to perform complex disassembly, re-production and assembly, which is not only time-consuming but also increases maintenance costs. However, through the modular design of the present invention, users can quickly and more conveniently replace optical transmission components, greatly shortening the system downtime. This convenient maintenance method is particularly important for underwater equipment that requires frequent inspection and maintenance, and can effectively improve the work efficiency of the equipment. In addition, the modular design also reduces the professional skill requirements for maintenance, and ordinary operators can master it after simple training, thereby reducing human resource costs and improving the flexibility and adaptability of daily operations. Therefore, the present invention provides users with an economical and efficient solution and promotes the popularization of optical fiber connection technology in underwater applications.

[0029] 3. The present invention has excellent technical performance and adaptability, and is suitable for a variety of application scenarios. Its design fully considers the particularity of the underwater environment, such as high pressure, low temperature and corrosion, etc., to ensure stability under extreme conditions. This connector can not only be used for underwater optical cable laying and deep-sea exploration, but can also be widely used in marine engineering, deep-water drilling, seabed monitoring and scientific research. With the increasing global demand for the development and protection of marine resources, the market demand for high-reliability optical fiber connectors is also increasing. The present invention is expected to become an important part of the field of underwater optical communications with its excellent performance and easy maintenance advantages, and promote the development and innovation of related technologies. In addition, the connector of the present invention can also be customized according to the needs of different customers, further broadening the scope of market application and attracting more attention and investment from more industries.

[0030] 4. The present invention has excellent performance in terms of optical signal transmission quality. By adopting advanced optical fiber curing technology, it ensures low insertion loss of optical transmission components, making signal transmission more efficient and stable. In optical fiber communication systems, insertion loss is an important factor affecting overall performance. Traditional connectors often have high insertion loss due to design or material problems, thereby affecting signal quality and transmission distance. The present invention has conducted in-depth research and improvements on this issue, ensuring that low-loss optical signal transmission can be maintained in harsh underwater environments. This advantage not only improves the overall performance of the system, but also provides users with higher service quality and meets the demand for high-reliability communications. In addition, good optical signal transmission quality will help improve the efficiency of data transmission, especially in application scenarios that require real-time transmission of large amounts of data. This feature is particularly important. Therefore, the optical fiber connector of the present invention has significant market competitive advantages in improving the quality of optical signal transmission. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the deep-water resistant optical fiber connector of the universal FC optical fiber jumper of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 1 Figure numerals: 1. socket shell; 2. optical transmission component; 3. compression sleeve; 4. docking shell; 5. transmission pin; 6. docking C-type tube; 7. sealing groove; 8. sealing ring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Reference Figure 1 The deep-water resistant optical fiber connector of the universal FC optical fiber jumper of the present invention and the manufacturing method thereof are further described.

[0036] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and the like are used in the embodiments to illustrate the relationship of one element or feature shown in the figure relative to another element or feature. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, the spatial terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, the element described as being "under" other elements or features will be positioned "on" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "under" can include both upper and lower orientations. The device can be positioned in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used here can be interpreted accordingly.

[0037] Furthermore, relational terms such as “first” and “second” and the like are merely used to distinguish one component from another having the same name, but do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these components.

[0038] Figure 1 A universal FC fiber optic patch cord deep-water-resistant fiber optic connector shown in the figure comprises a socket housing 1 for docking with a standard FC connector and having a customizable replacement function, an optical transmission component 2 coaxially inserted in the socket housing 1 and used for transmitting signals, and a compression sleeve 3 for fixing the optical transmission component 2 in the socket housing 1; a sealing structure is provided between the optical transmission component 2 and the socket housing 1;

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the deep-water resistant optical fiber connector of the universal FC optical fiber jumper of the present invention has excellent watertight performance. By adopting a high-quality sealing structure and a special optical transmission component 2 design on the optical transmission component 2, it can operate stably in a deep water environment. This feature not only ensures the reliability of the optical fiber connection, but also effectively prevents the attenuation or loss of the optical signal caused by water intrusion. Traditional optical fiber connectors often face water leakage problems when used underwater, which greatly affects the overall performance and service life of the system. The present invention significantly improves the durability and stability of the connector in a complex underwater environment by optimizing the sealing structure and structural settings. This technological advancement makes the connector have a wide range of application potential in the fields of ocean detection, deep-water oil and gas exploration, and underwater sensor networks, and can meet the strict requirements for optical fiber communications under extreme conditions, providing a solid guarantee for the technological development of related industries.

[0040] The front end of the socket housing 1 adopts a standard FC connector design to ensure interchangeable connection with conventional FC connectors on the market; even if the optical fiber to be docked needs to be replaced or the original optical fiber is damaged, a new docking optical fiber can be quickly completed, reducing material costs; the deep-water resistant optical fiber connector of the universal FC optical fiber jumper of the present invention is designed as a modular structure, which makes the replacement and maintenance of the optical transmission component 2 easier. When a traditional optical fiber connector fails, it often requires professionals to perform complex disassembly, re-production and assembly, which is not only time-consuming but also increases maintenance costs. However, through the modular design of the present invention, users can quickly and more conveniently replace the optical transmission component 2, greatly shortening the system downtime. This convenient maintenance method is particularly important for underwater equipment that requires frequent inspection and maintenance, and can effectively improve the work efficiency of the equipment. In addition, the modular design also reduces the professional skills required for maintenance, and ordinary operators can master it after simple training, thereby reducing human resource costs and improving the flexibility and adaptability of daily operations. Therefore, the present invention provides users with an economical and efficient solution and promotes the popularization of optical fiber connection technology in underwater applications.

[0041] The optical transmission component 2 is integrated with metal parts through a special optical fiber curing technology to form a sealed structure; the optical transmission component 2 includes a docking shell 4 adapted to the assembly surface inside the socket housing 1, a transmission pin 5 arranged inside the docking shell 4, and a docking C-type tube 6 arranged inside the docking shell 4 and having one end penetrating through the docking shell 4 for docking with a standard FC connector pin and the other end docking with the transmission pin 5;

[0042] In current applications, more and more underwater optical transmission requires direct use of optical fiber instead of optical cable, such as optical fiber coils or optical fiber for sensing. The watertight connector of this invention can meet such needs, and only the optical fiber needs to be replaced when the use requirements are changed, which greatly improves flexibility.

[0043] The sealing structure comprises a plurality of sealing grooves 7 which are arranged at intervals on the docking housing 4 and located at the transmission pin 5, and a sealing ring 8 which is arranged in the sealing groove 7;

[0044] Since the transmission and sealing modules are located inside the socket housing 1 and do not involve the component installation structure, it is relatively simple to modify the socket housing 1 if necessary, thereby improving versatility;

[0045] The socket housing 1 can be customized and replaced according to different usage conditions, including but not limited to threaded installation and flange screw installation, so as to adapt to various environments and application requirements.

[0046] The socket housing 1 and the compression sleeve 3 are connected in a threaded manner, which can effectively respond to water flow impact and maintain stable signal output performance.

[0047] The special optical fiber curing technology includes combining the optical fiber and the metal component by means of heat curing or ultraviolet curing, thereby ensuring the sealing effect and mechanical strength;

[0048] The present invention performs well in terms of the quality of optical signal transmission. By adopting advanced optical fiber curing technology, low insertion loss of the optical transmission component 2 is ensured, making signal transmission more efficient and stable. In the optical fiber communication system, insertion loss is an important factor affecting the overall performance. Traditional connectors often have high insertion loss due to design or material problems, thereby affecting the signal quality and transmission distance. The present invention has conducted in-depth research and improvements on this issue, ensuring that low-loss optical signal transmission can be maintained in harsh underwater environments. This advantage not only improves the overall performance of the system, but also provides users with higher service quality and meets the demand for high-reliability communications. In addition, good optical signal transmission quality will help improve the efficiency of data transmission, especially in application scenarios that require real-time transmission of large amounts of data. This feature is particularly important. Therefore, the optical fiber connector of the present invention has significant market competitive advantages in improving the quality of optical signal transmission.

[0049] The present invention has excellent technical performance and adaptability, and is suitable for a variety of application scenarios. Its design fully considers the particularity of the underwater environment, such as high pressure, low temperature and corrosion, etc., to ensure stability under extreme conditions. This connector can not only be used for underwater optical cable laying and deep-sea exploration, but can also be widely used in marine engineering, deep-water drilling, seabed monitoring and scientific research. With the increasing global demand for the development and protection of marine resources, the market demand for high-reliability optical fiber connectors is also increasing. The present invention is expected to become an important part of the field of underwater optical communications with its excellent performance and easy maintenance advantages, and promote the development and innovation of related technologies. In addition, the connector of the present invention can also be customized according to the needs of different customers, further broadening the scope of market application and attracting more attention and investment from more industries.

[0050] A method for manufacturing a deep-water resistant optical fiber connector for a universal FC optical fiber jumper, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0051] S1. Material preparation: prepare the socket housing 1, optical transmission component 2, compression sleeve 3, and sealing ring 8 to ensure that they meet the requirements of deep water resistance and sealing performance;

[0052] S2. Manufacturing of optical transmission component 2: using optical fiber curing technology to combine optical fiber with metal parts and opening sealing groove 7 on the docking shell 4 of optical transmission component 2 to form an integrated optical transmission component 2, ensuring that it has good sealing performance; then conducting preliminary testing on optical transmission component 2 to check its optical transmission loss;

[0053] S3. Processing of the socket housing 1: Process the front end of the socket housing 1 into a shape that can be connected to a standard FC connector. At the same time, the design of the socket housing 1 takes into account the principles of fluid dynamics to reduce the impact of water flow impact on connector performance;

[0054] S4, assembly: install the sealing ring 8 in the sealing groove 7 to ensure its watertightness, then place the optical transmission component 2 in the socket housing 1, and fix the optical transmission component 2 through the compression sleeve 3, so that the sealing structure is located between the optical transmission component 2 and the socket housing 1. After assembly, check its appearance and function to ensure that all components are firmly connected;

[0055] S5, Performance test: First, conduct a water tightness test to simulate a water pressure environment of ≥6000m water depth to check for water leakage; second, test the insertion loss A to ensure that A≤0.6dB (850nm-1550nm); finally, test the operating temperature range to ensure stable operation under the conditions of -30℃ to +80℃;

[0056] S6, Inspection and Packaging: Finally, conduct a comprehensive inspection on the product to ensure that it meets the design indicators, and then package the qualified products and mark the relevant technical parameters and instructions for use;

[0057] In S5, the calculation formula of insertion loss A is:

[0058]

[0059] Among them, P1 is the input optical power and P2 is the output optical power.

[0060] After assembly, it can withstand 60Mpa water pressure and complete signal transmission.

[0061] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Common changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A deepwater resistant optical fiber connector for a universal FC optical fiber patch cord, characterized in that: The invention comprises a socket shell (1) for docking with a standard FC connector and having a customizable replacement function, an optical transmission component (2) coaxially inserted in the socket shell (1) and used for transmitting signals, and a compression sleeve (3) for fixing the optical transmission component (2) in the socket shell (1); a sealing structure is provided between the optical transmission component (2) and the socket shell (1).

2. A deep-water resistant optical fiber connector for a universal FC optical fiber jumper according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the socket housing (1) adopts a standard FC connector design to ensure interchangeable connection with conventional FC connectors on the market.

3. The deep-water resistant optical fiber connector for a universal FC optical fiber jumper according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical transmission component (2) is integrated with the metal parts through a special optical fiber curing technology to form a sealed structure; The optical transmission component (2) comprises a docking shell (4) adapted to the assembly surface inside the socket housing (1), a transmission pin (5) arranged inside the docking shell (4), and a docking C-type tube (6) arranged inside the docking shell (4) and having one end penetrating the docking shell (4) for docking with a standard FC connector pin and the other end docking with the transmission pin (5).

4. A deep-water resistant optical fiber connector for a universal FC optical fiber jumper according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The sealing structure comprises a plurality of sealing grooves (7) which are arranged at intervals on the docking housing (4) and located at the transmission pin (5), and a sealing ring (8) arranged in the sealing grooves (7).

5. The deep-water resistant optical fiber connector for a universal FC optical fiber jumper according to claim 1, characterized in that: The socket housing (1) can be customized and replaced according to different usage conditions, including but not limited to threaded installation and flange screw installation, so as to adapt to various environments and application requirements.

6. The deep-water resistant optical fiber connector for a universal FC optical fiber jumper according to claim 1, characterized in that: The socket housing (1) and the compression sleeve (3) are connected in a threaded manner, which can effectively respond to water flow impact and maintain stable signal output performance.

7. The deep-water resistant optical fiber connector for a universal FC optical fiber jumper according to claim 3, characterized in that: The special fiber curing technology involves bonding the optical fiber to the metal component by heat curing or UV curing to ensure sealing and mechanical strength.

8. A method for manufacturing a deep-water resistant optical fiber connector suitable for the universal FC optical fiber jumper according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1. Material preparation: prepare the socket housing (1), the optical transmission component (2), the compression sleeve (3), and the sealing ring (8), and ensure that they meet the requirements of deep water resistance and sealing performance; S2. Manufacturing of optical transmission component (2): using optical fiber curing technology to combine optical fiber with metal parts and opening a sealing groove (7) on the docking shell (4) of the optical transmission component (2) to form an integrated optical transmission component (2) to ensure that it has good sealing performance; then, performing a preliminary test on the optical transmission component (2) to check its optical transmission loss; S3. Processing of the socket housing (1): The front end of the socket housing (1) is processed into a shape that can be connected to a standard FC connector. At the same time, the design of the socket housing (1) takes into account the principles of fluid dynamics to reduce the impact of water flow impact on connector performance; S4, assembly: install the sealing ring (8) in the sealing groove (7) to ensure its watertightness, then place the optical transmission component (2) in the socket housing (1), and fix the optical transmission component (2) through the compression sleeve (3) so that the sealing structure is located between the optical transmission component (2) and the socket housing (1). After assembly, check its appearance and function to ensure that all components are firmly connected; S5, Performance test: First, conduct a water tightness test to simulate a water pressure environment of ≥6000m water depth to check for water leakage; second, test the insertion loss A to ensure that A≤0.6dB (850nm-1550nm); finally, test the operating temperature range to ensure stable operation under the conditions of -30℃ to +80℃; S6. Inspection and packaging: Finally, conduct a comprehensive inspection on the product to ensure that it meets the design specifications, and then package the qualified products and mark the relevant technical parameters and instructions for use.

9. The method for manufacturing a deep-water resistant optical fiber connector for a universal FC optical fiber jumper according to claim 8, characterized in that: In S5, the calculation formula of insertion loss A is: Among them, P1 is the input optical power and P2 is the output optical power.

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