A sealing structure of a fiber connector and a fiber connector

Abstract

The fiber optic connector sealing structure and fiber optic connector of this invention adopt a circumferentially discontinuous claw structure. During installation, the clip is inserted by aligning it with the notch and rotating it at a certain angle, and the clip can then lock onto the edge of the annular partition in the second annular groove, achieving axial locking. Traditional threaded connections are prone to loosening under vibration, leading to seal failure, and require a large axial clamping force, which can easily cause over-compression or even damage to the rubber seal. In this application, the ring body of the fixing ring presses against the outer wall of the front step of the wave-shaped sealing bladder, making the wave-shaped sealing bladder and the inner wall of the ring body fit tightly; at the same time, the front step is embedded in the first annular groove, forming an embedded sealing fit. Through the combination of rotational locking and interference clamping, after the clip locks onto the edge of the annular partition, it forms a self-locking mechanism in the axial direction, and will not loosen even under vibration. In addition, the inner wall of the fixing ring is smooth, and the interference fit evenly presses against the surface of the rubber part, resulting in uniform stress distribution and preventing local overpressure or damage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fiber optic connector technology, and more particularly to a sealing structure for a fiber optic connector and a fiber optic connector. Background Technology

[0002] The description in this section provides only background information related to the disclosure of this invention and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] Underwater fiber optic connectors are widely used in deep-sea operations such as seabed observation networks, underwater robots, and offshore oil exploration to enable detachable connections between underwater fiber optic devices. Due to the high pressure, high humidity, strong corrosion, and susceptibility to water flow impacts in the underwater environment, high requirements are placed on the sealing performance of fiber optic connectors.

[0004] Existing underwater fiber optic connectors typically use threaded locking to fix the seal to the base. However, in practical applications, threaded locking structures have the following drawbacks: threaded connections are prone to loosening or even detachment under long-term vibration, leading to seal failure; tightening the threads requires a large axial clamping force, and the torque is difficult to control precisely, easily causing excessive compression of the rubber seal, resulting in deformation or damage; furthermore, threaded structures are time-consuming to assemble and disassemble, and damage to the thread teeth can affect reusability. Therefore, how to provide a sealing structure for underwater fiber optic connectors that is vibration-resistant, leak-proof, reliable in sealing, easy to assemble and disassemble, and friendly to the sealing components is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art.

[0005] It should be noted that the above description of the technical background is only for the purpose of providing a clear and complete explanation of the technical solutions of the present invention and facilitating understanding by those skilled in the art. It should not be assumed that these technical solutions are known to those skilled in the art simply because they have been described in the background section of this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sealing structure for an optical fiber connector and an optical fiber connector.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a sealing structure for an optical fiber connector, comprising: a waveform sealing bladder capable of extending and retracting along the axial direction of the optical fiber connector; a base including a sealing cover, the outer side wall of which is sealingly connected to the front end of the waveform sealing bladder; a sleeve located at the rear side of the base, the outer side wall of which is sealingly connected to the rear end of the waveform sealing bladder; the front end of the waveform sealing bladder protruding radially inward to form an annular front step; the side wall of the sealing cover being circumferentially provided with a first annular groove and a second annular groove located in front of the first annular groove; the first annular groove and the second annular groove being separated by an annular partition; the upper edge of the annular partition... The structure has multiple notches. The front step of the wave-shaped sealing bladder is embedded in the first annular groove. The sealing structure also includes a fixing ring, which is fixed at the connection between the wave-shaped sealing bladder and the base. The fixing ring includes a ring body and multiple buckles spaced apart at the front end of the ring body. The buckles are adapted to the notches. The ring body presses against the front step, pressing the front step into the first annular groove. The front ends of the buckles pass through the notches and are engaged in the second annular groove. The fixing ring can rotate relative to the base, so that the front ends of the buckles are engaged with the second annular groove in the axial direction to restrict the axial movement of the fixing ring.

[0008] Preferably, the buckle includes an elastic arm extending forward along the ring body, and the front end of the elastic arm protrudes radially inward to form a locking protrusion. When the fixing ring is installed in place, the locking protrusion engages with the second ring groove.

[0009] Preferably, the depth of the first annular groove is greater than that of the second annular groove, and the first annular groove and the second annular groove are axially connected to each other to form a stepped groove. The annular partition is disposed at the bottom of the second annular groove. When the front step is inserted into the first annular groove, the ring body of the fixing ring presses against the outer wall of the front step, so that the outer wall of the ring body is flush with the bottom of the second annular groove.

[0010] Preferably, the front end of the sealing cap has a guide cone surface, the inner diameter of which gradually increases from back to front, and the front edge of the sealing cap is provided with multiple serrated petals along the circumferential direction. When the fiber optic connector and the mating connector are mated, the guide cone surface is used to guide the mating connector to be inserted, and the serrated petals are used to restrict the relative rotation of the sealing cap.

[0011] Preferably, the rear end of the waveform sealing bladder protrudes radially inward to form a rear end step, and a boss is provided circumferentially on the side wall of the sleeve. The rear end step is fastened to the rear end of the boss. The sealing structure also includes an annular fixing seat, which is sleeved on the outside of the rear end step to press the rear end of the waveform sealing bladder and the sleeve together.

[0012] Preferably, the base further includes a first sleeve located behind the sealing cover and a second sleeve located in front of the sealing cover. The first sleeve and the second sleeve are interconnected and coaxially arranged. The first sleeve, the second sleeve, and the sleeve together form an axially penetrating installation channel through the sealing structure. The first sleeve is located inside the wave-shaped sealing bladder.

[0013] This application also provides an optical fiber connector, including the sealing structure, the optical fiber connector further including a housing, the sealing structure being disposed within the housing, the fixing base being fixedly installed within the housing and sealing the inner wall of the housing, and the base being movable back and forth within the housing.

[0014] Preferably, the fiber optic connector further includes a support base and a fiber optic module mounting base installed within the support base. The rear end of the support base is fixedly installed within the housing, and the side wall of the rear end of the support base is sealed to the inner wall of the housing. The front end of the support base is sealed to the inner wall of the second sleeve. When the base moves backward, the front end of the support base can extend out from the front end of the second sleeve. A return spring is also fitted on the support base. The rear end of the return spring abuts against the support base, the return spring passes through the sleeve, and the front end of the return spring abuts against the rear side of the first sleeve. When the base moves backward, the return spring applies a forward restoring force to the base.

[0015] By employing the above technical solutions, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The fiber optic connector sealing structure and fiber optic connector of this invention adopt a circumferentially discontinuous claw structure. During installation, the clip is inserted by aligning it with the notch and rotating it at a certain angle, and the clip can then lock onto the edge of the annular partition in the second annular groove, achieving axial locking. Traditional threaded connections are prone to loosening under vibration, leading to seal failure, and require a large axial clamping force, which can easily cause over-compression or even damage to the rubber seal. In this application, the ring body of the fixing ring presses against the outer wall of the front step of the wave-shaped sealing bladder, making the wave-shaped sealing bladder and the inner wall of the ring body fit tightly; at the same time, the front step is embedded in the first annular groove, forming an embedded sealing fit. Through the combination of rotational locking and interference clamping, after the clip locks onto the edge of the annular partition, it forms a self-locking mechanism in the axial direction, and will not loosen even under vibration. In addition, the inner wall of the fixing ring is smooth, and the interference fit evenly presses against the surface of the rubber part, resulting in uniform stress distribution and preventing local overpressure or damage. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the fiber optic connector of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure of this application.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure of this application.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing structure of this application.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure of this application.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure of this application.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the base of this application.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing ring in this application.

[0024] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of part A in the middle.

[0025] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of part B in the middle section.

[0026] Figure 11 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part C in the middle.

[0027] Figure 12 yes Figure 5A magnified view of part D in the middle.

[0028] Figure 13 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of part E in the middle.

[0029] Figure 14 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of part F in the middle.

[0030] The components are as follows: 100, outer shell; 200, support base; 300, fiber optic module mounting base; 400, reset spring; 1, wave-shaped sealing bag; 2, base; 3, fixing ring; 4, fixing base; 5, sleeve; 11, front step; 12, rear step; 21, guide cone surface; 22, serrated petals; 23, first annular groove; 24, annular partition; 25, second annular groove; 241, notch; 26, first sleeve; 27, second sleeve; 28, sealing cover; 31, ring body; 32, elastic arm; 33, locking protrusion; 34, buckle; 51, boss. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. 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.

[0032] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for descriptive purposes and to distinguish similar objects; there is no order between them, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0033] like Figure 2-7As shown, a sealing structure for an optical fiber connector provided by the present invention includes a waveform sealing bladder 1, a base 2, and a sleeve 5. The waveform sealing bladder 1 is axially expandable and contractible along the optical fiber connector. The base 2 includes a sealing cover 28, the outer side wall of which is sealed to the front end of the waveform sealing bladder 1. The sleeve 5 is located at the rear of the base 2, the outer side wall of which is sealed to the rear end of the waveform sealing bladder 1. The front end of the waveform sealing bladder 1 protrudes radially inward, forming an annular front step 11. The side wall of the sealing cover 28 is circumferentially provided with a first annular groove 23 and a second annular groove 25 located in front of the first annular groove 23. The first annular groove 23 and the second annular groove 25 are separated by an annular partition 24. The annular partition 24 is circumferentially provided with multiple notches 241. The front step 11 of the waveform sealing bladder 1 is embedded in the first annular groove 23. The sealing structure also includes a fixing ring 3. The fixing ring 3 is fixed at the connection between the wave-shaped sealing bag 1 and the base 2. The fixing ring 3 includes a ring body 31 and a plurality of buckles 34 spaced apart at the front end of the ring body 31. The buckles 34 are adapted to the notch 241. The ring body 31 presses against the front end step 11, pressing the front end step 11 into the first annular groove 23. The front end of the buckle 34 passes through the notch 241 and is engaged in the second annular groove 25. The fixing ring 3 can rotate relative to the base 2, so that the front end of the buckle 34 is engaged with the second annular groove 25 in the axial direction to restrict the axial movement of the fixing ring 3.

[0034] like Figure 8-14 As shown, the buckle 34 includes an elastic arm 32 extending forward along the ring body 31. The front end of the elastic arm 32 protrudes radially inward to form a locking protrusion 33. When the fixing ring 3 is installed in place, the locking protrusion 33 engages with the second ring groove 25 (e.g., Figure 9 , 11 As shown). Figure 13 As shown, the depth of the first annular groove 23 is greater than that of the second annular groove 25. The first annular groove 23 and the second annular groove 25 are interconnected in the axial direction to form a stepped groove. The annular partition 24 is set at the bottom of the second annular groove 25. When the front step 11 is inserted into the first annular groove 23, the ring body 31 of the fixing ring 3 presses against the outer wall of the front step 11, so that the outer wall of the ring body 31 is flush with the bottom of the second annular groove 25.

[0035] like Figure 5 and 6As shown, the front end of the sealing cover 28 has a guide cone surface 21, the inner diameter of the guide cone surface 21 gradually increases from back to front, and the front edge of the sealing cover 28 is provided with a plurality of serrated petals 22 along the circumferential direction. When the fiber optic connector is mated with the mating connector, the guide cone surface 21 is used to guide the mating connector to be inserted, and the serrated petals 22 are used to restrict the relative rotation of the sealing cover 28.

[0036] like Figure 10 As shown, the rear end of the waveform sealing bag 1 protrudes radially inward to form a rear end step 12. A boss 51 is provided circumferentially on the side wall of the sleeve 5. The rear end step 12 is fastened to the rear end of the boss 51. The sealing structure also includes an annular fixing seat 4. The fixing seat 4 is sleeved on the outside of the rear end step 12 to press the rear end of the waveform sealing bag 1 and the sleeve 5 together.

[0037] like Figure 7 As shown, the base 2 also includes a first sleeve 26 located behind the sealing cover 28 and a second sleeve 27 located in front of the sealing cover 28. The first sleeve 26 and the second sleeve 27 are interconnected and coaxially arranged. The first sleeve 26, the second sleeve 27 and the sleeve 5 together form an axially penetrating installation channel through the sealing structure. The first sleeve 26 is located inside the wave-shaped sealing bag 1.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, this application also provides an optical fiber connector, including the sealing structure, the optical fiber connector further including a housing, the sealing structure being disposed inside the housing, the fixing base 4 being fixedly installed inside the housing and the fixing base 4 being sealed to the inner wall of the housing, and the base 2 being able to move back and forth inside the housing. The fiber optic connector further includes a support base 200 and a fiber optic module mounting base 300 installed within the support base 200. The rear end of the support base 200 is fixedly installed within the housing, and the side wall of the rear end of the support base 200 is sealed to the inner wall of the housing. The front end of the support base 200 is sealed to the inner wall of the second sleeve 27. When the base 2 moves backward, the front end of the support base 200 can extend out from the front end of the second sleeve 27. A return spring 400 is also fitted on the support base 200. The rear end of the return spring 400 abuts against the support base 200, the return spring 400 passes through the sleeve 5, and the front end of the return spring 400 abuts against the rear side of the first sleeve 26. When the base 2 moves backward, the return spring 400 applies a forward restoring force to the base 2.

[0039] The fiber optic connector sealing structure of this invention adopts a circumferentially discontinuous claw structure. During installation, the buckle 34 is inserted by aligning it with the notch 241 and rotating it at a certain angle. The buckle 34 then locks onto the edge of the annular partition 24 within the second annular groove 25, achieving axial locking. Traditional threaded connections are prone to loosening under vibration, leading to seal failure, and require a large axial clamping force, which can easily cause over-compression or even damage to the rubber seal. In this application, the ring body 31 of the fixing ring 3 presses against the outer wall of the front step 11 of the wave-shaped sealing bladder 1, making the wave-shaped sealing bladder 1 and the inner wall of the ring body 31 fit tightly together; at the same time, the front step 11 is embedded in the first annular groove 23, forming an embedded sealing fit. Through the combination of rotational locking and interference clamping, after the buckle 34 locks onto the edge of the annular partition 24, it forms a self-locking mechanism in the axial direction, and will not loosen even under vibration. In addition, the inner wall of the fixing ring 3 is smooth, and the interference fit evenly presses against the surface of the rubber component, resulting in uniform stress distribution and preventing local overpressure or damage.

[0040] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments for fully illustrating the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A sealing structure for an optical fiber connector, characterized in that, include, A waveform sealing bladder (1) is capable of extending and retracting along the axial direction of the fiber optic connector; The base (2) includes a sealing cap (28), the outer wall of which is sealed to the front end of the wave-shaped sealing bladder (1); The sleeve (5) is located on the rear side of the base (2), and the outer wall of the sleeve (5) is sealed to the rear end of the wave-shaped sealing bag (1). The front end of the waveform sealing bag (1) protrudes radially inward, forming an annular front end step (11). The sealing cover (28) has a first annular groove (23) and a second annular groove (25) located in front of the first annular groove (23) along the circumferential direction on its side wall. The first annular groove (23) and the second annular groove (25) are separated by an annular partition (24). The annular partition (24) has multiple notches (241) along the circumferential direction. The front end step (11) of the waveform sealing bag (1) is embedded in the first annular groove (23). The sealing structure also includes a retaining ring (3). The fixing ring (3) is fixed at the connection between the wave-shaped sealing bag (1) and the base (2). The fixing ring (3) includes a ring body (31) and a plurality of buckles (34) spaced apart at the front end of the ring body (31). The buckles (34) are adapted to the notch (241). The ring body (31) is press-fitted against the front end step (11), pressing the front end step (11) into the first annular groove (23). The front end of the buckle (34) passes through the notch (241) and is engaged in the second ring groove (25), and the fixing ring (3) can rotate relative to the base (2), so that the front end of the buckle (34) engages with the second ring groove (25) in the axial direction to restrict the axial movement of the fixing ring (3).

2. The sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buckle (34) includes an elastic arm (32) extending forward along the ring body (31). The front end of the elastic arm (32) protrudes radially inward to form a locking protrusion (33). When the fixing ring (3) is installed in place, the locking protrusion (33) is engaged in the second ring groove (25).

3. The sealing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The depth of the first annular groove (23) is greater than that of the second annular groove (25). The first annular groove (23) and the second annular groove (25) are axially connected to each other to form a stepped groove. The annular partition (24) is provided at the bottom of the second annular groove (25). When the front step (11) is inserted into the first annular groove (23), the ring body (31) of the fixing ring (3) presses against the outer wall of the front step (11) so that the outer wall of the ring body (31) is flush with the bottom of the second annular groove (25).

4. The sealing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing cover (28) has a guide cone surface (21) at its front end. The inner diameter of the guide cone surface (21) gradually increases from back to front. The front edge of the sealing cover (28) is provided with a plurality of serrated petals (22) along the circumferential direction. When the fiber optic connector is mated with the mating connector, the guide cone surface (21) is used to guide the mating connector to be inserted, and the serrated petals (22) are used to restrict the relative rotation of the sealing cover (28).

5. The sealing structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rear end of the waveform sealing bag (1) protrudes radially inward to form a rear end step (12). A boss (51) is provided circumferentially on the side wall of the sleeve (5). The rear end step (12) is fastened to the rear end of the boss (51). The sealing structure also includes an annular fixing seat (4). The fixing seat (4) is sleeved on the outside of the rear end step (12) to press the rear end of the waveform sealing bag (1) and the sleeve (5) together.

6. The sealing structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base (2) further includes a first sleeve (26) located behind the sealing cover (28) and a second sleeve (27) located in front of the sealing cover (28). The first sleeve (26) and the second sleeve (27) are interconnected and coaxially arranged. The first sleeve (26), the second sleeve (27) and the sleeve (5) together form an axially penetrating installation channel through the sealing structure. The first sleeve (26) is located inside the wave-shaped sealing bladder (1).

7. An optical fiber connector, characterized in that, The fiber optic connector includes the sealing structure described in claim 6, and further includes a housing. The sealing structure is disposed inside the housing. The fixing seat (4) is fixedly installed inside the housing, and the fixing seat (4) is sealed to the inner wall of the housing. The base (2) is movable back and forth inside the housing.

8. The fiber optic connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fiber optic connector further includes a support base (200) and a fiber optic module mounting base (300) installed within the support base (200). The rear end of the support base (200) is fixedly installed inside the housing, and the side wall of the rear end of the support base (200) is sealed to the inner wall of the housing. The front end of the support base (200) is sealed to the inner wall of the second sleeve (27). When the base (2) moves backward, the front end of the support base (200) can extend out from the front end of the second sleeve (27). A return spring (400) is also sleeved on the support base (200). The rear end of the return spring (400) abuts against the support base (200), the return spring (400) passes through the sleeve (5), and the front end of the return spring (400) abuts against the rear side of the first sleeve (26). When the base (2) moves backward, the return spring (400) applies a forward restoring force to the base (2).

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