Optical fiber butt joint device capable of achieving nondestructive butt joint and endoscope system

Abstract

The utility model provides an optical fiber butt joint device capable of achieving nondestructive butt joint and an endoscope system, and relates to the technical field of medical instruments. Through the arrangement of the optical fiber movable seat, the axial through hole channel is used for realizing the butt joint of the optical fiber plug and the optical fiber head. In order to guarantee the butt joint precision of each time, the optical fiber centering ring is arranged in the hole channel and is of a selective flaring structure, the optical fiber plug and the optical fiber head can penetrate into the optical fiber centering ring to open the optical fiber centering ring, the optical fiber plug and the optical fiber head are in contact in the optical fiber centering ring, and the butt joint precision of each time is guaranteed. And the connection stability of the optical fiber plug and the optical fiber head can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and more specifically, to a non-destructive fiber optic docking device and an endoscope system. Background Technology

[0002] Optical fiber is used to transmit optical signals. With societal development, many sophisticated instruments rely on optical fiber signal transmission to obtain reliable test results, such as image processors and endoscopes. When two devices need to transmit optical signals through optical fiber, the fiber optic interface frequently needs to be plugged and unplugged to connect and disconnect the optical path. Therefore, the optical fiber interface cannot be fixed precisely once; it needs to withstand tens of thousands of rapid connections and disconnections while ensuring precise alignment and reliable connection of the optical path in each connection.

[0003] In view of this, this utility model is proposed. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a non-destructive fiber optic splicing device and endoscope system, which can achieve rapid alignment between the fiber optic plug and the fiber optic head, precise optical path splicing, and reliable optical path connection.

[0005] The embodiments of this utility model are implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a non-destructive fiber optic splicing device, including a plug and a socket. The plug has multiple insertion portions protruding from the insertion surface, each insertion portion accommodating a fiber optic plug, and the end face of the insertion portion is flush with the end face of the fiber optic plug.

[0007] The socket includes a base and multiple fiber optic alignment units. The base has multiple mounting slots on its receiving surface, and each mounting slot accommodates one fiber optic alignment unit. The fiber optic alignment units are arranged one-to-one with the insertion part.

[0008] The fiber optic alignment unit includes a fiber optic movable base, a fiber optic alignment ring, and a fiber optic head. The fiber optic movable base has an axially penetrating channel, in which the fiber optic alignment ring is accommodated. The fiber optic head is inserted into the channel from the end away from the receiving surface and is limited by the side of the fiber optic alignment ring away from the receiving surface. When the insertion part is inserted into the fiber optic alignment unit, the insertion part is inserted into the channel from the end near the receiving surface and is limited by the side of the fiber optic alignment ring near the receiving surface. The end face of the fiber optic plug contacts the fiber optic head within the fiber optic alignment ring. The fiber optic alignment ring has a selectively flared structure, and the receiving surface of the base contacts the insertion surface of the plug.

[0009] Optionally, the end face of the insertion part is provided with a first chamfer, and the end of the channel of the optical fiber movable seat near the receiving surface is provided with a second chamfer. The insertion part and the channel are aligned and inserted through the first chamfer and the second chamfer.

[0010] Optionally, the mounting groove is provided with a first diameter portion and a second diameter portion with progressively increasing diameters along the direction away from the receiving surface, and the optical fiber movable seat is provided with a protruding first limiting portion, the diameter of the first diameter portion < the diameter of the first limiting portion < the diameter of the second diameter portion, so that the first limiting portion is limited by the first connecting platform between the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion.

[0011] Optionally, the fiber optic alignment unit further includes a guide assembly, which includes a guide housing, a guide seat, and a guide member. The guide housing includes a first opening, and the end of the fiber optic movable seat away from the receiving surface is in limiting contact with the first opening. The guide seat and the guide member are both housed within the guide housing. One end of the guide member is connected to the fiber optic movable seat, and the other end is connected to the guide seat.

[0012] Optionally, the guide is an elastic element, and a gap is provided between the optical fiber movable seat and the mounting groove. The end of the optical fiber movable seat away from the receiving surface is provided with a protruding second limiting part. The diameter of the first opening is less than the diameter of the second limiting part and less than the inner diameter of the guide housing, so that the second limiting part contacts and limits the inner surface of the guide housing, and the surface of the second limiting part away from the guide housing contacts and limits the guide.

[0013] Optionally, the guide element is an elastic element, which connects the optical fiber movable seat and the guide seat.

[0014] Optionally, the mounting groove further includes a third diameter portion, the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the second diameter portion, and the third diameter portion is connected to the side of the second diameter portion away from the first diameter portion. A second connecting platform is provided between the second diameter portion and the third diameter portion, and the surface of the guide housing away from the guide member is in limiting contact with the second connecting platform.

[0015] Optionally, the insertion portions are evenly spaced on the insertion surface of the plug.

[0016] Secondly, this utility model provides an endoscope system, including an endoscope, an image processor, and an optical fiber docking device as provided in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the endoscope and the image processor are connected through the optical fiber docking device.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model embodiment are:

[0018] This invention provides a non-destructive fiber optic splicing device and endoscope system. By incorporating a movable fiber optic mount with an axially penetrating channel, the device facilitates the splicing of the fiber optic plug and fiber optic tip. To ensure consistent splicing accuracy, a fiber optic alignment ring is installed within the channel. This alignment ring features a selectively flared structure, allowing the fiber optic plug and tip to penetrate deeply into the alignment ring. By expanding the alignment ring, the plug and tip can make contact within the alignment ring, ensuring the stability of the fiber optic plug and tip connection. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a non-destructive fiber optic splicing device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 A top view of the non-destructive fiber optic splicing device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the plug provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the socket provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the optical fiber alignment unit provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a non-destructive fiber optic splicing device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the non-destructive fiber optic splicing device provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] Icons: 10-Fiber optic splicing device; 100-Plug; 101-Insertion surface; 102-Insertion part; 1021-First chamfer; 103-Fiber optic plug; 200-Socket; 210-Base; 211-Receiving surface; 212-Mounting groove; 2121-First diameter part; 2122-Second diameter part; 2123-Third diameter part; 220-Fiber optic alignment unit; 221-Fiber optic movable seat; 2211-Channel; 2212-Second chamfer; 2213-First limiting part; 2214-Second limiting part; 222-Fiber optic alignment ring; 223-Fiber optic head; 224-Guide housing; 2241-First opening; 225-Guide seat; 226-Guide component. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0029] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides a non-destructive fiber optic splicing device 10, including a plug 100 and a socket 200. This fiber optic splicing device 10 can be applied to an endoscope system. For example, the plug 100 connects to an endoscope, and the socket 200 connects to an image processor. When the plug 100 is installed in the socket 200, the optical signal paths of the endoscope and the image processor are connected. Alternatively, the plug 100 can also connect to an image processor, and the socket 200 connect to an endoscope.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 3 In this embodiment, one surface of the plug 100 is an insertion surface 101, which is used to contact the socket 200. The insertion surface 101 has multiple protruding insertion portions 102, which are used to connect with the structure on the socket 200. Each insertion portion 102 accommodates an optical fiber plug 103, and the end face of the insertion portion 102 is flush with the end face of the optical fiber plug 103 to ensure that when the insertion portion 102 is inserted into the socket 200, the optical fiber plug 103 can contact the optical fiber head 223 inside the socket 200, thus achieving optical signal communication.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 4 The socket 200 includes a base 210 and multiple fiber optic alignment units 220. One surface of the base 210 is a receiving surface 211, which contacts the insertion surface 101 of the plug 100 when the plug 100 is inserted into the socket 200. Multiple mounting slots 212 are provided on the receiving surface 211, each slot 212 accommodating one fiber optic alignment unit 220. Each fiber optic alignment unit 220 corresponds one-to-one with the insertion part 102.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 5The fiber optic alignment unit 220 includes a fiber optic movable seat 221, a fiber optic alignment ring 222, and a fiber optic head 223. The fiber optic movable seat 221 is provided with an axially penetrating channel 2211. The fiber optic alignment ring 222 is accommodated in the channel 2211 and is in close contact with the inner wall of the channel 2211. The fiber optic head 223 is inserted into the channel 2211 from the end of the channel 2211 away from the receiving surface 211 and is limited by the side of the fiber optic alignment ring 222 away from the receiving surface 211. When the insertion part 102 is inserted into the optical fiber alignment unit 220, the insertion part 102 is inserted into the channel 2211 from the end near the receiving surface 211 and is limited by the side of the optical fiber alignment ring 222 near the receiving surface 211. The end face of the optical fiber plug 103 and the optical fiber head 223 are in contact within the optical fiber alignment ring 222. The optical fiber alignment ring 222 has a selectively flared structure. The receiving surface 211 of the base 210 is in contact with the insertion surface 101 of the plug 100.

[0038] In this embodiment, the fiber alignment ring 222 is a C-shaped ring used to limit the fiber optic plug and fiber optic tip. The fiber alignment ring 222 can be made of existing materials such as rubber or plastic to ensure selective flaring. When the insertion part 102 is inserted into the channel 2211, the fiber alignment ring 222 is expanded, exerting an inward squeezing force on both the insertion part 102 and the fiber optic tip 223, ensuring a stable connection between the fiber optic plug 103 on the insertion part 102 and the fiber optic tip 223 within the fiber alignment ring.

[0039] Furthermore, in actual use, the plug 100 and socket 200 at the fiber optic interface are not just for connecting one signal, but for connecting multiple signals simultaneously on the same set of plug 100 and socket 200. Since there are manufacturing errors in the distance between each pair of multiple interfaces on the plug 100 and / or socket 200 side, in order to ensure the reliability of each optical signal transmission, it is necessary to ensure that the connection of each interface is accurate.

[0040] When the diameter of the optical fiber is relatively large, small processing errors will not easily cause the transmission interruption of the optical signal. However, in high-precision equipment such as endoscope systems, the diameter of the optical fiber used is very small, for example, less than 0.5mm. If there are processing errors, it is difficult to control the transmission accuracy of the optical signal during each plugging and unplugging connection.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 Therefore, in this embodiment, a first chamfer 1021 is provided on the end face of the insertion part 102, and a second chamfer 2212 is provided on the end of the channel 2211 of the optical fiber movable seat 221 near the receiving surface 211. The insertion part 102 and the channel 2211 are aligned and inserted through the first chamfer 1021 and the second chamfer 2212.

[0042] By designing chamfers, when there is an error between the insertion part 102 of the plug 100 and the fiber optic alignment unit 220 of the socket 200 during the processing, the insertion part 102 and the fiber optic alignment unit 220 can be initially aligned by the cooperation of the first chamfer 1021 and the second chamfer 2212.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 4 In this embodiment, the mounting groove 212 is provided with a first diameter portion 2121 and a second diameter portion 2122 with progressively increasing diameters along the direction away from the receiving surface 211. The fiber optic movable seat 221 is provided with a protruding first limiting portion 2213. The diameter of the first diameter portion 2121 is less than the diameter of the first limiting portion 2213 and less than the diameter of the second diameter portion 2122, so that the first limiting portion 2213 is limited by the first connecting platform between the first diameter portion 2121 and the second diameter portion 2122, preventing the fiber optic movable seat 221 from coming out of the mounting groove 212.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 5 In this embodiment, to further correct the error between the plug 100 and the socket 200 during the manufacturing process, the optical fiber alignment unit 220 further includes a guide assembly. The guide assembly includes a guide housing 224, a guide seat 225, and a guide member 226. The guide housing 224 includes a first opening 2241. One end of the optical fiber movable seat 221 away from the receiving surface 211 makes limiting contact with the first opening 2241. The guide seat 225 and the guide member 226 are both accommodated within the guide housing 224. One end of the guide member 226 is connected to the optical fiber movable seat 221, and the other end is connected to the guide seat 225. The guide member 226 allows the optical fiber movable seat 221 to have a slight displacement within the mounting groove 212 to correct the error between the insertion part 102 and the channel 2211.

[0045] In this embodiment, the guide member 226 is an elastic member, and a gap is provided between the optical fiber movable seat 221 and the mounting groove 212. The end of the optical fiber movable seat 221 away from the receiving surface 211 is provided with a protruding second limiting part 2214. The diameter of the first opening 2241 is less than the diameter of the second limiting part 2214 and less than the inner diameter of the guide housing 224, so that the second limiting part 2214 contacts and limits the inner surface of the guide housing 224. The surface of the second limiting part 2214 away from the guide housing 224 contacts and limits the guide member 226.

[0046] By designing the above structure, on the one hand, the guide member 226 and the guide seat 225 can be limited to prevent them from shifting; on the other hand, by controlling the diameter of the first opening 2241, the diameter of the second limiting part 2214, and the inner diameter of the guide housing 224, the end of the fiber optic movable seat 221 away from the receiving surface 211 can be limited by the guide housing 224, and can also move radially within the guide housing 224 to adjust the position of the channel 2211, thereby correcting the error between the insertion part 102 and the channel 2211.

[0047] In this embodiment, the guide 226 is a spring, with its two ends connected to the fiber optic movable seat 221 and the guide seat 225, respectively. Therefore, assuming there is an error between the insertion part 102 and the channel 2211, the chamfer on the receiving surface 211 of the insertion part 102 and the channel 2211 will first assist the insertion part 102 in entering the channel 2211. At this time, the force between the chamfers will be transmitted to the guide 226, and the spring of the guide 226 will drive the fiber optic movable seat 221 to move slightly within the mounting groove 212 to correct the error, so that the insertion part 102 can be aligned with the channel 2211.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 4 In this embodiment, the mounting groove 212 further includes a third diameter portion 2123, the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of the second diameter portion 2122. The third diameter portion 2123 communicates with the side of the second diameter portion 2122 away from the first diameter portion 2121. A second connecting platform is provided between the second diameter portion 2122 and the third diameter portion 2123. The surface of the guide housing 224 away from the guide member 226 makes limiting contact with the second connecting platform. Therefore, the guide housing 224 can be limited by the second connecting platform to prevent the guide assembly from falling out of the mounting groove 212. Furthermore, the fiber optic movable seat 221 is limited by the guide housing 224. Therefore, when the second connecting platform limits the guide housing 224, it can also further limit the fiber optic movable seat 221, thereby sharing the force on the first limiting platform.

[0049] In this embodiment, there are three insertion parts 102 and three mounting slots 212. The three insertion parts 102 are evenly spaced on the insertion surface 101 of the plug 100. Therefore, the three mounting slots 212 are also evenly spaced on the socket 200. The insertion parts 102 and the mounting slots 212 correspond one-to-one.

[0050] This embodiment provides a non-destructive fiber optic splicing device 10, the working principle of which is as follows:

[0051] Please refer to Figure 1 The plug 100 is separated from the socket 200, and the plug 100 is about to be inserted into the socket 200. When the plug 100 contacts the socket 200, please refer to... Figure 6The first chamfer 1021 on the insertion part 102 contacts the second chamfer 2212 on the channel 2211 of the fiber optic movable seat 221. If there is a slight installation error between the two, the force between the first chamfer 1021 and the second chamfer 2212 will be transmitted to the guide 226. The guide 226 drives the movable seat to move in the mounting groove 212 to ensure that the insertion part 102 can be accommodated in the channel 2211 to achieve initial alignment.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 7 Then, the plug 100 is inserted further, and the insertion part 102 extends into the channel 2211. The first chamfer 1021 of the end face of the insertion part 102 first contacts the fiber alignment ring 222, and gradually expands the fiber alignment ring 222 as the insertion part 102 extends in. Finally, the fiber alignment ring 222 limits the insertion part 102, and the end face of the insertion part 102 contacts the fiber head 223 in the fiber alignment ring 222. The fiber plug 103 contacts the fiber, realizing the transmission of optical signals.

[0053] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A lossless optical fiber docking device, characterized in that: It comprises a plug and a socket, wherein the insertion surface of the plug is provided with a plurality of insertion parts protruding from the insertion surface, each insertion part accommodates an optical fiber plug, and the end surface of the insertion part is flush with the end surface of the optical fiber plug; The socket comprises a base and a plurality of optical fiber centering units, a plurality of mounting grooves are provided on a receiving surface of the base, each mounting groove contains one of the optical fiber centering units, and the optical fiber centering units are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the insertion parts; The optical fiber centering unit includes an optical fiber movable seat, an optical fiber centering ring and an optical fiber head; the optical fiber movable seat is provided with an axially through-going channel, the optical fiber centering ring is accommodated in the channel, the optical fiber head is inserted into the channel from an end of the channel away from the receiving surface, and is limited by a side of the optical fiber centering ring away from the receiving surface; when the insertion portion is inserted into the optical fiber centering unit, the insertion portion is inserted into the channel from an end close to the receiving surface, and is limited by a side of the optical fiber centering ring close to the receiving surface; the end face of the optical fiber plug contacts the optical fiber head in the optical fiber centering ring; the optical fiber centering ring is a selectively flared structure, and the receiving surface of the base contacts the insertion surface of the plug.

2. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end surface of the insertion part is provided with a first chamfer, and the end of the channel of the optical fiber movable seat close to the receiving surface is provided with a second chamfer. The insertion part and the channel are inserted through the first chamfer and the second chamfer.

3. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting groove is provided with a first diameter portion and a second diameter portion with successively increasing diameters along a direction away from the receiving surface, and the optical fiber movable seat is provided with a raised first limiting portion, the diameter of the first diameter portion is less than the diameter of the first limiting portion and less than the diameter of the second diameter portion, so that the first limiting portion is limited by the first connecting platform between the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion.

4. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The optical fiber centering unit also includes a guide assembly, which includes a guide shell, a guide seat and a guide member. The guide shell includes a first opening, and one end of the optical fiber movable seat away from the receiving surface is in limited contact with the first opening. The guide seat and the guide member are both accommodated in the guide shell, and one end of the guide member is connected to the optical fiber movable seat, and the other end is connected to the guide seat.

5. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The guide member is an elastic member, a gap is arranged between the optical fiber movable seat and the mounting groove, a raised second limiting portion is arranged at one end of the optical fiber movable seat away from the supporting surface, the diameter of the first opening is less than the diameter of the second limiting portion and less than the inner diameter of the guide shell, so that the second limiting portion contacts and limits the inner surface of the guide shell, and the surface of the second limiting portion on one side away from the guide shell contacts and limits the guide member.

6. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The guide member is an elastic member, and the elastic member connects the optical fiber movable seat and the guide seat.

7. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The mounting groove also includes a third diameter portion, the diameter of the third diameter portion is greater than the diameter of the second diameter portion, and the third diameter portion is connected to the side of the second diameter portion away from the first diameter portion, a second connecting platform is arranged between the second diameter portion and the third diameter portion, and a side surface of the guide shell away from the guide member is in limited contact with the second connecting platform.

8. The optical fiber docking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insertion portions are arranged at even intervals on the insertion surface of the plug.

9. An endoscope system, characterized in that: The invention comprises an endoscope, an image processor and the optical fiber docking device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the endoscope and the image processor are connected via the optical fiber docking device.

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