A fiber optic connector designed to withstand high temperature and high pressure environments based on glass sintering technology

Abstract

This invention provides a high-temperature and high-pressure resistant fiber optic connector based on glass sintering technology, belonging to the field of large transformer monitoring technology. Addressing the problems of traditional fiber optic connectors using epoxy resin potting or sealing rings, which suffer from complex sealing designs, high costs, susceptibility to leakage under long-term high-temperature and high-pressure and high-low-temperature cycling environments, and low reliability, this invention designs a connector consisting of a connector body, a ceramic ferrule, a sealing protective sleeve, and a connector socket. The connector body is made of Kova alloy, and the internal through-hole and ceramic ferrule are sealed with a protective sleeve through glass sintering, achieving a single sealing point and ensuring long-term reliable sealing under a pressure difference of 0.6 MPa. The ceramic ferrule incorporates a light-guiding fiber, ensuring efficient optical signal transmission with low loss. The connector socket adopts a modular design, adapting to standard ST connectors and reducing fiber optic connection costs. The glass sintering process ensures excellent sealing performance through precise control of temperature and pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of large transformer monitoring technology, specifically to an optical fiber connector based on glass sintering process that can withstand high temperature and high pressure environments. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the complex internal structure of large oil-immersed power transformers and their operation in a high-temperature, high-pressure, and high-electric-field environment, fiber optic temperature measurement is commonly used for winding temperature measurement, including fluorescent fiber optic measurement and gallium arsenide fiber optic measurement. The fiber optic temperature measurement system mainly consists of internal optical fibers (including fiber optic probes), external optical fibers, and a signal demodulation device. The optical signal needs to be transmitted from inside the transformer to the demodulation device outside, and this signal must pass through the transformer tank wall without compromising the tank's seal to ensure long-term safe operation. Therefore, a sealed through-connector must be installed between the internal and external optical fibers.

[0003] However, traditional drive-through designs use epoxy resin potting or sealing rings, which have the following drawbacks:

[0004] 1. Traditional pipe fittings require sealing designs at both the inner and outer joints, which is difficult and costly;

[0005] 2. Epoxy resin adhesive cannot guarantee long-term sealing performance under high temperature and high pressure conditions, especially in high and low temperature repeated cycles, where leakage is prone to occur.

[0006] 3. The sealing method using a sealing ring has low reliability. Due to the small size of the connector and the small size of the sealing ring, the sealing ring is easily scratched by rotating the threads during fiber installation, which can lead to leakage. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of the embodiments of this utility model and to briefly introduce some preferred embodiments. Some simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of this section, the abstract and the title of this utility model. Such simplifications or omissions shall not be used to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0008] In view of the problems existing in the above and / or prior art, the present invention is proposed.

[0009] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to design an optical fiber connector based on glass sintering process that can withstand high temperature and high pressure environment, so as to overcome the problem of insufficient sealing and easy leakage of traditional epoxy resin potting or sealing ring sealing under long-term high temperature and high pressure and high and low temperature cycling environment.

[0010] To solve the above technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a fiber optic connector based on glass sintering process that can withstand high temperature and high pressure environment, including a power transformer and a fiber optic temperature measurement system, wherein the power transformer is provided with transformer windings inside and the power transformer is provided with a transformer tank wall outside.

[0011] The fiber optic temperature measurement system includes a fiber optic connector. Both ends of the fiber optic connector are connected to a first fiber optic connector. An inner fiber optic cable is connected to the left side of the first fiber optic connector on the left side, and a fiber optic probe is connected to the left end of the inner fiber optic cable. An outer fiber optic cable is connected to the right side of the first fiber optic connector on the right side, and a second fiber optic connector is connected to the right end of the outer fiber optic cable. A fiber optic adjustment device is connected to the right end of the second fiber optic connector.

[0012] The inner fiber of the optical fiber is inserted into the inside of the power transformer, and the optical fiber probe is inserted into the inside of the transformer winding.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature and high-pressure resistant optical fiber penetrator based on glass sintering process of this utility model, the optical fiber penetrator includes a penetrator body, a through hole is opened at the center of the penetrator body, a ceramic ferrule is inserted into the through hole, a sealing protective sleeve is sintered between the ceramic ferrule and the inner wall of the through hole, and connector sockets are inserted into both ends of the through hole.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature and high-pressure environment resistant optical fiber connector based on glass sintering process of this utility model, wherein: the two first optical fiber connectors are respectively movably connected to the two connector sockets.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature and high-pressure environment resistant optical fiber connector based on glass sintering process described in this utility model, the outer surface of the upper part of the connector body is provided with a spiral pattern, and the outer surface of the spiral pattern is threaded with a connector plate, and the connector plate is fixedly installed on the transformer tank wall by bolts.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature and high-pressure resistant optical fiber connector based on glass sintering process described in this utility model, wherein: the diameter of the through hole inside the connector body is [diameter value], the thickness is [thickness value], and the surface is made of Kova alloy material for glass sintering.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature and high-pressure environment resistant optical fiber connector based on glass sintering process described in this utility model, the ceramic ferrule has a diameter of 2mm and a length of 20mm, and a 430um diameter optical fiber is fixed in the middle of the ceramic ferrule for light guiding.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature and high-pressure environment resistant optical fiber connector based on glass sintering process described in this utility model, the outer diameter of the sealing protective sleeve is 6mm, the inner diameter is 2mm, and the thickness is 4mm.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0020] 1. This device adopts a modular design, consisting of three parts: the penetrator body, the ceramic insert, and the connector socket. The structure is simplified, and the manufacturing and maintenance costs are significantly reduced. Compared with the traditional penetrator double-sealed design, it is more economical and efficient.

[0021] 2. A single sealing point is formed between the connector body and the ceramic insert through glass sintering process, replacing the multi-point sealing of traditional epoxy resin glue or sealing rings. It can withstand a pressure difference of 0.6 MPa and its sealing performance does not decrease after high and low temperature cycle testing from -40℃ to 80℃, ensuring long-term reliable sealing. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Among them:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the penetrator body of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the ceramic insert of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the sealing protective sleeve of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the optical fiber penetrator of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0030] Secondly, this utility model is described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams. When describing the embodiments of this utility model, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure may be partially enlarged, not according to the usual scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of this utility model. In addition, actual manufacturing should include the three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth.

[0031] Furthermore, the term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that excludes other embodiments.

[0032] Example

[0033] Referring to the figures, this embodiment provides a high-temperature and high-pressure resistant optical fiber connector based on glass sintering technology, which is specially designed for large oil-immersed power transformers 100. It can achieve efficient transmission of optical signals and reliable sealing of the transformer tank in high-temperature, high-pressure and high-electric-field-strength environments, ensuring the long-term safe operation of the transformer.

[0034] Specifically, the power transformer 100 contains a transformer winding 101 for power transmission and conversion. Its exterior is the transformer tank wall 102, which isolates the internal high-temperature, high-pressure oil from the external environment, preventing oil leakage and maintaining operational stability. The fiber optic temperature measurement system 200 is the core of this device, used to monitor the temperature of the transformer winding 101 in real time. The system includes a fiber optic connector 201, an inner fiber optic cable 203, a fiber optic probe 204, an outer fiber optic cable 205, a first fiber optic connector 202, a second fiber optic connector 206, a connector plate 208, and a fiber optic demodulation device 207. The fiber optic connector 201, as a key component, is responsible for transmitting optical signals across the tank wall 102 while ensuring the tank's sealing, preventing internal high-pressure oil leakage, and ensuring the safe operation of the transformer.

[0035] Both ends of the fiber optic connector 201 are connected to first fiber optic connectors 202. The left side of the left connector 202 is connected to an inner fiber optic cable 203, which extends deep into the power transformer 100. The left end of the inner fiber optic cable 203 is connected to a fiber optic probe 204, which is directly inserted into the transformer winding 101 to sense the winding temperature and convert the temperature information into an optical signal, ensuring accurate temperature monitoring. The right side of the right connector 202 is connected to an outer fiber optic cable 205, which is connected to a fiber optic demodulation device 207 via a second fiber optic connector 206. The demodulation device 207 is responsible for transmitting an excitation optical signal and receiving the returned optical signal after temperature response. Through demodulation and calculation, it obtains the precise temperature of the winding, providing reliable data support for real-time monitoring of the transformer's operating status. The entire fiber optic temperature measurement system 200 achieves internal and external transmission of optical signals through the fiber optic connector 201, ensuring minimal optical loss during signal transmission while maintaining the sealing of the transformer tank.

[0036] The fiber optic connector 201 consists of a connector body 201a, a ceramic ferrule 201c, a sealing protective sleeve 201d, and a connector socket 201e. The connector body 201a is made of high-temperature and high-pressure resistant Kova alloy. It has a through-hole 201b at its center, with a diameter of 6mm and a thickness of 4mm. The precise dimensions are designed to accommodate the glass sintering process while providing sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the 0.6MPa pressure difference inside the transformer. The ceramic ferrule 201c is inserted into the through-hole 201b. The ceramic ferrule 201c has a diameter of 2mm and a length of 20mm, and a 430μm diameter optical fiber is fixed inside for efficient optical signal transmission. The ceramic material has excellent high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term stable operation in the high-temperature and high-pressure environment of the transformer while minimizing optical signal transmission loss. A sealing protective sleeve 201d is formed between the ceramic insert 201c and the inner wall of the through hole 201b through a glass sintering process. The sealing protective sleeve 201d has an outer diameter of 6mm, an inner diameter of 2mm, and a thickness of 4mm. It utilizes the property of glass material to melt and flow at high temperatures to achieve a reliable seal, completely solving the leakage problem of traditional epoxy resin glue or sealing rings in high and low temperature repeated cycles. At the same time, it simplifies the sealing design and reduces manufacturing difficulty and cost.

[0037] Two connector sockets 201e are inserted into each end of the through hole 201b. The connector sockets 201e adopt a modular design, adaptable to standard ST connectors or other types of fiber optic connectors. Two first fiber optic connectors 202 are movably connected to the two connector sockets 201e respectively. This modular design facilitates rapid installation and removal of the fiber optic cable, and significantly reduces the manufacturing cost of the fiber optic connector because the connector itself does not require sealing performance. The upper outer surface of the connector body 201a has a spiral pattern 201f with an outer diameter of 13.1mm, using a G1 / 4 thread standard, which is threaded to the through plate 208. The through plate 208 is fixedly mounted on the transformer tank wall 102 with bolts. A sealing ring is provided between the through plate 208 and the tank wall 102 to ensure the overall sealing of the tank. The lower part of the connector body 201a is designed with a hexagonal surface, facilitating installation and fixing with a wrench, improving installation efficiency and reliability.

[0038] To achieve reliable sealing of the fiber optic connector 201, a glass sintering process is used to form a sealing protective sleeve 201d between the connector body 201a and the ceramic ferrule 201c. The specific process steps are as follows: First, the ceramic ferrule 201c is placed inside the through-hole 201b of the connector body 201a. The surface of the through-hole 201b is made of Kova alloy material to accommodate the glass sintering process. Next, glass powder with a particle size of 50-75μm is filled between the ceramic ferrule 201c and the inner wall of the through-hole 201b. During the sintering process, the heating rate is controlled to not exceed 5℃ / min, and the temperature is raised to the glass softening point of 450℃, held for 30 minutes, and simultaneously a pressure of 1.0MPa is applied to completely fill the gap with molten glass, forming a dense sealing protective sleeve 201d. Subsequently, the temperature is lowered to 300℃ at a rate of 2℃ / min, and then allowed to cool naturally to room temperature to eliminate internal stress. Throughout the process, the temperature control deviation is maintained within ±3℃, ensuring the uniformity and reliability of the sealing protective sleeve 201d. The fiber optic connector 201 manufactured using this process can withstand a pressure difference of 0.6 MPa at a single sealing point (the glass sintering between the ceramic ferrule and the body). Its sealing performance shows no degradation after high and low temperature cycling tests from -40℃ to 80℃ (8 hours / cycle, 10 cycles), fully meeting the application requirements of fiber optic temperature measurement systems for power transformer windings.

[0039] The modular design of this fiber optic connector divides it into three parts: the main body, the light guide ferrule, and the fiber optic socket, significantly reducing manufacturing costs. Compared to traditional epoxy resin potting or sealing ring methods, the glass sintering process requires only one sealing point, greatly improving sealing reliability and durability. Meanwhile, the ceramic ferrule ensures high efficiency and low loss in optical signal transmission. The standardized design of the connector socket is compatible with various fiber optic connectors, further reducing connection costs and simplifying installation and maintenance. This design effectively solves the leakage problem of traditional connectors under high temperature, high pressure, and high / low temperature cycling environments, significantly improving the reliability and operating efficiency of the transformer fiber optic temperature measurement system.

[0040] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application). For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this utility model. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Without departing from the scope of this invention, other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0041] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the best mode of carrying out the present invention as currently considered, or those features that are not relevant to implementing the present invention) may be omitted.

[0042] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any practical implementation, such as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine work of design, manufacturing, and production without requiring much experimentation.

[0043] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fiber optic connector resistant to high temperature and high pressure environments based on glass sintering process, characterized in that: include, A power transformer (100), wherein a transformer winding (101) is disposed internally, and a transformer tank wall (102) is disposed externally; and, The fiber optic temperature measurement system (200) includes a fiber optic connector (201), with a first fiber optic connector (202) connected to both the left and right ends of the fiber optic connector (201). An inner fiber optic cable (203) is connected to the left side of the first fiber optic connector (202) at the left end, and a fiber optic probe (204) is connected to the left end of the inner fiber optic cable (203). An outer fiber optic cable (205) is connected to the right side of the first fiber optic connector (202) at the right end, and a second fiber optic connector (206) is connected to the right end of the outer fiber optic cable (205). A fiber optic adjustment device (207) is connected to the right end of the second fiber optic connector (206). The inner fiber (203) is inserted into the power transformer (100), and the fiber optic probe (204) is inserted into the transformer winding (101).

2. The high-temperature and high-pressure resistant optical fiber connector based on glass sintering process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fiber optic connector (201) includes a connector body (201a), a through hole (201b) is provided at the center of the connector body (201a), a ceramic ferrule (201c) is inserted into the through hole (201b), a sealing protective sleeve (201d) is sintered between the ceramic ferrule (201c) and the inner wall of the through hole (201b), and connector sockets (201e) are inserted into both ends of the through hole (201b).

3. The high-temperature and high-pressure resistant optical fiber connector based on glass sintering process according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two first fiber optic connectors (202) are movably connected to the two connector sockets (201e), respectively.

4. The high-temperature and high-pressure resistant optical fiber connector based on glass sintering process according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer surface of the upper part of the penetrator body (201a) is provided with a spiral pattern (201f), and the outer surface of the spiral pattern (201f) is threaded with a penetrator disc (208), and the penetrator disc (208) is fixedly installed on the transformer tank wall (102) by bolts.

5. The high-temperature and high-pressure resistant optical fiber connector based on glass sintering process according to claim 4, characterized in that: The diameter of the through hole (201b) inside the main body (201a) of the penetrator is 6mm and the thickness is 4mm. The surface is made of Kova alloy material for glass sintering.

6. The high-temperature and high-pressure resistant optical fiber connector based on glass sintering process according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ceramic ferrule (201c) has a diameter of 2mm and a length of 20mm. A 430um diameter optical fiber is fixed in the middle of the ceramic ferrule for light guiding.

7. The high-temperature and high-pressure resistant optical fiber connector based on glass sintering process according to claim 6, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the sealing protective sleeve (201d) is 6mm, the inner diameter is 2mm, and the thickness is 4mm.

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