A ferrule connector with a protection function and an optical fiber connector

Abstract

This utility model discloses a protective ferrule connector and an optical fiber connector. The protective ferrule connector includes a quartz optical fiber, a metal ferrule, a metal connecting ring, and a protective mirror. The metal ferrule has a socket, one end of which is inserted into the socket. An annular connector is integrally connected to the end of the metal ferrule furthest from the quartz optical fiber. The metal connecting ring is detachably connected to the annular connector, and the protective mirror is fixedly connected inside the metal connecting ring. By adopting the above configuration, the ferrule connector can isolate fragments generated when the quartz optical fiber is damaged, thereby protecting the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of optical fiber product structure, specifically relating to a ferrule connector and optical fiber connector with protective function. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic connectors typically consist of a ferrule and a sheath. The ferrule is housed within the sheath, which protects the ferrule.

[0003] Existing ferrule connectors are widely used in minimally invasive medical devices (such as the imported Lumenis holmium laser therapy machine). They mainly include quartz optical fiber (also known as medical optical fiber or optical fiber) and metal interface ferrules. One end of the quartz optical fiber is inserted into the socket of the metal interface ferrule. The entrance of the quartz optical fiber into the metal interface ferrule is equipped with fixing glue to fix the quartz optical fiber. The end of the metal interface ferrule away from the quartz optical fiber can be connected to the interface of the minimally invasive medical device. The interface of the minimally invasive medical device has a focusing lens, which can provide incident light for the quartz optical fiber.

[0004] However, the end face of the quartz optical fiber near the minimally invasive medical device, being surrounded by metal, is easily damaged when receiving high-power incident light. Fragments generated from fiber damage can affect the focusing lens inside the device. Even replacing the ferrule may still affect subsequent use. Therefore, whenever the fiber end face of the ferrule is damaged, the device's interface and internal focusing lens must be inspected before a new ferrule can be replaced. This results in high maintenance and time costs, and there is still room for improvement. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a ferrule connector and fiber optic connector with protective function, which can isolate the fragments generated when the quartz fiber is damaged, thereby protecting the equipment.

[0006] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A protective ferrule connector includes a quartz optical fiber, a metal ferrule, a metal connecting ring, and a protective mirror; the metal ferrule has a socket, one end of the quartz optical fiber is inserted into the socket, the end of the metal ferrule away from the quartz optical fiber is integrally connected to an annular connector, the metal connecting ring is detachably connected to the annular connector, and the protective mirror is fixedly connected inside the metal connecting ring.

[0008] Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface of the annular connector is provided with an internal thread, and the outer circumferential surface of the metal connecting ring is provided with an external thread on the side near the metal insert. The metal connecting ring engages with the internal thread of the annular connector through the external thread.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface of the annular connector is provided with an inner smooth surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the metal connecting ring is provided with an outer smooth surface on the side near the metal ferrule. The metal connecting ring is inserted and adapted to the inner smooth surface of the annular connector through the outer smooth surface.

[0010] Furthermore, a flared ring is integrally connected to the side of the metal connecting ring away from the metal insert, and the protective mirror is fixedly connected inside the flared ring.

[0011] Furthermore, the protective mirror is a blue transparent mirror.

[0012] Furthermore, a plastic film sheath is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the quartz optical fiber, and the plastic film sheath near the metal ferrule is fixedly connected to the metal ferrule by adhesive.

[0013] An optical fiber connector includes a shell, a tail sleeve, and a ferrule with a protective function. The shell has a mating hole, and the outer peripheral surface of the metal ferrule has a raised ring. The metal ferrule is press-fitted with the mating hole through the raised ring. A quartz optical fiber is sleeved in the tail sleeve, one end of which extends into the mating hole and press-fits with the end of the metal ferrule. A connecting strip is integrally connected to the outer peripheral surface of the tail sleeve, and a connecting plug is integrally connected to the end of the connecting strip. The connecting plug has a countersunk groove, and the connecting plug is inserted into the end of the metal ferrule away from the quartz optical fiber through the countersunk groove.

[0014] Furthermore, both the tail sleeve and the connecting strip are made of soft, corrosion-resistant, and high-temperature-resistant plastic material.

[0015] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] When the ferrule connector of this invention is used to connect to a minimally invasive medical device, if the end of the quartz fiber is damaged due to receiving high-power incident light, the fragments generated by the quartz fiber will be blocked by the protective lens inside the metal ferrule to prevent the fragments from entering the device and affecting the focusing lens. Therefore, when the quartz fiber is damaged, the quartz tube fiber will become opaque, and the protective lens will have obvious reflected damage marks. At this time, it can be used immediately by simply replacing the ferrule connector without further inspection and troubleshooting of the device. This plays a role in the self-protection of the fiber, greatly improves safety and enhances the stability of the device, and also helps to ensure surgical safety during the use of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ferrule connector in Example 1.

[0018] Figure 2 This is one of the cross-sectional views of the ferrule connector in Example 1.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a second cross-sectional view of the ferrule structure in Example 1.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the fiber optic connector in Example 2.

[0021] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the fiber optic connector in Example 2.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Quartz optical fiber; 11. Plastic film sheath; 2. Metal ferrule; 21. Socket; 22. Ring connector; 23. Raised ring; 24. Internal thread; 25. Smooth inner surface; 3. Metal connecting ring; 30. Flared ring; 31. External thread; 32. Smooth outer surface; 4. Protective lens; 5. Shell; 51. Mating hole; 6. Tail sleeve; 61. Connecting strip; 62. Connecting plug; 621. Countersunk groove. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Terms such as “upper,” “inner,” “middle,” “left,” “right,” and “one” used in this specification are merely for clarity of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] This invention addresses the issue that traditional ferrule connectors are prone to damage when connected to minimally invasive medical equipment (such as the imported Lumenis holmium laser therapy machine) due to the high power of incident light. Fragments generated when the quartz fiber 11 is damaged may affect the focusing lens inside the equipment. Therefore, each time the ferrule connector is damaged, further inspection and troubleshooting are required before the equipment can be reused, resulting in high maintenance and time costs. Therefore, a protective ferrule connector and fiber optic connector are designed to isolate fragments generated when the quartz fiber 1 is damaged, thereby protecting the equipment.

[0025] The following two embodiments provide a detailed description of the structure of the protective ferrule connector and fiber optic connector of this utility model:

[0026] Example 1

[0027] A ferrule structure with protective functions, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the assembly includes a quartz optical fiber 1, a metal ferrule 2, a metal connecting ring 3, and a protective mirror 4. The metal ferrule 2 has a socket 21, one end of the quartz optical fiber 1 is inserted into the socket 21, and the quartz optical fiber 1 and the metal ferrule 2 remain relatively fixed. The end of the metal ferrule 2 away from the quartz optical fiber 1 is integrally connected to a ring connector 22. The metal connecting ring 3 is detachably connected to the ring connector 22. The protective mirror 4 is fixedly connected inside the metal connecting ring 3, and the protective mirror 4 is located on the side away from the metal ferrule 2, directly opposite the socket 21 and the end of the quartz optical fiber 1.

[0028] Therefore, when the ferrule connector of this invention is used to connect to a minimally invasive medical device, if the end of the quartz fiber 1 is damaged due to receiving high-power incident light, the fragments generated by the quartz fiber 1 will be blocked by the protective lens 4 within the metal ferrule 2 to prevent the fragments from entering the device and affecting the focusing lens. Thus, when the quartz fiber 1 is damaged, the quartz tube fiber will become opaque, and the protective lens 4 will have obvious reflected damage marks. At this time, it is only necessary to replace the new ferrule connector immediately for immediate use without further inspection and troubleshooting of the device. This plays a role in the self-protection of the fiber, greatly improves safety and enhances the stability of the device, and also contributes to surgical safety during the use of the device.

[0029] The detachable connection between the metal connecting ring 3 and the annular connector 22 can be achieved in the following two ways:

[0030] (1) such as Figure 2 As shown, the inner circumferential surface of the annular connector 22 is provided with an internal thread 24, and the outer circumferential surface of the metal connecting ring 3, near the metal ferrule 2, is provided with an external thread 31 of millimeters in length. The metal connecting ring 3 engages with the internal thread 24 of the annular connector 22 through the external thread 31. This achieves a detachable engagement between the metal connecting ring 3 and the metal ferrule 2. When the quartz optical fiber 1 is damaged, the metal connecting ring 3 and the protective lens 4 can be removed as a whole and installed in a new metal ferrule 2 for reuse, which helps to save costs.

[0031] (2) For example Figure 3 As shown, the inner circumferential surface of the annular connector 22 is provided with an inner smooth surface 25, and the outer circumferential surface of the metal connecting ring 3 is provided with an outer smooth surface 32 on the side near the metal ferrule 2. The metal connecting ring 3 is fitted into the annular connector 22 through the outer smooth surface 32. Because the metal connecting ring 3 achieves the fitting through the smooth surface, a relative vacuum is formed between the inner smooth surface 25 and the outer smooth surface 32, which helps to reduce the possibility of the metal connecting ring 3 falling out. Furthermore, when the quartz fiber 1 is damaged, the metal connecting ring 3 and the protective mirror 4 can be removed as a whole and installed in a new metal ferrule 2 for reuse, which helps to save costs.

[0032] In this embodiment, a plastic film sheath 11 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the quartz optical fiber 1 so as to provide better protection for the quartz optical fiber 1. The plastic film sheath 11 near the metal ferrule 2 is fixedly connected to the metal ferrule 2 by a fixing adhesive, so that the quartz optical fiber 1 and the metal ferrule 2 are kept in a relatively fixed state.

[0033] In this embodiment, the protective mirror 4 is a blue transparent mirror, such as a sapphire-supported transparent mirror. Therefore, in addition to blocking the splashes caused by fiber optic damage, the protective mirror 4 can also filter or block the return of harmful red light.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] A fiber optic connector, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the device includes a shell 5, a tail sleeve 6, and a protective ferrule connector as described in Embodiment 1. The shell has a mating hole 51, and the outer circumferential surface of the metal ferrule 2 has a raised ring 23. The metal ferrule 2 is press-fitted with the mating hole 51 through the raised ring 23. The quartz optical fiber 1 is sleeved inside the tail sleeve 6. One end of the tail sleeve 6 extends into the mating hole 51 and is press-fitted with the end of the metal ferrule 2. A connecting strip 61 is integrally connected to the outer circumferential surface of the tail sleeve 6, and a connecting plug 62 is integrally connected to the end of the connecting strip 61. The connecting plug 62 has a recess 621, and the connecting plug 62 is inserted into the end of the metal ferrule 2 away from the quartz optical fiber 1 through the recess 621, so as to provide better protection for the metal connecting ring 3 and the protective mirror 4 when not in use.

[0036] Both the tail sleeve 6 and the connecting strip 61 are made of soft, corrosion-resistant, and high-temperature-resistant plastic material. Therefore, the tail sleeve 6 can bend along with the quartz tube optical fiber and has a good cushioning effect; at the same time, it can protect the quartz optical fiber 1 and the metal ferrule 2 from corrosion and high temperatures.

[0037] The embodiments of this utility model are not limited thereto. Based on the above content of this utility model, using ordinary technical knowledge and conventional means in the field, without departing from the basic technical idea of ​​this utility model, this utility model can also be modified, replaced or combined in various other forms, all of which fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A ferrule connector with protective function, characterized in that, It includes a quartz optical fiber, a metal ferrule, a metal connecting ring, and a protective mirror; the metal ferrule has a socket, one end of the quartz optical fiber is inserted into the socket, the end of the metal ferrule away from the quartz optical fiber is integrally connected to a ring connector, the metal connecting ring is detachably connected to the ring connector, and the protective mirror is fixedly connected inside the metal connecting ring.

2. The ferrule connector with protective function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner circumferential surface of the annular connector is provided with an internal thread, and the outer circumferential surface of the metal connecting ring is provided with an external thread on the side near the metal insert. The metal connecting ring engages with the internal thread of the annular connector through the external thread.

3. The ferrule connector with protective function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner circumferential surface of the annular connector is provided with an inner smooth surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the metal connecting ring is provided with an outer smooth surface on the side near the metal insert. The metal connecting ring is inserted and adapted to the inner smooth surface of the annular connector through the outer smooth surface.

4. The ferrule connector with protective function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The metal connecting ring is integrally connected to a flared ring on the side away from the metal ferrule, and the protective mirror is fixedly connected inside the flared ring.

5. The ferrule connector with protective function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The protective mirror is a blue transparent mirror.

6. The ferrule connector with protective function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A plastic film sheath is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the quartz optical fiber, and the plastic film sheath near the metal ferrule is fixedly connected to the metal ferrule by adhesive.

7. An optical fiber connector, characterized in that, The device includes a shell, a tail sleeve, and a ferrule connector with a protective function as described in any one of claims 1 to 6. The shell has a mating hole, and the outer peripheral surface of the metal ferrule has a raised ring. The metal ferrule is press-fitted with the mating hole through the raised ring. The quartz optical fiber is sleeved in the tail sleeve, one end of which extends into the mating hole and press-fits with the end of the metal ferrule. A connecting strip is integrally connected to the outer peripheral surface of the tail sleeve, and a connecting plug is integrally connected to the end of the connecting strip. The connecting plug has a countersunk groove, and the connecting plug is inserted into the end of the metal ferrule away from the quartz optical fiber through the countersunk groove.

8. The fiber optic connector as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Both the tail sleeve and the connecting strip are made of soft, corrosion-resistant, and high-temperature-resistant plastic material.

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