A vacuum connector assembly

Abstract

The utility model relates to optical fiber connector technical field discloses a vacuum connector assembly, include: connector inner shell is equipped with the tubular cavity of coaxial through -going arrangement, both ends of tubular cavity are equipped with the plug -in core spare, the inside of tubular cavity is equipped with the sealing section, the optical fiber is worn in the inside cavity of sealing section and is connected the both ends of connector inner shell, connector outer shell includes two sleeve shells, two sleeve shells are respectively sleeved in the both ends of connector inner shell, and two sleeve shells are equipped with the adapter in the end away from connector inner shell. The utility model discloses vacuum connector assembly adopts split type structure, realizes sealing structure through plug -in core spare, sealing section and connector inner shell, and the sleeve connector outer shell is used for reinforcing structural strength, thereby can be applicable to vacuum environment, and can avoid the situation that structural deformation or fracture appears.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of optical fiber connector technology, and specifically relates to a vacuum connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] With the country's technological breakthroughs in various fields, vacuum optical cables can reduce laser transmission loss and avoid interference from dust in the air on beam quality in high-energy laser cutting / welding equipment in the automotive and aerospace industries. In semiconductor manufacturing, optical cables are used to transmit control signals of lithography machines in a vacuum environment, and it is necessary to avoid material venting from contaminating precision optical components.

[0003] Currently, most vacuum connector assemblies are typically integrated units, connecting the vacuum and atmospheric environments via flanges and other sealing materials. Due to the high cost of sealed optical fibers and the stringent sealing performance requirements of existing assemblies, if the fiber's sealing performance fails to meet standards, even if the fiber's transmission performance is satisfactory, the entire assembly must be scrapped. This not only wastes materials and significantly increases application costs, but also exposes the sealed optical fiber to structural deformation or breakage due to drastic temperature fluctuations in the application environment. Furthermore, it is prone to brittleness at low temperatures, further impacting the overall reliability and lifespan of the assembly. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of the prior art, this invention provides a vacuum connector assembly capable of handling applications in vacuum environments.

[0005] The technical effects to be achieved by this utility model are realized through the following aspects: This utility model provides a vacuum connector assembly for fiber optic splicing, comprising: The connector inner shell has a coaxially through-hole, with ferrules at both ends of the cavity. A sealing joint is provided inside the cavity, and the optical fiber passes through the internal cavity of the sealing joint and connects to both ends of the connector inner shell. The connector housing includes two sleeve shells, which are respectively fitted onto the two ends of the connector inner shell. Each sleeve shell has an adapter at the end away from the connector inner shell.

[0006] In some implementations, the ferrule has a through-hole at its center for inserting the optical fiber.

[0007] In some implementations, the ferrule includes a metal tail and a ceramic ferrule, with one end of the metal tail connected to the ceramic ferrule and the other end of the metal tail connected to the connector inner shell via a thread.

[0008] In some implementations, a positioning element is provided inside the sleeve housing, and the positioning element is sleeved on the outside of the ceramic insert. The positioning element is used to connect the sleeve housing and the adapter.

[0009] In some implementations, the outer side of the sleeve shell is provided with at least one circular hole, which is used for subsequent laser welding or glue injection.

[0010] In some implementations, one end of the positioning component is provided with an integrally formed KEY key, which is used to connect to the adapter and perform limiting and fixing.

[0011] In some implementations, the KEY key is a metal boss, and the adapter has a groove that matches the metal boss.

[0012] In some implementations, the adapter is one of an FC connector, an LC connector, an SMA connector, and an SC connector.

[0013] In some implementations, the connector inner shell is provided with an annular step along the circumferential direction, and the annular step is used to fix it to external equipment.

[0014] In some implementations, the sealing joint has a T-shaped cross-section, and the inner cavity of the connector housing is provided with an annular support platform for abutting the sealing joint. The top of the sealing joint is connected and sealed to the annular support platform of the connector inner housing by adhesive or laser welding.

[0015] In summary, this utility model has at least the following advantages: This utility model provides a vacuum connector assembly, including an inner connector shell and an outer connector shell. The inner and outer shell design enhances structural strength. A sealing joint is installed within the cavity of the inner connector shell to seal the optical fiber. This sealing joint, in conjunction with the end ferrules, forms a multi-layered sealing structure, reducing airtightness issues caused by seal failure. The outer connector shell includes two sleeve shells, respectively fitted onto the ends of the inner connector shell. An adapter is installed at the end of the sleeve shell furthest from the inner connector shell. Signal transmission is achieved through the cooperation of the ferrules and the adapter. This adapter can be matched with external optical fiber devices. Therefore, when the entire communication link malfunctions, segmented analysis of the communication link is possible. If the seal is faulty, only the vacuum connector assembly needs to be replaced. The assembly is then re-secured by welding or using a sealing ring, and the communication line is reconnected. This significantly reduces the maintenance cost of vacuum-sealed communication lines and enhances the ability to analyze anomalies in vacuum-sealed communication links. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1This is an exploded view of the structure of the vacuum connector assembly in Embodiments 1 and 2 of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a structural cross-sectional schematic diagram of the vacuum connector assembly in embodiments 1, 2, and 3 of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the adapter and positioning component in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0019] Markings in the image: 1. Connector inner shell; 11. Sealing joint; 12. Annular step; 121. Annular groove; 13. Annular support platform; 2. Connector outer shell; 21. Sleeve shell; 22. Round hole; 3. Embedded core; 31. Ceramic ferrule; 32. Metal tail shank; 4. Adapter; 41. Groove; 5. Positioning element; 51. Metal boss; 6. Optical fiber. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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. The described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Example 1: Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention discloses a structure of a vacuum connector assembly for fiber optic 6 adapter, comprising a connector inner shell 1, having a coaxially through-hole cavity, with ferrules 3 at both ends of the cavity, and a sealing joint 11 inside the cavity, wherein the fiber optic 6 passes through the internal cavity of the sealing joint 11 and connects to both ends of the connector inner shell 1; and a connector outer shell 2, comprising two sleeve shells 21, which are respectively fitted onto both ends of the connector inner shell 1, and each sleeve shell 21 has an adapter 4 at the end away from the connector inner shell 1.

[0023] Specifically, the vacuum connector assembly comprises two parts: a connector inner shell 1 and a connector outer shell 2. The connector inner shell 1 is a double-ended conductive connecting component, with its internal conductive portion forming a cavity. The cavity connects to the two openings of the connector inner shell 1, and a sealing joint 11 is placed inside the cavity. The sealing joint 11 is embedded inside the cavity of the connector inner shell 1, and its outer wall is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the cavity. Inserts 3 are installed at the two openings of the cavity, and the inserts 3 are detachably connected to the connector inner shell 1. The connector outer shell 2 is installed on the inserts 3 at both ends of the connector inner shell 1. The connector outer shell 2 includes two sleeve shells 21, which are respectively fitted onto the two inserts 3. An adapter 4 for connecting external devices is provided at the other opening of the sleeve shell 21. The adapter 4 is inserted into the insert 3 to achieve signal conversion, while the sleeve shell 21 serves to protect the inserts 3 and adapt them, further enhancing the structural strength.

[0024] Understandably, the ferrule 3 and the connector inner shell 1 can optionally, but are not limited to, be fitted with an interference fit to seal the connection. The vacuum connector assembly is a sealed adapter for the optical fiber 6. Sealing is achieved through the mating of the sealing section 11 inside the cavity with the ferrules 3 at both ends of the cavity. The connector outer shell 2 further enhances the structural strength, making the vacuum connector assembly suitable for vacuum environments and less prone to deformation or breakage. Furthermore, this vacuum connector assembly has a split structure, providing a basis for disassembly, replacement, and maintenance. This solves the problem of difficulty in repairing existing integrated structures and further reduces the cost and maintenance of the sealed optical fiber 6, allowing for simple replacement of the corresponding sealing section 11 or ferrule 3.

[0025] In some embodiments, the ferrule 3 has a through-hole for optical fiber 6 at its axis, for inserting optical fiber 6.

[0026] Specifically, the sealing joint 11 has a through-hole for optical fiber 6 at its axial position. The internal cavity of the optical fiber 6 hole matches the outer diameter of the optical fiber 6, which can form a radial clamping force on the inserted optical fiber 6, ensuring that the optical fiber 6 remains coaxial and centered in the cavity, avoiding docking deviation caused by the shaking or offset of the optical fiber 6, providing a basis for the precise matching of the ferrule 3 and the adapter 4, and reducing transmission loss.

[0027] It is worth noting that the sealing joint 11 can be made of elastic material, which can produce slight deformation when temperature fluctuates or mechanical vibration, to compensate for the thermal expansion difference between the optical fiber 6 and the connector inner shell 1, reduce the risk of structural deformation or optical fiber 6 breakage caused by material stress, and enhance the stability of the component in complex environments.

[0028] In this embodiment, the vacuum connector assembly includes a connector inner shell 1 and a connector outer shell 2. The connector inner shell 1 has a double-ended conductive structure, with an internal cavity for housing a sealing joint 11. Removable inserts 3 are installed at both ends of the cavity. The inserts 3 cooperate with the connector inner shell 1 to fix the sealing joint 11 within the cavity, forming a closed structure. The connector outer shell 2 includes two sleeve shells 21, each fitted onto the inserts 3 at both ends. An adapter 4 is provided at the other end of the sleeve shell 21. The adapter 4 connects with the inserts 3 to achieve signal transfer. The sleeve shells 21 provide protection and enhance structural strength. This assembly achieves sealing through the cooperation of the sealing joint 11 and the inserts 3, adapting to vacuum environments and reducing the risk of deformation and breakage caused by temperature fluctuations or vibrations. The split design facilitates disassembly, replacement, and maintenance, reducing costs and solving the problems of difficult repair and easy overall scrapping of existing integrated components.

[0029] Example 2: This embodiment is a further structural optimization of the vacuum connector assembly of this utility model. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0030] In some embodiments, the insert 3 includes a metal tail 32 and a ceramic insert 31. One end of the metal tail 32 is connected to the ceramic insert 31, and the other end of the metal tail 32 is connected to the connector inner shell 1 by a thread.

[0031] Specifically, one end of the ferrule 3 is a ceramic ferrule 31, and the other end is a metal tail 32. The metal tail 32 serves as a connection carrier and is implemented by a threaded connection. It is connected to the connector inner shell 1 through the thread, so as to realize the detachable assembly of the ferrule 3 and the connector inner shell 1. In this way, the ceramic ferrule 31 is precisely fixed at the end of the tube of the connector inner shell 1, ensuring the coaxiality of the overall structure.

[0032] In addition, the ferrule 3 can be, but is not limited to, an integral structure. The ceramic ferrule 31 is brittle, and the metal tail 32 can buffer external impact through material properties and distribute stress evenly to the overall structure, so as to avoid damage to the ceramic ferrule 31 due to excessive local stress.

[0033] In some embodiments, the sleeve housing 21 is provided with a positioning member 5, which is sleeved on the outside of the ceramic insert 31. The positioning member 5 is used to connect the sleeve housing 21 and the adapter 4.

[0034] Specifically, a positioning element 5 is provided inside the sleeve housing 21. The positioning element 5 is annular and is used to connect the ferrule 3 and the adapter 4. The positioning element 5 is fitted onto the ceramic ferrule 31 of the ferrule 3 and is located inside the sleeve housing 21. The ceramic ferrule 31 is stepped near the metal tail shank 32. The positioning element 5 is fitted onto the outside of the step of the ceramic ferrule 31 to constrain the ceramic ferrule 31. The force is distributed to the sleeve housing 21 and the adapter 4 by the positioning element 5, avoiding direct force on the ceramic ferrule 31 and reducing the risk of damage to the ceramic ferrule 31 due to excessive force. The other end of the positioning element 5 is used to connect to the adapter 4 to ensure that the ceramic ferrule 31, the sleeve housing 21, and the adapter 4 remain coaxial, providing a basis for the precise docking of the optical fiber 6 during the transition process.

[0035] In some embodiments, the outer side of the sleeve shell 21 is provided with at least one circular hole 22, which is used for subsequent laser welding or glue injection.

[0036] Specifically, the sleeve housing 21 has at least one circular hole 22 on the side near the internal metal tail shank 32. This circular hole 22 is used for subsequent assembly to process the sleeve housing 21 with the connector inner housing 1 and the insert 3. The processing method can be, but is not limited to, welding the sleeve housing 21 to the internal components by laser welding, or injecting sealant into the gaps in the circular hole 22 to form an additional fastening or sealing structure. Furthermore, there are four circular holes 22, which are symmetrically distributed along the outer periphery of the sleeve housing 21. The four circular holes 22 allow sealant to be injected into the gaps between the sleeve housing 21 and the internal components from different directions, ensuring that the sealant evenly fills all gaps and forms a sealing layer without dead corners.

[0037] In this embodiment, the assembly sequence of the vacuum connector assembly is as follows: a sealing section 11 is placed inside the cavity of the connector inner shell 1, and an optical fiber 6 is installed inside the sealing section 11. A ferrule 3 is installed at both ends of the connector inner shell 1 by means of threaded rotation. As the ferrule 3 is screwed in, the sealing section 11 inside the cavity is limited and fixed. A positioning member 5 is installed at one end of the adapter 4 and is sleeved on the ferrule 3. The sleeve shell 21 of the connector outer shell 2 is sleeved on the outside of the connector and the ferrule 3. The overall fixing and sealing are achieved by injecting glue or spot welding through the round hole 22.

[0038] Example 3: This embodiment is a further structural optimization of the vacuum connector assembly of this utility model. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0039] In some embodiments, one end of the positioning member 5 is provided with an integrally formed KEY key, which is used to connect with the adapter 4 and limit and fix it.

[0040] Specifically, one end of the positioning component 5 is provided with a KEY key, which matches the corresponding keyway structure on the adapter 4. When the positioning component 5 and the adapter 4 are assembled, the shape fit can quickly guide the two to accurately dock.

[0041] In some embodiments, the KEY key is a metal boss 51, and the adapter 4 is provided with a groove 41 that is adapted to the metal boss 51.

[0042] Specifically, the positioning element 5 is made of metal, and the KEY key is a metal boss 51. The metal boss 51 can be embedded in the groove 41 of the adapter connection end, and a strong mechanical lock is formed by utilizing the rigidity of metal. In addition to limiting the adapter and the insert 3 through the positioning element 5, this method can effectively resist greater circumferential torque and axial impact force.

[0043] In some embodiments, adapter 4 is one of an FC connector, an LC connector, an SMA connector, and an SC connector.

[0044] Specifically, adapter 4 uses different types of connectors to make it suitable for different fiber optic 6 transmission scenarios. Adapter 4 can be selected from, but is not limited to, one of FC connectors, LC connectors, SMA connectors and SC connectors.

[0045] In some embodiments, the connector inner shell 1 is provided with an annular step 12 along the circumferential direction, and the annular step 12 is used to fix it to an external device.

[0046] Specifically, the connector inner shell 1 is provided with an annular step 12. The evenly distributed circumference of the annular step 12 ensures that the fixing force is evenly transmitted along the outer circumference of the inner shell, avoiding local stress concentration caused by single-point fixing and reducing deformation of the inner shell due to uneven stress. The vacuum sealing assembly is fixed to the bulkhead of the external equipment via the annular step 12. The annular step 12 on the connector inner shell 1 is provided with an annular groove 121, which can embed an elastic sealing element. When the annular step 12 is fitted and fixed to the bulkhead, it forms a continuous sealing interface with the elastic sealing element. In another implementation, the annular groove 121 is fixed to the external equipment by dispensing adhesive or laser welding.

[0047] In some embodiments, the sealing section 11 has a T-shaped structure, and the inner cavity of the connector housing 1 is provided with an annular support platform 13 for abutting the sealing section 11. The top of the sealing section 11 is connected and sealed to the annular support platform 13 of the connector housing 1 by adhesive or laser welding.

[0048] Specifically, the sealing section 11 has a lateral protrusion at one end, giving it a T-shaped cross-section. This protrusion contacts the end face of the annular support platform inside the cavity, thus limiting the sealing section 11. The top of the sealing section 11 can be connected and sealed to the annular support platform 13 of the connector inner shell 1 by means of adhesive or laser welding, but is not limited to this method. In another embodiment, when the ferrule 3 is installed in the connector inner shell 1, the sealing section 11 is subjected to a clamping force applied by the ferrule 3, which allows the sealing section 11 to be fixed and limited within the cavity. This method of fixing the sealing section 11 makes it easier to remove and replace the old sealing section 11 during subsequent maintenance, as only the ferrule 3 needs to be removed, reducing maintenance difficulty and cost.

[0049] In this embodiment, the positioning member 5 uses a metal boss 51 to engage with the groove 41 of the adapter 4 to achieve limiting and fixing. The positioning member 5 serves to connect the adapter 4 and the ferrule 3, achieving precise docking between the adapter 4 and the ferrule 3. The adapter 4 uses different types of connectors to cope with different fiber optic 6 transmission scenarios. An annular step 12 is provided on the outer side of the connector inner shell 1 for connecting and fixing with external equipment. An annular support platform 13 is provided inside the cavity of the connector inner shell 1. The annular support platform 13 is used to limit the sealing section 11. The sealing section 11 has a T-shaped structure. The ferrule 3 presses the sealing section 11 against the annular support platform 13 to achieve limiting and fixing.

[0050] Example 4: In this embodiment, the connector inner shell is a through hole, and at least one of its two ends has an annular inner step. The top of the sealing joint has a similar annular step. The annular steps of the sealing joint are connected as a single unit by adhesive or laser welding. The optical fiber is filled with a filler and fixed at the center of the sealing joint. In this embodiment, the filler is a cured adhesive, solder, etc.

[0051] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the connector's inner hole is sealed, with ferrules fitted at both ends. The optical fiber is sealed with adhesive within the central hole of the ceramic ferrule of the ferrule. A positioning element is fitted onto the metal tail of the ferrule.

[0052] The adapter is fitted onto the outer wall of the ceramic ferrule using a positioning element. The connector housing is fitted onto the outside of the adapter, exposing the adapter's pre-installed external ports.

[0053] As can be seen from this embodiment, the vacuum connector assembly of this utility model has a simple structure. It achieves internal sealing of the device through stable sealing methods such as glue filling and laser welding. Subsequent processing can follow traditional connector manufacturing processes, using 353ND glue to cure the optical fiber and ceramic ferrule, enabling normal data transmission capability of the fiber optic connector. This process is low-difficulty and easy to assemble.

[0054] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" 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 relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0057] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above or below" the first feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on" the first feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the first feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0058] Although the description of this utility model has been given in conjunction with the specific embodiments described above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that many substitutions, modifications, and variations can be made based on the above description. Therefore, all such substitutions, modifications, and variations are included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum connector assembly for fiber optic splicing, characterized in that, include: The connector inner shell has a coaxially through-hole, with ferrules at both ends of the cavity. A sealing joint is provided inside the cavity, and the optical fiber passes through the internal cavity of the sealing joint and connects to both ends of the connector inner shell. The connector housing includes two sleeve shells, which are respectively fitted onto the two ends of the connector inner shell. Each sleeve shell has an adapter at the end away from the connector inner shell.

2. The vacuum connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ferrule has a through-hole at its center for inserting the optical fiber.

3. The vacuum connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The insert includes a metal tail and a ceramic insert. One end of the metal tail is connected to the ceramic insert, and the other end of the metal tail is connected to the connector inner shell by a thread.

4. The vacuum connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sleeve housing is provided with a positioning element, which is sleeved on the outside of the ceramic insert and is used to connect the sleeve housing and the adapter.

5. The vacuum connector assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer side of the sleeve shell is provided with at least one circular hole, which is used for subsequent laser welding or glue injection.

6. The vacuum connector assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, One end of the positioning component is provided with an integrally formed KEY key, which is used to connect with the adapter and limit and fix it.

7. The vacuum connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The key is a metal boss, and the adapter has a groove that matches the metal boss.

8. The vacuum connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adapter is one of the following: FC connector, LC connector, SMA connector, and SC connector.

9. The vacuum connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector's inner shell has an annular step along its circumference, which is used to fix it to external equipment.

10. The vacuum connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing section has a T-shaped structure. The inner cavity of the connector shell is provided with an annular support platform for abutting the sealing section. The top of the sealing section is connected and sealed to the annular support platform of the connector shell by glue or laser welding.

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