WO2024095071A1

WO2024095071A1 - Method for generating hermetic seals in a fibre-optic connector assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2024095071A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/058357
Authority: WO
Inventors: William PEREZ DAVILA
Original assignee: Perez Davila William
Priority date: 2022-10-31
Filing date: 2023-08-22
Publication date: 2024-05-10

Abstract

The recent development in telecommunications through fibre-optic systems presents important challenges regarding sealing and resistance to environmental effects. In addition, the use of screwable elements in fibre-optic cable connectors poses another problem because it can cause them to become twisted. Furthermore, connector assemblies on the market are commonly only compatible with connectors of the same manufacturer, which makes installation in the field difficult because it is not possible to find replacements or compatible pieces. To solve these problems, a method is proposed for generating a plurality of hermetic seals in a connector assembly for a fibre-optic cable, which seals are rated as at least dust-tight and protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water and also have an impact protection rating, allowing high compatibility with fibre-optic connectors existing on the market.

Description

METHOD FOR GENERATING HERMETIC SEALS IN A FIBER OPTICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to mechanical closures for fiber optic distribution systems. In particular, the invention relates to a method for generating a plurality of hermetic seals in a fiber optic cable connector assembly that includes at least one pre-connectorized end with at least one elastically deformable sealing element and at least one element that prevents rotation or twisting of the seal element.

The invention further relates to a plurality of hermetic seals formed in a connector assembly in a fiber optic connection terminal that comply with at least one dustproof tightness degree characteristic and one underwater protection characteristic. , for example, according to the IP68 standard, as well as an impact protection feature, for example, according to the IK10 standard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, the planet has experienced rapid growth in the telecommunications sector and, in particular, in fiber optic systems, which have proven to have many advantages and benefits over wired systems based on electrical conductors. However, fiber optic systems present significant challenges in terms of airtightness and resistance to environmental effects.

For example, it is well known that at least 70% of typical problems in fiber optic installation networks are a consequence of the effects of weather, mainly thermal changes that cause expansion and contraction of materials, dust, rain, lightning. UV, among others.

A fiber optic cable connection is illustrated, for example, in the patent document EP 1 787 153 B1. As can be seen in that document, there are no or no sealing elements provided between the connector and the corresponding adapter. The above results in the inevitable entry of dust and humidity into these components, which negatively affects the splicing of the optical fiber inside the assembly.

A typical solution to prevent the entry of dust, dirt and/or moisture into fiber optic connection ports is the placement of annular-shaped sealing elements, typically known as o-rings, which are generally made from materials to silicone base. However, because most, if not all, connectors for fiber optic cables include threadable elements, threading of the connectors causes non-uniform deformations of said sealing elements and, even worse, causes a locking effect. twisted of them. This twisting effect results in the generation of empty spaces or gaps that are not sealed correctly, which in turn causes dirt, dust and/or moisture to enter the interior of the connector. In other words, the use of sealing elements in threaded connections for fiber optic cables does not ensure a correct airtight seal.

A threaded connection of the aforementioned type is illustrated, for example, in US patent publication 2020/0200982A1. As seen in some of the figures of this document, a sealing element is provided that consists of a tonca gasket. However, tonal gaskets only provide a minimal ring-shaped sealing effect between two surfaces. Additionally, depending on the material they are made of, butt joints can be expensive, prone to wear or breakage due to twisting, or may even be incompatible for fiber optic installations.

On the other hand, it is common to find fiber optic connector assemblies that are only compatible with certain types of connectors, which makes installation difficult because it is not possible to find replacements or compatible parts for certain types of connectors; This is because in the market there are numerous manufacturers that manufacture exclusively designed parts that are incompatible with parts from other manufacturers. In other words, it is not common to find fiber optic connector assemblies that include standardized or generic parts that allow easy replacement with parts from any manufacturer or distributor.

Therefore, it is necessary to solve, on the one hand, the problem related to poor or poor seals in threaded connections for fiber optic connectors and, on the other hand, the problem of incompatibility between parts produced by different manufacturers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages and needs in the technique described above, as well as others that will be evident to a person skilled in the art after reading this specification, are resolved with a method for generating a plurality of hermetic seals in a connector assembly. optical fiber according to certain aspects of the present invention.

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a fiber optic distribution system comprising a connection terminal, which has at least one base and a cap, and at least one fiber cable connector assembly. optics. Both the connection terminal and the connector assembly allow the generation of the necessary seals to meet the requirements for use in outdoor installations, for example, aerial installations suspended or mounted on poles or hardware, and submerged installations, as is known in the art. technique; in particular, comply with a dust-tightness degree characteristic and a protection characteristic against permanence under water, for example, in accordance with the IP68 standard, as well as an impact protection characteristic, for example, in accordance with the IK10 standard .

In certain implementations, the at least one fiber optic cable connector assembly comprises a connector of the type known as "pre-terminated."

In certain implementations, the at least one fiber optic cable connector assembly comprises an elastically deformable sealing element. and an anti-rotation or anti-twist element that together ensure a plurality of hermetic seals even in connections that involve threaded elements.

In certain implementations, the anti-rotation or anti-kinking element consists of an insert mounted inside the fiber optic cable connector assembly and comprises a plurality of non-permanent anchoring or fastening elements to the fiber optic cable connector assembly. Particularly preferably, the anti-rotation insert comprises a base and a plurality of flexible fingers, wherein each of the flexible fingers comprises a protuberance at a distal end of the base. The protuberances are configured to produce the effect of anchoring or non-permanent fastening.

In certain implementations, the anti-rotation insert is manufactured from a plastic material, particularly nylon, and is manufactured by injection molding.

In certain implementations, the elastically deformable sealing element is manufactured from a rubber-based material, particularly buna-N, a silicone-based or elastomer-based material, and is manufactured by compression molding.

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a method of producing a tight seal in a connector assembly for fiber optic cables comprises providing at least: a double threaded adapter having at least one pre-terminated female connector, a nut internal, a hollow cylindrical sleeve that has a compression nut, a sealing element, an anti-rotation insert, and a threaded plug.

Additionally, the method may comprise providing a male connector pre-connected with a fiber optic cable end, and an o-ring.

In certain implementations, the method further comprises placing the O-ring between an inner or outer wall of a connection terminal cap and a first threaded end of the double threaded adapter generating a first tight seal.

In certain implementations, the method further comprises connecting a pre-terminated male connector to the pre-terminated female connector.

In certain implementations, the method further comprises introducing the anti-rotation insert into the screw cap so that the former is fixed or anchored non-permanently and capable of rotation with respect to the screw cap. Alternatively, the screw cap can rotate freely with respect to the anti-rotation insert. According to these characteristics, the turn of one does not cause a turn in the other.

In certain implementations, the method further comprises passing one end of the fiber optic cable through the assembly formed by the screw cap and the anti-rotation insert.

In certain implementations, the method further comprises mounting the elastically deformable sealing element onto one end of at least one pre-terminated male connector and onto at least one segment of the fiber optic cable.

In certain implementations, the method further comprises coupling the pre-terminated male connector with the pre-terminated female connector such that the sealing element bears at least partially against a wall of the adapter and simultaneously, the sealing element generates an additional tight seal against the walls of the pre-terminated male connector and a segment of the fiber optic cable.

In certain implementations, the method further comprises screwing the screw cap into the adapter to a position in which at least a section of the sealing element is deformed without causing a twisting or twisting effect of the sealing element despite the rotation and displacement. of the screw cap with respect to the adapter.

Additional or alternative aspects of this disclosure, as well as advantages or solutions to other technical problems, will be evident to a specialist in the field from reading this descriptive report with the help of the attached drawings which show in an illustrative, non-limiting manner, certain aspects and characteristics of modalities of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a connection terminal for a fiber optic distribution system; the terminal includes a fiber optic cable connector assembly in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a fiber optic cable connector assembly in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the connection terminal along the line V-V shown in Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used in the present disclosure, the term "proximal" refers to a position closer to the connection terminal while the term "distal" refers to a position further from the connection terminal.

The term “internal” refers to a position inside the connection terminal, and the term “external” refers to a position outside the connection terminal, unless otherwise indicated.

Furthermore, as used in the present disclosure, the approaching or moving away of components of the connector assembly should be understood to be along a longitudinal axis unless otherwise indicated.

Referring to Figure 1, a fiber distribution system is illustrated. optical cable 100 comprising a connection terminal cover 110 and at least one fiber optic cable connector assembly 200 in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention. The connection terminal cover 110 and a connection terminal base (which is not illustrated for reasons of simplicity) define a hollow interior space that allows housing, among others, a plurality of fiber optic connection elements, such as is known in the art. The connection terminal cover 110 comprises a plurality of connection ports 111, each of which allows mounting a respective connector assembly 200. Although only one connector assembly 200 mounted on a connection port is illustrated in Figure 1 111, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that all connection ports 111 may comprise a respective connector assembly 200 simultaneously.

Referring now to Figure 2, a fiber optic cable connector assembly 200 is illustrated in accordance with certain aspects of the invention. The connector assembly 200 may be fixedly, tightly, and removably mounted on a connection port 111 of the connection terminal cover 110 as illustrated in Figure 1, for example. The connection terminal cover 110 has been omitted from this representation for the sake of clarity and brevity. The connector assembly 200 comprises a double threaded adapter 210 having a first threaded end facing inwardly of the connecting terminal cap 110 and a second threaded end 211 facing outwardly of the connecting terminal cap 110, and at least one pre-terminated female connector. The double threaded adapter 210 is removably installed through a connection port 111 of the connection terminal cover 110 using an internal nut 220 engaged with the first threaded end of the double threaded adapter 210. Additionally, advantageously , an O-ring may be installed between an outer wall of the connection terminal cover 1 10 and the inner nut 220.

The connector assembly 200 further comprises a hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 which can be connected by means of a compression nut 240 with the second threaded end 211 of the double threaded adapter 210.

The connector assembly 200 further comprises a sealing element 250 positioned at least partially within the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230. The sealing element 250 is held fixed within, and sealing against at least an interior wall portion of the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 by an anti-rotation insert 260. In addition, the anti-rotation insert -rotation 260 is accommodated at least partially within a threaded plug 270 which closes the connector assembly 200. The threaded plug 270 is threaded into a threaded end 231 of the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230. Additionally, the anti-rotation insert 260 is can be mounted in such a way that it remains non-permanently anchored in the threaded plug 270, as will be described in more detail below, while simultaneously pushing and preventing twisting of the sealing element 250 within the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 when the plug threaded 270 is threaded into the threaded distal end of the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, an exploded view of the connector assembly 200 is illustrated in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention. As already mentioned in relation to Figure 2, the connector assembly 200 may comprise a double threaded adapter 210, an internal nut 220, a hollow cylindrical sleeve 230, a compression nut 240, a sealing element 250, an insert anti-rotation 260, and threaded cap 270.

The double threaded adapter 210 comprises a second threaded end 211 which allows the compression nut 240 to be connected via the threaded end 241. In particular, the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 and the compression nut 240 may be integrally formed as a single piece.

Alternatively, preferably, the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 and the compression nut 240 are formed as two independent elements. According to this configuration, the compression nut 240 can be slidably and/or rotatably mounted on the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230.

Additionally, the dual-threaded adapter 210 may comprise at least one pre-terminated female connector 212. The pre-terminated female connector 212 may be removably mounted to the dual-threaded adapter 210. Particularly preferably, the sealing element 250 is designed in such a way that it comprises an annular-shaped base 251 and a sealing body 252 integrally joined to the base 251 by means of a stem 253. Advantageously, the sealing body 252 comprises a through hole 254 that extends longitudinally, and further comprises a longitudinal cut 255 that extends from the through hole 254 to an edge of the sealing body 252. In use the through hole 254 is configured to receive a segment of fiber optic cable, Therefore, said through hole is preferably configured as a cylindrical hole. On the other hand, the longitudinal cut 255 allows at least said segment of fiber optic cable to pass from the outside to the through hole 254.

The sealing element 250 may be manufactured from a rubber-based material, in particular from buna-N, or from a silicone- or elastomer-based material. Therefore, the sealing element 250 allows an operator to open the longitudinal cut 255 during its installation simply by using his fingers.

Particularly advantageously, the anti-rotation insert 260 comprises an annular base 261 from which a plurality of flexible fingers 262 extend. Each of the flexible fingers 262 comprises a protuberance 263 at a distal end of the base 261. In this way, when the screw cap 270 is brought towards the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230, with the sealing element 250 being mounted at least partially inside the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 and with the anti-rotation insert 260 mounted inside the screw cap 270, a threaded portion 272 of the threaded plug 270 can be threaded into the threaded end 231 of the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230. During this coupling operation between the threaded plug 270 and the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230, the sealing element 250 is pushed and deformed, in particular elastically compressed along a longitudinal axis XX of the connector assembly 200 and, additionally, at least a portion of the sealing body 252 is deformed in an axial direction so as to form a seal against an inner wall of the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230. Furthermore, during The screwing of the threaded cap 270 in relation to the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230, the anti-rotation insert 260 prevents the sealing element 250 from twisting or rotating in relation to the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230.

Additionally, advantageously, when the screw cap 270 is unscrewed from the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230, the anti-rotation insert 260 is carried away from the sealing element 250. This is achieved because the protuberances 263 of the anti-rotation insert 260 They are anchored in an outer wall 271 of the screw cap 270. Again, the sealing element 250 is prevented from rotating or twisting relative to the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 during rotation of the screw cap 270.

Referring now to Figure 5, a cross-sectional view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1 is shown along section lines V-V. Here, the double threaded adapter 210 is mounted on a connection port 111 of the connection terminal cover 110 with the use of an internal nut 220. Additionally, an o-ring 280 is placed between an outer wall of the terminal cover connection and the double threaded adapter 210 generating a first seal. A pre-terminated female connector 212 is removably mounted on the double threaded adapter 210.

The hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 is brought close to the double threaded adapter 210 by threading the threaded end 241 of the compression nut 240 into the second threaded end 211 of the double threaded adapter 210. The sealing element 250 is mounted at least partially within the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230, with the base 251 of the sealing element 250 interposed between the double threaded adapter 210 and the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230, so that a hermetic seal is generated between the double threaded adapter 210, the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 and the compression nut 240.

The sealing body 252 is integrally joined to the base 251 by means of the stem 253. Particularly preferably, the sealing body 252 is formed with a conical shaped section and with a cylindrical shaped section. Said conical shaped section is configured to come into contact with an interior wall of the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 generating an additional hermetic seal. The anti-rotation insert 260 is mounted on the screw cap 270 with the protuberances 263 loosely anchored in the outer wall 271. In turn, when the threaded portion 272 of the screw cap 270 is threaded into the threaded end 231 of the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230, the anti-rotation insert 260 is brought close to the sealing body 252 of the sealing element 250 such that, on the one hand, the annular base 261 rests against an outer wall of the conical-shaped section of the sealing element 250 and, on the other hand, the flexible fingers 262 partially surround the cylindrical shaped section of the sealing element 250. Furthermore, when the screw cap 270 is rotated relative to the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230, the anti-rotation insert 260 prevents the sealing element 250 from rotating or twisting in relation to the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 ensuring the aforementioned hermetic seal.

Referring now to Figures 2 to 5, the steps of a method of mounting a connector assembly for fiber optic cable in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention are described below.

A first mounting step comprises providing at least one of: a double threaded adapter 210 having at least one preconnected female connector 212, an internal nut 220, a hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 having a compression nut 240, a of sealing 250, and a threaded cap 270 that has an anti-rotation insert 260.

Subsequently, the method comprises mounting the double threaded adapter 210 into a connection port 111 of a connection terminal cover 110 with the internal nut 220 threaded onto the first threaded end of the double threaded adapter 210. Additionally, the method may comprise Place an O-ring 280 between the double threaded adapter 210 and an outer wall of the connection terminal cover 110.

In a next step, the method comprises installing the element of sealing 250 at least partially within the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 and subsequently coupling the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230 with the double threaded adapter 210 by threading the compression nut 240 into the double threaded adapter 210.

In a subsequent step, the method comprises mounting the anti-rotation insert 260 into the threaded plug 270 and subsequently closing the connector assembly 200 by screwing the threaded plug 270 into the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230.

In this way, at least three tight seals have been generated in the connector assembly 200 and the connecting terminal cover 110, namely, a first tight seal between the double threaded adapter 210, the connecting terminal cover 110 and the O-ring 280; a second tight seal between the double threaded adapter 210, the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230, the compression nut 240 and the base 251 of the sealing element 250; and a third hermetic seal between the hollow cylindrical sleeve 230, the screw cap 270 and the sealing body 252 of the sealing element 250.

The method may further comprise a step of providing a segment of fiber optic cable having a pre-terminated male connector. Subsequently, it is convenient to couple the pre-connected male connector with the pre-connected female connector 212.

The connector assembly 200 for fiber optic cables, according to the invention, was subjected to tests to determine its tightness and was shown to be effective for up to 30 days at a depth of 2 meters of water, which allows the seal to be classified as one of the “environmental-proof” and “water-proof” type, so that it complies with at least one dust-proof degree of tightness characteristic and one protection characteristic against permanence under water, for example, in accordance with the standard IP68, as well as an impact protection feature, for example according to the IK10 standard.

In addition, this type of hermetic seal has the advantage of being a solution that is easy to use during installation and low cost.

Claims

1 . A method for generating a plurality of hermetic seals in a fiber optic connector assembly, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: providing at least one of: a double threaded adapter having a first threaded end, a second threaded end, and at least one pre-terminated female connector; an internal nut; a hollow cylindrical sleeve having a compression nut; a sealing element; a threaded cap having an anti-rotation insert; and a tonch joint; mounting the double threaded adapter into a connection port of a connection terminal cap with the internal nut threaded onto the first threaded end of the double threaded adapter; place the O-ring between the double threaded adapter and an outer wall of the connection terminal cover; installing the sealing element at least partially inside the hollow cylindrical sleeve; attach the hollow cylindrical sleeve to the double thread adapter by threading the compression nut onto the double thread adapter; mount the anti-rotation insert on the screw cap; Close the connector assembly by screwing the threaded cap into the hollow cylindrical sleeve.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a segment of fiber optic cable having a pre-terminated male connector.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising coupling the pre-terminated male connector to the pre-terminated female connector.