Underwater sealing structure

Abstract

The application provides an underwater sealing structure. The underwater sealing structure comprises a sealing shell configured to be mounted on a sealed part, the sealing shell being provided with a first water inlet hole; and a sealing assembly configured to be mounted on the sealed part, the sealing assembly being located between the sealing shell and the sealed part, and comprising an elastic sealing part having a containing cavity, water in an external environment being capable of flowing into the containing cavity through the first water inlet hole, and the water entering the containing cavity being capable of exerting extrusion force on the elastic sealing part to form a seal between the sealing shell and the sealed part. The underwater sealing structure of the technical scheme of the application can solve the problem of poor sealing performance in a deep water environment using the existing sealing method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sealing technology, and more specifically, to an underwater sealing structure. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, underwater optoelectronic connectors, underwater junction boxes, and underwater high-pressure chambers are typically sealed to optical cables using stuffing box seals. Stuffing box seals are underwater sealing structures that create pressure between the rubber packing and the optical cable through pre-tightening pressure on the rubber. Specifically, the axial force of the gland causes the rubber to expand radially, generating pressure to achieve a seal. Stuffing box seals rely primarily on the pre-tightening pressure between the rubber and the cable; their water pressure resistance depends on the magnitude of this pre-tightening pressure. However, in deep water environments, prolonged compression between the rubber and the cable can easily cause plastic deformation in the cable, reducing the pre-tightening pressure and leading to poor sealing performance or even seal failure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide an underwater sealing structure that can solve the problem of poor sealing performance in deep water environments when using existing sealing methods.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, an underwater sealing structure is provided, comprising: a sealing housing configured to mount a component to be sealed, the sealing housing having a first water inlet; and a sealing assembly configured to be mounted on the component to be sealed, the sealing assembly being located between the sealing housing and the component to be sealed, the sealing assembly including an elastic sealing portion having a receiving cavity, wherein water from the external environment can flow into the receiving cavity through the first water inlet, and the water entering the receiving cavity can exert a compressive force on the elastic sealing portion to form a seal between the sealing housing and the component to be sealed.

[0005] Furthermore, the sealing assembly also includes a support portion installed inside the receiving cavity. There is a receiving space between the support portion and the elastic sealing portion. A second water inlet is provided on the support portion. Water from the external environment can flow into the receiving space after passing through the first water inlet and the second water inlet in sequence. The water entering the receiving space can exert a squeezing force on the elastic sealing portion and the support portion.

[0006] Furthermore, the elastic sealing part is configured to be sleeved on the part to be sealed. The elastic sealing part includes a sealing body, and both ends of the sealing body are provided with flange structures. The flange structure includes a groove. Both ends of the support part are engaged in the groove. There is a receiving space between the support part and the sealing body. Water entering the receiving space can exert a squeezing force on the sealing body and the support part, so that the sealing body is tightly sealed to the outer wall of the part to be sealed, and the flange structure is tightly sealed to the inner wall of the sealing shell.

[0007] Furthermore, the flange structure includes a transition section, a first bending section, and a second bending section. The transition section, the first bending section, and the second bending section form a groove. Water entering the receiving space can exert a squeezing force on the sealing body, causing the sealing body to open away from the transition section and adhere tightly to the outer wall of the part to be sealed.

[0008] Furthermore, the sealing shell includes a stepped structure, and the underwater sealing structure also includes a fixing component. The fixing component is installed at the end of the sealing shell away from the stepped structure. One end of the elastic sealing part is sealed and tightly attached to the stepped structure, and the other end of the elastic sealing part is sealed and tightly attached to the fixing component.

[0009] Furthermore, the fixing component includes a locking member configured to be sleeved on the part to be sealed, an elastic sealing part clamped and fixed between the stepped structure and the locking member, and the locking member being threadedly connected to the sealing housing.

[0010] Furthermore, the fixing component also includes a gasket configured to be fitted onto the part to be sealed, the gasket being located between the resilient sealing part and the locking part, one end of the resilient sealing part being sealed and tightly fitted with the stepped structure, and the other end of the resilient sealing part being sealed and tightly fitted with the gasket.

[0011] Furthermore, multiple wrench grooves are provided on the end face of the locking member away from the washer, and the multiple wrench grooves are arranged at intervals along the circumference.

[0012] Furthermore, there are multiple first water inlets and second water inlets, and the first water inlets and second water inlets are provided in a one-to-one correspondence; and / or, the diameter of the first water inlet is larger than the diameter of the second water inlet.

[0013] Furthermore, the elastic sealing part is made of rubber.

[0014] The present invention employs a sealing shell and an elastic sealing part. The elastic sealing part is fitted onto the component to be sealed, with the opening of the receiving cavity facing the inner wall of the sealing shell. A first water inlet hole is provided on the inner wall of the sealing shell, and the outer wall surface of the elastic sealing part remains in close contact with the inner wall surface of the sealing shell. Water entering the sealing shell through the first water inlet hole can only flow into the receiving cavity. Because the elastic sealing part is made of elastic material, when water enters the receiving cavity, it compresses the inner wall of the cavity, causing the inner wall of the elastic sealing part to fit tightly against the outer wall of the component to be sealed, thus forming a seal between the sealing shell and the component. This sealing method primarily utilizes water pressure to cause a certain deformation of the elastic sealing part, allowing it to seal against both the sealing shell and the outer wall of the component. Furthermore, since the pressure increases with water depth, the sealing effect is better with greater water depth. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the underwater sealing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 An assembly schematic diagram of the underwater sealing structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A partial structural schematic diagram of the elastic sealing portion according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0019] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the locking component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0021] 10. Sealing shell; 11. First water inlet; 12. Stepped structure; 20. Component to be sealed; 30. Sealing assembly; 31. Elastic sealing part; 311. Sealing body; 312. Flanged structure; 313. Slot; 314. Transition section; 315. First bending section; 316. Second bending section; 317. Inclined section; 318. Platform section; 32. Support part; 321. Second water inlet; 40. Fixing assembly; 41. Locking part; 42. Gasket; 50. Wrench slot. Detailed Implementation

[0022] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] See also Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention provides an underwater sealing structure, which includes: a sealing shell 10 configured to mount a component 20 to be sealed, and a first water inlet 11 provided on the sealing shell 10; and a sealing assembly 30 configured to be mounted on the component 20 to be sealed, the sealing assembly 30 being located between the sealing shell 10 and the component 20 to be sealed, the sealing assembly 30 including an elastic sealing part 31 having a receiving cavity, water in the external environment can flow into the receiving cavity through the first water inlet 11, and the water entering the receiving cavity can exert a squeezing force on the elastic sealing part 31 to form a seal between the sealing shell 10 and the component 20 to be sealed.

[0024] In this embodiment, the component to be sealed 20 is a cable. The underwater sealing structure can be used to seal the cable and underwater connectors, underwater junction boxes, or underwater hyperbaric chambers, etc. The cable passes through the sealing shell 10, and the elastic sealing part 31 is sleeved on the cable. The opening of the receiving cavity faces the inner wall of the sealing shell 10. A first water inlet hole 11 is provided on the inner wall of the sealing shell 10, and the outer wall surface of the elastic sealing part 31 and the inner wall surface of the sealing shell 10 are always kept in close contact. Water entering the sealing shell 10 through the first water inlet hole 11 can only flow into the receiving cavity. Since the elastic sealing part 31 is made of elastic material, when water enters the receiving cavity, the water squeezes the inner wall of the receiving cavity, which can make the inner wall of the elastic sealing part 31 fit tightly against the outer wall of the cable, thereby forming a seal between the sealing shell 10 and the cable. The above-mentioned sealing method mainly utilizes water pressure to cause a certain deformation of the elastic sealing part 31, thereby enabling the elastic sealing part 31 to seal and fit both with the sealing shell 10 and with the outer wall of the cable. Furthermore, since the pressure increases with water depth, the sealing effect is better with deeper water. In addition, compared with the vulcanization sealing method, the above-mentioned sealing method is less expensive and more maintainable.

[0025] See also Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing assembly 30 further includes a support portion 32, which is installed in the receiving cavity. There is a receiving space between the support portion 32 and the elastic sealing portion 31. A second water inlet hole 321 is provided on the support portion 32. Water in the external environment can flow into the receiving space after passing through the first water inlet hole 11 and the second water inlet hole 321 in sequence. The water entering the receiving space can exert a squeezing force on the elastic sealing portion 31 and the support portion 32.

[0026] In this embodiment, the support part 32 is installed inside the receiving cavity. The support part 32 can support both ends of the elastic sealing part 31, ensuring that the elastic sealing part 31 can be fixedly installed inside the sealing shell 10. The support part 32 is provided with a second water inlet hole 321, which is correspondingly provided with the first water inlet hole 11. There is a certain gap between the support part 32 and the inner wall of the elastic sealing part 31, that is, a receiving space can be formed between the two. Water from the external environment can flow into the receiving space through the first water inlet hole 11 and the second water inlet hole 321 in sequence. The water entering the receiving space squeezes the elastic sealing part 31 and the support part 32. The water pressure makes the elastic sealing part 31 fit more tightly with the part to be sealed 20, realizing the seal between the sealing shell 10 and the part to be sealed 20. At the same time, since the support part 32 supports both ends of the elastic sealing part 31, it can prevent the two ends of the elastic sealing part 31 from moving closer to each other when the water pressure is too high, thereby ensuring the structural stability and sealing effect of the elastic sealing part 31.

[0027] See also Figures 1 to 4As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic sealing part 31 is configured to be sleeved on the part to be sealed 20. The elastic sealing part 31 includes a sealing body 311. Both ends of the sealing body 311 are provided with flange structures 312. The flange structure 312 includes a groove 313. Both ends of the support part 32 are engaged in the groove 313. There is a receiving space between the support part 32 and the sealing body 311. Water entering the receiving space can exert a squeezing force on the sealing body 311 and the support part 32, so that the sealing body 311 is tightly sealed to the outer wall of the part to be sealed 20, and the flange structure 312 is tightly sealed to the inner wall of the sealing shell 10.

[0028] In this embodiment, the support part 32 is engaged between two flanged structures 312. Each flanged structure 312 includes a slot 313. One end of the support part 32 is engaged in one of the two slots 313, and the other end of the support part 32 is engaged in the other slot 313. Water entering the receiving space exerts a compressive force on the sealing body 311 and the support part 32. Under the compressive force of the water, the sealing body 311 can be tightly sealed against the outer wall of the component to be sealed 20. At the same time, under the compressive force of the water, the support part 32 exerts a compressive force on the flanged structure 312, which can make the flanged structure 312 tightly sealed against the inner wall of the sealing shell 10, thereby achieving a seal between the sealing shell 10 and the component to be sealed 20.

[0029] See also Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the flange structure 312 includes a transition section 314, a first bending section 315, and a second bending section 316. The transition section 314, the first bending section 315, and the second bending section 316 form a groove 313. Water entering the receiving space can exert a squeezing force on the sealing body 311, causing the sealing body 311 to open away from the transition section 314 and adhere tightly to the outer wall of the part to be sealed 20.

[0030] In this embodiment, the water entering the containment space applies a squeezing force to the sealing body 311, causing the sealing body 311 to open away from the transition section 314 and adhere tightly to the outer wall of the component to be sealed 20. At the same time, under the squeezing action of the water, the support part 32 can squeeze the flange structure 312, so that the transition section 314 is tightly fitted to the component to be sealed 20, and the first bending section 315 and the second bending section 316 are tightly fitted to the inner wall surface of the sealing shell 10, thereby achieving a seal between the sealing shell 10 and the component to be sealed 20.

[0031] Specifically, the transition section 314 includes an inclined section 317 and a platform section 318. The platform section 318 is parallel to the second bending section 316 and the sealing body 311, and there is a preset distance between the platform section 318 and the sealing body 311. One end of the inclined section 317 is connected to the sealing body 311, and the other end of the inclined section 317 is connected to the platform section 318. The support part 32 is engaged between the platform section 318 and the second bending section 316, and can form a receiving space with the sealing body 311. The preset distance can be set according to the actual sealing requirements.

[0032] See also Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing shell 10 includes a stepped structure 12, and the underwater sealing structure further includes a fixing component 40. The fixing component 40 is installed at the end of the sealing shell 10 away from the stepped structure 12. One end of the elastic sealing part 31 is sealed and tightly attached to the stepped structure 12, and the other end of the elastic sealing part 31 is sealed and tightly attached to the fixing component 40.

[0033] In this embodiment, the fixing component 40 is sleeved on the part to be sealed 20 and can apply pressure to the elastic sealing part 31 in the axial direction of the elastic sealing part 31 so that the elastic sealing part 31 is fixed between the step structure 12 and the fixing component 40. The step structure 12 and the fixing component 40 can axially limit the elastic sealing part 31. At the same time, the support part 32 is installed in the receiving cavity and can support the elastic sealing part 31 so that the elastic sealing part 31 can withstand the pressure applied by the fixing component 40 in its axial direction and ensure the stability of the structure.

[0034] See also Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing component 40 includes a locking member 41, which is configured to be sleeved on the member to be sealed 20. The elastic sealing part 31 is clamped and fixed between the stepped structure 12 and the locking member 41, and the locking member 41 is threadedly connected to the sealing shell 10.

[0035] In this embodiment, the outer wall surface of the locking member 41 is provided with an external thread, and the inner wall surface of the sealing housing 10 is provided with an internal thread. The locking member 41 is threadedly connected to the sealing housing 10, which plays a role in locking and fixing. By rotating the locking member 41, the locking member 41 can be moved in the direction of approaching or moving away from the elastic sealing part 31. When the locking member 41 moves in the direction of approaching the elastic sealing part 31, pressure can be applied to the elastic sealing part 31 to clamp and fix the elastic sealing part between the stepped structure 12 and the locking member 41.

[0036] See also Figures 1 to 4As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing component 40 further includes a gasket 42, which is configured to be sleeved on the member to be sealed 20. The gasket 42 is located between the elastic sealing part 31 and the locking member 41. One end of the elastic sealing part 31 is sealed and tightly attached to the stepped structure 12, and the other end of the elastic sealing part 31 is sealed and tightly attached to the gasket 42.

[0037] In this embodiment, the gasket 42 is fitted onto the part to be sealed 20 and is located between the elastic sealing part 31 and the locking part 41, which can increase the contact area, prevent the locking part 41 from loosening, and thus ensure the structural stability of the underwater sealing structure.

[0038] See also Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of wrench grooves 50 are provided on the end face of the locking member 41 away from the gasket 42, and the plurality of wrench grooves 50 are arranged at intervals along the circumference.

[0039] In this embodiment, the wrench groove 50 is provided to facilitate the use of a wrench by the operator to adjust the locking component 41.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wrench groove 50 has an external hexagonal structure.

[0041] See also Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, there are multiple first water inlet holes 11 and second water inlet holes 321, and the first water inlet holes 11 and the second water inlet holes 321 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0042] In this embodiment, there are multiple first water inlet holes 11 and multiple second water inlet holes 321, and the first water inlet holes 11 and the second water inlet holes 321 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. The arrangement of multiple water inlet holes can shorten the water inlet time and achieve the sealing between the sealing component 20 and the sealing shell 10 in a short time.

[0043] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the first water inlet 11 is larger than the diameter of the second water inlet 321.

[0044] In this embodiment, the diameter of the first water inlet hole 11 is larger than the diameter of the second water inlet hole 321. This arrangement can ensure the speed at which water from the external environment enters the sealed housing 10, while also preventing the water from entering the receiving cavity too quickly, thereby causing the pressure on the elastic sealing part 31 to increase slowly.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic sealing part 31 is made of rubber.

[0046] In this embodiment, the elastic sealing part 31 is made of rubber material. Rubber material has high elasticity, high and low temperature resistance, and good wear resistance, and can be well applied to the underwater environment.

[0047] From the above description, it can be seen that the above embodiments of the present invention achieve the following technical effects: A sealing shell and an elastic sealing part are provided. The elastic sealing part is fitted onto the component to be sealed. The opening of the receiving cavity faces the inner wall of the sealing shell. A first water inlet hole is provided on the inner wall of the sealing shell. The outer wall surface of the elastic sealing part and the inner wall surface of the sealing shell are always kept in close contact. Water entering the sealing shell through the first water inlet hole can only flow into the receiving cavity. Because the elastic sealing part is made of elastic material, when water enters the receiving cavity, the water squeezes the inner wall of the receiving cavity, enabling the inner wall of the elastic sealing part to fit tightly against the outer wall of the component to be sealed, thereby forming a seal between the sealing shell and the component to be sealed. The above sealing method mainly utilizes water pressure to cause a certain deformation of the elastic sealing part, thereby enabling the elastic sealing part to seal against both the sealing shell and the outer wall of the component to be sealed. Furthermore, since the deeper the water, the greater the pressure, the better the sealing effect.

[0048] Obviously, the embodiments described above are merely some, not all, embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An underwater sealing structure, characterized in that, include: A sealing housing (10) is configured to install the component to be sealed (20), and the sealing housing (10) is provided with a first water inlet (11). A sealing assembly (30) is configured to be mounted on the part to be sealed (20). The sealing assembly (30) is located between the sealing housing (10) and the part to be sealed (20). The sealing assembly (30) includes an elastic sealing part (31) having a receiving cavity. Water from the external environment can flow into the receiving cavity through the first water inlet (11). The water entering the receiving cavity can exert a squeezing force on the elastic sealing part (31) to form a seal between the sealing housing (10) and the part to be sealed (20). The sealing assembly (30) further includes a support (32), which is installed in the receiving cavity. There is a receiving space between the support (32) and the elastic sealing part (31). The support (32) is provided with a second water inlet (321). Water in the external environment can flow into the receiving space after passing through the first water inlet (11) and the second water inlet (321) in sequence. The water entering the receiving space can exert a squeezing force on the elastic sealing part (31) and the support (32).

2. The underwater sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic sealing part (31) is configured to be sleeved on the part to be sealed (20). The elastic sealing part (31) includes a sealing body (311). Both ends of the sealing body (311) are provided with flange structures (312). The flange structure (312) includes a groove (313). Both ends of the support part (32) are engaged in the groove (313). There is a receiving space between the support part (32) and the sealing body (311). The water entering the receiving space can exert a squeezing force on the sealing body (311) and the support part (32), so that the sealing body (311) is tightly sealed to the outer wall of the part to be sealed (20), and the flange structure (312) is tightly sealed to the inner wall of the sealing shell (10).

3. The underwater sealing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flange structure (312) includes a transition section (314), a first bending section (315), and a second bending section (316). The transition section (314), the first bending section (315), and the second bending section (316) form the slot (313). The water entering the receiving space can exert a squeezing force on the sealing body (311), causing the sealing body (311) to open away from the transition section (314) and stick tightly to the outer wall of the part to be sealed (20).

4. The underwater sealing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The sealing shell (10) includes a stepped structure (12), and the underwater sealing structure also includes a fixing component (40). The fixing component (40) is installed at one end of the sealing shell (10) away from the stepped structure (12). One end of the elastic sealing part (31) is sealed and tightly attached to the stepped structure (12), and the other end of the elastic sealing part (31) is sealed and tightly attached to the fixing component (40).

5. The underwater sealing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fixing component (40) includes a locking member (41) configured to be sleeved on the part to be sealed (20), the elastic sealing part (31) is clamped and fixed between the stepped structure (12) and the locking member (41), and the locking member (41) is threadedly connected to the sealing shell (10).

6. The underwater sealing structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fixing component (40) also includes a gasket (42) configured to be fitted onto the part to be sealed (20). The gasket (42) is located between the elastic sealing part (31) and the locking part (41). One end of the elastic sealing part (31) is sealed and tightly fitted to the stepped structure (12), and the other end of the elastic sealing part (31) is sealed and tightly fitted to the gasket (42).

7. The underwater sealing structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking member (41) has a plurality of wrench grooves (50) on the end face away from the gasket (42), and the plurality of wrench grooves (50) are arranged at intervals along the circumference.

8. The underwater sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple first water inlet holes (11) and second water inlet holes (321), and the first water inlet holes (11) and second water inlet holes (321) are provided in a one-to-one correspondence; and / or, the diameter of the first water inlet hole (11) is larger than the diameter of the second water inlet hole (321).

9. The underwater sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic sealing part (31) is made of rubber.

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