Optical fiber tray assembly for a branching unit and submarine cable passive branching unit

Abstract

The application relates to an optical fiber disc fiber assembly for a brancher and a submarine optical cable passive brancher. The optical fiber disc fiber assembly comprises a disc fiber unit, a transition storage tray and optical fiber storage trays respectively located at two ends of the transition storage tray, and optical fiber bending limiters located on the upper and lower sides of the transition storage tray and the optical fiber storage trays and connecting the transition storage tray and the optical fiber storage trays into a whole; a fixed fiber unit comprises optical fiber support blocks fixed on the optical fiber bending limiters, a plurality of optical fiber heat shrink sleeves arranged on the optical fiber support blocks, and optical fiber fixing belts fixed on the surfaces of the optical fiber support blocks and fixing the plurality of optical fiber heat shrink sleeves on the outer surfaces of the optical fiber support blocks. The optical fiber storage tray and the transition storage tray of the application are connected by two optical fiber bending limiters, the number of the transition storage tray and the optical fiber bending limiter can be modularly expanded according to the optical fiber demand capacity, and the disc fiber unit can meet the storage demand of large-capacity optical fibers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of submarine optical cable splitter technology, and in particular to an optical fiber coil assembly for a splitter and a passive submarine optical cable splitter. Background Technology

[0002] Submarine cables, as the most important carrier of international communication traffic, carry more than 95% of the international communication traffic of countries worldwide. In recent years, with the vigorous development of industries such as 5G commercialization, the Internet of Things, cloud computing services, and data centers, submarine optical cable systems have gradually evolved towards larger fiber capacity, more flexible networking, lower cost, and higher compatibility.

[0003] Currently, although the passive submarine splitters used can achieve multi-point connectivity between the main route and branch routes, their optical fiber storage capacity is small, usually not exceeding 48 cores, which is difficult to meet the growing demand for high-capacity submarine communication signal transmission.

[0004] Furthermore, the development of flexible networking needs improvement. For special function-oriented backbone routes and branch routes, the fiber optic branching function cannot be met, and the structural requirements for optical path conduction or insulation between backbone routes and branch routes cannot be met.

[0005] In addition, current passive submarine branching devices are large in size, complex in structure, and take a long time to integrate, resulting in high overall costs and a lack of competitive advantage in the same market. At the same time, it is difficult to achieve compatibility with submarine cable models provided by different submarine cable suppliers.

[0006] The current main method for protecting the fiber optic coil structure of a passive splitter is to use an external protection structure consisting of a pressure-bearing cylinder, a branch structure, and a sealing ring to prevent the fiber optic coil structure from being affected by high water pressure. However, this method has high processing and integration requirements and is difficult to meet normal use within its service life. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides an optical fiber coil assembly for a splitter and a passive splitter for submarine optical cables to solve the problem of small optical fiber storage capacity in passive splitters for submarine optical cables in related technologies.

[0008] The first aspect of this application provides an optical fiber coil assembly for a splitter, comprising:

[0009] The fiber coiling unit includes a transition storage tray and fiber optic storage trays located at both ends of the transition storage tray, as well as fiber optic bending limiters located on the upper and lower sides of the transition storage tray and the fiber optic storage tray and connecting the transition storage tray and the fiber optic storage tray into a whole.

[0010] The fiber fixing unit includes an optical fiber support block fixed on an optical fiber bend limiter, a plurality of optical fiber heat shrink tubing arranged on the optical fiber support block, and an optical fiber fixing tape fixed on the surface of the optical fiber support block to fix the plurality of optical fiber heat shrink tubing to the outer surface of the optical fiber support block.

[0011] In some embodiments, the transition storage tray is provided with multiple segments, and the multiple segments of the transition storage tray are fixedly connected by fiber optic bending limiters. The fiber optic bending limiters are located on the upper and lower sides of two adjacent transition storage tray segments to connect the two adjacent transition storage tray segments into a whole.

[0012] In some embodiments: the fiber optic bending limiter is a disc-shaped structure, and a fiber-blocking disc with a diameter larger than that of the fiber optic bending limiter is fixed at one end of the fiber optic bending limiter away from the transition storage tray. The two fiber optic bending limiters located on the upper and lower sides are connected by fasteners, and the transition storage tray and the fiber optic storage tray are clamped together.

[0013] In some embodiments: the transition storage tray includes an "H"-shaped tray connected to an optical fiber bend limiter, and a first outer protective plate located on the left and right sides of the "H"-shaped tray and perpendicularly connected to the "H"-shaped tray;

[0014] The fiber optic storage tray includes a flange, and two parallel and spaced partition plates are vertically provided at one end of the flange near the transition storage tray. A second outer protective plate is vertically provided on the outer side of the partition plates.

[0015] The flange has a through hole, and a fiber threading hole coaxial with the through hole is provided between the two fiber bending limiters located on the upper and lower sides of the transition storage tray and the fiber storage tray.

[0016] In some embodiments: guide posts are vertically connected to both the "H"-shaped support plate and the partition plate, and fiber optic separators are slidably connected to two adjacent guide posts. The fiber fixing unit is located between two adjacent fiber optic separators, and a retaining ring for limiting the fiber optic separator is provided at the end of the guide post.

[0017] In some embodiments: the optical fiber support block is a semi-cylindrical structure, a plurality of optical fiber heat shrink tubing are parallel to the axis of the optical fiber support block and arranged on the arc surface of the optical fiber support block, the optical fiber fixing tape is sleeved on the outer periphery of the optical fiber support block, and the optical fiber fixing tape is fixed to the optical fiber support block by fixing strips.

[0018] In some embodiments: the optical fiber fixing strip includes an inner optical fiber fixing strip sleeved around the outer periphery of the optical fiber support block, and an outer optical fiber fixing strip sleeved around the outer periphery of the inner optical fiber fixing strip, and a plurality of optical fiber heat shrink sleeves are fixed between the inner optical fiber fixing strip and the optical fiber support block, and between the inner optical fiber fixing strip and the outer optical fiber fixing strip.

[0019] A second aspect of this application provides a passive splitter for submarine optical cables, including the fiber optic coil assembly described in the above embodiments; and

[0020] A branch connection structure, the branch connection structure including a tapered intermediate connector connected to one end of the optical fiber coil assembly, the tapered intermediate connector having a countersunk hole at the end near the optical fiber coil assembly;

[0021] The tapered intermediate joint is equipped with a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe, both of which are connected to the countersunk hole. The first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe are made of the same or different conductive or insulating materials.

[0022] Both the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe have tapered branch joints at the ends away from the tapered intermediate joint, and the tapered branch joints have grooves that communicate with the first connecting pipe or the second connecting pipe.

[0023] In some embodiments, the main cable inner armor crimping structure is connected to the other end of the fiber optic coil assembly, and the branch cable inner armor crimping structure is connected to the tapered branch connector.

[0024] And the inner protective structure covering the inner armor crimping structure of the main cable, the fiber optic coil assembly, the branch connection structure, and the outer periphery of the inner armor crimping structure of the branch cable.

[0025] The inner protection structure includes an inner protective steel cylinder fitted around the inner armor crimping structure of the main cable and the outer periphery of the fiber optic coil assembly, and an inner branch protection component fitted around the outer periphery of the branch connection structure and the inner armor crimping structure of the branch cable. The inner branch protection component is made of conductive or insulating material.

[0026] In some embodiments: the inner protective steel cylinder is fixedly connected to the main cable inner armor crimping structure by a plurality of pins, and a pressure ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the inner protective steel cylinder to fix the pins to the main cable inner armor crimping structure;

[0027] The inner branch protection component includes an upper protection kit and a lower protection kit that fit together, and a cavity is formed between the upper protection kit and the lower protection kit to accommodate the branch connection structure and the branch cable inner armor crimping structure.

[0028] The upper and lower protective kits are provided with multiple positioning pins that are interconnected. Both the upper and lower protective kits are Y-shaped and are connected as a whole by multiple connecting rings.

[0029] In some embodiments: the inner armor crimping structure of the main cable includes a tapered socket, one end of which is provided with a threaded hole for connecting with the main cable, and the other end is provided with a tapered hole for accommodating a tapered plug, wherein the tapered plug and the tapered socket cooperate to crimp the inner armor steel wire of the main cable.

[0030] The conical hole is provided with a gasket and an anti-loosening nut for pressing the conical plug. The conical hole is provided with an optical fiber protective sleeve and an optical fiber protective sleeve fixing clip for fixing the optical fiber protective sleeve to the conical socket. The internal armor crimping structure of the branch cable is the same as the internal armor crimping structure of the main cable.

[0031] In some embodiments, it also includes a heat shrink tubing covering the outer periphery of the main cable inner armor crimping structure, the inner protection structure, and the branch cable inner armor crimping structure.

[0032] And the outer armor crimping structure of the main cable located on the outer periphery of the inner armor crimping structure of the main cable, and the outer armor crimping structure of the branch cable located on the outer periphery of the inner armor crimping structure of the branch cable.

[0033] The outer periphery of the main cable outer armor crimping structure, heat shrink tubing, and branch cable outer armor crimping structure is provided with an outer protective structure.

[0034] In some embodiments: the main cable outer armor crimping structure includes a tapered locking mandrel and an intermediate locking sleeve that cooperates with the tapered locking mandrel to crimp the first layer of outer armor steel wires, and an inner partition ring is provided between the tapered locking mandrel and the intermediate locking sleeve to separate the first layer of outer armor steel wires;

[0035] The middle locking sleeve is connected to an outer locking sleeve that presses against the second layer of outer armor steel wire at one end away from the tapered locking mandrel. An outer separating ring is provided between the middle locking sleeve and the outer locking sleeve to separate the second layer of outer armor steel wire.

[0036] The crimping structure of the branch cable outer armor is the same as that of the crimping structure of the main cable outer armor.

[0037] In some embodiments: the outer protection structure includes a main cable clamping nut threadedly connected to the outer periphery of the main cable outer armor crimping structure, and a branch cable clamping nut threadedly connected to the outer periphery of the branch cable outer armor crimping structure.

[0038] And an outer protective steel cylinder, an outer protective transition piece, and a branch connection protective sleeve that are fitted around the outer circumference of the heat shrink tubing and connected in sequence.

[0039] In some embodiments, the system further includes a buffer connected to the main cable clamping nut for protecting the main cable and a buffer connected to the branch cable clamping nut for protecting the branch cable.

[0040] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application include:

[0041] This application provides an optical fiber coiling assembly for a splitter and a passive splitter for submarine optical cables. The optical fiber coiling assembly of this application is provided with a coiling unit, which includes a transition storage tray and optical fiber storage trays located at both ends of the transition storage tray, as well as an optical fiber bending limiter located on the upper and lower sides of the transition storage tray and the optical fiber storage tray and connecting the transition storage tray and the optical fiber storage tray into a whole; and a fiber fixing unit, which includes an optical fiber support block fixed on the optical fiber bending limiter, a plurality of optical fiber heat shrink tubing arranged on the optical fiber support block, and an optical fiber fixing tape fixed on the surface of the optical fiber support block to fix the plurality of optical fiber heat shrink tubing to the outer surface of the optical fiber support block.

[0042] Therefore, the fiber coiling unit of this application is equipped with a transition storage tray and a fiber storage tray. The fiber storage tray and the transition storage tray are connected by two fiber bending limiters, one above the other. The number of transition storage trays and fiber bending limiters can be modularly expanded according to the fiber capacity requirements, so that the coiling unit can meet the storage requirements of high-capacity fiber. Both the upper and lower sides of the fiber storage tray and the transition storage tray can provide coiling and storage space for the fiber. The fiber bending limiters located on the upper and lower sides of the transition storage tray and the fiber storage tray are used to coil the fiber and protect the minimum bending radius of the fiber.

[0043] The fiber optic coil assembly of this application includes a fiber optic support block fixed to a fiber optic bend limiter. Several fiber optic heat-shrink tubing are arranged on the support block to protect the spliced ​​fibers. Up to 48 heat-shrink tubing can be arranged on a single support block. This application can meet the capacity requirement of at least 144 fiber cores, meaning a single-sided submarine cable fiber capacity of up to 96 cores. Several heat-shrink tubing are fixed to a fiber optic fixing band on the outer surface of the support block. This fixing band securely holds the heat-shrink tubing to the support block, ensuring a neat and orderly arrangement of the tubing. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural view of the fiber optic coil assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the fiber optic coil assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transition storage tray and the fiber optic storage tray according to an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the upper and lower fiber optic bending limiters in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fiber-fixing unit according to an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the passive submarine optical cable splitter according to an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the branch connection structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the main cable inner armor crimping structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal protective structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the main cable outer armor crimping structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the external protective structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0056] Figure label:

[0057] 100. Fiber optic coil assembly; 101. Fiber coil unit; 102. Fiber fixing unit; 110. Transition storage tray; 111. "H"-shaped tray; 112. First outer protective plate; 120. Fiber optic storage tray; 121. Flange; 122. Divider plate; 123. Second outer protective plate; 124. Through hole;

[0058] 130. Fiber bend limiter; 131. Fiber retainer disc; 132. Fiber insertion hole; 140. Guide post; 141. Retaining ring; 142. Fiber separator; 150. Fiber support block; 151. Fiber heat shrink tubing; 152. Outer fiber fixing tape; 153. Inner fiber fixing tape; 154. Fixing strip;

[0059] 200. Main cable inner armor crimping structure; 201. Tapered socket; 202. Tapered plug; 203. Gasket; 204. Anti-loosening nut; 205. Fiber optic protective sleeve; 206. Fiber optic protective sleeve fixing clip; 300. Branch connection structure; 301. Tapered intermediate joint; 302. First connecting tube; 303. Second connecting tube; 304. Transition piece; 305. Tapered branch joint;

[0060] 400. Branch cable inner armor crimping structure; 500. Inner protection structure; 501. Inner protective steel cylinder; 502. Pressure ring; 503. Inner branch protection component; 504. Positioning pin; 505. First connecting ring; 506. Second connecting ring; 507. Heat shrink tubing;

[0061] 600. Main cable outer armor crimping structure; 601. Conical locking mandrel; 602. Inner separator ring; 603. Intermediate locking sleeve; 604. Outer separator ring; 605. Outer locking sleeve; 700. Branch cable outer armor crimping structure; 800. Outer protection structure; 801. Main cable clamping nut; 802. Outer protective steel cylinder; 803. Outer protective transition piece; 804. Branch connection protective sleeve; 805. Branch cable clamping nut; 900. Buffer; 910. Main cable submarine cable; 920. Branch cable submarine cable. Detailed Implementation

[0062] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0063] This application provides an optical fiber coil assembly for a splitter and a passive splitter for submarine optical cables, which can solve the problem of small optical fiber storage capacity in passive splitters for submarine optical cables in related technologies.

[0064] See Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a first aspect of this application provides an optical fiber coil assembly for a splitter, the optical fiber coil assembly 100 comprising:

[0065] The fiber coiling unit 101 includes a transition storage tray 110 and fiber storage trays 120 located at both ends of the transition storage tray 110, as well as a fiber bending limiter 130 located on the upper and lower sides of the transition storage tray 110 and the fiber storage tray 120 and connecting the transition storage tray 110 and the fiber storage tray 120 into a whole.

[0066] Fiber optic storage trays 120 are located at both ends of the transition storage tray 110 and arranged in a straight line. The two fiber optic storage trays 120 are fixedly connected to the transition storage tray 110 by fiber optic bend limiters 130. The interconnected fiber optic storage trays 120 and transition storage tray 110 are fixedly connected by two upper and lower fiber optic bend limiters 130 to form a space around the fiber optic bend limiters 130 for winding and storing fiber optics, thereby increasing the fiber optic storage capacity.

[0067] The fiber fixing unit 102 includes an optical fiber support block 150 fixed on the optical fiber bending limiter 130, a plurality of optical fiber heat shrink tubing 151 arranged on the optical fiber support block 150, and an optical fiber fixing tape fixed on the surface of the optical fiber support block 150 to fix the plurality of optical fiber heat shrink tubing 151 to the surface of the outer 150 of the optical fiber support block.

[0068] The fiber optic support block 150 provides installation and arrangement space for several fiber optic heat shrink tubing 151. The fiber optic heat shrink tubing 151 is used to protect the fused fiber optic cable. The fiber optic fixing strap is used to fix several fiber optic heat shrink tubing 151 on the outer surface of the fiber optic support block 150, keeping the fiber optic heat shrink tubing 151 neatly arranged on the fiber optic support block 150 and improving the space utilization of the fiber optic support block 150.

[0069] In this embodiment, the fiber optic coiling assembly 100 includes a coiling unit 101 with a transition storage tray 110 and a fiber optic storage tray 120. The fiber optic storage tray 120 and the transition storage tray 110 are connected by two fiber optic bend limiters 130. The number of transition storage trays 110 and fiber optic bend limiters 130 can be modularly expanded according to the fiber optic capacity requirements, enabling the coiling unit 101 to meet the storage needs of high-capacity fiber optics.

[0070] Both the upper and lower sides of the fiber storage tray 120 and the transition storage tray 110 can provide coiling and storage space for the fiber. The fiber bending limiter 130 located on the upper and lower sides of the transition storage tray 110 and the fiber storage tray 120 is used to coil the fiber and to protect the minimum bending radius of the fiber.

[0071] The fiber optic coil assembly 100 of this application has a fiber optic support block 150 fixed on the fiber optic bend limiter 130. Several fiber optic heat shrink tubing 151 are arranged on the fiber optic support block 150. The fiber optic heat shrink tubing 151 is used to protect the fused fiber. Up to 48 fiber optic heat shrink tubing 151 can be arranged on a single fiber optic support block 150.

[0072] This application can meet the requirement of at least 144 fiber cores, that is, the fiber capacity of a single-sided submarine cable can reach 96 cores. Several fiber heat shrink tubing 151 is fixed to the fiber fixing tape on the outer surface of the fiber support block 150. The fiber fixing tape securely fixes the several fiber heat shrink tubing 151 to the fiber support block 150, so that the several fiber heat shrink tubing 151 are arranged in a regular manner.

[0073] In some alternative embodiments: see Figures 1 to 4As shown, the first aspect of this application provides an optical fiber coiling assembly for a splitter. The optical fiber coiling assembly 100 has multiple transition storage trays 110, the number of which is specifically set according to the number of optical fiber cores. The multiple transition storage trays 110 are all fixedly connected by optical fiber bend limiters 130, which are located on the upper and lower sides of adjacent transition storage trays 110 to connect adjacent transition storage trays 110 into a whole.

[0074] The fiber optic bend limiter 130 has a disc-shaped structure. A fiber-blocking disc 131 with a diameter larger than the fiber optic bend limiter is fixed at one end of the fiber optic bend limiter 130 away from the transition storage tray 110. The two fiber optic bend limiters 130 located on the upper and lower sides of the transition storage tray 110 are connected by fasteners, and the adjacent transition storage trays 110 and fiber optic storage trays 120 are clamped together, and the two adjacent transition storage trays 110 are clamped together to achieve a fixed connection.

[0075] In some alternative embodiments: see Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first aspect of this application provides an optical fiber coiling assembly for a splitter. The transition storage tray 110 of the optical fiber coiling assembly 100 includes an "H"-shaped tray 111 connected to an optical fiber bending limiter 130, and a first outer protective plate 112 located on the left and right sides of the "H"-shaped tray 111 and perpendicularly connected to the "H"-shaped tray 111.

[0076] The upper surface of the first outer sheath 112 and the upper surface of the "H"-shaped tray 111 form an upper space for winding and storing optical fibers, and the lower surface of the first outer sheath 112 and the lower surface of the "H"-shaped tray 111 form a lower space for winding and storing optical fibers. The end of the "H"-shaped tray 111 near the optical fiber storage tray 120 is also provided with a mounting hole for connecting the optical fiber bending limiter 130.

[0077] The fiber optic storage tray 120 includes a flange 121. Two parallel and spaced-apart partitions 122 are vertically arranged at one end of the flange 121 near the transition storage tray 110. The partitions 122 are flush with the "H"-shaped tray 111. A second outer protective plate 123 is vertically arranged on the outer side of the partitions 122. The second outer protective plate 123 is flush with the first outer protective plate 112.

[0078] The upper surface of the second outer sheath 123 and the partition plate 122 forms an upper space for winding and storing optical fibers, and the lower surface of the second outer sheath 123 and the partition plate 122 forms a lower space for winding and storing optical fibers. The partition plate 122 has a mounting hole for connecting the optical fiber bending limiter 130 at one end near the "H"-shaped support plate 111.

[0079] A fiber optic through hole 124 is provided on the flange 121. A fiber optic through hole 132 is provided between the two fiber optic bending limiters 130 located on the upper and lower sides of the transition storage tray 110 and the fiber optic storage tray 120, and is coaxially arranged with the through hole 124. The fiber optic through hole 132 is used to enter the fiber optic cable of the branch submarine cable 920 into the side of the main cable submarine cable 910.

[0080] Guide posts 140 are vertically connected to both the upper and lower sides of the "H"-shaped support plate 111 and the separator plate 122. The guide posts 140 are used to limit the maximum winding radius of the optical fiber wound on the optical fiber bending limiter 130. Optical fiber separators 142 are slidably connected to two adjacent guide posts 140. The optical fiber separators 142 are used to separate the optical fibers. The fiber fixing unit 102 is located between two adjacent optical fiber separators 142. A retaining ring 141 is provided at the end of the guide post 140 to limit the optical fiber separators 142 to prevent the optical fiber separators 142 from coming off the guide post 140.

[0081] In some alternative embodiments: see Figure 5 As shown, the first aspect of this application provides an optical fiber coil assembly for a splitter. The optical fiber support block 150 of the optical fiber coil assembly 100 has a semi-cylindrical structure. A plurality of optical fiber heat shrink tubing 151 is parallel to the axis of the optical fiber support block 150 and arranged on the arc surface of the optical fiber support block 150. An optical fiber fixing tape is sleeved on the outer periphery of the optical fiber support block 150 and fixed to the optical fiber support block 150 by a fixing strip 154.

[0082] The fiber optic fixing band includes an inner fiber optic fixing band 153 sleeved around the outer periphery of the fiber optic support block 150, and an outer fiber optic fixing band 152 sleeved around the outer periphery of the inner fiber optic fixing band 153. Several fiber optic heat-shrinkable sleeves 151 are fixed between the inner fiber optic fixing band 153 and the fiber optic support block 150, and between the inner fiber optic fixing band 153 and the outer fiber optic fixing band 152. The inner fiber optic fixing band 153 and the outer fiber optic fixing band 152 are flexible bands, which are clamped around the outer periphery of the fiber optic support block 150 to fix the fiber optic heat-shrinkable sleeves 151 to the fiber optic support block 150. Up to 48 fiber optic cores can be arranged around the outer periphery of a single fiber optic support block 150.

[0083] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a second aspect of this application provides a passive splitter for submarine optical cables, including the fiber optic coil assembly 100 described in the above embodiments; and

[0084] The branch connection structure 300 includes a tapered intermediate connector 301 connected to one end of the fiber optic coil assembly 100. The tapered intermediate connector 301 is connected to the flange 121 of one of the fiber optic storage trays 120 by screws. The tapered intermediate connector 301 has a countersunk hole at the end near the fiber optic coil assembly 100, which communicates with the through hole 124 of the fiber optic coil assembly 100 to converge the optical fibers of the two branch submarine cables 920 into the fiber optic coil assembly 100.

[0085] The tapered intermediate joint 301 has a first connecting pipe 302 and a second connecting pipe 303, both of which are connected to the countersunk hole. The optical fibers of the two branch submarine cables 920 extend into the optical fiber coil assembly 100 through the first connecting pipe 302 and the second connecting pipe 303, respectively. The first connecting pipe 302 and the second connecting pipe 303 are made of the same or different conductive or insulating materials, thereby achieving insulation or conduction between the main submarine cable 910 and the two branch submarine cables 920, respectively.

[0086] Both the first connecting pipe 302 and the second connecting pipe 303 have tapered branch connectors 305 at their ends away from the tapered intermediate connector 301. The two tapered branch connectors 305 are connected to two branch submarine cables 920 respectively. The tapered branch connectors 305 have grooves that communicate with the first connecting pipe 302 or the second connecting pipe 303. These grooves are used to guide the optical fibers of the branch submarine cables 920 to pass through.

[0087] A transition piece 304 is provided at the end of the first connecting pipe 302 and the second connecting pipe 303 away from the tapered intermediate joint 301. The transition piece 304 is used for the first connecting pipe 302, the second connecting pipe 303, and the tapered branch joint 305. A step is provided on the inner side of the transition piece 304 to connect the first connecting pipe 302 and the second connecting pipe 303 into place. An external thread is provided on the tapered surface of the tapered branch joint 305 for connecting the transition piece 304, which facilitates the adjustment of the installation position of the branch connection structure 300.

[0088] See Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown in the illustration, this application provides a passive submarine optical cable splitter. The passive submarine optical cable splitter further includes a main cable inner armor crimping structure 200 connected to the other end of the fiber optic coil assembly 100, and a branch cable inner armor crimping structure 400 connected to the tapered branch connector 305. The main cable inner armor crimping structure 200 is used to connect the inner armor steel wires of the main submarine cable 910 to connect the main submarine cable 910 to the fiber optic coil assembly 100. The branch cable inner armor crimping structure 400 is used to connect the inner armor steel wires of the branch submarine cable 920 to connect the branch submarine cable 920 to the branch connection structure 300.

[0089] The system also includes an inner protective structure 500 that covers the outer periphery of the main cable's inner armor crimping structure 200, fiber optic coil assembly 100, branch connection structure 300, and branch cable's inner armor crimping structure 400. The inner protective structure 500 includes an inner protective steel cylinder 501 fitted around the main cable's inner armor crimping structure 200 and fiber optic coil assembly 100, and an inner branch protection component 503 fitted around the branch connection structure 300 and branch cable's inner armor crimping structure 400. The inner branch protection component 503 is made of conductive or insulating material, thereby achieving insulation or conductivity between the main cable 910 and the two branch cables 920.

[0090] The inner protective steel cylinder 501 is fixedly connected to the main cable inner armor crimping structure 200 by multiple pins to fix the inner protective steel cylinder 501 to the outer periphery of the fiber optic coil assembly 100, thereby protecting the fiber optic coil assembly 100 from load. A pressure ring 502 is fitted around the outer periphery of the inner protective steel cylinder 501 to fix the pins to the main cable inner armor crimping structure 200. The pressure ring 502 prevents the pins from jumping out of the inner protective steel cylinder 501 from the main cable inner armor crimping structure 200 and ensures a smooth transition of the outer wall surface of the inner protective steel cylinder 501.

[0091] The inner branch protection component 503 includes an upper protection kit and a lower protection kit that fit together, both of which are hollow "Y"-shaped structures. When fitted together, the upper and lower protection kits form a cavity that accommodates the branch connection structure 300 and the branch cable inner armor crimping structure 400. The use of fitting upper and lower protection kits in the inner branch protection component 503 facilitates manufacturing and assembly of the branch connection structure 300 and the branch cable inner armor crimping structure 400.

[0092] Multiple locating pins 504 are interconnected between the upper and lower protective kits. These pins 504 are used for positioning when the upper and lower protective kits are aligned, improving alignment accuracy. Both the upper and lower protective kits have a "Y"-shaped structure and are connected as a whole by multiple connecting rings. The connecting rings include a first connecting ring 505 near the inner protective steel cylinder 501 and a second connecting ring 506 away from the inner protective steel cylinder 501. The first connecting ring 505 and the second connecting ring 506 tightly connect the two separate upper and lower protective kits into a whole. One end of the inner protective steel cylinder 501 extends into the inner branch protective member 503.

[0093] See Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, this application embodiment provides a passive submarine optical cable splitter. The main cable inner armor crimping structure 200 of the passive submarine optical cable splitter includes a tapered socket 201. One end of the tapered socket 201 is provided with a threaded hole for connecting to the main submarine cable 910, and the other end is provided with a tapered hole for accommodating a tapered plug 202. The tapered plug 202 cooperates with the tapered socket 201 to crimp the inner armor steel wire of the main submarine cable 910.

[0094] A washer 203 and a lock nut 204 are provided inside the tapered hole to press the tapered plug 202. The lock nut 204 is threaded into the tapered hole. By tightening the lock nut 204, the inner armor steel wire is clamped between the tapered plug 202 and the tapered socket 201 to prevent the inner armor steel wire from loosening. An optical fiber protective sleeve 205 is provided outside the tapered hole, and an optical fiber protective sleeve fixing clip 206 is provided to fix the optical fiber protective sleeve 205 to the tapered socket 201. The optical fiber protective sleeve 205 and the optical fiber protective sleeve fixing clip 206 are used to protect the optical fiber of the main cable submarine cable 910 from being cut. The inner armor crimping structure 400 of the branch cable is the same as the inner armor crimping structure 200 of the main cable, and will not be described again here.

[0095] See Figure 6 and Figures 8 to 11 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a passive submarine optical cable splitter, which further includes a heat-shrinkable sleeve 507 covering the outer periphery of the inner armor crimping structure 200 of the main cable, the inner protective structure 500, and the inner armor crimping structure 400 of the branch cable. The heat-shrinkable sleeve 507 is used to achieve sealing and insulation of the optical fiber coil assembly 100.

[0096] The heat-shrink tubing 507 includes a first heat-shrink tubing section heat-shrinkable outside the inner armor crimping structure 200 and the inner protection structure 500 of the main cable. A second heat-shrink tubing section heat-shrinkable outside the inner branch protection element 503 and partially overlapping the first heat-shrink tubing section. A third heat-shrink tubing section heat-shrinkable outside the inner armor crimping structure 400 of the branch cable and partially overlapping the second heat-shrink tubing section.

[0097] It also includes a main cable outer armor crimping structure 600 located on the outer periphery of the main cable inner armor crimping structure 200, and a branch cable outer armor crimping structure 700 located on the outer periphery of the branch cable inner armor crimping structure 400; an outer protective structure 800 is provided on the outer periphery of the main cable outer armor crimping structure 600, the heat shrink tubing 507 and the branch cable outer armor crimping structure 700.

[0098] The main cable outer armor crimping structure 600 includes a tapered locking mandrel 601 and an intermediate locking sleeve 603 that cooperates with the tapered locking mandrel 601 to crimp the first layer of outer armor steel wires. An inner partition ring 602 is provided between the tapered locking mandrel 601 and the intermediate locking sleeve 603 to separate the first layer of outer armor steel wires. The tapered locking mandrel 601 and the intermediate locking sleeve 603 clamp the first layer of outer armor steel wires between them by mutual compression. The inner partition ring 602 is fitted around the outer circumference of the tapered locking mandrel 601 and has multiple positioning holes for the first layer of outer armor steel wires to pass through, so that the first layer of outer armor steel wires are evenly distributed around the outer circumference of the tapered locking mandrel 601.

[0099] An outer locking sleeve 605, which presses the second layer of outer armor steel wire, is connected to the end of the intermediate locking sleeve 603 furthest from the tapered locking mandrel 601. An outer separating ring 604 is provided between the intermediate locking sleeve 603 and the outer locking sleeve 605 to separate the second layer of outer armor steel wire. The outer locking sleeve 605 and the intermediate locking sleeve 603 clamp the second layer of outer armor steel wire between them by mutual compression. The outer separating ring 604 is fitted around the outer circumference of the intermediate locking sleeve 603 and has multiple positioning holes for the second layer of outer armor steel wire to pass through, so that the second layer of outer armor steel wire is evenly distributed around the outer circumference of the intermediate locking sleeve 603. The branch cable outer armor crimping structure 700 has the same structure as the main cable outer armor crimping structure 600, and will not be described again here.

[0100] The outer protective structure 800 includes a main cable clamping nut 801 threadedly connected to the outer periphery of the main cable outer armor crimping structure 600, and a branch cable clamping nut 805 threadedly connected to the outer periphery of the branch cable outer armor crimping structure 700; and an outer protective steel cylinder 802, an outer protective transition piece 803, and a branch connection protective sleeve 804 connected sequentially to the outer periphery of the heat shrink tubing 507. The outer protective structure 800 provides pressure resistance and ensures sufficient mechanical strength. It also includes a buffer 900 connected to the main cable clamping nut 801 to protect the main cable 910, and a buffer 900 connected to the branch cable clamping nut 805 to protect the branch cable 920. The buffer 900 prevents excessive bending of the cable under external forces.

[0101] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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 between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0102] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0103] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A fiber optic disc assembly for a splitter, characterized in that, include: The fiber coil unit (101) includes a transition storage tray (110) and fiber storage trays (120) located at both ends of the transition storage tray (110), as well as a fiber bending limiter (130) located on the upper and lower sides of the transition storage tray (110) and the fiber storage tray (120) and connecting the transition storage tray (110) and the fiber storage tray (120) into a whole. The fiber fixing unit (102) includes an optical fiber support block (150) fixed on an optical fiber bend limiter (130), a plurality of optical fiber heat shrink tubing (151) arranged on the optical fiber support block (150), and an optical fiber fixing tape fixed on the surface of the optical fiber support block (150) to fix the plurality of optical fiber heat shrink tubing (151) to the outer surface of the optical fiber support block (150); The transition storage tray (110) includes an "H"-shaped tray (111) connected to an optical fiber bend limiter (130), and a first outer protective plate (112) located on the left and right sides of the "H"-shaped tray (111) and perpendicularly connected to the "H"-shaped tray (111). The fiber optic storage tray (120) includes a flange (121). Two parallel and spaced partition plates (122) are vertically provided on one end of the flange (121) near the transition storage tray (110). A second outer protective plate (123) is vertically provided on the outer side of the partition plate (122). The flange (121) has a through hole (124), and a fiber threading hole (132) is provided between the two fiber bending limiters (130) located on the upper and lower sides of the transition storage tray (110) and the fiber storage tray (120), which is coaxial with the through hole (124).

2. The fiber optic coil assembly for a splitter as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The transition storage tray (110) is provided with multiple segments, and the multiple segments of the transition storage tray (110) are fixedly connected by fiber optic bending limiters (130). The fiber optic bending limiters (130) are located on the upper and lower sides of two adjacent transition storage tray segments (110) to connect the two adjacent transition storage tray segments (110) into a whole.

3. A fiber optic coil assembly for a splitter as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The fiber optic bend limiter (130) has a disc-shaped structure. A fiber-blocking disc (131) with a diameter larger than that of the fiber optic bend limiter (130) is fixed at one end of the fiber optic bend limiter (130) away from the transition storage tray (110). The two fiber optic bend limiters (130) located on the upper and lower sides are connected by fasteners and clamp the transition storage tray (110) and the fiber optic storage tray (120).

4. The fiber optic coil assembly for a splitter as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The "H"-shaped support plate (111) and the partition plate (122) are both vertically connected to guide posts (140), and fiber optic separators (142) are slidably connected to two adjacent guide posts (140). The fiber fixing unit (102) is located between two adjacent fiber optic separators (142), and the end of the guide post (140) is provided with a retaining ring (141) to limit the fiber optic separator (142).

5. A fiber optic coil assembly for a splitter as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The optical fiber support block (150) has a semi-cylindrical structure. Several optical fiber heat shrink tubing (151) are parallel to the axis of the optical fiber support block (150) and arranged on the arc surface of the optical fiber support block (150). The optical fiber fixing tape is sleeved on the outer periphery of the optical fiber support block (150) and fixed on the optical fiber support block (150) by fixing strip (154).

6. The fiber optic coil assembly for a splitter as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The fiber fixing band includes an inner fiber fixing band (153) sleeved on the outer periphery of the fiber support block (150) and an outer fiber fixing band (152) sleeved on the outer periphery of the inner fiber fixing band (153). A plurality of fiber heat shrink sleeves (151) are fixed between the inner fiber fixing band (153) and the fiber support block (150), and between the inner fiber fixing band (153) and the outer fiber fixing band (152).

7. A passive splitter for submarine optical cables, characterized in that, Includes the fiber optic coil assembly (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; and A branch connection structure (300) includes a tapered intermediate connector (301) connected to one end of an optical fiber coil assembly (100), wherein the tapered intermediate connector (301) has a countersunk hole at one end near the optical fiber coil assembly (100). The tapered intermediate joint (301) is equipped with a first connecting pipe (302) and a second connecting pipe (303) that are both connected to the countersunk hole. The first connecting pipe (302) and the second connecting pipe (303) are made of the same or different conductive or insulating materials. Both the first connecting pipe (302) and the second connecting pipe (303) are provided with tapered branch joints (305) at the ends away from the tapered intermediate joint (301). The tapered branch joints (305) are provided with grooves that communicate with the first connecting pipe (302) or the second connecting pipe (303).

8. A passive splitter for submarine optical cables as described in claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a main cable inner armor crimping structure (200) connected to the other end of the fiber optic coil assembly (100), and a branch cable inner armor crimping structure (400) is connected to the tapered branch connector (305). And an inner protective structure (500) covering the outer periphery of the main cable inner armor crimping structure (200), the optical fiber coil assembly (100), the branch connection structure (300) and the branch cable inner armor crimping structure (400). The inner protection structure (500) includes an inner protective steel cylinder (501) sleeved on the outer periphery of the main cable inner armor crimping structure (200) and the optical fiber coil assembly (100), and an inner branch protection component (503) sleeved on the outer periphery of the branch connection structure (300) and the branch cable inner armor crimping structure (400). The inner branch protection component (503) is a conductive material or an insulating material.

9. A passive splitter for submarine optical cables as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The inner protective steel cylinder (501) is fixedly connected to the main cable inner armor crimping structure (200) by a plurality of pins, and a pressure ring (502) is provided on the outer periphery of the inner protective steel cylinder (501) to fix the pins to the main cable inner armor crimping structure (200). The inner branch protection component (503) includes an upper protection kit and a lower protection kit that fit together, and a cavity is formed between the upper protection kit and the lower protection kit to accommodate the branch connection structure (300) and the branch cable inner armor crimping structure (400); The upper and lower protective kits are provided with multiple locating pins (504) that are interconnected. Both the upper and lower protective kits are Y-shaped and are connected as a whole by multiple connecting rings.

10. A passive splitter for submarine optical cables as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The inner armor crimping structure (200) of the main cable includes a tapered socket (201). One end of the tapered socket (201) is provided with a threaded hole for connecting with the main cable (910), and the other end is provided with a tapered hole for accommodating a tapered plug (202). The tapered plug (202) and the tapered socket (201) cooperate to crimp the inner armor steel wire of the main cable (910). The conical hole is provided with a gasket (203) for pressing the conical plug (202) and a locking nut (204). The conical hole is provided with an optical fiber protective sleeve (205) and an optical fiber protective sleeve fixing clip (206) for fixing the optical fiber protective sleeve (205) to the conical socket (201). The inner armor crimping structure (400) of the branch cable is the same as the inner armor crimping structure (200) of the main cable.

11. A passive splitter for submarine optical cables as described in claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes heat shrink tubing (507) covering the outer periphery of the inner armor crimping structure (200) of the main cable, the inner protective structure (500) and the inner armor crimping structure (400) of the branch cable. And the main cable outer armor crimping structure (600) located on the outer periphery of the main cable inner armor crimping structure (200), and the branch cable outer armor crimping structure (700) located on the outer periphery of the branch cable inner armor crimping structure (400). The outer periphery of the main cable outer armor crimping structure (600), heat shrink tubing (507) and branch cable outer armor crimping structure (700) is provided with an outer protective structure (800).

12. A passive splitter for submarine optical cables as described in claim 11, characterized in that: The main cable outer armor crimping structure (600) includes a tapered locking mandrel (601) and an intermediate locking sleeve (603) that cooperates with the tapered locking mandrel (601) to crimp the first layer of outer armor steel wire. An inner partition ring (602) is provided between the tapered locking mandrel (601) and the intermediate locking sleeve (603) to separate the first layer of outer armor steel wire. The middle locking sleeve (603) is connected to an outer locking sleeve (605) that presses against the second layer of outer armor steel wire at one end away from the tapered locking mandrel (601). An outer partition ring (604) is provided between the middle locking sleeve (603) and the outer locking sleeve (605) to separate the second layer of outer armor steel wire. The branch cable outer armor crimping structure (700) has the same structure as the main cable outer armor crimping structure (600).

13. A passive splitter for submarine optical cables as described in claim 11, characterized in that: The outer protective structure (800) includes a main cable clamping nut (801) threaded to the outer periphery of the main cable outer armor crimping structure (600) and a branch cable clamping nut (805) threaded to the outer periphery of the branch cable outer armor crimping structure (700). And an outer protective steel cylinder (802), an outer protective transition piece (803), and a branch connection protective sleeve (804) that are sleeved on the outer periphery of the heat shrink tubing (507) and connected in sequence.

14. A passive splitter for submarine optical cables as described in claim 13, characterized in that: It also includes a buffer (900) connected to the main cable clamping nut (801) for protecting the main cable submarine cable (910), and a buffer (900) connected to the branch cable clamping nut (805) for protecting the branch cable submarine cable (920).

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