Small size multifunction underwater extension adapter

CN116345226BActive Publication Date: 2026-08-11XIAN INST OF OPTICS & PRECISION MECHANICS CHINESE ACAD OF SCI
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-04-21
Publication Date
2026-08-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

[0004]本发明的目的是解决现有水下扩展接驳器存在尺寸较大、可靠性及可维修性不佳以及功能单一的技术问题,而提供一种小尺寸多功能水下扩展接驳器

Benefits of technology

[0035]1、本发明提供了一种小尺寸多功能水下扩展接驳器,其尺寸小、可靠性高、可维修性好以及不易出现漏水现象,用于水下湿插拔连接器与脐带缆或海底光电复合缆之间的过渡连接。此外,因其尺寸小、质量轻,适用于水下ROV等机器人操作。采用第一绕纤组件储存光纤,可以实现脐带缆光纤断裂时的快速修复。

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Abstract

This invention relates to a small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector. To address the technical problems of existing technologies, such as large size, poor reliability and maintainability, and limited functionality, the connector includes an umbilical unit, a connecting plug, an oil-filled unit, and N optical fibers. The umbilical unit includes an isolation chamber, which comprises an outer shell, an inner plug, a first fiber-wound assembly, P first conductors, a first pin assembly mounted on the inner plug, and an oil plug mounted on the outer shell. One end of the oil-filled unit is connected to the outer shell of the isolation chamber via the connecting plug, and the other end is connected to an external oil-filled cable. The outer shell of the isolation chamber is connected to the external umbilical cable via the inner plug. The inner plug, the connecting plug, and the outer shell form an isolation chamber cavity. The first fiber-wound assembly is located within the isolation chamber cavity. The first pin assembly, the first conductors, and the second pin assembly mounted on the connecting plug are sequentially electrically connected. The optical fibers sequentially pass through the inner plug, the first fiber-wound assembly, the connecting plug, and the oil-filled unit.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to underwater observation network systems, and more specifically to a small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement and development of science and technology, the ocean has gradually become the main battleground for future competition, and countries around the world are focusing on building seabed observation networks. Submarine junction boxes, marine umbilical cables, underwater wet-plug connectors, and underwater extension connectors have become indispensable key equipment. Among these, the submarine junction box is the intermediate device responsible for centralized conversion and processing of electrical energy and signals, serving as the central hub for various seabed sensors. Marine umbilical cables or submarine fiber optic composite cables primarily provide power and communication between shore-based or offshore platforms and seabed equipment, acting as the "lifeline" for energy and signal transmission. Underwater wet-plug connectors are key components connecting marine umbilical cables or seabed equipment to the submarine junction box, playing a crucial role in the phased, batch-by-batch, and subsequent expansion of the seabed observation network. During the construction of the seabed observation network, considering operational safety and labor costs, it is common practice to use underwater robots such as ROVs to carry the male plug of the underwater wet-plug connector and connect it to the female socket of the underwater wet-plug connector on the submarine junction box. Among them, the male plug of the underwater wet-plug connector needs to be connected to the marine umbilical cable. However, the marine umbilical cable has a large bending radius, making it difficult for ROVs to operate. Therefore, it is necessary to use an underwater extension connector to convert the marine umbilical cable into an oil-filled cable, thereby completing the docking of the male and female plugs of the underwater wet-plug connector and realizing the construction and expansion of the seabed observation network.

[0003] Currently, existing underwater extension connectors can perform corresponding photoelectric connection relays, but they are large in size, have poor reliability and maintainability, are prone to water leakage, and have limited functionality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the technical problems of existing underwater extension connectors, such as large size, poor reliability and maintainability, and limited functionality, and to provide a small-sized, multifunctional underwater extension connector.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector is characterized by comprising an umbilical unit, a connecting septum, an oil-filled unit, and N optical fibers, where N is a positive integer.

[0007] The umbilical cord unit includes an isolation chamber; the isolation chamber includes an outer shell, an inner septum, a first pin assembly, a first fiber winding assembly, P first wires, and an oil plug; wherein, P is a positive integer;

[0008] One end of the oil-filling unit is connected to one end of the isolation chamber shell via the connecting septum, and the other end of the oil-filling unit is connected to the external oil-filling cable; the other end of the isolation chamber shell is connected to the external umbilical cable via the inner septum; the inner septum, the connecting septum, and the isolation chamber shell form a sealed isolation chamber cavity; the oil plug is disposed on the isolation chamber shell for filling the isolation chamber cavity with oil;

[0009] The first fiber winding assembly is located inside the isolation chamber and is pressed and fixed by the inner septum and the connecting septum. The first fiber winding assembly is used to wind optical fibers. The first ferrule assembly is disposed on the inner septum. The connecting septum is provided with a second ferrule assembly.

[0010] One end of the first wire is electrically connected to the second pin assembly, the second pin assembly is connected to the cable of the external oil-filled cable through the oil-filled unit, and the other end of the first wire is connected to the cable of the external umbilical cable through the first pin assembly.

[0011] One end of the optical fiber passes through the first fiber winding assembly and sequentially through the connecting septum and the oil-filled unit to connect with the optical fiber of the external oil-filled cable. The other end of the optical fiber passes through the inner septum and connects with the optical fiber of the external umbilical cable.

[0012] Furthermore, the oil filling unit includes a flow chamber and an internal oil filling end;

[0013] The fluid chamber includes a fluid chamber shell, a second fiber winding assembly, an inner retaining ring, and P second conductors; one end of the inner oil-filled end is connected to an external oil-filled cable, and the other end is connected to one end of the fluid chamber shell through the inner retaining ring.

[0014] The other end of the outer shell of the flow chamber is connected to one end of the outer shell of the isolation chamber via a connecting plug, and the inner retaining ring, the outer shell of the flow chamber, and the connecting plug form the flow chamber cavity;

[0015] The second fiber winding assembly is located in the fluid chamber and is pressed and fixed by the connecting septum and inner retaining ring. The second fiber winding assembly is used to wind optical fibers, which can realize rapid repair when the external oil-filled cable optical fiber breaks.

[0016] One end of the second conductor is electrically connected to the second pin assembly, and the other end passes through the inner retaining ring and is connected to the cable of the external oil-filled cable.

[0017] One end of the optical fiber passes through the connecting septum, then through the second fiber winding assembly and through the inner retaining ring to connect with the optical fiber of the external oil-filled cable.

[0018] Furthermore, the internal oil-filling end includes an internal connecting pipe and an internal clamp; one end of the internal connecting pipe is connected to the external oil-filling cable and fixed by the internal clamp, and the other end is connected to one end of the outer shell of the flow chamber through an internal retaining ring;

[0019] The umbilical unit also includes an umbilical end located at the other end of the isolation chamber shell; the umbilical end includes a conical connector, a compression cap, and a tail shoe; one end of the conical connector is connected to the isolation chamber shell through an inner septum, and the other end cooperates with the compression cap to secure the external umbilical cable inside the conical connector; the tail shoe is located on the outer periphery of the other end of the conical connector and is used to fix the external umbilical cable; the tail shoe is formed by rubber vulcanization.

[0020] Furthermore, there are M oil-filling units; where M is a positive integer;

[0021] It also includes an outer retaining ring and an outer oil filling end that are connected between adjacent oil filling units and interconnected with each other;

[0022] Between adjacent oil-filling units, the other end of the flow chamber of one oil-filling unit is connected to the outer retaining ring, and the outer oil-filling end is connected to the external oil-filling cable connected to the other oil-filling unit, which can be used to extend the transmission distance of optical fiber and electricity.

[0023] Furthermore, the first fiber winding assembly includes a first support plate and four first discs; the first support plate has P first wire-passing holes through it along its length for the first wires to pass through; the four first discs are fixed to both sides of the first support plate in pairs; the second fiber winding assembly includes a second support plate and four second discs; the second support plate has P second wire-passing holes through it along its length for the second wires to pass through; the four second discs are fixed to both sides of the second support plate in pairs;

[0024] The inner septum is provided with N first through holes extending along the axial direction, and the end of the inner septum located inside the outer shell of the isolation chamber is provided with a first groove; the connecting septum is provided with N second through holes extending along the axial direction, and the end of the connecting septum located inside the outer shell of the flow chamber is provided with a second groove; N first sleeves are provided in the first through holes; N second sleeves are provided in the second through holes, which avoids the problem of reduced strength at the bonding joint due to changes in ambient temperature when the optical fiber is directly bonded and sealed to the inner septum or the connecting septum;

[0025] One end of the optical fiber passes sequentially through the first disc, the second sleeve, the second disc, and the inner retaining ring to connect with the optical fiber of the external oil-filled cable, and the other end of the optical fiber passes through the first sleeve to connect with the optical fiber of the external umbilical cable.

[0026] The first pin assembly includes a first cover and P first inserts; the second pin assembly includes a second cover and P second inserts; the first cover is located within the first groove; the first inserts are disposed within the first cover and located on both sides of the first groove; the second cover is located within the second groove; the second inserts are disposed within the second cover and located on both sides of the second groove; the first groove is provided with P third through holes for the first inserts to pass through; the second groove is provided with P fourth through holes for the second inserts to pass through; the inner septum is provided with a first baffle at one end located inside the isolation chamber shell for pressing the first sleeve and the first cover; the connecting septum is provided with a second baffle at one end located inside the flow chamber shell for pressing the second sleeve and the second cover;

[0027] One end of the first conductor passes through the first wire hole and is electrically connected to the second ferrule. One end of the second conductor is electrically connected to the second ferrule, and the other end passes through the second wire hole and is connected to the cable of the external oil-filled cable. The other end of the first conductor is connected to the cable of the external umbilical cable through the first ferrule.

[0028] Furthermore, sealing rings are provided between the first sleeve and the first through hole, between the second sleeve and the second through hole, between the first cover and the first groove, between the second cover and the second groove, between the inner septum and the outer shell of the isolation chamber, between the connecting septum and the outer shell of the isolation chamber, between the connecting septum and the outer shell of the flow chamber, between the inner retaining ring and the outer shell of the flow chamber, and between the inner connecting pipe and the inner retaining ring. This achieves a highly redundant sealing design and greatly improves the reliability of the underwater extension connector.

[0029] Furthermore, to further improve the reliability of the underwater extension connector, epoxy resin is filled between the first sleeve and the optical fiber, and between the second sleeve and the optical fiber. The inner septum is also provided with an injection hole for filling the tapered connector with epoxy resin, which avoids bending caused by optical fiber shaking during transportation and use, and can achieve better sealing, thereby improving reliability.

[0030] Furthermore, an insert plate is provided at the other end of the isolation chamber shell, and the inner septum is fixedly connected to the isolation chamber shell through the insert plate;

[0031] The isolation chamber is also sealed with an observation window to facilitate observation of the shape of the optical fiber and the first conductor inside the isolation chamber, as well as preliminary troubleshooting.

[0032] Furthermore, the outer shell of the isolation chamber is made of metal; the observation window is made of glass.

[0033] Furthermore, the first cover and the first insert are integrally formed through vulcanization or powder coating processes; the second cover and the second insert are integrally formed through vulcanization or powder coating processes.

[0034] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0035] 1. This invention provides a small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector, which is small in size, highly reliable, easy to maintain, and not prone to water leakage. It is used for transitional connections between underwater wet-plug connectors and umbilical cables or submarine optical-electric composite cables. Furthermore, due to its small size and light weight, it is suitable for operation by underwater ROVs and other robotic systems. The use of a first fiber winding assembly to store optical fibers enables rapid repair in case of fiber breakage in the umbilical cable.

[0036] 2. The second fiber winding assembly in this invention stores optical fibers, enabling rapid repair of broken optical fibers in oil-filled cables. Furthermore, the umbilical unit in this invention allows for rapid installation of the umbilical cable to the submarine junction box; multiple oil-filled units can be used, with the fluid chamber of one oil-filled unit connected to an external oil-filled cable on an adjacent oil-filled unit via an outer retaining ring and an external oil-filling end, which can be used to extend the transmission distance of optical fibers and electricity.

[0037] 3. The invention employs a first and second sleeve to avoid the problem of decreased bond strength due to environmental temperature changes when the optical fiber is directly bonded to the inner septum or the connecting septum. Furthermore, the invention utilizes multi-layer radial sealing and epoxy resin potting to achieve a highly redundant sealing design, significantly improving the reliability of the underwater extension connector. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 Isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is an application scenario diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the isolation chamber and connecting septum assembled in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a left view of the isolation chamber and connecting plug assembled in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 This is a left view of the connecting septum in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the connecting septum in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a right view of the inner septum in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a top view of the inner septum in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 10 This is a front view of the first fiber winding assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 11 This is a left view of the first fiber winding assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the first fiber winding assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the first pin assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the optical fiber and the first sleeve assembled in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the fluid chamber and inner retaining ring assembled in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the outer shell of the flow chamber in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 17 This is a left view of the inner retaining ring in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the inner retaining ring in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of the inner oil-filled end and the outer oil-filled cable assembled in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of the inner connecting tube in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view of the umbilical cord tip and the external umbilical cord cable assembled in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 22 This is a front view of the tapered connector in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 23 This is a left view of the tapered connector in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between adjacent oil-filling units in other embodiments of the present invention.

[0062] Icon labels:

[0063] 1-Umbilical unit, 10-Isolation chamber, 101-Isolation chamber outer shell, 102-First pin assembly, 103-Inner septum, 104-First fiber winding assembly, 105-First conductor, 107-Observation window, 108-Oil plug, 110-Insertion plate, 11-Umbilical end, 111-Compression cap, 112-Tail shoe, 119-Conical connector, 2-Oil-filling unit, 20-Flow chamber, 201-Flow chamber outer shell, 202-Second fiber winding assembly, 203-Inner retaining ring, 204-Second conductor, 21-Inner oil-filling end, 210-Inner connecting tube, 211-Inner clamp, 3-Connecting septum, 4-Fiber optic cable, 5-Isolation chamber chamber 6-First through hole, 8-External oil-filled cable, 9-Flow chamber, 12-External umbilical cable, 22-Outer retaining ring, 23-External oil-filled end, 24-First support plate, 25-First disc, 30-Second pin assembly, 31-Fourth through hole, 32-Second groove, 33-Second through hole, 35-Second cover, 36-Second insert, 106-First baffle, 109-Second baffle, 113-Third through hole, 114-First groove, 115-First through hole, 116-First sleeve, 117-First cover, 118-First insert, 120-Injection hole, 205-Second support plate, 206-Second disc. Detailed Implementation

[0064] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0065] like Figures 1-2As shown, a small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector includes an umbilical unit 1, a connecting plug 3, an oil-filled unit 2, and N optical fibers 4, where N is a positive integer. Specifically, the umbilical unit 1 includes an isolation chamber 10 and an umbilical end 11. The isolation chamber 10 includes an isolation chamber shell 101, an inner plug 103, a first pin assembly 102, a first fiber winding assembly 104, P first wires 105, and an oil plug 108. In this embodiment, the isolation chamber shell 101 is made of a metal material, such as titanium alloy, stainless steel, or aluminum alloy. The oil plug 108 is disposed on the outer shell 101 of the isolation chamber. An insert plate 110 is also disposed on the outer shell 101. An inner diaphragm 103 is fixedly connected to the outer shell 101 of the isolation chamber via the insert plate 110, and a sealing ring is disposed between the inner diaphragm 103 and the outer shell 101 of the isolation chamber. An observation window 107 is also sealed on the outer shell 101 of the isolation chamber. In this embodiment, the observation window 107 is made of glass material, such as quartz or sapphire, and has a sealing groove or adhesive groove on its flat side. The observation window 107 is sealed to the outer shell 101 of the isolation chamber by a sealing ring or epoxy resin adhesive. See details below. Figure 4 The inner septum 103, the connecting septum 3, and the outer shell 101 of the isolation chamber form a sealed isolation chamber 5. The first fiber winding assembly 104 is located inside the isolation chamber 5 and is pressed and fixed by the inner septum 103 and the connecting septum 3. See details below. Figure 1 Among them, such as Figures 10-12 As shown, the first fiber winding assembly 104 includes a first support plate 24 and four first disks 25. The first support plate 24 has P first wire holes 6 through which the first wire 105 passes or is slightly bent for storage along its length. The four first disks 25 are fixed to the two sides of the first support plate 24 by bolts and nuts respectively. The optical fiber 4 can be wound in a figure-eight shape on the two first disks 25 on one side of the first support plate 24 for storage.

[0066] like Figure 1 , Figures 4-8 as well as Figure 14As shown, the first pin assembly 102 is disposed on the inner septum 103, and the second pin assembly 30 is disposed on the connecting septum 3. The inner septum 103 has N axially penetrating first through holes 115, and the end of the inner septum 103 located inside the isolation chamber shell 101 has a first groove 114. The connecting septum 3 has N axially penetrating second through holes 33, and the end of the connecting septum 3 located inside the flow chamber shell 201 has a second groove 32. N first sleeves 116 are disposed in the first through holes 115, and N second sleeves are disposed in the second through holes 33. The first sleeves 116 and the second sleeves can prevent the fiber optic cable 4 from being directly bonded and sealed with the metal connecting septum 3 and the inner septum 103, which would cause a decrease in the strength of the bonding joint due to the large difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion during long-term use as the ambient temperature changes. The first sleeves 116 and the second sleeves are made of non-metallic materials with low coefficients of thermal expansion, such as PEEK and POM. Furthermore, epoxy resin is filled between the first sleeve 116 and the optical fiber 4, and between the second sleeve and the optical fiber 4. Sealing rings are used to seal and tighten the first sleeve 116 and the first through hole 115, and between the second sleeve and the second through hole 33, to achieve multi-level temperature buffering, extend the service life of the optical fiber 4, the first sleeve 116, and the second sleeve, and improve reliability. Figure 4 and Figure 13 As shown, the first pin assembly 102 includes a first cover 117 and P first inserts 118, and the second pin assembly 30 includes a second cover 35 and P second inserts 36. The first cover 117 is located within a first groove 114, and a sealing ring is provided between the first cover 117 and the first groove 114. The first inserts 118 are disposed within the first cover 117 and located on both sides of the first groove 114. The second cover 35 is located within a second groove 32, and a sealing ring is provided between the second cover 35 and the second groove 32. The second inserts 36 are disposed within... The second cover 35 is located inside and on both sides of the second groove 32. The bottom of the first groove 114 is provided with P third through holes 113 for the first insert 118 to pass through, and the bottom of the second groove 32 is provided with P fourth through holes 31 for the second insert 36 to pass through. The inner septum 103 is provided with a first baffle 106 at one end inside the isolation chamber shell 101 to press the first sleeve 116 and the first cover 117. The connecting septum 3 is provided with a second baffle 109 at one end inside the flow chamber shell 201 to press the second sleeve and the second cover 35. In addition, in this embodiment, the first cover 117 and the first insert 118, the second cover 35 and the second insert 36 are all integrally formed by vulcanization or powder coating processes. The first insert 118 and the second insert 36 are both made of metal materials such as brass and beryllium bronze with good conductivity, and the first cover 117 and the second cover 35 are both made of non-metallic materials such as PEEK and POM with high dielectric constant.

[0067] The oil filling unit 2 includes a flow chamber 20 and an internal oil filling end 21. For example... Figure 1 and Figures 15-18 As shown, the flow chamber 20 includes a flow chamber outer shell 201, a second fiber winding assembly 202, an inner retaining ring 203, and P second conductors 204. Figures 19-20 As shown, the inner oil-filled end 21 includes an inner connecting pipe 210 and an inner clamp 211. One end of the inner connecting pipe 210 has a pagoda-shaped structure, which is connected to the external oil-filled cable 8 and fixed by the inner clamp 211. The other end is connected to the outer shell of the flow chamber 201 through an inner retaining ring 203. Sealing rings are provided between the inner retaining ring 203 and the outer shell of the flow chamber 201, and between the inner connecting pipe 210 and the inner retaining ring 203. The outer shell of the flow chamber 201 is connected to the outer shell of the isolation chamber 101 through a connecting diaphragm 3. The inner retaining ring 203, the outer shell of the flow chamber 201, and the connecting diaphragm 3 form the flow chamber chamber 9. The second fiber winding assembly 202 is located in the flow chamber chamber 9 and is pressed and fixed by the connecting diaphragm 3 and the inner retaining ring 203. Sealing rings are provided between the connecting diaphragm 3 and the outer shell of the isolation chamber 101, and between the connecting diaphragm 3 and the outer shell of the flow chamber 201. The second fiber winding assembly 202 includes a second support plate 205 and four second disks 206. The second support plate 205 has P second wire holes through it along its length for the second wire 204 to pass through. The four second disks 206 are fixed to the two sides of the second support plate 205 respectively for winding the optical fiber 4.

[0068] like Figure 1 , Figure 9 as well as Figures 21-23As shown, the umbilical cable end 11 includes a tapered connector 119, a clamping cap 111, and a tail shoe 112. One end of the tapered connector 119 is connected to the outer shell 101 of the isolation chamber through an inner septum 103, and the other end cooperates with the clamping cap 111 to secure the external umbilical cable 12 inside the tapered connector 119. The tail shoe 112 is located on the outer periphery of the other end of the tapered connector 119 and is used to fix the external umbilical cable 12. The tail shoe 112 needs to be made of rubber vulcanization to ensure the bending resistance of its tail connection. In this embodiment, the other end of the tapered connector 119 is provided with an annular protrusion to facilitate the rubber vulcanization to form the tail shoe 112. The inner septum 103 is also provided with an injection hole 120 for filling the tapered connector 119 with epoxy resin to avoid bending caused by the shaking of the optical fiber 4 during transportation and use, and to achieve better sealing and improve reliability. Furthermore, one end of the first conductor 105 passes through the first cable guide hole 6 and is electrically connected to the second ferrule 36. One end of the second conductor 204 is electrically connected to the second ferrule 36, and the other end passes through the second cable guide hole and is connected to the cable of the external oil-filled cable 8. The other end of the first conductor 105 is connected to the cable of the external umbilical cable 12 through the first ferrule 118. One end of the optical fiber 4 passes sequentially through the first disc 25, the second sleeve, the second disc 206, and the inner retaining ring 203 and is connected to the optical fiber of the external oil-filled cable 8. The other end of the optical fiber 4 passes through the first sleeve 116 and is connected to the optical fiber of the external umbilical cable 12. In this embodiment, N is 4 and P is 2.

[0069] When assembling the isolation chamber 10, the first cover 117 and the first sleeve 116 are first pressed and fixed in the corresponding first groove 114 and first through hole 115 respectively by the first baffle 106. The second cover 35 and the second sleeve are then pressed and fixed in the corresponding second groove 32 and second through hole 33 respectively. The optical fiber 4 is passed through the first sleeve 116, then wound in a figure-eight shape around the first disc 25 and then passed out through the second sleeve. One end of the first conductor 105 is passed through the first wire hole 6 and then welded to the second ferrule 36, and the other end is welded to the first ferrule 118. After welding, a protective shoe is installed at the welding point to ensure good electrical insulation performance at the welding point. After the above assembly is completed, the connecting plug 3 is connected to the isolation chamber shell 101 through a flange, and the inner plug 103 is connected to the isolation chamber shell 101 through a plug plate 110. At this time, the first support plate 24 will be clamped and fixed, and the excess length of the first conductor 105 is coiled in a bent shape in the first wire hole 6. A certain length of optical fiber 4 is reserved inside the outer shell 101 of the isolation chamber. Epoxy resin is filled between the optical fiber 4 and the first sleeve 116, and between the optical fiber 4 and the second sleeve, using a glue applicator, and cured at room temperature for 48 hours. Finally, gel or high-viscosity dimethyl silicone oil is filled into the isolation chamber 5 through the oil plug 108 to buffer the optical fiber 4 and increase the reliability of the equipment. After the isolation chamber 10 is assembled, the optical fiber 4, which passes through the second sleeve, is wound in a figure-eight shape around the second disc 206 and then passes through the inner retaining ring 203. This invention adopts a single-fiber direct connection installation method, which can greatly reduce the insertion and return loss caused by optical fiber splicing. One end of the second conductor 204 is welded to the second ferrule 36, and the other end passes through the second wire hole and out of the inner retaining ring 203. The connecting diaphragm 3 is fixed to one end of the outer shell 201 of the flow chamber by a sealing ring, and the second support plate 205 is pressed tightly at the other end of the outer shell 201 of the flow chamber by the inner retaining ring 203. The assembly of the flow chamber 20 is completed. After the fluid chamber 20 is assembled, the second conductor 204 and optical fiber 4, which pass through the inner retaining ring 203, are connected to the corresponding cables in the external oil-filled cable 8. The external oil-filled cable 8 is fitted onto the tail of the inner connecting tube 210 and secured with an inner clamp 211 to achieve a reliable seal. Then, the conductors and optical fibers in the external umbilical cable 12 are stripped out. The conductors are soldered to the first ferrule 118, and the optical fibers are fused to the other end of the optical fiber 4 that passes through the first sleeve 116, achieving photoelectric separation of the external umbilical cable 12. Finally, the tapered connector 119 is connected to the end face of the inner diaphragm 103, and the external umbilical cable 12 is secured with a compression cap 111. Figure 3 As shown, the present invention is used for the transition connection between the underwater wet-plug connector and the external umbilical cable 12 or the submarine optical-electric composite cable.

[0070] Furthermore, in other embodiments, there are M oil-filling units 2, where M is a positive integer, and the system also includes an outer retaining ring 22 and an outer oil-filling end 23 connected between adjacent oil-filling units 2 and interconnected with each other, such as... Figure 24As shown, between adjacent oil-filling units 2, the other end of the flow chamber 20 of one oil-filling unit 2 is connected to the outer baffle ring 22, and the outer oil-filling end 23 is connected to the outer oil-filling cable 8 connected to the other oil-filling unit 2, which can be used to extend the transmission distance of optical fiber and electricity.

[0071] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector, characterized in that: It includes an umbilical unit (1), a connecting septum (3), an oil-filled unit (2), and N optical fibers (4); where N is a positive integer; The umbilical unit (1) includes an isolation chamber (10); the isolation chamber (10) includes an isolation chamber shell (101), an inner septum (103), a first pin assembly (102), a first fiber winding assembly (104), P first wires (105), and an oil plug (108); wherein, P is a positive integer; One end of the oil filling unit (2) is connected to one end of the isolation chamber shell (101) through the connecting septum (3), and the other end of the oil filling unit (2) is connected to the external oil filling cable (8); the other end of the isolation chamber shell (101) is connected to the external umbilical cable (12) through the inner septum (103); the inner septum (103), the connecting septum (3) and the isolation chamber shell (101) form a sealed isolation chamber chamber (5); the oil plug (108) is disposed on the isolation chamber shell (101) for filling the isolation chamber chamber (5) with oil; The first fiber winding assembly (104) is located inside the isolation chamber (5) and is pressed and fixed by the inner septum (103) and the connecting septum (3). The first fiber winding assembly (104) is used to wind the optical fiber (4). The first ferrule assembly (102) is disposed on the inner septum (103). The connecting septum (3) is provided with a second ferrule assembly (30). One end of the first wire (105) is electrically connected to the second pin assembly (30), the second pin assembly (30) is connected to the cable of the external oil-filled cable (8) through the oil-filled unit (2), and the other end of the first wire (105) is connected to the cable of the external umbilical cable (12) through the first pin assembly (102). One end of the optical fiber (4) passes through the first fiber winding assembly (104) and sequentially through the connecting septum (3), the oil filling unit (2) and the optical fiber of the external oil filling cable (8). The other end of the optical fiber (4) passes through the inner septum (103) and is connected to the optical fiber of the external umbilical cable (12). The oil filling unit (2) includes a flow chamber (20) and an internal oil filling end (21); The fluid chamber (20) includes a fluid chamber shell (201), a second fiber winding assembly (202), an inner retaining ring (203), and P second conductors (204); one end of the inner oil-filled end (21) is connected to the outer oil-filled cable (8), and the other end is connected to one end of the fluid chamber shell (201) through the inner retaining ring (203); The other end of the flow chamber shell (201) is connected to one end of the isolation chamber shell (101) through the connecting plug (3), and the inner retaining ring (203), the flow chamber shell (201) and the connecting plug (3) form the flow chamber chamber (9). The second fiber winding assembly (202) is located in the fluid chamber (9) and is pressed and fixed by the connecting septum (3) and the inner retaining ring (203). The second fiber winding assembly (202) is used to wind the optical fiber (4). One end of the second conductor (204) is electrically connected to the second pin assembly (30), and the other end passes through the inner retaining ring (203) and is connected to the cable of the outer oil-filled cable (8); One end of the optical fiber (4) passes through the connecting septum (3), and then passes through the second fiber winding assembly (202) and the inner retaining ring (203) to connect with the optical fiber of the external oil-filled cable (8).

2. The small-sized multi-functional underwater extension connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The internal oil-filling end (21) includes an internal connecting pipe (210) and an internal clamp (211); one end of the internal connecting pipe (210) is connected to the external oil-filling cable (8) and fixed by the internal clamp (211), and the other end is connected to one end of the outer shell of the flow chamber (201) through an internal retaining ring (203); The umbilical unit (1) also includes an umbilical end (11) disposed at the other end of the isolation chamber shell (101); the umbilical end (11) includes a conical connector (119), a clamping cap (111), and a tail shoe (112); one end of the conical connector (119) is connected to the isolation chamber shell (101) through an inner septum (103), and the other end cooperates with the clamping cap (111) to secure the external umbilical cable (12) inside the conical connector (119); the tail shoe (112) is disposed on the outer periphery of the other end of the conical connector (119) for fixing the external umbilical cable (12); the tail shoe (112) is formed by rubber vulcanization.

3. A small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The number of oil-filling units (2) is M; where M is a positive integer; It also includes an outer retaining ring (22) and an outer oil filling end (23) that are connected between adjacent oil filling units (2) and interconnected with each other. Between adjacent oil filling units (2), the other end of the flow chamber (20) of one of the oil filling units (2) is connected to the outer baffle ring (22), and the outer oil filling end (23) is connected to the outer oil filling cable (8) connected to the other oil filling unit (2).

4. A small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first fiber winding assembly (104) includes a first support plate (24) and four first discs (25); the first support plate (24) has P first wire holes (6) through it along its length for the first conductor (105) to pass through; the four first discs (25) are fixed to both sides of the first support plate (24) in pairs; the second fiber winding assembly (202) includes a second support plate (205) and four second discs (206); the second support plate (205) has P second wire holes through it along its length for the second conductor (204) to pass through; the four second discs (206) are fixed to both sides of the second support plate (205) in pairs; The inner septum (103) is provided with N first through holes (115) extending axially, and the inner septum (103) is provided with a first groove (114) at one end inside the isolation chamber shell (101); the connecting septum (3) is provided with N second through holes (33) extending axially, and the connecting septum (3) is provided with a second groove (32) at one end inside the flow chamber shell (201); N first sleeves (116) are provided in the first through holes (115); N second sleeves are provided in the second through holes (33); One end of the optical fiber (4) passes through the first disc (25), the second sleeve, the second disc (206), and the inner retaining ring (203) in sequence to connect with the optical fiber of the external oil-filled cable (8), and the other end of the optical fiber (4) passes through the first sleeve (116) to connect with the optical fiber of the external umbilical cable (12). The first pin assembly (102) includes a first cover (117) and P first inserts (118); the second pin assembly (30) includes a second cover (35) and P second inserts (36); the first cover (117) is located within the first groove (114); the first inserts (118) are disposed within the first cover (117) and located on both sides of the first groove (114); the second cover (35) is located within the second groove (32); the second inserts (36) are disposed within the second cover (35) and located on both sides of the second groove (32); The bottom of the first groove (114) is provided with P third through holes (113) for the first insert (118) to pass through; the bottom of the second groove (32) is provided with P fourth through holes (31) for the second insert (36) to pass through; the inner septum (103) is provided with a first baffle (106) at one end inside the isolation chamber shell (101) for pressing the first sleeve (116) and the first cover (117); the connecting septum (3) is provided with a second baffle (109) at one end inside the flow chamber shell (201) for pressing the second sleeve and the second cover (35). One end of the first conductor (105) passes through the first wire hole (6) and is electrically connected to the second ferrule (36). One end of the second conductor (204) is electrically connected to the second ferrule (36), and the other end passes through the second wire hole and is connected to the cable of the external oil-filled cable (8). The other end of the first conductor (105) is connected to the cable of the external umbilical cable (12) through the first ferrule (118).

5. A small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: A sealing ring is provided between the first sleeve (116) and the first through hole (115), between the second sleeve and the second through hole (33), between the first cover (117) and the first groove (114), between the second cover (35) and the second groove (32), between the inner septum (103) and the outer shell of the isolation chamber (101), between the connecting septum (3) and the outer shell of the isolation chamber (101), between the connecting septum (3) and the outer shell of the flow chamber (201), between the inner retaining ring (203) and the outer shell of the flow chamber (201), and between the inner connecting pipe (210) and the inner retaining ring (203).

6. A small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first sleeve (116) and the optical fiber (4) and the second sleeve and the optical fiber (4) are filled with epoxy resin; the inner septum (103) is also provided with a glue injection hole (120) for filling the tapered connector (119) with epoxy resin.

7. A small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: An insert plate (110) is also provided on the other end of the outer shell (101) of the isolation chamber, and the inner septum (103) is fixedly connected to the outer shell (101) of the isolation chamber through the insert plate (110); An observation window (107) is also sealed on the outer shell (101) of the isolation chamber.

8. A small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outer shell (101) of the isolation chamber is made of metal; the observation window (107) is made of glass.

9. A small-sized, multi-functional underwater extension connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first cover (117) and the first insert (118) are integrally formed by vulcanization or powder coating process; the second cover (35) and the second insert (36) are integrally formed by vulcanization or powder coating process.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    CN104505653A

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