Opto-electric composite underwater wet plug connector and method of use thereof

Abstract

The application provides an underwater wet plug-pull connector with photoelectricity combination and a use method thereof. The underwater wet plug-pull connector with photoelectricity combination comprises a plug, a socket, a sealing assembly, an insertion part and a driving part. The plug and the socket are in abutting connection and realize electrical signal connection. The sealing assembly makes the inside of the plug or the socket in a sealed state relative to the outside environment. The driving part is inserted into the plug and connected with the insertion part. The driving part rotates axially relative to the plug, the insertion part and the socket, and drives the two sealing assemblies to simultaneously release the sealed state and make the inside of the plug and the socket in communication. The driving part drives the insertion part to synchronously move axially along the plug, so that the insertion part is inserted into the socket and realizes optical fiber signal connection. The electrical signal connection and the optical fiber signal connection of the plug and the socket are realized through "two insertion and two rotation", the abutting connection environment of the electrical signal connection and the optical fiber signal connection is ensured to be in a sealed environment, the relative position of the plug and the socket is locked, and the purpose of simultaneously connecting photoelectricity signals of the underwater connector is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater connector technology, and in particular to an optoelectronic composite underwater wet-plug connector and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, fiber optic communication is widely used for communication connections between surface equipment and underwater production systems, as well as between various underwater devices. Underwater pluggable fiber optic connectors, as a connection device, primarily function to achieve electrical signal connections between underwater devices and the transmission of fiber optic signals. Their performance directly affects the reliability and safety of the underwater production system.

[0003] Currently, most fiber optic connectors used in China are dry-type, requiring connection before equipment is submerged. They lack underwater plugging / unplugging capabilities, necessitating surface removal for equipment maintenance and testing, resulting in complex and costly operations. To enable underwater plugging / unplugging of fiber optic connectors, Chinese patent CN116009152A discloses an underwater wet-type fiber optic connector. This connector employs a rotary sealing structure to abrade and isolate the connector from seawater before insertion, thus maintaining a sealed oil-filled cavity. Simultaneously, the contraction and expansion of the soft bladder balances the internal and external pressures of the connector, preventing seal failure and connector damage due to significant pressure differences in deep-water environments. However, this connector only enables fiber optic connection and transmission, lacking electrical signal connection capabilities, making its functionality relatively limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes an optoelectronic composite underwater wet-plug connector and its usage method to solve the problem that existing fiber optic connectors can only realize the connection and transmission of optical fibers, but do not realize the connection of electrical signals.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows: This invention provides a photoelectric composite underwater wet-plug connector, including a plug, a socket, a sealing component, an insertion part, and a driving part; the plug and socket abut and connect to achieve electrical signal connection; two sealing components are respectively disposed in the plug and socket, and the sealing components keep the inside of the plug or socket sealed relative to the external environment; the insertion part is disposed in the plug and moves along the plug axis; the driving part is inserted in the plug and connected to the insertion part, the driving part rotates axially relative to the plug, the insertion part, and the socket, and drives the two sealing components to simultaneously release the sealing state and connect the inside of the plug and the socket, the driving part drives the insertion part to move synchronously along the plug axis, so that the insertion part is inserted into the socket and achieves optical fiber signal connection.

[0006] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, it also includes a first linkage component and a second linkage component; the first linkage component is disposed on the plug and connected to the part of the drive unit located outside the plug assembly; when the plug and socket are connected, the first linkage component rotates synchronously with the drive unit and drives the two sealing components to release the sealing state simultaneously; the second linkage component is disposed inside the plug and connected between the part of the drive unit located inside the plug assembly and the insertion part, the drive unit rotates axially relative to the plug, the insertion part and the socket through the second linkage component, and the drive unit drives the insertion part to move synchronously along the plug axis through the second linkage component.

[0007] More preferably, the sealing assembly includes a seal, a gear, and a gear ring; the plug and socket each have a corresponding identical cavity, which connects the external environment to the inside of the plug or socket; the seal is disposed in the cavity, and the seal has a through hole; the seal rotates relative to the cavity and the through hole connects to the cavity, or the seal seals the cavity; the gear is connected to the outside of the seal and rotates synchronously with the seal; the gear ring is sleeved on the outside of the plug or socket, and the two gear rings rotate synchronously axially relative to the plug or socket under the drive of the first linkage assembly, and the gear rings cooperate with the gear; the insertion part is disposed on the side of the seal on the plug away from the socket; when the seal rotates relative to the cavity and the through hole connects to the cavity, the insertion part moves axially along the plug under the drive of the drive part and inserts into the socket, and the insertion end of the insertion part passes through the through holes of the two seals located in the plug and socket.

[0008] More preferably, the first linkage assembly includes a cylindrical shell, an annular shell, a first sliding pin, and a second sliding pin; one end of the cylindrical shell is sleeved on the end of the plug facing the socket and fixedly sleeved on the outside of the gear ring, the cylindrical shell drives the gear ring to rotate synchronously with the drive unit relative to the plug shaft, the other end of the cylindrical shell extends along the plug axial direction and forms a hollow cylinder, a first sliding groove is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical shell along its own axial direction, the end of the first sliding groove facing the socket is provided with an opening and the other end is closed, an arc-shaped second sliding groove is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical shell along its own radial cross-sectional outer contour, one end of the second sliding groove is connected to the middle of the first sliding groove and the other end is closed; the annular shell The ring is fitted onto the end of the socket facing the socket and fixedly fitted onto the outside of the gear ring. The ring housing drives the gear ring to rotate synchronously relative to the socket shaft. The first sliding pin is fixed on the ring housing and drives the ring housing to rotate synchronously. The second sliding pin is fixed on the outer wall of the socket and away from the ring housing. When the plug and the socket abut and mate, the ring housing is inserted into the cylindrical shell synchronously with the socket, and the first sliding pin and the second sliding pin enter the first sliding groove at the same time. The drive unit rotates relative to the plug shaft and drives the cylindrical shell to drive the gear ring to rotate synchronously. At the same time, the cylindrical shell drives the first sliding pin through the first sliding groove to drive the ring housing and the other gear ring to rotate synchronously, and the second sliding pin enters the second sliding groove.

[0009] More preferably, the plug includes a main body and a housing; the main body abuts against the socket, the main body has a cavity and is provided with a seal and a gear; a drive unit is inserted into the end of the housing away from the socket, the end of the housing facing the socket is open and the main body is provided inside, a cylindrical shell is fitted on the outer wall of the end of the housing facing the socket, and the housing selectively rotates synchronously with the drive unit relative to the main body or rotates axially relative to the drive unit.

[0010] More preferably, the plug also includes a partition; an oil cavity is provided in the end of the housing where the drive unit is inserted, the drive unit passes through the oil cavity and is inserted into the housing, and a filter port is provided on the end face of the housing away from the socket; the partition is disposed in the oil cavity and divides the oil cavity into two parts along the axial direction of the housing, the partition moves relative to the oil cavity along the axial direction of the housing and changes the volume of the two parts of the oil cavity, the part of the oil cavity near the internal environment of the housing is filled with insulating oil, and the part of the oil cavity away from the internal environment of the housing is connected to the external environment through the filter port.

[0011] More preferably, the second linkage assembly includes a ring body, a third sliding pin, and a fourth sliding pin; the insertion end of the drive unit has an insertion cavity; the end of the main body located inside the housing is fitted into the insertion cavity; the outer wall of the main body located inside the housing has a third sliding groove with both ends closed along its own axial direction; the outer wall of the main body located inside the housing also has an arc-shaped fourth sliding groove along its own radial cross-sectional outer contour, one end of the fourth sliding groove being connected to the end of the third sliding groove away from the socket and the other end being closed; the ring body is disposed inside the housing and fitted outside the insertion end of the drive unit; the inner wall of the ring body has symmetrically formed along its radial cross-sectional outer contour. At least two arc-shaped fifth sliding grooves; a third sliding pin is fixed on the inner wall of the insertion cavity and disposed in the fourth sliding groove; a fourth sliding pin is fixed on the outer wall of the part of the drive unit located inside the housing and disposed in the fifth sliding groove; one end of the insertion part is disposed on the ring body and moves synchronously with the ring body, and the other end of the insertion part is inserted into the main body and aligned with the cavity; the drive unit rotates axially relative to the plug and the insertion part, and drives the third sliding pin to move along the fourth sliding groove and enter the third sliding groove, and simultaneously drives the fourth sliding pin to move along the fifth sliding groove; the drive unit drives the insertion part to move synchronously along the plug axis, and drives the third sliding pin to move along the third sliding groove.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment, the main body is located on the outer wall of the housing and has an arc-shaped sixth sliding groove along its radial cross-sectional outer contour. One end of the sixth sliding groove is connected to the end of the third sliding groove facing the socket and the other end is closed. The sixth sliding groove and the fourth sliding groove are located on both sides of the axial direction of the third sliding groove. The insertion part is inserted into the socket and realizes the optical fiber signal connection. The driving part rotates axially relative to the plug and the insertion part and drives the fourth sliding pin to move along the fifth sliding groove. At the same time, it drives the third sliding pin to enter the sixth sliding groove from the third sliding groove and move along the sixth sliding groove.

[0013] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the mating parts of the plug and socket are engaged by wedges to keep the plug and socket relatively fixed.

[0014] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method for using a photoelectric composite underwater wet-plug connector. The method, employing the aforementioned photoelectric composite underwater wet-plug connector, includes the following steps: Step 1, inserting the socket into the cylindrical shell and engaging with the plug to establish an electrical signal connection, and causing the first and second sliding pins to enter the first sliding groove; Step 2, rotating the drive unit and causing the housing and cylindrical shell to rotate synchronously relative to the main body, causing the second sliding pin to enter the second sliding groove, until the second sliding pin moves to the closed end of the second sliding groove, at which point the drive unit stops rotating; Step 3, operating the drive unit to move along the plug axis toward the socket, causing the insertion part to insert into the socket and establish an optical fiber signal connection; Step 4, continuing to rotate the drive unit, causing the drive unit to rotate relative to the plug and cylindrical shell, and causing the third sliding pin to enter the sixth sliding groove from the third sliding groove and move along the sixth sliding groove, until the drive unit can no longer rotate.

[0015] The photoelectric composite underwater wet-plug connector and its usage method of the present invention have the following advantages over the prior art:

[0016] (1) This invention achieves electrical signal connection and optical fiber signal connection between the plug and socket through "two plugs and two turns", and ensures that the docking environment for electrical signal connection and optical fiber signal connection is in a sealed environment. It also locks the relative position of the plug and socket, thus realizing the purpose of underwater connector connecting photoelectric signals at the same time.

[0017] (2) The present invention provides an oil cavity in the housing of the plug and socket, and a sealable movable partition is provided in the oil cavity. The volume ratio of the part filled with sealing oil to the part filled with seawater is adjusted by the partition, so as to adjust the internal environmental pressure of the plug and socket according to the external environmental pressure and balance the internal and external pressure of the connector. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the wet-plug connector of the present invention in its disassembled state.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the mating state of the wet-plug connector of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the wet-plug connector of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view of the wet-plug connector of the present invention in the disassembled state;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a view of the mating end face of the plug and socket of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the sealing assembly of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Plug; 11. Main body; 12. Housing; 13. Partition; 101. Cavity; 102. Third slide groove; 103. Fourth slide groove; 104. Sixth slide groove; 105. Oil cavity; 2. Socket; 3. Sealing assembly; 31. Seal; 32. Gear; 33. Gear ring; 301. Through hole; 4. Insertion part; 5. Drive part; 6. First linkage assembly; 61. Cylindrical shell; 62. Ring shell; 63. First sliding pin; 64. Second sliding pin; 601. First slide groove; 602. Second slide groove; 7. Second linkage assembly; 71. Ring body; 72. Third sliding pin; 73. Fourth sliding pin; 701. Fifth slide groove. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, combined with Figure 2 The present invention provides an optoelectronic composite underwater wet-plug connector, comprising a plug 1, a socket 2, a sealing assembly 3, an insertion part 4, and a driving part 5.

[0029] In this design, plug 1 and socket 2 abut and connect electrically. Typically, socket 2 remains stationary, while plug 1 is operated by a robot to mate with it. Specifically, a conductive core can be positioned on the mating surface of plug 1, with a sliding sleeve fitted onto it. The front end of the sliding sleeve is secured to the front end of the conductive core by a sealing ring for a movable seal. A slot is formed on the mating surface of socket 2, with a connector electrically connected to the conductive core on its inner wall. For sealing purposes, a movable block that can move back and forth can be placed within the slot. This movable block is spring-loaded for elastic retraction and reset. When the conductive core is not inserted into the slot, the movable block moves forward and blocks the slot. After the conductive core is inserted, it forces the movable block backward. Simultaneously, when the conductive core is not inserted, the sliding sleeve covers it. As the conductive core is inserted into the slot, it is gradually pushed back by the slot's resistance. When the conductive core is fully inserted, the sliding sleeve also fully enters plug 1, ensuring a sealed environment throughout the insertion process.

[0030] Two sealing components 3 are respectively installed in the plug 1 and the socket 2. Before the plug 1 and the socket 2 are joined to form a sealed mating part, the two need to ensure that the inside is relatively sealed from the outside. Therefore, the sealing components 3 keep the inside of the plug 1 or the socket 2 in a sealed state relative to the external environment.

[0031] The insertion part 4 is disposed inside the plug 1 and moves along the axial direction of the plug 1. An optical fiber is inserted into the insertion part 4 and an optical fiber connector is provided at the end, while a corresponding optical fiber interface is provided in the socket 2.

[0032] The drive unit 5 is inserted into the plug 1 and connected to the insertion part 4. The drive unit 5 rotates axially relative to the plug 1, the insertion part 4, and the socket 2, simultaneously releasing the seals of the two sealing components 3 and connecting the interior of the plug 1 and the socket 2. The drive unit 5 drives the insertion part 4 to move synchronously along the axial direction of the plug 1, inserting the insertion part 4 into the socket 2 and achieving fiber optic signal connection. In this embodiment, through two insertion actions and two rotation actions of the drive unit 5, electrical signal connection and fiber optic signal connection between the plug 1 and the socket 2 are achieved, ensuring that the docking environment for electrical signal connection and fiber optic signal connection is in a sealed environment, and locking the relative position of the plug 1 and the socket 2, thus achieving the purpose of simultaneous connection of photoelectric signals by the underwater connector.

[0033] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the electrical signal connection is not achieved by setting an electrical connector at the end of the conductive core, but by setting an electrical interface inside the socket 2, and the connection is completed by connecting the two. In this embodiment, several metal conductive rings are fitted on the conductive core, and each conductive ring is connected to a wire; at the same time, several contact-type conductive connectors are arranged on the inner wall of the slot, and each conductive connector is also connected to a wire; when the conductive core is inserted into the slot, the conductive rings move to the corresponding positions and make contact with the conductive connectors, thus achieving the electrical signal connection. The advantage of this design is that by setting multiple conductive rings at intervals on the conductive core and arranging several conductive connectors at intervals in the slot, multiple electrical signal connections can be achieved through the same conductive core, and the electrical signals will not have significant mutual interference, greatly improving the connection efficiency and effect.

[0034] exist Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment shown, combined with Figure 4 Since the drive unit 5 needs to drive different components to move simultaneously when performing each step of the action in order to achieve the "two insertions and two rotations" action, in order to enable the drive unit 5 to be linked with each component, it also includes a first linkage component 6 and a second linkage component 7.

[0035] The first linkage component 6 is disposed on the plug 1 and connected to the part of the drive unit 5 located outside the plug 1 component.

[0036] When plug 1 connects to socket 2, the first linkage component 6 rotates synchronously with the drive unit 5, causing the two sealing components 3 to simultaneously release their seals. The first linkage component 6 enables the linkage between the drive unit 5 and the two sealing components 3.

[0037] The second linkage component 7 is disposed inside the plug 1 and connected between the portion of the drive unit 5 located inside the plug 1 assembly and the insertion part 4. The drive unit 5 rotates axially relative to the plug 1, the insertion part 4, and the socket 2 via the second linkage component 7, and the drive unit 5 drives the insertion part 4 to move synchronously along the axial direction of the plug 1 via the second linkage component 7. The second linkage component 7 realizes the linkage between the drive unit 5 and the plug 1 and the insertion part 4, enabling the drive unit 5 to independently rotate axially relative to the plug 1 and the insertion part 4 to achieve two rotation actions, and also enabling the drive unit 5 to drive the insertion part 4 to move synchronously back and forth relative to the plug 1 to achieve a second insertion action.

[0038] exist Figure 6 In a preferred embodiment shown, combined with Figure 7 In order to enable the sealing assembly 3 to release or restart the sealing state through the rotation of the drive unit 5, thereby isolating or connecting the inside of the plug 1 or socket 2 with the outside world, the sealing assembly 3 includes a seal 31, a gear 32 and a gear ring 33.

[0039] The plug 1 and socket 2 each have a corresponding cavity 101, which connects the external environment to the interior of the plug 1 or the socket 2. Specifically, a through groove is generally formed in the plug 1 and socket 2, the insertion part 4 is inserted into the through groove and moves along the through groove, and the cavity 101 is located in the middle of the through groove or at the end near the outside. The inner diameter of the cavity 101 is larger than that of the through groove.

[0040] The sealing element 31 is disposed inside the cavity 101. In order for the sealing element 31 to rotate smoothly, the sealing element 31 can be spherical or cylindrical. The sealing element 31 has a through hole 301. The sealing element 31 rotates relative to the cavity 101 and the through hole 301 connects to the cavity 101 or the sealing element 31 seals the cavity 101. When the sealing element 31 seals the cavity 101, the axial direction of the through hole 301 intersects the axial direction of the cavity 101 at a 90-degree angle, so that both ends of the through hole 301 are blocked by the inner wall of the cavity 101. When the sealing element 31 connects to the cavity 101, the sealing element 31 rotates 90 degrees, so that the axial direction of the through hole 301 coincides with the axial direction of the cavity 101.

[0041] Gear 32 is connected to the outside of seal 31 and rotates synchronously with seal 31. Gear 32 and seal 31 are mounted on the same rotating shaft, and the axial direction of the rotating shaft extends radially along gear ring 33.

[0042] The gear ring 33 is sleeved on the outside of the plug 1 or the socket 2. The two gear rings 33 rotate synchronously axially relative to the plug 1 or the socket 2 under the drive of the first linkage component 6. The gear ring 33 cooperates with the gear 32, and the teeth of the two gear rings 33 are usually set in opposite directions.

[0043] The insertion part 4 is located on the side of the seal 31 of the plug 1 away from the socket 2. When the above technical solution is adopted, the rotation of the drive part 5 will drive the two gear rings 33 to rotate synchronously. Therefore, the gear rings 33 drive the gear 32 to rotate, and the gear 32 will drive the seal 31 to rotate relative to the cavity 101 and make the through hole 301 connect to the cavity 101. Then, the insertion part 4 moves along the axial direction of the plug 1 and is inserted into the socket 2 under the drive of the drive part 5. During this process, the insertion end of the insertion part 4 will pass through the through holes 301 of the two seals 31 located in the plug 1 and the socket 2 at the same time.

[0044] exist Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment shown, the first linkage component 6 specifically includes a cylindrical shell 61, an annular shell 62, a first sliding pin 63, and a second sliding pin 64.

[0045] One end of the cylindrical shell 61 is fitted onto the end of the plug 1 facing the socket 2 and fixedly fitted onto the toothed ring 33. The cylindrical shell 61 drives the toothed ring 33 to rotate synchronously with the drive unit 5 relative to the plug 1. The other end of the cylindrical shell 61 extends axially along the plug 1 to form a hollow cylinder. A first groove 601 is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical shell 61 along its own axial direction. The end of the first groove 601 facing the socket 2 has an opening and the other end is closed. An arc-shaped second groove 602 is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical shell 61 along its own radial cross-sectional outer contour. One end of the second groove 602 is connected to the middle of the first groove 601 and the other end is closed. The function of the cylindrical shell 61 is to guide the socket 2 into the cylindrical shell 61 and mate with the plug 1.

[0046] The ring shell 62 is sleeved on the end of the socket 2 facing the socket 2 and fixedly sleeved on the outside of the gear ring 33. The ring shell 62 drives the gear ring 33 to rotate synchronously relative to the socket 2.

[0047] The first sliding pin 63 is fixed on the ring shell 62 and drives the ring shell 62 to rotate synchronously.

[0048] The second sliding pin 64 is fixed on the outer wall of the socket 2 and away from the annular housing 62.

[0049] When the above technical solution is adopted, when the plug 1 and the socket 2 are mated, the ring shell 62 is inserted into the cylindrical shell 61 synchronously with the socket 2, and the first sliding pin 63 and the second sliding pin 64 enter the first sliding groove 601 at the same time; the driving part 5 rotates relative to the plug 1 and drives the cylindrical shell 61 to drive the gear ring 33 to rotate synchronously. At the same time, the cylindrical shell 61 drives the first sliding pin 63 through the first sliding groove 601 to drive the ring shell 62 and the other gear ring 33 to rotate synchronously, and the second sliding pin 64 enters the second sliding groove 602.

[0050] exist Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment shown, in order for the drive unit 5 to be able to drive the cylindrical shell 61 to rotate, the plug 1 includes a main body 11 and a shell 12.

[0051] The main body 11 abuts and connects with the socket 2, and a cavity 101 is opened in the main body 11 and a sealing element 31 and a gear 32 are provided.

[0052] A drive unit 5 is inserted into the end of the housing 12 away from the socket 2. The end of the housing 12 facing the socket 2 is open and has a main body 11 inside. A cylindrical shell 61 is fitted onto the outer wall of the end of the housing 12 facing the socket 2. The housing 12 can selectively rotate synchronously with the drive unit 5 relative to the main body 11 or rotate axially relative to the drive unit 5. The drive unit 5 can drive the cylindrical shell 61 to rotate synchronously with the housing 12 as a bridging mechanism.

[0053] exist Figure 3In a preferred embodiment shown, since the housing 12 can rotate relative to the main body 11 and also relative to the drive part 5, both ends of the housing 12 need to be dynamically sealed. The connector of the present invention is used in an underwater high-pressure environment, and the internal environmental pressure of the housing 12 is easily affected by the external environmental pressure. Once the internal environmental pressure of the housing 12 is out of balance with the external environmental pressure, the seal will fail, and water will seep into the housing 12 and damage the components on the main body 11. Therefore, in order to keep the internal environmental pressure of the housing 12 in a stable balance with the external environmental pressure, the plug 1 also includes a partition 13.

[0054] The housing 12 has an oil cavity 105 inside the end where the drive part 5 is inserted. The drive part 5 is inserted into the housing 12 through the oil cavity 105. A filter port is opened on the end face of the housing 12 away from the socket 2.

[0055] A partition 13 is disposed within the oil cavity 105 and divides the oil cavity 105 into two parts along the axial direction of the housing 12. More precisely, the partition 13 is actually a movable sealing ring. The partition 13 moves relative to the oil cavity 105 along the axial direction of the housing 12, changing the volume of the two parts of the oil cavity 105. The part of the oil cavity 105 closer to the internal environment of the housing 12 is filled with insulating oil, while the part of the oil cavity 105 further away from the internal environment of the housing 12 is connected to the external environment through a filter port and is filled with water. Therefore, when the external pressure changes, the water-filled part of the oil cavity 105 will compress the oil-filled part of the oil cavity 105. Since the oil-filled part of the oil cavity 105 is actually filled with insulating oil, just like the inside of the housing 12, the pressure in the oil-filled part of the oil cavity 105 is the same as that inside the housing 12. When the volume of the oil-filled part of the oil cavity 105 decreases due to pressure, the pressure inside the housing 12 will increase accordingly, thus balancing the internal pressure of the housing 12 with the external pressure. Additionally, a pressure balancing structure consisting of the oil cavity 105 and the partition 13 also exists at the end of the socket 2.

[0056] exist Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment shown, the second linkage component 7 specifically includes a ring 71, a third sliding pin 72, and a fourth sliding pin 73.

[0057] The insertion end of the drive unit 5 has an insertion cavity.

[0058] The end of the main body 11 located inside the housing 12 is fitted into the insertion cavity. The outer wall of the main body 11 located inside the housing 12 has a third groove 102 with both ends closed along its own axial direction. The outer wall of the main body 11 located inside the housing 12 also has an arc-shaped fourth groove 103 with its own radial cross-sectional outer contour. One end of the fourth groove 103 is connected to the end of the third groove 102 away from the socket 2 and the other end is closed.

[0059] The ring 71 is disposed inside the housing 12 and sleeved outside the insertion end of the drive part 5. The inner wall of the ring 71 has at least two arc-shaped fifth sliding grooves 701 symmetrically formed along its radial cross-sectional outer contour. In order to prevent the ring 71 from rotating relative to the main body 11 but to allow it to move back and forth relative to the main body 11, the ring 71 can be provided with a slot, and a guide rail is provided on the outer wall of the main body 11. The ring 71 is slidably connected to the guide rail through the slot.

[0060] The third sliding pin 72 is fixed on the inner wall of the insertion cavity and is located in the fourth sliding groove 103.

[0061] The fourth sliding pin 73 is fixed on the outer wall of the part of the drive unit 5 located inside the housing 12 and is disposed in the fifth sliding groove 701.

[0062] One end of the insertion part 4 is set on the ring body 71 and moves synchronously with the ring body 71, while the other end of the insertion part 4 is inserted into the through groove of the main body 11 and aligned with the cavity 101.

[0063] When the above technical solution is adopted, the driving part 5 rotates axially relative to the plug 1 and the insertion part 4, and drives the third sliding pin 72 to move along the fourth sliding groove 103 and enter the third sliding groove 102, and at the same time drives the fourth sliding pin 73 to move along the fifth sliding groove 701; the driving part 5 drives the insertion part 4 to move synchronously along the axial direction of the plug 1, and drives the third sliding pin 72 to move along the third sliding groove 102.

[0064] exist Figure 3 In a preferred embodiment shown, in order to re-lock the drive unit 5 and the main body 11 after the drive unit 5 rotates for the second time, an arc-shaped sixth slide groove 104 is formed on the outer wall of the main body 11 located inside the housing 12 along its radial cross-sectional outer contour. One end of the sixth slide groove 104 is connected to the end of the third slide groove 102 facing the socket 2 and the other end is closed. The sixth slide groove 104 and the fourth slide groove 103 are arranged on both sides of the axial direction of the third slide groove 102. After the insertion part 4 is inserted into the socket 2 and the optical fiber signal connection is realized, the drive unit 5 rotates axially relative to the plug 1 and the insertion part 4, and drives the fourth sliding pin 73 to move along the fifth slide groove 701. At the same time, it drives the third sliding pin 72 to enter the sixth slide groove 104 from the third slide groove 102 and move along the sixth slide groove 104.

[0065] exist Figure 5 In a preferred embodiment shown, during the "two-insertion and two-turn" operation of the drive unit 5, the mating parts of the plug 1 and the socket 2 are engaged by a wedge block, so that the main body 11 of the plug 1 and the socket 2 remain relatively fixed.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, combined with Figure 2The present invention discloses a method for using an optoelectronic composite underwater wet-plug connector, employing any of the above embodiments of the optoelectronic composite underwater wet-plug connector, comprising the following steps.

[0067] Step one involves the initial insertion, the purpose of which is to insert the socket 2 into the cylindrical shell 61 and engage with the plug 1 to establish an electrical signal connection. During this process, it can be observed that the first sliding pin 63 and the second sliding pin 64 simultaneously enter the first sliding groove 601. At this time, inside the housing 12, the third sliding pin 72 on the drive unit 5 abuts against the fourth sliding groove 103, and the fourth sliding pin 73 abuts against the fifth sliding groove 701 of the ring body 71, thus fixing the drive unit 5 relative to the plug 1 and the insertion part 4.

[0068] Step two, the first rotation action is performed. The drive unit 5 is rotated, causing the housing 12 and the cylindrical shell 61 to rotate synchronously relative to the main body 11. The purpose of this action is to release the sealing assembly 3 from the sealing state of the plug 1 and the socket 2. Specifically, the drive unit 5 drives the housing 12 and the cylindrical shell 61 to rotate the gear ring 33. During this process, it can be observed that the second sliding pin 64 will enter the second sliding groove 602. Since the first sliding pin 63 cannot enter the second sliding groove 602 and the first sliding pin 63 is fixed on the ring shell 62, the rotation of the cylindrical shell 61 will drive the first sliding pin 63 to resist the first sliding groove 601 and push the ring shell 62 to rotate synchronously with the cylindrical shell 61. Then, the two gear rings 33 in the plug 1 and the socket 2 will rotate synchronously, which will cause the gear 32 to drive the sealing element 31 to rotate. This will change the axial direction of the through hole 301 relative to the axial direction of the cavity 101 from an angle to coincide, thereby realizing the connection between the plug 1 and the socket 2 through the through holes 301 of the two sealing elements 31. Meanwhile, inside the housing 12, the drive unit 5 is rotated until the second sliding pin 64 moves to the closed end of the second sliding groove 602 and then the drive unit 5 is stopped. The rotation of the drive unit 5 will cause the third sliding pin 72 to move along the fourth sliding groove 103 into the third sliding groove 102. In this way, the drive unit 5 is locked to the main body 11 and can move back and forth.

[0069] Step three, the second insertion action is performed. The driving unit 5 moves along the axial direction of the plug 1 toward the socket 2. Its function is to insert the insertion part 4 into the socket 2 and realize the fiber optic signal connection. Since the second sliding pin 64 is located in the second sliding groove 602 at this time, the driving unit 5 can move forward relative to the plug 1. At the same time, inside the housing 12, on the one hand, the third sliding pin 72 has entered the third sliding groove 102, and the fourth sliding pin 73, which abuts against the fifth sliding groove 701, will push the ring 71. Therefore, the driving unit 5 can drive the ring 71 and the insertion part 4 to move as a whole relative to the plug 1 without being obstructed. On the other hand, the plug 1 and the inside of the socket 2 are connected through the through holes 301 of the two sealing members 31. Therefore, the insertion part 4 can pass through the two through holes 301 and be inserted into the socket 2 to complete the docking.

[0070] Step four: Continue to rotate the drive unit 5 so that it rotates relative to the plug 1 and the shell 61, and the third sliding pin 72 enters the sixth sliding groove 104 from the third sliding groove 102 and moves along the sixth sliding groove 104 until the drive unit 5 can no longer rotate. Its function is to lock the drive unit 5 and the main body 11 again so that they cannot move back and forth.

[0071] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A photoelectric composite underwater wet-plug connector, characterized in that: It includes a plug (1), a socket (2), a sealing assembly (3), an insertion part (4), a driving part (5), a first linkage assembly (6), and a second linkage assembly (7); The plug (1) and socket (2) abut against each other and connect to form an electrical signal connection; The two sealing components (3) are respectively disposed in the plug (1) and the socket (2), and the sealing components (3) make the interior of the plug (1) or the socket (2) sealed relative to the external environment; The insertion part (4) is disposed inside the plug (1) and moves along the axial direction of the plug (1); The drive unit (5) is inserted into the plug (1) and connected to the insertion part (4). The drive unit (5) rotates axially relative to the plug (1), the insertion part (4) and the socket (2), and drives the two sealing components (3) to simultaneously release the sealing state and connect the interior of the plug (1) and the socket (2). The drive unit (5) drives the insertion part (4) to move synchronously along the axial direction of the plug (1), so that the insertion part (4) is inserted into the socket (2) and realizes the fiber optic signal connection. The first linkage component (6) is disposed on the plug (1) and connected to the part of the drive unit (5) located outside the plug (1) component; when the plug (1) is connected to the socket (2), the first linkage component (6) rotates synchronously with the drive unit (5) and drives the two sealing components (3) to release the sealing state at the same time. The second linkage component (7) is disposed inside the plug (1) and connected between the part of the drive unit (5) located inside the plug (1) component and the insertion part (4). The drive unit (5) rotates axially relative to the plug (1), the insertion part (4) and the socket (2) through the second linkage component (7), and the drive unit (5) drives the insertion part (4) to move synchronously along the axial direction of the plug (1) through the second linkage component (7). The sealing assembly (3) includes a seal (31), a gear (32), and a gear ring (33). The plug (1) and socket (2) are provided with the same cavity (101) in a corresponding manner, and the cavity (101) is connected between the external environment and the inside of the plug (1) or the inside of the socket (2); The sealing element (31) is disposed in the cavity (101), and a through hole (301) is provided in the sealing element (31). The sealing element (31) rotates relative to the cavity (101) and causes the through hole (301) to connect to the cavity (101) or the sealing element (31) to seal the cavity (101). The gear (32) is connected to the outside of the seal (31) and rotates synchronously with the seal (31); The gear ring (33) is sleeved on the outside of the plug (1) or socket (2). The two gear rings (33) rotate synchronously axially relative to the plug (1) or socket (2) under the drive of the first linkage component (6). The gear ring (33) cooperates with the gear (32). The first linkage component (6) includes a cylindrical shell (61), an annular shell (62), a first sliding pin (63), and a second sliding pin (64). One end of the cylindrical shell (61) is sleeved on the end of the plug (1) facing the socket (2) and fixedly sleeved on the outside of the gear ring (33). The cylindrical shell (61) drives the gear ring (33) to rotate synchronously with the drive unit (5) relative to the plug (1). The other end of the cylindrical shell (61) extends along the axial direction of the plug (1) and forms a hollow cylinder. A first groove (601) is provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical shell (61) along its own axial direction. The end of the first groove (601) facing the socket (2) is provided with an opening and the other end is closed. An arc-shaped second groove (602) is provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical shell (61) along its own radial cross-section outer contour. One end of the second groove (602) is connected to the middle of the first groove (601) and the other end is closed. The ring shell (62) is sleeved on the end of the socket (2) facing the socket (2) and fixedly sleeved on the outside of the gear ring (33). The ring shell (62) drives the gear ring (33) to rotate synchronously relative to the socket (2). The first sliding pin (63) is fixed on the ring shell (62) and drives the ring shell (62) to rotate synchronously; The second sliding pin (64) is fixed on the outer wall of the socket (2) and away from the ring shell (62); When the plug (1) and the socket (2) are engaged and connected, the ring shell (62) is inserted into the cylindrical shell (61) synchronously with the socket (2), and the first sliding pin (63) and the second sliding pin (64) enter the first sliding groove (601) at the same time. The drive unit (5) rotates relative to the plug (1) shaft and drives the cylindrical shell (61) to drive the gear ring (33) to rotate synchronously. At the same time, the cylindrical shell (61) drives the first sliding pin (63) through the first sliding groove (601) to drive the ring shell (62) and another gear ring (33) to rotate synchronously, and causes the second sliding pin (64) to enter the second sliding groove (602). The plug (1) includes a housing (12) and a partition (13); An oil cavity (105) is provided in the end of the housing (12) into which the driving part (5) is inserted. The driving part (5) is inserted into the housing (12) through the oil cavity (105). A filter port is provided on the end face of the housing (12) away from the socket (2). The partition (13) is disposed in the oil cavity (105) and divides the oil cavity (105) into two parts along the axial direction of the housing (12). The partition (13) moves relative to the oil cavity (105) along the axial direction of the housing (12) and changes the volume of the two parts of the oil cavity (105). The part of the oil cavity (105) close to the internal environment of the housing (12) is filled with insulating oil, and the part of the oil cavity (105) away from the internal environment of the housing (12) is connected to the external environment through a filter port.

2. The optoelectronic composite underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insertion part (4) is located on the side of the seal (31) of the plug (1) away from the socket (2). When the seal (31) rotates relative to the cavity (101) and the through hole (301) connects to the cavity (101), the insertion part (4) moves along the axial direction of the plug (1) and inserts into the socket (2) under the drive of the drive part (5), and the insertion end of the insertion part (4) passes through the through holes (301) of the two seals (31) located in the plug (1) and the socket (2) at the same time.

3. The optoelectronic composite underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plug (1) also includes a main body (11); The main body (11) abuts against the socket (2), and a cavity (101) is provided in the main body (11) and a sealing element (31) and a gear (32) are provided. The drive unit (5) is inserted into the end of the housing (12) away from the socket (2). The end of the housing (12) facing the socket (2) is open and a main body (11) is provided inside. A cylindrical shell (61) is fitted on the outer wall of the end of the housing (12) facing the socket (2). The housing (12) can selectively rotate synchronously with the drive unit (5) relative to the main body (11) or rotate axially relative to the drive unit (5).

4. The optoelectronic composite underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second linkage component (7) includes a ring (71), a third sliding pin (72) and a fourth sliding pin (73); The insertion end of the drive unit (5) has an insertion cavity; The end of the main body (11) located inside the housing (12) is fitted into the insertion cavity. The outer wall of the main body (11) located inside the housing (12) is provided with a third groove (102) closed at both ends along its own axial direction. The outer wall of the main body (11) located inside the housing (12) is also provided with an arc-shaped fourth groove (103) along its own radial cross-sectional outer contour. One end of the fourth groove (103) is connected to the end of the third groove (102) away from the socket (2) and the other end is closed. The ring (71) is disposed inside the housing (12) and sleeved outside the insertion end of the drive part (5). The inner wall of the ring (71) is symmetrically provided with at least two arc-shaped fifth grooves (701) along its radial cross-sectional outer contour. The third sliding pin (72) is fixed on the inner wall of the insertion cavity and is located in the fourth sliding groove (103); The fourth sliding pin (73) is fixed on the outer wall of the part of the drive unit (5) located inside the housing (12) and is disposed in the fifth sliding groove (701); One end of the insertion part (4) is set on the ring body (71) and moves synchronously with the ring body (71), and the other end of the insertion part (4) is inserted into the main body part (11) and aligned with the cavity (101). The drive unit (5) rotates axially relative to the plug (1) and the insertion unit (4), and drives the third sliding pin (72) to move along the fourth sliding groove (103) and enter the third sliding groove (102), and at the same time drives the fourth sliding pin (73) to move along the fifth sliding groove (701); The driving part (5) drives the insertion part (4) to move synchronously along the axial direction of the plug (1), and drives the third sliding pin (72) to move along the third sliding groove (102).

5. The optoelectronic composite underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The main body (11) is located on the outer wall inside the housing (12) and has an arc-shaped sixth sliding groove (104) along its radial cross-sectional outer contour. One end of the sixth sliding groove (104) is connected to the end of the third sliding groove (102) facing the socket (2) and the other end is closed. The sixth sliding groove (104) and the fourth sliding groove (103) are located on both sides of the axial direction of the third sliding groove (102). The insertion part (4) is inserted into the socket (2) and realizes the optical fiber signal connection. The driving part (5) rotates axially relative to the plug (1) and the insertion part (4) and drives the fourth sliding pin (73) to move along the fifth sliding groove (701). At the same time, it drives the third sliding pin (72) to enter the sixth sliding groove (104) from the third sliding groove (102) and move along the sixth sliding groove (104).

6. The optoelectronic composite underwater wet-plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mating parts of the plug (1) and the socket (2) are engaged by wedges, so that the plug (1) and the socket (2) remain relatively fixed.

7. A method of using a photoelectric composite underwater wet-plug connector, employing the photoelectric composite underwater wet-plug connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that: Includes the following steps, Step 1: Insert the socket (2) into the cylindrical shell (61) and connect it with the plug (1) to achieve electrical signal connection, and make the first sliding pin (63) and the second sliding pin (64) enter the first sliding groove (601); Step 2: Rotate the drive unit (5) and drive the housing (12) and the cylindrical shell (61) to rotate synchronously relative to the main body (11), so that the second sliding pin (64) enters the second sliding groove (602) until the second sliding pin (64) moves to the closed end of the second sliding groove (602) and stop rotating the drive unit (5). Step 3: Operate the drive unit (5) to move along the axial direction of the plug (1) toward the socket (2), so that the insertion part (4) is inserted into the socket (2) and the optical fiber signal connection is realized; Step 4: Continue to rotate the drive unit (5) so that the drive unit (5) rotates relative to the plug (1) and the shell (61), and the third sliding pin (72) enters the sixth sliding groove (104) from the third sliding groove (102) and moves along the sixth sliding groove (104) until the drive unit (5) can no longer rotate.

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