Deep sea pressure vessel with branching structure

Abstract

This disclosure presents an embodiment of a deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure. The pressure chamber comprises a pressure chamber body, an input end connection structure, and an output end connection structure. The input end of the pressure chamber body includes an input end through-hull component, a front end cover, and a sealing structure. The output end of the pressure chamber body includes a sealing structure, a rear end cover, and two output end through-hull components. The front end cover and the chamber body of the pressure chamber body, as well as the rear end cover and the chamber body of the pressure chamber body, are sealed together by the sealing structure. The chamber body is cylindrical. Both the input end connection structure and the output end connection structure include a bending limiter, the bending range of which is 0° to 90°. This embodiment can reduce the limitations of deep-sea pressure chambers, thereby improving their convenience, practicality, and flexibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the field of marine engineering equipment, specifically to a deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure. Background Technology

[0002] Deep-sea pressure chambers are marine engineering devices that serve as relay stations for communication and power supply between upstream equipment on land (e.g., onshore power supply equipment) and downstream equipment in the deep sea (e.g., deep-sea sensors). Currently, existing deep-sea pressure chambers have a single input / output structure.

[0003] However, in practice, it has been found that when using existing deep-sea pressure chambers, the following problems are frequently encountered:

[0004] A deep-sea pressure chamber with a single input-output structure can only be connected point-to-point to one upstream device and one downstream device, which results in significant limitations, poor convenience, and poor structural flexibility in the use of deep-sea pressure chambers.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the present disclosure concept, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The summary portion of this disclosure is intended to provide a brief overview of the concepts, which will be described in detail in the detailed description portion. This summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed technical solutions, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed technical solutions.

[0007] Some embodiments of this disclosure propose a deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure to address the technical problems mentioned in the background section above.

[0008] In a first aspect, some embodiments of this disclosure provide a deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure, characterized in that the deep-sea pressure chamber includes a pressure chamber body, an input end connection structure, and an output end connection structure; one end of the pressure chamber body is connected to the input end connection structure, and the other end of the pressure chamber body is connected to the output end connection structure; the input end of the pressure chamber body includes an input end through-hull component, a front end cover, and a sealing structure; the output end of the pressure chamber body includes a sealing structure, a rear end cover, and two output end through-hull components; the front end cover and the chamber body of the pressure chamber body, and the rear end cover and the chamber body of the pressure chamber body, are all sealed together by the sealing structure, wherein the sealing method of the sealing structure is a lateral sealing using a metal sealing ring, and a radial and lateral sealing using a rubber sealing ring; the lateral sealing is a sealing of the opening of the deep-sea pressure chamber in the left-right direction, and the radial sealing is... The opening of the aforementioned deep-sea pressure chamber is vertically sealed by compression. The chamber body is cylindrical. The aforementioned input end through-chamber is used to receive power from upstream equipment and communicate with the upstream equipment. Each of the two output end through-chambers is used to supply power and communicate with downstream equipment. Both the input end through-chamber and the output end through-chamber are connected to the core of the submarine cable by polyethylene hot injection molding. Both the input end connection structure and the output end connection structure include a bending limiter. The bending range of the bending limiter is 0° to 90°. The bending limiter includes various joint components. Each pair of adjacent joint components is connected by two connecting keys. The joint components are hollow cylindrical structures. Each of the two connecting keys is a plate-like structure. The connecting keys used between each pair of adjacent joint components are arranged alternately in horizontal and vertical positions.

[0009] Optionally, one end of the front cover is connected to the input end through-hole component, and one end of the rear cover is connected to the two output end through-hole components by screw II.

[0010] Optionally, the input end through-hole is installed in the through hole on the front end cover by screw I, and each of the two output end through-holes is installed in the through hole on the rear end cover by screw II.

[0011] Optionally, the other end of the aforementioned front cover is fixed to the aforementioned cabin, and the other end of the aforementioned rear cover is fixed to the aforementioned cabin by screws.

[0012] Optionally, the metal sealing ring included in the sealing structure is located at the end of the front cover or the rear cover, and the rubber sealing ring included in the sealing structure is located in the middle of the front cover or the rear cover.

[0013] Optionally, the above-mentioned input end connection structure includes a single-hole flange and a first connector, and the above-mentioned output end connection structure includes a double-hole flange, a second connector and an adapter. The first connector is in the shape of a hollow cylinder, and the second connector is in the shape of a hollow conical cylinder.

[0014] Optionally, the adapter is hollow and elliptical in shape, and is used to transfer the cable core output from the output terminal connection structure to the double-hole flange.

[0015] Optionally, one end of the first connector is threaded to one end of the pressure chamber body, and one end of the second connector is threaded to the other end of the pressure chamber body; the inner walls of both the first and second connectors are threaded; the other end of the second connector is threaded to one end of the adapter, and the other end of the adapter is threaded to the double-hole flange; the bending limiter included in the input connection structure is nested within the single-hole flange, and the end face of the single-hole flange is circular; the single-hole flange is threaded to the other end of the first connector; the end face of the double-hole flange is elliptical; the bending limiter included in the output connection structure is nested within the double-hole flange; the bending limiter included in the input connection structure and the single-hole flange, and the bending limiter included in the output connection structure and the double-hole flange are threaded; the external parts of the bending limiters included in the input and output connection structures are wrapped with rubber bellows to protect the included bending limiters.

[0016] Optionally, the fixing hole of each of the two connecting keys is fixed to the fixing hole of the two adjacent joints by a pin and a limiting screw. The bending limiter includes a first adapter and a second adapter. Both the first adapter and the second adapter are hollow cylindrical structures with the same outer diameter as the joints. The hollow structure of the first adapter and the second adapter allows the submarine cable to pass through. Each pair of adjacent joints, the first adapter and the adjacent joint, and the last joint and the second adapter are all considered as a group of joints.

[0017] In a second aspect, some embodiments of this disclosure provide an electronic device, including: one or more processors; and a storage device having one or more programs stored thereon, wherein when the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the method described in any of the implementations of the first aspect above.

[0018] The various embodiments disclosed herein have the following beneficial effects: The deep-sea pressure chambers with branched structures in some embodiments of this disclosure can reduce the limitations of using deep-sea pressure chambers, improve convenience, and enhance structural flexibility. The reason for the significant limitations, poor convenience, and poor structural flexibility of existing deep-sea pressure chambers is that a single-input / output deep-sea pressure chamber can only be connected point-to-point with one upstream device and one downstream device, resulting in significant limitations, poor convenience, and poor structural flexibility in its use. Based on this, some embodiments of the present disclosure of a deep-sea pressure chamber with a branch structure are characterized in that the deep-sea pressure chamber includes a pressure chamber body, an input end connection structure, and an output end connection structure; one end of the pressure chamber body is connected to the input end connection structure, and the other end of the pressure chamber body is connected to the output end connection structure; the input end of the pressure chamber body includes an input end through-hull component, a front end cover, and a sealing structure; the output end of the pressure chamber body includes a sealing structure, a rear end cover, and two output end through-hull components; the front end cover and the chamber body of the pressure chamber body, and the rear end cover and the chamber body of the pressure chamber body are both sealed together by the sealing structure; wherein the sealing method of the sealing structure is to use a metal sealing ring for lateral sealing, and to use a rubber sealing ring for radial and lateral sealing; the lateral sealing is to seal the opening of the deep-sea pressure chamber in the left and right directions, and the radial sealing is to seal the opening in the upper direction. The opening of the deep-sea pressure chamber is vertically sealed by compression. The chamber body is cylindrical. The input end through-chamber is used to receive power from upstream equipment and communicate with it. Each of the two output end through-chambers is used to supply power and communicate with downstream equipment. Both the input end through-chamber and the output end through-chamber are connected to the core of the submarine cable by polyethylene hot injection molding. Both the input end connection structure and the output end connection structure include a bending limiter. The bending range of the bending limiter is 0° to 90°. The bending limiter includes various joints. Each pair of adjacent joints is connected by two connecting keys. The joints are hollow cylindrical structures. Each of the two connecting keys is a plate-like structure. The connecting keys used between each pair of adjacent joints are arranged alternately in horizontal and vertical positions. Because the aforementioned deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure includes an input end connection structure and an output end connection structure, and the aforementioned output end connection structure includes two output end through-chamber components, it can be connected to multiple downstream devices, thereby reducing the limitations of using the deep-sea pressure chamber, improving convenience, and enhancing the flexibility of the structure.Furthermore, because the sealing structure of the aforementioned branched deep-sea pressure chamber achieves sealing through lateral and radial sealing, as well as through left-right and vertical sealing, the alternating sealing method enhances the sealing performance of the deep-sea pressure chamber. Also, because the input end through-hole component and the output end through-hole components are connected to the cable core via polyethylene hot injection molding, the sealing performance when the cable passes through the through-hole component is improved, further enhancing the sealing performance of the pressure chamber. Moreover, because the bending limiter included in the aforementioned deep-sea pressure chamber has a bending range of 0° to 90°, and the bending limiter is connected through set joints and connecting keys, with the joints being hollow cylinders, and the connecting keys used between each pair of adjacent joints being alternately placed horizontally and vertically, the bending limiter can achieve both horizontal and vertical rotation. This better protects the cable, enhances its load-bearing capacity, and reduces excessive bending of the cable. Therefore, the aforementioned deep-sea pressure chamber can provide support and protection for submarine cables, as well as enable communication with multiple downstream devices. Consequently, the deep-sea pressure chamber can reduce the limitations of using deep-sea pressure chambers, improve convenience, and enhance the flexibility and sealing of the structure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic, and elements are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure according to this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of a deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure as disclosed herein.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure chamber body structure of a deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure according to this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the pressure chamber body structure of a deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure according to this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of a bend limiter for a deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure according to the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6This is an internal test image of the transect component of a deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure, based on the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a test diagram of the internal sealing performance of the connection between the nacelle and the core of the submarine cable via polyethylene hot injection molding, as verified in this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of this disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings and embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0028] It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0029] It should be noted that the concepts of "first" and "second" mentioned in this disclosure are used only to distinguish different devices, modules or units, and are not used to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules or units or their interdependencies.

[0030] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this disclosure are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0031] The names of messages or information exchanged between multiple devices in the embodiments of this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of such messages or information.

[0032] This disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] In some embodiments, the deep-sea pressure chamber includes a pressure chamber body 10, an input connection structure, and an output connection structure. The pressure chamber body 10 represents a pressure chamber. The input connection structure can be used to connect to upstream equipment. The specific type of upstream equipment is not limited. For example, upstream equipment can be onshore power generation equipment or communication equipment. The type of communication equipment is not limited; for example, the communication equipment can be a switch or a computer. The output connection structure can be used to connect to various downstream devices. The specific type of each downstream device is not limited. For example, downstream devices can be deep-sea sensors, such as water quality sensors.

[0034] In some embodiments, one end of the pressure chamber body 10 is connected to the input connection structure. The other end of the pressure chamber body 10 is connected to the output connection structure.

[0035] In some embodiments, the input end of the pressure chamber body 10 includes an input end through-chamber member 1, a front end cover 3, and a sealing structure 4. The output end of the pressure chamber body 10 includes a sealing structure 4, a rear end cover 6, and two output end through-chamber members 1. The front end cover 3 and the chamber body 5 of the pressure chamber body 10, and the rear end cover 6 and the chamber body 5 of the pressure chamber body 10, are sealed together by the sealing structure 4. The sealing structure 4 uses a metal sealing ring for lateral sealing, and a rubber sealing ring for radial and lateral sealing. The input end through-chamber member 1 can be a through-chamber member provided on the input end of the pressure chamber body 10, used for communication and power supply with upstream equipment. The output end through-chamber member 1 of the two output end through-chamber members 1 can be a through-chamber member at the output end, used for communication and power supply with downstream equipment. Here, the specific material and shape of the aforementioned metal sealing ring are not limited. For example, the metal sealing ring can be a metal O-ring, and the material of the metal sealing ring can be stainless steel, Inconel, or Hastelloy. The surface of the metal sealing ring can be plated with silver, gold, nickel, or coated with polytetrafluoroethylene. It should be noted that the aforementioned lateral sealing method can seal the opening of the deep-sea pressure chamber in the left-right direction, so that the metal sealing ring or the rubber sealing ring is squeezed into the opening of the deep-sea pressure chamber to seal it. The aforementioned radial sealing method can use the rubber sealing ring to squeeze and seal the opening of the deep-sea pressure chamber in the vertical direction, so that the rubber sealing ring makes sealing contact with the inner wall of the deep-sea pressure chamber to seal it. Thus, the deep-sea pressure chamber is sealed through both lateral and radial sealing methods. It should be noted that the functions of the aforementioned input end through-hull component 1 and the two output end through-hull components 1 are not limited and can be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, the input end through-hull component 1 can serve as an output end for communication and power supply with downstream equipment, while the two output end through-hull components 1 can serve as input ends for communication and power supply with upstream equipment. This allows for simultaneous connection of two upstream devices and one downstream device. The specific material of the aforementioned rubber sealing ring is not limited and can be adjusted according to actual needs. The branch structure in the aforementioned deep-sea pressure chamber with a branch structure indicates that the deep-sea pressure chamber has one input end through-hull component 1 and two output end through-hull components 1, thereby enabling simultaneous connection of multiple devices. Therefore, it can be concluded that the aforementioned deep-sea pressure chamber has a branch structure.

[0036] In some embodiments, the aforementioned cabin 5 is cylindrical. The aforementioned input end through-cabin 1 is used to receive power from upstream equipment and communicate with the upstream equipment. Each of the two output end through-cabin 1 is used to supply power and communicate with downstream equipment. Here, the specific thickness of the cabin 5 wall is not limited and can be set according to actual needs. The wall thickness of the cabin 5 can be calculated based on the depth at which the deep-sea pressure chamber is located. For example, if the depth of the deep-sea pressure chamber is 3000 meters, then the wall thickness of the cabin 5 can be 45mm. It should be noted that the materials of all components included in the deep-sea pressure chamber (e.g., cabin, input end through-cabin, output end through-cabin, front end cover, rear end cover, bending limiter, single-hole flange, double-hole flange, first connector, second connector, adapter) can all be titanium alloy. The aforementioned input end through-cabin and the output end through-cabin of the two aforementioned output end through-cabins are connected to the core of the submarine cable by polyethylene hot injection molding, such as... Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 The red arrow points to a schematic diagram showing the connection between the submarine cable core and the hull fittings using polyethylene hot-injection molding. The hull fittings are also made of titanium alloy, which improves the sealing of the connection between the submarine cable and the hull fittings. The polyethylene hot-injection molding process involves first melting the submarine cable core, then fusing the polyethylene to the core. After sealing, X-ray inspection is performed to check for air bubbles in the fused polyethylene. If air bubbles are found, the polyethylene hot-injection molding process must be repeated. Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 The X-ray image taken after hot injection molding can be used to verify the sealing performance of the polyethylene hot injection molding method. It should be noted that when sealing with polyethylene hot injection molding, the molten liquid also flows into the interior of the cable penetration component for sealing, thus providing a double seal for the cable core passing through the component and improving sealing performance. The size and type of the cable penetration component are not limited and can be set according to actual needs. The cable penetration component may include a flange and a cylindrical column. The cable penetration component can be manufactured using a one-piece molding method. The flange included in the cable penetration component is connected to the end cap to achieve connection.

[0037] In some embodiments, both the input connection structure and the output connection structure include a bend limiter 8, the bending range of which is 0° to 90°. Therefore, the bend limiter 8 has good bending performance, thus better protecting the submarine cable and improving its load-bearing capacity. The bend limiter 8 may include various joint components 01 (such as… Figure 5 The yellow part in the image refers to the various joint components, where each pair of adjacent joint components is connected by two connecting keys 02 (e.g., ...). Figure 5(The gray part in the image) is connected. After the fixing hole of each of the two connecting keys is aligned with the fixing holes of the two adjacent joints, a pin is inserted to fix it. To prevent the pin from slipping, a limiting screw is used to limit the pin, so as to connect each pair of adjacent joints through the two connecting keys. The joints can be hollow cylindrical structures. Each of the two connecting keys can be a plate-like structure. The bending limiter 8 includes a first adapter 03 and a second adapter 04. The first adapter 03 (e.g., Figure 5 The pink part in the middle) and the second adapter 04 mentioned above (such as Figure 5 The green parts (as shown in the image) can all be hollow cylindrical structures with the same outer diameter as the aforementioned joint components. The hollow structures of the first adapter 03 and the second adapter 04 allow submarine cables to pass through them. Each pair of adjacent joint components, the first adapter 03 and its adjacent joint component, and the last joint component and the second adapter 04 can form a group of joint components. The connecting keys used between each pair of adjacent joint components can be alternately placed horizontally and vertically. For example, the two connecting keys used in the first group of joint components can be horizontally placed for connection, and the two connecting keys used in the second group of joint components can be vertically placed for connection. The connection method between the first adapter 03 and the first joint component, and between the second adapter 04 and the last joint component, is the same as that between each pair of joint components, and will not be repeated here. The relative position combination of the joint components determines the bending direction of the bending limiter 8, and the specific installation method realizes the bidirectional bending function. The bending limiting function is achieved between each pair of joint components through the mutual contact of the inclined surfaces of the joint components. Each pair of joints is connected by two connecting keys and fixed by a pin. During rotation, the joints and connecting keys rotate relative to each other at the pin, thus achieving the rotation function. Here, the specific type of the bending limiter 8 and its bending range are not limited; they can be set according to actual needs. For example, the bending limiter 8 can also be a link-type device.

[0038] Optionally, one end of the front cover 3 is connected to the input end through-hole 1, and one end of the rear cover 6 is connected to the two output end through-hole 1s by screws II. It should be noted that screws II can represent... Figure 4 The number 7 in the text refers to the screw.

[0039] Optionally, the input end through-hole 1 is installed in the through hole on the front end cover 3 by screw I, and each of the two output end through-holes 1 is installed in the through hole on the rear end cover 6 by screw II. The front end cover 3 has one through hole for installing the input end through-hole 1. The rear end cover 6 has two through holes for installing each of the two output end through-holes 1. The size of the through hole on the front end cover 3 matches the size of the input end through-hole 1, and the sizes of the two through holes on the rear end cover 6 both match the sizes of the two input end through-holes 1. It should be noted that screw I can represent... Figure 4 The number 2 in the text refers to the screw.

[0040] Optionally, the other end of the front cover 3 is fixed to the input end of the cabin 5, and the other end of the rear cover 6 is fixed to the output end of the cabin 5 by screws.

[0041] Optionally, the metal sealing ring included in the sealing structure 4 is located at the end 32 of the front cover 3 or the rear cover 6, and the rubber sealing ring included in the sealing structure 4 is located at the middle 31 of the front cover 3 or the rear cover 6. It should be noted that the metal sealing ring in the sealing structure 4 at the input end of the pressure chamber body 10 is located at the end 32 of the front cover 3, and the rubber sealing ring is located at the middle 31 of the front cover 3. The metal sealing ring in the sealing structure 4 at the output end of the pressure chamber body 10 is located at the end 32 of the rear cover 6, and the rubber sealing ring is located at the middle 31 of the rear cover 6. Both the end 32 and the middle of the front cover 3 and the rear cover 6 are provided with sealing ring placement grooves for embedding the sealing rings within them. Here, the width of the sealing ring placement groove is not specifically limited and can be matched to the embedded sealing ring. Furthermore, the specific number of metal and rubber sealing rings included in the sealing structure 4 is not limited and can be set according to actual needs.

[0042] Optionally, the input connection structure includes a single-hole flange 15 and a first connector 9. The output connection structure includes a double-hole flange 14, a second connector 12, and an adapter 13. The first connector 9 is a hollow cylinder, and the second connector 12 is a hollow conical cylinder. The first connector 9 can be used to connect the input end of the pressure chamber body 10 to the single-hole flange 15. The second connector 12 can be used to connect the output end of the pressure chamber body 10 to the double-hole flange 14.

[0043] Optionally, the adapter 13 is hollow. The adapter 13 is elliptical in shape. The adapter 13 is used to connect the cable core output from the output terminal connection structure to the double-hole flange 14. Here, the shape and size of the first connector 9, the second connector 12, and the adapter 13 are not specifically limited and can be set according to actual needs. The adapter 13 can provide space for the cable core that needs to be connected to the double-hole flange 14. The size of the adapter 13 is larger than the size of the second connector 12 to provide space for the cable core.

[0044] Optionally, one end of the first connecting member 9 is threaded to one end of the pressure chamber body 10, and one end of the second connecting member 12 is threaded to the other end of the pressure chamber body 10. The inner walls of both the first connecting member 9 and the second connecting member 12 are provided with threads 51. The other end of the second connecting member 12 is connected to one end of the adapter 13 by screw III. The other end of the adapter 13 is connected to the double-hole flange 14 by screws. The input end connection structure includes a bend limiter 8 nested within the single-hole flange 15. The end face of the single-hole flange 15 is circular. The single-hole flange 15 is connected to the other end of the first connecting member 9 by screws. The end face of the double-hole flange 14 is elliptical. The output end connection structure includes a bend limiter 8 nested within the double-hole flange 14. The bending limiter 8 in the input connection structure and the single-hole flange 15, and the bending limiter 8 in the output connection structure and the double-hole flange 14, are all connected by threads. Both the input and output connection structures are externally encased in rubber bellows 52 for protection. One end of the pressure chamber body 10 may have threads for threaded connection to one end of the first connector 9. The other end of the pressure chamber body 10 may have threads for threaded connection to one end of the second connector 12. The bore diameter and specific shape of the single-hole flange 15 and the double-hole flange 14 are not limited and can be adjusted according to actual needs. It should be noted that the screw Ⅲ can represent... Figure 2 The number 11 in the text refers to the screw.

[0045] In addressing the aforementioned technical problems in the application scenario, when a deep-sea pressure tank experiences water leakage due to its internal components, the following technical problem often arises: The deep-sea pressure tank integrates numerous devices. Water seepage into the pressure tank can cause short circuits, disrupting the internal balance, leading to attitude instability, damage, and ultimately, loss of communication and power supply with upstream and downstream equipment. To meet the specific requirements of this application scenario—adapting to water leakage within the deep-sea pressure tank—we have decided to adopt the following solution:

[0046] Optionally, a sealing plate, a mounting base, and a diaphragm are provided on the inner side of the input end through-hole 1 and on the inner side of each of the two output end through-holes 1. The sealing plate is a hollow annular structure and is an SMA sheet. The sealing plate is made of shape memory material. The initial shape of the sealing plate is arc-shaped. The limiting pin is located at the bending apex of the sealing plate, and the bending angle of the sealing plate is 30~60°. At least one limiting hole is provided on the sealing plate, and each of the at least one limiting pin passes through one of the at least one limiting hole to limit the sealing plate. Each column is provided on the mounting base to support the limiting pin. The limiting pin is a fusible alloy limiting pin, and it breaks in response to the contact temperature of the limiting pin being in the range of 0~4°C, thereby releasing the sealing plate. The diaphragm is made of a thin metal sheet and is located below the limiting pin. The trigger pressure threshold of the diaphragm is in the range of 0.1~0.3 MPa. The diaphragm is used to intermittently stop the limiting pin to release the sealing plate. A rubber sealing gasket, made of silicone, is adhered to the sealing surface of the sealing plate. When the temperature of the limiting pin contact is in the range of 0~4℃ (seawater temperature), it indicates that the limiting pin is in contact with seawater, causing it to break and release the sealing plate. When the trigger pressure threshold of the diaphragm is in the range of 0.1~0.3 MPa, it indicates that the pressure of the seawater is in the range of 0.1~0.3 MPa, meaning that a large amount of seawater has entered the chamber, facilitating rapid breakage of the positioning pin. The mounting base provided on the input end through-chamber component 1 can be installed on the inner end face of the input end through-chamber component 1. The mounting base provided on each of the two output end through-cabin components 1 can be installed on the inner end face of the output end through-cabin component 1. The mounting base has the same number of uprights as the at least one limiting pin. Each limiting pin corresponds one-to-one with the upright on the mounting base. Each limiting pin is installed on the corresponding upright on the mounting base. The sealing plate is fitted onto each limiting pin installed on the mounting base. Each limiting pin passes through a limiting hole on the sealing plate to limit its position. It should be noted that the mounting base has through holes to allow the cable core passing through the input end through-cabin component 1 to enter the pressure chamber body 10, and to allow the cable core inside the pressure chamber body 10 to pass through the through holes on the mounting base.

[0047] The above-described technical solution, as an inventive point of this disclosure, solves technical problem two: "Short circuits occur in the equipment inside the pressure chamber, water seepage disrupts the balance inside the pressure chamber, causing attitude instability and damage to the deep-sea pressure chamber, resulting in the inability to communicate and supply power to upstream and downstream equipment." The reasons for these drawbacks are as follows: The deep-sea pressure chamber integrates numerous devices. When water seeps into the pressure chamber, it causes short circuits in the equipment, disrupts the balance inside the pressure chamber, causes attitude instability, and damages the deep-sea pressure chamber, resulting in the inability to communicate and supply power to upstream and downstream equipment. Solving these factors reduces equipment damage caused by water seepage, thus preventing the inability to communicate and supply power to upstream and downstream equipment. To achieve this effect, the deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure disclosed in this disclosure is firstly equipped with a sealing plate, a mounting base, and a diaphragm. In the event of water seepage, the positioning pin installed on the mounting base and the diaphragm can cut off the limiting pin that restricts the sealing plate to release the sealing plate. Then, the sealing plate can seal the various output end through-chamber 1 and input end through-chamber 1 to block the seeping water.

[0048] In addressing the technical problems mentioned above, and considering the application scenario—when strong downcurrents occur in the deep sea, causing instability in the deep-sea pressure chamber and necessitating emergency ascent—the following technical problem often arises: loss of attitude control of the pressure chamber, unbalanced forces within the pressure chamber, leading to dents and malfunctions, ultimately resulting in disconnection from upstream and downstream equipment. To meet the specific requirements of this application scenario—adapting to strong downcurrents in the deep sea and to the instability caused by uneven forces on the pressure chamber—we have decided to adopt the following solution:

[0049] Optionally, both the input and output ends of the aforementioned chamber are equipped with gradient honeycomb support structures. These gradient honeycomb support structures include a first energy-absorbing support component, a second energy-absorbing support component, and a third energy-absorbing support component. The first energy-absorbing support component is a gradient honeycomb structure, specifically a titanium alloy honeycomb structure with a wall thickness ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 mm. The second energy-absorbing support component is an aluminum alloy honeycomb structure with a wall thickness of 0.5 to 0.8 mm. The third energy-absorbing support component is a carbon fiber reinforced plastic honeycomb structure with a wall thickness of 0.4 to 0.6 mm. Therefore, when the aforementioned deep-sea pressure chamber becomes unstable, the first, second, and third energy-absorbing support components of the gradient honeycomb support structure can absorb the initial impact force, preventing the instability from rapidly expanding. One side of the first energy-absorbing support component is bonded to the inner wall of the chamber using structural adhesive. The other side of the first energy-absorbing support assembly is connected to one side of the second energy-absorbing support assembly by adhesive bonding. The other side of the second energy-absorbing support assembly is also connected to one side of the third energy-absorbing support assembly by adhesive bonding. It should be noted that one side of the first energy-absorbing support assembly is circumferentially connected to the inner wall of the cabin, with the first energy-absorbing support assembly at the innermost layer, the second energy-absorbing support assembly at the middle layer, and the third energy-absorbing support assembly at the outermost layer. Therefore, the gradient honeycomb support structure can delay the instability of the deep-sea pressure chamber, thereby reducing the likelihood of structural damage and buying time for emergency ascent.

[0050] The above-described technical solution, as an inventive point of this disclosure, solves technical problem three: "causing loss of control over the pressure chamber's attitude, resulting in an imbalance of forces within the pressure chamber, leading to a dent in the deep-sea pressure chamber, causing a malfunction, and ultimately disconnecting from upstream and downstream equipment." The reasons for these drawbacks are as follows: instability in the deep-sea pressure chamber causes loss of control over its attitude, resulting in an imbalance of forces within the pressure chamber, leading to a dent, causing a malfunction, and ultimately disconnecting from upstream and downstream equipment. Solving these problems can mitigate the effects of instability in the deep-sea pressure chamber, causing loss of control over its attitude, resulting in an imbalance of forces within the pressure chamber, leading to a dent, causing a malfunction, and ultimately disconnecting from upstream and downstream equipment. To achieve this effect, the deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure disclosed herein firstly incorporates gradient honeycomb support structures at both the input and output ends of the chamber. When instability occurs, the first, second, and third energy-absorbing support components within these gradient honeycomb support structures absorb the impact force, preventing the instability from rapidly expanding. This delays the instability of the deep-sea pressure chamber, reducing the risk of structural damage and buying time for emergency ascent. Furthermore, it mitigates the risk of instability causing loss of attitude control, stress imbalance, and ultimately, pressure chamber collapse, leading to malfunction and disconnection from upstream and downstream equipment.

[0051] In addressing the aforementioned technical problems in the process of adopting technical solutions, and considering the application scenario—landing of a deep-sea pressure chamber—the following technical problem often arises: During landing, the impact acceleration is high and the impact frequency is high, resulting in significant impact on the core components inside the deep-sea pressure chamber, causing damage to these components. To meet the following requirements for this application scenario—adapting to the high impact force and high impact frequency of the deep-sea pressure chamber—we have decided to adopt the following solution:

[0052] Optionally, a component support tray is provided inside the aforementioned hull 5. The component support tray is made of titanium alloy. The component support tray is plate-shaped. Lifting lugs are provided around the perimeter of the component support tray. There are six lifting lugs. Each lifting lug is connected to an elastic rope. The lifting lugs are located in six directions on the component support tray. The lifting lugs include those on the left, right, upper, lower, front, and rear sides of the component support tray. The end of the elastic rope connected to the left lifting lug is fixed to the left bulkhead of the aforementioned hull 5 via a ball joint. The end of the elastic rope connected to the right-side lifting lug is fixed to the right bulkhead of the aforementioned cabin 5 via a ball joint. The end of the elastic rope connected to the front lifting lug is fixed to the front bulkhead of the aforementioned cabin 5 via a ball joint. The end of the elastic rope connected to the rear lifting lug is fixed to the rear bulkhead of the aforementioned cabin 5 via a ball joint. The end of the elastic rope connected to the upper lifting lug is fixed to the upper bulkhead of the aforementioned cabin 5 via a ball joint. The end of the elastic rope connected to the lower lifting lug is fixed to the lower bulkhead of the aforementioned cabin 5 via a ball joint. The aforementioned component support tray is used to support the core components within the aforementioned pressure chamber. The elastic rope is made of natural rubber. A spring is provided at the bottom of the aforementioned component support tray, and the other end of the spring is connected to the inner wall of the aforementioned cabin 5. The spring can be a soft spring to avoid affecting the six-point suspension effect of the aforementioned component support tray; for example, the soft spring can be a silicone spring. The aforementioned component support tray is suspended by the six lifting lugs and the aforementioned elastic ropes to reduce the vibration amplitude of the core components within the aforementioned component support tray and reduce damage to the core components. Here, no specific type is limited for the core components within the aforementioned cabin 5; adjustments can be made based on actual needs. For example, core components could be drive boards, power management modules, or main control boards.

[0053] The above-described technical solution, as an inventive point of this disclosure, solves technical problem four: "The large impact acceleration and high impact frequency result in a large impact force on the core components inside the deep-sea pressure chamber, causing damage to the core components." The reasons for this drawback are as follows: During landing, the large impact acceleration and high impact frequency result in a large impact force on the core components inside the deep-sea pressure chamber, leading to prolonged damage to these components. Solving these factors can reduce the impact force on the core components inside the deep-sea pressure chamber, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage. To achieve this effect, the deep-sea pressure chamber disclosed herein is equipped with a component support tray. The component support tray has six lifting lugs around its perimeter to generate traction in six directions, forming a suspension structure. The core components are placed inside the component support tray, thereby reducing the damage to the core components inside the deep-sea pressure chamber caused by impact forces. Furthermore, the springs provide support, and the material and type of the springs do not affect the effectiveness of the suspension structure, thus reducing the likelihood of excessive impact on the core components inside the deep-sea pressure chamber, which could lead to damage.

[0054] The various embodiments disclosed herein have the following beneficial effects: The deep-sea pressure chambers with branched structures in some embodiments of this disclosure can reduce the limitations of using deep-sea pressure chambers, improve convenience, and enhance structural flexibility. The reason for the significant limitations, poor convenience, and poor structural flexibility of existing deep-sea pressure chambers is that a single-input / output deep-sea pressure chamber can only be connected point-to-point with one upstream device and one downstream device, resulting in significant limitations, poor convenience, and poor structural flexibility in its use. Based on this, some embodiments of the present disclosure of a deep-sea pressure chamber with a branch structure are characterized in that the deep-sea pressure chamber includes a pressure chamber body, an input end connection structure, and an output end connection structure; one end of the pressure chamber body is connected to the input end connection structure, and the other end of the pressure chamber body is connected to the output end connection structure; the input end of the pressure chamber body includes an input end through-hull component, a front end cover, and a sealing structure; the output end of the pressure chamber body includes a sealing structure, a rear end cover, and two output end through-hull components; the front end cover and the chamber body of the pressure chamber body, and the rear end cover and the chamber body of the pressure chamber body are both sealed together by the sealing structure; wherein the sealing method of the sealing structure is to use a metal sealing ring for lateral sealing, and to use a rubber sealing ring for radial and lateral sealing; the lateral sealing is to seal the opening of the deep-sea pressure chamber in the left and right directions, and the radial sealing is to seal the opening in the upper direction. The opening of the deep-sea pressure chamber is vertically sealed by compression. The chamber body is cylindrical. The input end through-chamber is used to receive power from upstream equipment and communicate with it. Each of the two output end through-chambers is used to supply power and communicate with downstream equipment. Both the input end through-chamber and the output end through-chamber are connected to the core of the submarine cable by hot-injection molding of polyethylene. Both the input end connection structure and the output end connection structure include a bending limiter. The bending range of the bending limiter is 0° to 90°. The bending limiter includes various joints. Each pair of adjacent joints is connected by two connecting keys. The joints are hollow cylindrical structures. Each of the two connecting keys is a plate-like structure. The connecting keys used between each pair of adjacent joints are placed alternately in a horizontal and vertical manner. Because the aforementioned deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure includes an input end connection structure and an output end connection structure, and the aforementioned output end connection structure includes two output end through-chamber components, it can be connected to multiple downstream devices, thereby reducing the limitations of using the deep-sea pressure chamber, improving convenience, and enhancing the flexibility of the structure.Furthermore, because the sealing structure of the aforementioned branched deep-sea pressure chamber achieves sealing through lateral and radial sealing, as well as through left-right and vertical sealing, the alternating sealing method enhances the sealing performance of the deep-sea pressure chamber. Also, because the input end through-hole component and the output end through-hole components are connected to the cable core via polyethylene hot injection molding, the sealing performance when the cable passes through the through-hole component is improved, further enhancing the sealing performance of the pressure chamber. Moreover, because the bending limiter included in the aforementioned deep-sea pressure chamber has a bending range of 0° to 90°, and the bending limiter is connected through set joints and connecting keys, with the joints being hollow cylinders, and the connecting keys used between each pair of adjacent joints being alternately placed horizontally and vertically, the bending limiter can achieve both horizontal and vertical rotation. This better protects the cable, enhances its load-bearing capacity, and reduces excessive bending of the cable. Therefore, the aforementioned deep-sea pressure chamber can provide support and protection for submarine cables, as well as enable communication with multiple downstream devices. Consequently, the deep-sea pressure chamber can reduce the limitations of using deep-sea pressure chambers, improve convenience, and enhance the flexibility and sealing of the structure.

[0055] The above description is merely a selection of preferred embodiments of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above-described features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A deep-sea pressure chamber with a branched structure, characterized in that, The deep-sea pressure chamber includes a pressure chamber body, an input connection structure, and an output connection structure. One end of the pressure chamber body is connected to the input end connection structure, and the other end of the pressure chamber body is connected to the output end connection structure. The input end of the pressure chamber body includes an input end through-hull component, a front end cover, and a sealing structure. The output end of the pressure chamber body includes a sealing structure, a rear end cover, and two output end through-hull components. The front end cover and the chamber body of the pressure chamber body, as well as the rear end cover and the chamber body of the pressure chamber body, are sealed together by the sealing structure. The sealing structure uses a metal sealing ring for lateral sealing and a rubber sealing ring for radial and lateral sealing. The lateral sealing seals the opening of the deep-sea pressure chamber in the left-right direction, and the radial sealing seals the opening of the deep-sea pressure chamber by compression sealing in the vertical direction. The cabin is cylindrical. The input end through-cabin is used to receive power from the upstream equipment and communicate with the upstream equipment. Each of the two output end through-cabins is used to supply power and communicate with the downstream equipment. The input end through-cabin and the output end through-cabins are connected to the core of the submarine cable by polyethylene hot injection molding. Both the input connection structure and the output connection structure include a bending limiter. The bending range of the bending limiter is 0° to 90°. The bending limiter includes various joint components. Each pair of adjacent joint components is connected by two connecting keys. The joint component is a hollow cylindrical structure. Each of the two connecting keys is a plate-like structure. The connecting keys used between each pair of adjacent joint components are arranged alternately in horizontal and vertical positions.

2. The deep-sea pressure chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the front cover is connected to the input end through-hole component, and one end of the rear cover is connected to the two output end through-hole components by screw II.

3. The deep-sea pressure chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The input end through-hole is installed in the through hole on the front end cover by screw I, and each of the two output end through-holes is installed in the through hole on the rear end cover by screw II.

4. The deep-sea pressure chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other end of the front cover is fixed to the input end of the cabin, and the other end of the rear cover is fixed to the output end of the cabin by screws.

5. The deep-sea pressure chamber according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing structure includes a metal sealing ring located at the end of the front cover or the rear cover, and a rubber sealing ring located in the middle of the front cover or the rear cover.

6. The deep-sea pressure chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input connection structure includes a single-hole flange and a first connector, and the output connection structure includes a double-hole flange, a second connector, and an adapter. The first connector is in the shape of a hollow cylinder, and the second connector is in the shape of a hollow conical cylinder.

7. The deep-sea pressure chamber according to claim 6, characterized in that, The adapter is hollow and elliptical in shape. It is used to connect the cable core output from the output terminal connection structure to the double-hole flange.

8. The deep-sea pressure chamber according to claim 7, characterized in that, One end of the first connector is connected to one end of the pressure chamber body, and one end of the second connector is connected to the other end of the pressure chamber body by threads. The inner walls of both the first connector and the second connector are provided with threads. The other end of the second connector is connected to one end of the adapter by screw III. The other end of the adapter is connected to the double-hole flange by screw. The input connection structure includes a bend limiter nested within the single-hole flange, and the end face of the single-hole flange is circular. The single-hole flange is connected to the other end of the first connector by screws. The end face shape of the double-hole flange is elliptical; The output connection structure includes a bend limiter nested within the double-hole flange. The bend limiter in the input connection structure is connected to the single-hole flange, and the bend limiter in the output connection structure is connected to the double-hole flange via threads. Both the input connection structure and the output connection structure are externally wrapped with rubber bellows to protect the bend limiter.

9. The deep-sea pressure chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing hole of each of the two connecting keys is fixed to the fixing hole of the two adjacent joints by a pin and a limiting screw. The bending limiter includes a first adapter and a second adapter. Both the first adapter and the second adapter are hollow cylindrical structures with the same outer diameter as the joint. The hollow structure of the first adapter and the second adapter allows the submarine cable to pass through. Each pair of adjacent joints, the first adapter and the adjacent joint, and the last joint and the second adapter are all considered as a group of joints.

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