An underwater isobaric sealed optical cable connector

Abstract

The application provides an underwater isobaric sealed optical cable connector, which comprises a shell, the inside of the shell is a sealed structure and is filled with insulating liquid; a bladder is arranged in the shell, both ends of the bladder are open structures, a rear water hole and a front water hole are formed in the shell, the openings of both ends of the bladder are in sealed communication with the rear water hole and the front water hole respectively, so that the water outside the environment is sealed and isolated from the inside space of the shell, and the inside of the bladder is in communication with the outside environment through the rear water hole and the front water hole. The underwater isobaric sealed optical cable connector has the advantages that the bladder is provided with openings at both ends, the inside of the bladder is directly communicated with the water outside through the front and rear water holes, and the water pressure outside can act on the inner wall of the bladder. When the plug is inserted or pulled out, the bladder is self-adaptively shrunk or expanded according to the volume change of the inside of the shell, so that the pressure in the inside of the shell and the water pressure outside are kept in dynamic balance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical cable connectors, and more particularly to an underwater pressure-sealed optical cable connector. Background Technology

[0002] The description in this section provides only background information related to the disclosure of this invention and does not constitute prior art. During underwater operation, underwater fiber optic connectors experience dynamic plug-and-socket insertion and removal. On one hand, the plug occupies space inside the housing, causing pressure changes within the housing. On the other hand, external water pressure fluctuates due to factors such as seawater depth. These external pressure changes are also transmitted to the connector's interior, affecting sealing reliability. Failure to balance the internal and external pressure differences in a timely manner will increase insertion and removal resistance, potentially leading to seal failure in severe cases.

[0003] In existing technologies, some underwater connectors use bladders for pressure equalization. For example, CN115117681A discloses an underwater electrical connector that employs a double-bladder structure, with the two bladders pressed together to form a seal for waterproofing and oil leakage prevention. In this design, since the connector transmits electrical signals, the dielectric properties and purity of the insulating liquid are critical. Leakage of the insulating liquid or seawater infiltration can lead to a decrease in insulation performance or even a short circuit, thus requiring a double-bladder for protection. Furthermore, the bladders of this type of electrical connector are typically installed circumferentially around the connector, occupying a significant amount of space and exhibiting a complex structure, making assembly difficult.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide an underwater pressure-equalizing sealed optical cable connector that can achieve internal and external pressure balance during plug insertion and removal, as well as when external water pressure fluctuates due to temperature changes. It also has a simple structure, does not occupy extra space, and is not prone to wear.

[0005] It should be noted that the above description of the technical background is only for the purpose of providing a clear and complete explanation of the technical solutions of the present invention and facilitating understanding by those skilled in the art. It should not be assumed that these technical solutions are known to those skilled in the art simply because they have been described in the background section of this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an underwater pressure-sealed optical cable connector.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides an underwater pressure-sealed optical cable connector, comprising: a housing having a sealed cavity inside, the sealed cavity being filled with an insulating liquid; an optical cable passing through the housing; and a bladder located inside the housing, the bladder having open ends, the housing having a rear water passage hole and a front water passage hole, the openings at both ends of the bladder being sealed and connected to the rear water passage hole and the front water passage hole respectively, to seal and isolate the water in the external environment from the internal space of the housing, the bladder communicating with the external environment through the rear water passage hole and the front water passage hole, the optical cable being located outside the bladder and maintaining a distance from the outer wall of the bladder, the outer wall of the bladder being at least partially in contact with the insulating liquid in the sealed cavity.

[0008] Preferably, the outer shell is further provided with a spring seat, the spring seat including a cylindrical spring seat housing, the spring seat housing having a spring inside, the rear end of the spring seat housing having a support part for supporting the spring, and the front end being an open opening for the spring to pass through, the spring seat housing and the inner wall of the outer shell forming an annular space, the cross-section of the bladder having a hollow fan-shaped structure, the cross-sectional shape of the annular space matching the fan-shaped cross-section of the bladder, so that the bladder can be accommodated in the annular space.

[0009] Preferably, the housing is further provided with a screw base, which is located on the rear side of the spring seat. The front end of the bladder is mounted on the front end of the spring seat, and the rear end of the bladder is mounted on the screw base.

[0010] Preferably, the front end of the spring seat housing is provided with a radially outward protruding rim, and a first bladder mounting hole is provided on the rim. The shape of the first bladder mounting hole matches the shape of the opening at the front end of the bladder. The front end of the bladder is provided with a front flange. A gasket is also provided inside the housing. The gasket is located on the front side of the spring seat. The opening at the front end of the bladder passes through the first bladder mounting hole. The front flange of the bladder is sealed and pressed between the gasket and the rim. A first water passage hole is provided on the gasket. One end of the first water passage hole is located on the rear end face of the gasket and communicates with the front opening of the bladder. The other end of the first water passage hole is located on the side wall of the gasket and communicates with the front water passage hole.

[0011] Preferably, the outer casing further includes a base located behind the screw base. The screw base has a second bladder mounting hole, the shape of which matches the shape of the opening at the rear end of the bladder. The rear end of the bladder has a rear flange, which passes through the second bladder mounting hole. The rear flange of the bladder is sealed and pressed between the screw base and the base. The base has a second water passage hole, one end of which is located on the front end face of the base and communicates with the rear end opening of the bladder. The other end of the second water passage hole is located on the side wall of the base and communicates with the rear end water passage hole.

[0012] Preferably, the sidewall of the base is provided with an annular groove along its circumference, one end of the second water passage is located in the annular groove, the outer shell is provided with a plurality of rear water passages, all of which are located in the annular groove, the second water passage and the rear water passage are connected through the annular groove, the sidewall of the base is also provided with two first sealing grooves along its circumference, the two first sealing grooves are respectively located on the front and rear sides of the annular groove, a first sealing ring is provided in the first sealing groove, and the base and the inner wall of the outer shell are sealed by the first sealing ring.

[0013] Preferably, the support portion, screw base, and base of the spring seat are coaxially arranged and fixedly connected by a screw.

[0014] Preferably, the rear end diameter of the second bladder mounting hole of the screw base is increased to form a second stepped hole, and the rear end flange of the bladder is sealed and pressed into the second stepped hole by the front end face of the base.

[0015] Preferably, the rear end face of the washer is provided with a first arc-shaped step and a second arc-shaped step along the circumferential direction. The first arc-shaped step and the second arc-shaped step are arranged opposite each other and are located on the upper half and lower half of the washer, respectively. The second arc-shaped step is inserted into the first bladder mounting hole. One end of the first water passage hole is located on the second arc-shaped step. The front end face of the ring edge is provided with a third arc-shaped step. When the washer is installed to the front end of the spring seat, the first arc-shaped step is located on the outer arc surface side of the third arc-shaped step and is matched with the third arc-shaped step. The first arc-shaped step is provided with a washer locking hole. The ring edge is provided with a spring seat screw hole corresponding to the washer locking hole. The washer and the ring edge are fixedly connected by the matching washer locking hole and the spring seat screw hole.

[0016] Preferably, the front end of the spring is provided with a movable seat, which can compress the spring backward; the front end of the housing is provided with an annular seal, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the movable seat to form a seal. The movable seat is used to mate with a mating optical cable connector. When the mating connector is inserted into the housing, the mating connector pushes the movable seat to move backward, thereby compressing the spring and squeezing the space inside the housing.

[0017] Preferably, the front portion of the spring seat housing has a partial gap, which forms a clearance space. An optical cable mounting base is also provided in the annular space between the spring seat housing and the inner wall of the outer shell. An optical fiber module is mounted on the optical cable mounting base, and the optical fiber module is used to mate with the optical fiber module of the mating optical fiber connector. The lower half of the annular space is provided with the bladder, and the upper half of the annular space is provided with the optical cable mounting base. The clearance space is located in the upper half of the spring seat, so that the optical fiber module of the mating connector can enter from the front end of the outer shell, pass through the clearance space, and mate with the optical fiber module on the optical cable mounting base.

[0018] By employing the above technical solutions, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention discloses an underwater pressure-equalizing sealed optical cable connector. It features a bladder with openings at both ends, allowing direct communication between its interior and the external water body via front and rear water passages. External water pressure can act on the inner wall of the bladder. When the plug is inserted or removed, the bladder adaptively contracts or expands according to changes in the internal volume of the outer shell, maintaining a dynamic balance between the internal pressure and the external water pressure.

[0019] By spacing the optical cable and the sheath between each other, there is no relative movement or friction between the outer wall of the sheath and the surrounding components. Therefore, the sheath is not easily worn, avoiding the risk of leakage of insulating liquid due to sheath wear.

[0020] Since this connector transmits optical signals rather than electrical signals, the insulating fluid within its sealed cavity does not need to meet strict dielectric constant requirements, and it has a higher tolerance for the purity and insulation performance of the insulating fluid. Therefore, a single-layer bladder is sufficient to meet the usage requirements, eliminating the need for double-layer bladders and crimp sealing to prevent oil leakage, as is required for electrical connectors, thus simplifying the bladder's installation structure.

[0021] In addition, the bladder is located in the existing empty space inside the housing (such as the annular space between the spring seat housing and the inner wall of the housing), without having to occupy additional external space around the connector, making the installation method simpler and the space utilization rate higher. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the optical cable connector of this application.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the optical cable connector of this application.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the sealing rubber component of this application.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the sealing rubber component of this application.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure of this application.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the base of this application.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the screw base structure of this application.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the screw base of this application.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the screw base of this application.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the skin capsule in this application.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the skin structure of the present application.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the casing of this application.

[0035] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the casing of this application.

[0036] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the gasket ring of this application.

[0037] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the gasket ring of this application.

[0038] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the gasket ring of this application.

[0039] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the spring seat of this application.

[0040] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of this application.

[0041] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of mounting the bladder on the spring seat according to this application.

[0042] The components are as follows: 11. Handle; 12. Flange; 13. Rubber gasket; 14. Pin; 15. Connecting sleeve; 151. Connecting sleeve water passage hole; 152. Connecting sleeve screw hole; 2. Outer shell; 3. Optical cable; 4. Optical cable mounting base; 5. Base; 51. First sealing ring; 6. Sealing rubber component; 7. Locking ring; 8. Screw base; 9. Leather bag; 10. Spring seat; 20. Washer ring; 30. Seal; 40. Spring; 50. Moving seat; 61. Conical part; 62. Stepped part; 63. Trumpet mouth; 64. Annular convex bulge; 52. First sealing groove; 53. Second water passage hole; 54. Annular groove; 55. Conical hole; 56. First screw hole; 81. Anti-rotation groove; 82. Optical cable hole; 821. First stepped hole ; 83. Support column mounting hole; 84. Second bladder mounting hole; 841. Second step hole; 85. Second screw hole; 91. Inside of the bladder; 92. Openings at both ends of the bladder; 93. Front step of the bladder; 94. Rear step of the bladder; 21. Rear water passage hole; 22. Second sealing groove; 23. Shell screw hole; 24. Front water passage hole; 25. Second sealing ring; 201. First water passage hole; 202. First arc-shaped step; 203. Second arc-shaped step; 204. Washer ring locking hole; 101. Ring edge; 102. First bladder mounting hole; 103. Spring seat screw hole; 104. Third arc-shaped step; 105. Clearance space; 106. Spring seat housing; 107. Third screw hole; 108. Screw. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for descriptive purposes and to distinguish similar objects; there is no order between them, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0045] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the optical cable connector of this application includes a housing 2, the interior of which is a sealed cavity filled with insulating liquid, and also includes an optical cable (3) that passes through the housing (2). like Figure 3As shown, a base 5 is provided at the inner rear end of the outer shell 2. A tapered hole 55 is formed along the axial direction of the base 5. A sealing rubber component 6 is disposed within the tapered hole 55. The sealing rubber component 6 has a through hole arranged along the axial direction for the optical cable 3 to pass through. The outer surface of the sealing rubber component 6 is tapered, matching the shape of the tapered hole 55, and is press-fitted with the tapered hole 55 of the base 5. Multiple annular protrusions 64 are spaced apart on the wall of the through hole of the sealing rubber component 6. These annular protrusions 64 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the through hole, and each annular protrusion 64 is arranged circumferentially along the through hole. The annular protrusions 64 are press-fitted with the outer surface of the optical cable 3 for sealing. In the underwater sealed optical cable connector of the present invention, the outer tapered surface of the sealing rubber component 6 is press-fitted with the tapered hole 55 in the base 5 to form an interface seal. Simultaneously, under the action of axial locking force, the tapered surface structure can convert the axial force into radial extrusion force on the rubber component, enhancing the sealing effect. Multiple annular protrusions 64, spaced axially along the inner wall of the through-hole of the sealing rubber component 6, form multiple independent line contact compression seals with the outer surface of the optical cable 3, constituting a segmented redundant sealing structure. Each annular protrusion 64 can adapt to the outer diameter tolerance, local bending, and assembly eccentricity of the optical cable 3, generating stable contact pressure through local elastic deformation. The multi-stage sealing structure acts as a layer of barrier; even if one protrusion fails, the remaining protrusions can still maintain an effective seal, improving the sealing fault tolerance.

[0046] like Figure 6 and 7 As shown, the base 5 has two first sealing grooves 52 arranged circumferentially along its outer edge. A first sealing ring 51 is disposed within each first sealing groove 52, and the base 5 is sealed to the inner wall of the outer shell 2 by the first sealing ring 51. The sidewall of the base 5 has an annular groove 54 arranged circumferentially. The two first sealing grooves 52 are located on the front and rear sides of the annular groove 54, respectively, axially sealing and isolating the space between the annular groove 54 and the inner wall of the outer shell 2 from other areas inside the outer shell 2. This ensures that external water can only remain within the annular groove 54 and cannot leak forward or backward into the internal cavity of the outer shell 2 through the gap between the base 5 and the outer shell 2.

[0047] like Figure 8-10 As shown, a screw base 8 is also provided inside the outer casing 2. The screw base 8 is located at the front side of the base 5. The screw base 8 has an optical cable hole 82 for the optical cable 3 to pass through along the axial direction. The optical cable hole 82 is coaxially arranged with the tapered hole 55. The diameter of the tapered hole 55 gradually decreases from front to back. A first stepped hole 821 is coaxially arranged on the rear side of the optical cable hole 82. The front end of the sealing rubber part 6 protrudes radially outward to form an annular stepped part 62. The rear end of the stepped part 62 is pressed forward by the base 5 into the first stepped hole 821.

[0048] The outer casing 2 is also provided with a locking ring 7. The locking ring 7 is located on the rear side of the base 5. The locking ring 7 is threadedly connected to the inner wall of the outer casing 2. When the locking ring 7 is turned forward, the locking ring 7 can press the base 5 forward, so that the tapered hole 55 of the base 5 and the outer surface of the sealing rubber part 6 are further pressurized and sealed.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, the inner diameter of the front end of the through hole of the sealing rubber component 6 is increased to form a flared mouth 63, which guides the insertion of the optical cable.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer shell 2 is also provided with a bladder 9. The two ends of the bladder 9 are open structures. The outer shell 2 is provided with a rear water passage hole 21 and a front water passage hole 24. The openings at both ends of the bladder 9 are respectively sealed and connected to the rear water passage hole 21 and the front water passage hole 24 to seal and isolate the water in the external environment from the internal space of the outer shell 2. The inside of the bladder 91 is connected to the external environment through the rear water passage hole 21 and the front water passage hole 24.

[0051] The optical cable 3 is located outside the bladder 9 and is kept at a distance from the outer wall of the bladder 9. The outer wall of the bladder 9 is at least partially in contact with the insulating liquid inside the sealed cavity 20.

[0052] This invention discloses an underwater pressure-equalizing sealed optical cable connector. A bladder 9 with openings at both ends allows direct communication between its interior and the external water body via front and rear water passages, enabling external water pressure to act on the inner wall of the bladder 9. When the plug is inserted or removed, the bladder 9 adaptively contracts or expands according to changes in the internal volume of the outer shell 2, maintaining a dynamic balance between the internal pressure of the outer shell 2 and the external water pressure.

[0053] By spacing the optical cable 3 and the sheath 9 apart, there is no relative movement or friction between the outer wall of the sheath 9 and surrounding components. Therefore, the sheath is less prone to wear, avoiding the risk of insulating fluid leakage due to sheath 9 wear. Since this connector transmits optical signals rather than electrical signals, the insulating fluid within its sealed cavity does not need to meet strict dielectric constant requirements, allowing for higher tolerance in terms of fluid purity and insulation performance. Therefore, a single layer of sheath 9 is sufficient to meet usage requirements, eliminating the need for double-layer sheaths and crimp sealing as required for electrical connectors to prevent leakage, thus simplifying the sheath installation structure.

[0054] like Figure 18-19As shown, a spring seat 10 is also provided inside the outer shell 2. The spring seat 10 includes a cylindrical spring seat housing 106. A spring 40 is disposed inside the spring seat housing 106. The rear end of the spring seat housing 106 has a support portion for supporting the spring 40, and the front end is an open opening for the spring 40 to pass through. An annular space is formed between the spring seat housing 106 and the inner wall of the outer shell 2. The cross-section of the bladder 9 is a hollow fan-shaped structure. The cross-sectional shape of the annular space matches the fan-shaped cross-section of the bladder 9. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the annular space is configured to be substantially consistent with the outer contour of the bladder 9. Thus, the bladder 9 can be accommodated and stored in the annular space between the spring seat housing 106 and the inner wall of the outer shell 2. The structure of the bladder 9 utilizes the existing gap between the spring seat 10 and the outer shell 2 for arrangement, without the need to add an additional independent mounting cavity for the bladder 9, thus avoiding the occupation of other axial space inside the outer shell 2. This arrangement improves the internal space utilization of the connector, avoids interference with the installation positions of other functional components (such as optical cable mounting base 4, optical fiber module, etc.), and makes the internal structure of the connector more compact.

[0055] The front end of the spring seat housing 106 is provided with a radially outward protruding annular edge 101. A first bladder mounting hole 102 is provided on the annular edge 101. The shape of the first bladder mounting hole 102 matches the opening shape of the front end of the bladder. The front end of the bladder is provided with a front flange. Figure 15-17 As shown, a gasket 20 is also provided inside the outer shell 2. The gasket 20 is located on the front side of the spring seat 10. The opening at the front end of the bladder passes through the first bladder mounting hole 102. The front end flange of the bladder is sealed and squeezed between the gasket 20 and the ring edge 101. A first water passage hole 201 is provided on the gasket 20. One end of the first water passage hole 201 is located on the rear end face of the gasket 20 and communicates with the front end opening of the bladder. The other end of the first water passage hole 201 is located on the side wall of the gasket 20 and communicates with the front end water passage hole 24.

[0056] The screw base 8 is located on the rear side of the spring seat 10, and the base 5 is located on the rear side of the screw base 8. Figure 8-10As shown, the screw base 8 has a second bladder mounting hole 84, the shape of which matches the shape of the opening at the rear end of the bladder. The rear end of the bladder has a rear flange, which passes through the second bladder mounting hole 84. The rear flange is sealed and pressed between the screw base 8 and the base 5. The base 5 has a second water passage hole 53, one end of which is located on the front end face of the base 5 and communicates with the rear end opening of the bladder. The other end of which is located on the side wall of the base 5 and communicates with the rear water passage hole 21. One end of the second water passage hole 53 is located within the annular groove 54. The outer shell 2 has multiple rear water passage holes 21, all located within the annular groove 54. The second water passage holes 53 and the rear water passage holes 21 communicate through the annular groove 54.

[0057] like Figure 8-9 As shown, the screw base 8 also has an anti-rotation groove 81 on its side wall. The anti-rotation groove 81 is used to cooperate with the protrusion (not shown) on the inner wall of the outer casing 2 to prevent the screw base 8 from rotating inside the outer casing 2. The screw base 8 is also provided with two support post mounting holes 83 for mounting support posts. A second screw hole 85 for the screw 108 to pass through is provided at the center of the screw base 8.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the support portion of the spring seat 10, the screw base 8, and the base 5 are coaxially arranged. The support portion has a third screw hole 107. A screw 108 passes through the third screw hole 107 and the second screw hole 85 from front to back and is fixed to the base 5, thus fixing the spring seat 10, the screw base 8, and the base 5 together. Figure 10 As shown, the rear end diameter of the second bladder mounting hole 84 of the screw base 8 increases to form a second stepped hole 841, and the rear end flange of the bladder is sealed and pressed into the second stepped hole 841 by the front end face of the base 5. The front end flange and the rear end flange of the bladder are boss structures that are thicker and radially larger than the bladder body.

[0059] In this application, the front and rear flanges of the bladder are fixed by a sealing compression method. Specifically, the front flange is sealed and compressed between the washer ring 20 and the annular edge 101 of the spring seat housing 106, and the rear flange is sealed and compressed between the screw base 8 and the base 5. Through this structural design, the openings at both ends of the bladder form a reliable sealed connection with the corresponding water passage hole and mounting hole, respectively. The flange structure increases the contact area with the mating parts. Under the axial locking force provided by the screw 108, the flange is uniformly compressed, forming a stable interface seal, effectively preventing liquid leakage from the end of the bladder.

[0060] like Figure 16-18 As shown, the rear end face of the gasket 20 is provided with a first arc-shaped step 202 and a second arc-shaped step 203 along the circumferential direction. The first arc-shaped step 202 and the second arc-shaped step 203 are arranged opposite to each other, located on the upper half and lower half of the gasket 20, respectively. The second arc-shaped step 203 is inserted into the first bladder mounting hole 102. One end of the first water passage hole 201 is located on the second arc-shaped step 203. The front end face of the ring edge 101 is provided with a third arc-shaped step 104. When the... When the washer 20 is installed to the front end of the spring seat 10, the first arc-shaped step 202 is located on the outer arc surface side of the third arc-shaped step 104 and is matched with the third arc-shaped step 104. The first arc-shaped step 202 is provided with a washer locking hole 204, and the ring edge 101 is provided with a spring seat screw hole 103 corresponding to the washer locking hole 204. The washer 20 and the ring edge 101 are fixedly connected to the spring seat screw hole 103 through the matching washer locking hole 204.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the front end of the spring 40 is provided with a movable seat 50, which can compress the spring 40 backward; the front end of the housing 2 is provided with an annular sealing member 30, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the movable seat 50 to form a seal. The movable seat 50 is used to connect with a mating optical cable connector. When the mating connector is inserted into the housing 2, the mating connector pushes the movable seat 50 to move backward, thereby compressing the spring 40 and squeezing the space inside the housing 2.

[0062] like Figure 19 As shown, the front part of the spring seat housing 106 has a partial gap, which forms a clearance space 105. An optical cable mounting base 4 is also provided in the annular space between the spring seat housing 106 and the inner wall of the outer shell 2. An optical fiber module is installed on the optical cable mounting base 4, and the optical fiber module is used to mate with the optical fiber module of the mating optical fiber connector. The lower half of the annular space is provided with the bladder, and the upper half of the annular space is provided with the optical cable mounting base 4. The clearance space 105 is located in the upper half of the spring seat 10, so that the optical fiber module of the mating connector can enter from the front end of the outer shell 2, pass through the clearance space 105, and mate with the optical fiber module on the optical cable mounting base 4.

[0063] like Figure 1 and 2As shown, the optical cable connector further includes a handle assembly, which includes a handle 11, a connecting sleeve 15, a flange 12, and a rubber pad 13. The handle 11 includes a pull portion and a connecting post connected to the pull portion, with a pin hole at the free end of the connecting post. A pin 14 is installed inside the connecting sleeve 15, passing through the pin hole. The flange 12 is sleeved on the connecting post, located between the pull portion and the connecting sleeve 15. The rubber pad 13 is sleeved on the connecting post, located between the connecting sleeve 15 and the flange 12. A circumferential annular groove 54 is provided on the sidewall of the rubber pad 13, providing circumferential buffer deformation space for the rubber pad 13. Preferably, the annular groove 54 has a V-shaped cross-section, the pin hole diameter is larger than the pin 14 diameter, the pin 14 is arranged axially perpendicular to the connecting sleeve 15, and there is a circumferential swing gap between the connecting post and the pin 14. A cross groove is provided on the end face of the flange 12 facing away from the rubber pad 13, and the end of the handle facing the flange 12 is embedded in the cross groove. In the handle assembly of this application, the annular groove 54 on the side wall of the rubber pad 13 provides a circumferential buffer deformation space for the handle assembly. When the handle is subjected to circumferential torque, the annular groove 54 can absorb energy through its own deformation to avoid rigid impact. The connecting sleeve 15 is sleeved on the rear end of the outer shell 2. The connecting sleeve 15 is provided with a connecting sleeve screw hole 152, and is fixedly connected to the outer shell 2 through the connecting sleeve screw hole 152. A second sealing groove 22 is provided circumferentially on the outer side wall of the rear end of the outer shell 2, and a second sealing ring 25 is provided in the second sealing groove 22. The outer shell 2 and the inner wall of the connecting sleeve 15 are sealed by the second sealing ring 25.

[0064] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments for fully illustrating the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An underwater pressure-sealed optical cable connector, characterized in that, include, The outer shell (2) has a sealed cavity (20) inside, which is filled with an insulating liquid; Optical cable (3) is inserted inside the outer casing (2); The sac (9) is located inside the outer shell (2). The bladder (9) has open ends. The outer shell (2) has a rear water passage hole (21) and a front water passage hole (24). The openings at both ends of the bladder (9) are respectively sealed and connected to the rear water passage hole (21) and the front water passage hole (24) to seal and isolate the water in the external environment from the internal space of the outer shell (2). The inside of the bladder (91) is connected to the external environment through the rear water passage hole (21) and the front water passage hole (24). The optical cable (3) is located outside the bladder (9) and maintains a distance from the outer wall of the bladder (9). The outer wall of the bladder (9) is at least partially in contact with the insulating liquid inside the sealed cavity (20).

2. The optical cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing (2) is also provided with a spring seat (10). The spring seat (10) includes a cylindrical spring seat housing (106), inside which a spring (40) is disposed. The rear end of the spring seat housing (106) is provided with a support portion for supporting the spring (40), and the front end is an open opening for the spring (40) to pass through. An annular space is formed between the spring seat housing (106) and the inner wall of the outer shell (2). The cross-sectional shape of the annular space matches the cross-section of the skin bag (9), so that the skin bag (9) can be accommodated in the annular space.

3. The optical cable connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer casing (2) is also provided with a screw base (8), which is located on the rear side of the spring seat (10). The front end of the bladder (9) is installed on the front end of the spring seat (10), and the rear end of the bladder (9) is installed on the screw base (8).

4. The optical cable connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The front end of the spring seat housing (106) is provided with a ring edge (101) that protrudes radially outward. The ring edge (101) is provided with a first bladder mounting hole (102). The shape of the first bladder mounting hole (102) matches the shape of the opening at the front end of the bladder (9). The front end of the bladder (9) is provided with a front flange. A gasket (20) is also provided inside the outer shell (2). The gasket (20) is located on the front side of the spring seat (10). The opening at the front end of the bladder (9) Passing through the first bladder mounting hole (102), the front end flange of the bladder (9) is sealed and squeezed between the gasket (20) and the ring edge (101). The gasket (20) has a first water passage hole (201). One end of the first water passage hole (201) is located on the rear end face of the gasket (20) and communicates with the front end opening of the bladder (9). The other end of the first water passage hole (201) is located on the side wall of the gasket (20) and communicates with the front end water passage hole (24).

5. The optical cable connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer casing (2) is further provided with a base (5), which is located on the rear side of the screw base (8). The screw base (8) has a second bladder mounting hole (84), the shape of which matches the shape of the opening at the rear end of the bladder (9). The rear end of the bladder (9) is provided with a rear end flange, which passes through the second bladder mounting hole (84). The rear end flange of the bladder (9) is sealed and pressed between the screw base (8) and the base (5). The base (5) is provided with a second water passage hole (53). One end of the second water passage hole (53) is located on the front end face of the base (5) and communicates with the rear end opening of the bladder (9). The other end of the second water passage hole (53) is located on the side wall of the base (5) and communicates with the rear end water passage hole (21).

6. The optical cable connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base (5) has an annular groove (54) along its circumference on its sidewall, and one end of the second water passage (53) is located in the annular groove (54). The outer casing (2) has a plurality of rear water passage holes (21), all of which are located within the annular groove (54). The second water passage hole (53) is connected to the rear water passage holes (21) through the annular groove (54). The base (5) has two first sealing grooves (52) arranged along its circumference on its sidewall. The two first sealing grooves (52) are located on the front and rear sides of the annular groove (54), respectively. A first sealing ring (51) is provided in the first sealing groove (52), and the base (5) is sealed to the inner wall of the outer shell (2) by the first sealing ring (51). The support part, screw base (8) and base (5) of the spring seat (10) are coaxially arranged and fixedly connected by a screw.

7. The optical cable connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rear end diameter of the second bladder mounting hole (84) of the screw base (8) is increased to form a second stepped hole (841), and the rear end flange of the bladder (9) is sealed and pressed into the second stepped hole (841) by the front end face of the base (5).

8. The optical cable connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rear end face of the washer (20) is provided with a first arc-shaped step (202) and a second arc-shaped step (203) along the circumferential direction. The first arc-shaped step (202) and the second arc-shaped step (203) are arranged opposite to each other and are located on the upper half and lower half of the washer (20), respectively. The second arc-shaped step (203) is inserted into the first bladder mounting hole (102), and one end of the first water passage hole (201) is located on the second arc-shaped step (203). The front end face of the ring edge (101) is provided with a third arc-shaped step (104). When the washer ring (20) is installed to the front end of the spring seat (10), the first arc-shaped step (202) is located on the outer arc surface side of the third arc-shaped step (104) and is engaged with the third arc-shaped step (104). The first arc-shaped step (202) is provided with a washer locking hole (204), and the ring edge (101) is provided with a spring seat screw hole (103) corresponding to the washer locking hole (204). The washer (20) and the ring edge (101) are fixedly connected to the spring seat screw hole (103) through the matching washer locking hole (204).

9. The optical cable connector according to claim 54, characterized in that, The front end of the spring (40) is provided with a movable seat (50), which can compress the spring (40) backward; the front end of the housing (2) is provided with an annular sealing element (30), which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the movable seat (50) to form a seal. The movable seat (50) is used to connect with the mating optical cable connector. When the mating connector is inserted into the housing (2), the mating connector pushes the movable seat (50) to move backward, thereby compressing the spring (40) and squeezing the space inside the housing (2).

10. The optical cable connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The front portion of the spring seat housing (106) has a partial gap, which forms a clearance space (105). An optical cable mounting base (4) is also provided in the annular space between the spring seat housing (106) and the inner wall of the outer shell (2). An optical fiber module is mounted on the optical cable mounting base (4), and the optical fiber module is used to connect with the optical fiber module of the mating optical fiber connector. The lower half of the annular space is provided with the bladder (9), the upper half of the annular space is provided with the optical cable mounting base (4), and the clearance space (105) is located in the upper half of the spring seat (10), so that the optical fiber module of the mating connector can enter from the front end of the housing (2), pass through the clearance space (105), and dock with the optical fiber module on the optical cable mounting base (4).

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