Sealing structure applied to deep sea optical cable connector and connector thereof

CN223296174UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-02WUHAN PRATT & WHITNEY MARINE OPTOELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422646622.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-31
Publication Date
2025-09-02
Estimated Expiration
2034-10-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing deep-sea optical cable connectors have poor reliability in cable sealing structures, making it difficult to effectively seal and repair in deep-sea environments.

Method used

The combination structure of connecting nut, pressing cone and pressing stud is adopted. The conical pressing cone tops the optical cable cable sheath to expand and form a conical seal, and the compression cable sheath is formed by the knob connecting nut and pressing stud to form a water-blocking seal.

Benefits of technology

Improve the sealing performance and reliability of the sealing structure, ensuring stable connection and maintenance convenience in deep-sea environments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of deep-sea optical cable connection, and provides a sealing structure applied to a deep-sea optical cable connector and the connector thereof, the sealing structure applied to the deep-sea optical cable connector comprises a connecting nut, a pressing cone and a pressing stud, the connecting nut is provided with a first connecting section and a second connecting section, the first connecting section sleeves the outer side of the optical cable sheath, and the second connecting section sleeves the outer side of the optical cable core; the pressing cone is embedded between the optical cable skin and the optical cable core so as to press the optical cable skin outwards on the inner wall of the first connecting section; the pressing stud is sleeved between the optical cable core and the inner wall of the second connecting section, and the end face, facing the first connecting section, of the pressing stud abuts against the pressing cone. The outer diameter of the cable skin of the optical cable is expanded to form a cone through the top pressure of the conical pressing cone, the pressing cone pierces to form support, and then the cable skin is compressed to form water-blocking sealing through the connecting nut and the knob of the pressing stud, so that the sealing performance and the reliability of the sealing structure can be effectively improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of deep-sea optical cable connection, in particular to a sealing structure applied to a deep-sea optical cable connector and a connector thereof. Background Art

[0002] As electronic networks between countries become more and more developed, humans will lay optoelectronic communication cables between land separated by oceans to the deep seabed.

[0003] However, existing cable sheath seals mostly use vulcanization and compression rubber cone plugs, which have disadvantages such as poor reliability and inconvenient maintenance when applied to deep sea. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model provides a sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector and a connector thereof, which are used to solve the defect of poor reliability of existing cable sheath sealing structures in the prior art and can effectively improve the sealing performance and reliability of the sealing structure.

[0005] The utility model provides a sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector, which is arranged at the fracture of the optical cable connection end, and comprises:

[0006] A connecting nut having a first connecting section and a second connecting section, wherein the first connecting section is disposed on the outside of the optical cable sheath, and the second connecting section is disposed on the outside of the optical cable core;

[0007] A pressing cone is embedded between the optical cable sheath and the optical cable core to press the optical cable sheath outward against the inner wall of the first connecting section;

[0008] A compression stud is sleeved between the optical cable core and the inner wall of the second connecting section, and an end surface of the compression stud facing the first connecting section abuts against the compression cone.

[0009] According to a sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector provided by the present invention, the connecting nut has a through hole extending along its own axial direction, the through hole has a first aperture section and a second aperture section, the first aperture section is arranged corresponding to the first connecting section, and the second aperture section is arranged corresponding to the second connecting section, the fracture of the optical cable connecting end is located between the first aperture section and the second aperture section, and the pressing cone is suitable for pressing the optical cable sheath outward against the inner wall of the first aperture.

[0010] According to a sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector provided by the present invention, the first aperture section includes a tapered sub-section, and the tapered sub-section is arranged to be gradually contracted along the axis in a direction away from the second aperture section.

[0011] According to a sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector provided by the present invention, the pressing cone is arranged in an annular shape, and the outer diameter of the pressing cone is arranged to be gradually reduced along its own axial direction.

[0012] According to the sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector provided by the present invention, the sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector further comprises a sealing member, which abuts between the compression stud and the compression cone.

[0013] According to a sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector provided by the utility model, an external thread is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the tightening stud, and an internal thread is provided on the inner wall of the second aperture section. The tightening stud and the connecting nut are threadedly matched to tighten the pressure cone through the external thread and the internal thread.

[0014] According to a sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector provided by the present invention, a boss portion is provided at the end of the compression stud facing one end of the first connecting section, and the boss portion abuts against the pressure cone or the cross section of the optical cable sheath.

[0015] According to a sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector provided by the present invention, the diameter of the first aperture section is smaller than the diameter of the second aperture section.

[0016] The utility model also provides a connector, comprising:

[0017] Male and female ends;

[0018] The sealing structure applied to the deep-sea optical cable connector as described above is provided between the male end and the optical cable or between the female end and the optical cable.

[0019] The sealing structure provided by the utility model for deep-sea optical cable connectors expands the outer diameter of the optical cable sheath to form a cone by pressing the top of the conical pressure cone, penetrates to form a support, and then compresses the cable sheath to form a water-blocking seal by connecting the nut and the knob of the compression stud. In this way, the sealing performance and reliability of the sealing structure can be effectively improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention or the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0021] Figure 1The utility model is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector provided by the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the sealing structure used in deep-sea optical cable connectors.

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view at AA in the middle.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0025] Reference numerals:

[0026] 10. Sealing structure used in deep-sea optical cable connectors;

[0027] 100, connecting nut; 110, through hole; 111, first aperture section; 111a, tapered sub-section; 112, second aperture section;

[0028] 200, press cone;

[0029] 300, clamping stud; 310, boss portion;

[0030] 400, seals;

[0031] 20. Optical cable; 21. Optical cable sheath; 22. Optical cable core. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; direct connections, or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," or "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," or "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0036] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiment of the utility model. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0037] The following combination Figures 1 to 4 , through specific embodiments and application scenarios, the sealing structure of the deep-sea optical cable connector and the connector provided by the embodiment of the present invention are described in detail.

[0038] In the first aspect, Figure 1As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a sealing structure 10 for a deep-sea optical cable connector, which is arranged at the fracture of the connecting end of the optical cable 20. The sealing structure 10 for the deep-sea optical cable connector includes a connecting nut 100, a pressing cone 200 and a tightening stud 300. The connecting nut 100 has a first connecting section and a second connecting section. The first connecting section is sheathed on the outside of the optical cable sheath 21, and the second connecting section is sheathed on the outside of the optical cable core 22; the pressing cone 200 is embedded between the optical cable sheath 21 and the optical cable core 22 to press the optical cable sheath 21 outwardly onto the inner wall of the first connecting section; the tightening stud 300 is sleeved between the optical cable core 22 and the inner wall of the second connecting section, and the end face of the tightening stud 300 facing the first connecting section abuts against the pressing cone 200.

[0039] The connecting nut 100, the primary load-bearing component of the sealing structure, is made of high-strength material, offering sufficient corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. It consists of a first connecting section and a second connecting section. The first connecting section fits over the outer surface of the optical cable sheath 21, creating a preliminary seal through its inner wall in close contact with the sheath. The second connecting section fits over the outer surface of the optical cable core 22, providing a base for the compression stud 300 to be installed.

[0040] The pressure cone 200 is a key component in the sealing structure, embedded between the cable sheath 21 and the cable core 22. The conical shape of the pressure cone 200 allows it to easily penetrate the cable sheath during the pressing process, expanding its outer diameter and forming a tapered sealing surface. Furthermore, the penetration of the pressure cone 200 into the cable sheath creates a stable support point, enhancing the sealing effect.

[0041] The compression stud 300 is inserted between the optical cable core 22 and the inner wall of the second connecting section of the connecting nut 100. Rotating the compression stud 300 generates pressure against the compression cone 200, pushing the cone 200 further to compress the cable sheath and bringing the end face of the compression stud 300 into close contact with the cone 200. This compression further enhances the sealing performance and stability of the sealing structure.

[0042] During the installation process, the outer sheath of the optical cable 20 is first stripped to the required length to expose the optical cable core 22. Then, the first connecting section and the second connecting section of the connecting nut 100 are respectively placed on the cable sheath and the cable core. Next, the pressing cone 200 is inserted through the stripped cable core and pressed against the cross section of the cable sheath. At this time, the conical structure of the pressing cone 200 begins to work, piercing the cable sheath and causing its outer diameter to expand to form a conical sealing surface. Subsequently, the clamping stud 300 is installed and rotated so that the end face of the clamping stud 300 is tightly abutted against the clamping cone 200. As the clamping stud 300 is gradually tightened, the pressure it exerts on the pressing cone 200 and the cable sheath gradually increases, forming a strong water-blocking seal.

[0043] In the present application, the outer diameter of the optical cable sheath 21 is expanded to form a cone by pressing with a conical pressing cone 200, and the pressing cone 200 penetrates to form a support, and then the cable sheath is compressed by connecting the nut 100 and the knob of the compression stud 300 to form a water-blocking seal. In this way, the sealing performance and reliability of the sealing structure can be effectively improved.

[0044] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the connecting nut 100 has a through hole 110 extending along its own axis. The through hole 110 has a first aperture section 111 and a second aperture section 112. The first aperture section 111 is provided corresponding to the first connecting section, and the second aperture section 112 is provided corresponding to the second connecting section. The fracture of the connecting end of the optical cable 20 is located between the first aperture section 111 and the second aperture section 112. The pressing cone 200 is adapted to press the optical cable sheath 21 outward against the inner wall of the first aperture.

[0045] It can be understood that a through hole 110 is provided in the connecting nut 100 so that the connecting nut 100 can be sleeved on the optical cable 20. In the embodiment of the present invention, the through hole 110 is divided into a first aperture section 111 and a second aperture section 112, which correspond to the first connection section and the second connection section of the connecting nut 100 respectively.

[0046] First aperture section 111 corresponds to the first connection section of coupling nut 100 and is sized and shaped to fit snugly against the outside of optical cable sheath 21. When coupling nut 100 is installed on optical cable 20, the inner wall of first aperture section 111 tightly contacts and compresses optical cable sheath 21, forming a preliminary seal.

[0047] The second aperture section 112 corresponds to the second connection section of the connection nut 100. It provides an installation space for the compression stud 300, so that the compression stud 300 can be sleeved between the optical cable core 22 and the inner wall of the second connection section of the connection nut 100.

[0048] At the break at the connection end of the optical cable 20, the cable sheath 21 and cable core 22 are precisely stripped, exposing the bare cable core for connection. During installation, the break is positioned between the first aperture section 111 and the second aperture section 112 of the through hole 110 of the connecting nut 100. This ensures that the pressing cone 200 accurately acts between the cable sheath 21 and the cable core during the pressing process without affecting other parts of the optical cable 20.

[0049] During installation, the pressing cone 200 is inserted between the cable sheath 21 and the cable core 22. It applies external pressure to press the cable sheath 21 outward against the inner wall of the first aperture. The conical structure of the pressing cone 200 penetrates the cable sheath, expanding its outer diameter to form a tapered sealing surface. The metal support also enhances the sealing effect.

[0050] Reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, the first aperture section 111 includes a tapered sub-section 111 a , which is tapered along the axis in a direction away from the second aperture section 112 .

[0051] It is understood that the tapered sub-segment 111a makes it easier for the optical cable sheath 21 to be compressed outward by the pressure cone 200, and to fit tightly against the inner wall of the tapered sub-segment 111a. Due to the tapered nature of the tapered sub-segment 111a, the cable sheath deforms slightly when subjected to pressure, thereby filling the tiny gap between the aperture and the cable sheath and achieving a tighter seal. Traditional straight aperture designs can cause stress concentration at the interface between the cable sheath and the aperture, which can lead to cable sheath damage or seal failure over time. However, the tapered sub-segment 111a disperses stress through a gradual transition in the aperture, reducing the risk of stress concentration.

[0052] In some embodiments, the pressing cone 200 is arranged in an annular shape, and the outer diameter of the pressing cone 200 is arranged to be gradually reduced along its own axial direction.

[0053] It is understood that the pressure cone 200 is an annular structure that forms a continuous, annular pressure surface around the optical cable sheath 21. This ensures that the pressure cone 200 applies uniform and comprehensive pressure to the optical cable sheath 21, rather than localized or spot-like pressure. As a result, the optical cable sheath 21 is more effectively compressed outward and forms a tight fit with the surrounding sealing structure, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0054] The outer diameter of the pressing cone 200 is tapered along its axis, thereby more effectively pressing the cable sheath outward. At the same time, the tapered design can also guide the optical cable sheath 21 to deform in an orderly manner under the action of the pressing cone 200, avoiding unnecessary stress concentration or damage.

[0055] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the sealing structure 10 applied to the deep-sea optical cable connector further includes a sealing member 400 , which is abutted between the compression stud 300 and the compression cone 200 .

[0056] It is understood that the seal 400, as a filler between the compression stud 300 and the compression cone 200, can effectively fill the small gap between the two, preventing moisture and corrosive substances from penetrating into the interior of the optical cable 20 connector through these gaps, thereby improving the sealing performance of the entire sealing structure.

[0057] During the rotation and compression of the compression stud 300, the seal 400 can play a certain buffering role, reducing the direct pressure of the compression cone 200 on the optical cable sheath 21. This helps to protect the optical cable sheath 21 from damage and extend the service life of the sealing structure.

[0058] The cable sheaths 21 of optical cables of different specifications and materials will deform to varying degrees when subjected to pressure. The introduction of the sealing member 400 enables the sealing structure to better adapt to such deformation, ensuring a stable sealing effect under various conditions.

[0059] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral wall of the compression stud 300 is provided with an external thread, and the inner wall of the second aperture section 112 is provided with an internal thread. The compression stud 300 and the connecting nut 100 are threadedly matched to compress the compression cone 200.

[0060] It is understood that in this embodiment, the compression cone 200 is tightened by rotating the compression stud 300 and utilizing the threaded fit between the external and internal threads. As the compression stud 300 rotates, it gradually approaches the compression cone 200 axially and pushes the compression cone 200 toward the optical cable sheath 21, applying sufficient pressure to the compression cone 200 so that it fits tightly against the inner wall of the connecting nut 100.

[0061] Driven by the compression stud 300, the compression cone 200 compresses the cable sheath 21 outward and forms a close contact with the inner wall of the connecting nut 100. This close contact can effectively prevent moisture and corrosive substances from penetrating into the interior of the optical cable 20 connector, thereby ensuring a good sealing effect.

[0062] The threaded design not only enables the compression operation but also improves the stability of the entire sealing structure. Since the compression stud 300 and the connecting nut 100 are tightly connected by threads, they can jointly withstand various external forces in deep-sea environments, maintaining the integrity and reliability of the sealing structure.

[0063] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, a boss portion 310 is provided at the end of the compression stud 300 facing one end of the first connecting section, and the boss portion 310 abuts against the cross section of the compression cone 200 or the optical cable sheath 21 .

[0064] It can be understood that this embodiment provides a boss portion 310 at one end of the clamping stud 300 facing the pressing cone 200, and the boss portion 310 abuts against the pressing cone 200, thereby reducing the interference caused by the irregular connection surface between the connecting nut 100 at the first aperture and the second aperture section 112, which helps to improve the installation accuracy and reliability.

[0065] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the diameter of the first aperture section 111 is smaller than the diameter of the second aperture section 112 .

[0066] It is understood that the design of the first aperture section 111 having a smaller diameter than the second aperture section 112 facilitates expansion of the cable sheath and ensures the fixation of the cable core. The larger second aperture section 112 facilitates the combination with the compression stud 300 to compress the compression cone 200 and facilitates the assembly of other components.

[0067] The present invention also proposes a connector, which includes a male end and a female end and the above-mentioned sealing structure 10 applied to the deep-sea optical cable connector. The specific structure of the sealing structure 10 applied to the deep-sea optical cable connector refers to the above-mentioned embodiment. Since this connector adopts all the technical solutions of all the above-mentioned embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be repeated here one by one.

[0068] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector, provided at the fracture of the optical cable connection end, characterized in that: include: A connecting nut having a first connecting section and a second connecting section, wherein the first connecting section is disposed on the outside of the optical cable sheath, and the second connecting section is disposed on the outside of the optical cable core; A pressing cone is embedded between the optical cable sheath and the optical cable core to press the optical cable sheath outward against the inner wall of the first connecting section; A compression stud is sleeved between the optical cable core and the inner wall of the second connecting section, and an end surface of the compression stud facing the first connecting section abuts against the compression cone.

2. The sealing structure for deep-sea optical cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting nut has a through hole extending along its own axis, and the through hole has a first aperture section and a second aperture section. The first aperture section is provided corresponding to the first connecting section, and the second aperture section is provided corresponding to the second connecting section. The fracture of the optical cable connecting end is located between the first aperture section and the second aperture section. The pressing cone is suitable for pressing the optical cable sheath outward against the inner wall of the first aperture.

3. The sealing structure for deep-sea optical cable connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first aperture section includes a tapered sub-section, and the tapered sub-section is arranged to be gradually contracted along the axis in a direction away from the second aperture section.

4. The sealing structure for deep-sea optical cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing cone is arranged in an annular shape, and the outer diameter of the pressing cone is arranged to be gradually reduced along the axial direction of the pressing cone.

5. The sealing structure for deep-sea optical cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The sealing structure applied to the deep-sea optical cable connector further includes a sealing member, which is abutted between the compression stud and the compression cone.

6. The sealing structure for deep-sea optical cable connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer peripheral wall of the clamping stud is provided with an external thread, and the inner wall of the second aperture section is provided with an internal thread. The clamping stud and the connecting nut are threadedly matched to clamp the pressing cone.

7. The sealing structure for deep-sea optical cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The end portion of the compression stud facing one end of the first connecting section is provided with a boss portion, and the boss portion abuts against the compression cone or the cross section of the optical cable sheath.

8. The sealing structure for deep-sea optical cable connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The diameter of the first aperture section is smaller than the diameter of the second aperture section.

9. A connector, characterized in that: include: Male and female ends; The sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sealing structure for a deep-sea optical cable connector is arranged between the male end and the optical cable or between the female end and the optical cable.