Vertical wire outlet type bearing bush optical fiber temperature sensor

By setting up an arc-shaped pipe and optical cable protection structure inside the right-angle reinforcing block, the problem of laying optical fibers in the narrow space of the hydro-generator unit was solved, realizing mechanical strength protection and convenient installation of the optical cable when it turns vertically, and improving the reliability and durability of the optical cable.

CN224151847UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-21TMEAS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
TMEAS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-04-30
Publication Date
2026-04-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Optical fiber is highly brittle, and if protection is not taken into account during complex laying, it is prone to fiber breakage due to bending stress. This is especially true when laying vertical cables in the confined space of a hydro-generator unit, where it is difficult to ensure that the bending radius of the optical cable meets the mechanical strength requirements and installation is inconvenient.

Method used

A vertically exiting fiber optic temperature sensor with a bearing bush is designed. It adopts a right-angle reinforcing block with an arc-shaped pipe inside, the arc of which is greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the optical cable. The optical cable changes its exit direction through the arc-shaped pipe and is equipped with an optical cable protection pipe and a protective pipe. The interface structure includes threads, flanges, adhesive or welding. The right-angle reinforcing block can be integrally formed or separately snapped together, and the inner wall friction coefficient is less than 0.3.

Benefits of technology

Ensure that the bending radius of the optical cable meets the mechanical strength requirements, avoid excessive bending, prevent fiber core breakage or sheath damage, improve the long-term reliability and durability of the optical cable, facilitate installation, be suitable for space-constrained environments, and avoid interference with surrounding components.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of temperature sensors, in particular to a vertical wire outlet type bearing bush optical fiber temperature sensor, which comprises a sensor body, an optical cable and a right-angle reinforcing block, the sensor body is connected with an optical cable, an arc-shaped pipeline is arranged in the right-angle reinforcing block, and the radian of the arc-shaped pipeline is larger than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the optical cable. The optical cable passes through the right-angle reinforcing block through the arc-shaped pipeline and then changes the outgoing direction. According to the utility model, the arc-shaped pipeline meeting the minimum bending radius of the optical cable is arranged in the right-angle reinforcing block, so that the bending radius of the optical cable meets the mechanical strength requirement, the optical cable is prevented from being excessively bent during vertical steering, the fiber core is prevented from being broken or the sheath is prevented from being damaged, and the long-term reliability and durability of the optical cable are remarkably improved. The right-angle reinforcing block is integrated with an arc-shaped guide structure, realizes steering outgoing of the optical cable on the premise of ensuring the bending radius of the optical cable, is particularly suitable for space-limited installation environments such as a bearing bush, and avoids interference with peripheral parts.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of temperature sensor technology, specifically to a vertically output type fiber optic temperature sensor for bearings. Background Technology

[0002] Fiber optic temperature sensors are widely used in power equipment, petrochemicals, aerospace, and other fields due to their advantages such as resistance to electromagnetic interference, corrosion resistance, and high precision. As a core supporting component of hydroelectric generator sets, the bearing's operating status directly affects the unit's safety and stability. Fiber optic temperature measurement technology, with its contact measurement characteristics combined with optical signal transmission, achieves accurate measurement, avoiding the signal distortion problems of traditional electronic sensors in strong electromagnetic environments. It boasts advantages such as high sensitivity, fast response speed, and strong long-term stability, and has been gradually promoted and applied in the hydropower field in recent years.

[0003] However, optical fiber is a relatively brittle material. If protection is not taken into account during complex laying, it is easy to break the fiber due to bending stress. Especially when laying vertical cables in the confined space of a hydro-generator unit, it is necessary to ensure that the bending radius of the optical cable meets the mechanical strength requirements, while also taking into account the ease of installation. Utility Model Content

[0004] (I) Purpose of the utility model

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vertically exiting fiber optic temperature sensor that ensures the bending radius of the optical cable meets mechanical strength requirements and is easy to install.

[0006] (II) Technical Solution

[0007] To address the above problems, this utility model provides a vertically output type fiber optic temperature sensor for bearings, comprising:

[0008] Sensor body, optical cable, and right-angle reinforcing block;

[0009] The sensor body is connected to the optical cable, and an arc-shaped pipe is provided inside the right-angle reinforcing block. The arc of the arc-shaped pipe is greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the optical cable.

[0010] The optical cable changes its exit direction after passing through the right-angle reinforcing block via the arc-shaped pipe.

[0011] In another aspect, preferably, the present invention further includes an optical cable protection tube, through which the optical cable is connected to the right-angle reinforcing block.

[0012] In another aspect of this utility model, preferably, at least one end of the right-angle reinforcing block is provided with an interface structure for fixing the optical cable protection tube.

[0013] In another aspect of this utility model, preferably, the interface structure includes a threaded structure, a flange connection structure, an adhesive structure, or a welded structure.

[0014] In another aspect of this utility model, preferably, at least one end of the optical cable outside the right-angle reinforcing block is provided with a protective tube.

[0015] In another aspect of this utility model, preferably, the right-angle reinforcing block is integrally formed or the right-angle reinforcing block includes an upper cover and a lower seat that interlock with each other, and the mating surfaces of the upper cover and the lower seat are provided with a semi-circular groove that forms the arc-shaped pipe.

[0016] In another aspect of this invention, preferably, the optical cable protection tube is configured as a corrugated tube.

[0017] In another aspect of this invention, preferably, the protective tube is configured as a corrugated tube.

[0018] In another aspect of this utility model, preferably, the right-angle reinforcing block is provided with multiple arc-shaped pipes.

[0019] In another aspect of this invention, preferably, the friction coefficient of the inner wall of the arc-shaped pipe of the right-angle reinforcing block is less than or equal to 0.3.

[0020] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0021] The above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0022] This invention, by incorporating an arc-shaped conduit within a right-angle reinforcing block that conforms to the minimum bending radius of the optical cable, ensures that the cable's bending radius meets mechanical strength requirements. This prevents excessive bending during vertical turns, avoiding fiber core breakage or sheath damage, and significantly improves the long-term reliability and durability of the optical cable. The right-angle reinforcing block integrates an arc-shaped guide structure, enabling the cable to bend and exit while maintaining the correct bending radius. This design is particularly suitable for installation environments with limited space, such as those with bearing bushes, avoiding interference with surrounding components. The modular design simplifies and simplifies the assembly of the sensor body and the optical cable. The right-angle reinforcing block can be prefabricated as a standard part, facilitating mass production and rapid on-site installation. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a right-angle reinforcing block structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] 1: Sensor body, 2: Optical cable, 3: Right-angle reinforcing block, 4: Protective tube. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this utility model.

[0029] The accompanying drawings show structural schematic diagrams according to embodiments of the present invention. These drawings are not drawn to scale, and some details have been enlarged for clarity, and some details may have been omitted. The shapes of the various regions and layers shown in the drawings, as well as their relative sizes and positional relationships, are merely exemplary and may deviate from reality due to manufacturing tolerances or technical limitations. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can design regions / layers with different shapes, sizes, and relative positions as needed.

[0030] Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "first", "second" and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] A vertically exiting fiber optic temperature sensor for bearing bushes. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of one embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a right-angle reinforcing block structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, it includes: sensor body 1, optical cable 2, and right-angle reinforcing block 3;

[0036] The sensor body 1 is connected to the optical cable 2. The connection method between the sensor body 1 and the optical cable 2 is not limited here. Those skilled in the art will understand that as long as the connection between the two is tight and stable, and can effectively resist the influence of external forces such as vibration and impact that may occur in complex working environments, it is acceptable. Optionally, an internal thread interface can be provided on the sensor body 1, and a connector with an external thread can be fitted to the end of the optical cable 2, which is then tightened by screwing. Alternatively, a spring clip or elastic claw structure can be used, and the optical cable 2 automatically locks after being inserted into the interface of the sensor body 1. An arc-shaped pipe is provided inside the right-angle reinforcing block 3. The arc of the arc-shaped pipe is greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the optical cable 2. The optical cable 2 changes its exit direction after passing through the right-angle reinforcing block 3 via the arc-shaped pipe. The minimum bending radius of the optical cable refers to the minimum curvature radius at which the optical cable can be safely bent without performance degradation or mechanical damage during installation or use. The minimum bending radius of the optical cable is usually determined by the optical cable manufacturer based on design and material characteristics, and is a key indicator to ensure the quality of optical fiber transmission and the lifespan of the optical cable. Optionally, it is not less than 10mm. Because optical cable 2 has strict requirements on its bending radius during use, if the bending radius is too small, it will lead to a decrease or even interruption of optical signal transmission performance. In this invention, the arc of the curved pipe is greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of optical cable 2, providing a safe bending space for optical cable 2 when passing through the right-angle reinforcing block 3. For example, in scenarios where sensors need to be installed in confined spaces, optical cable 2 needs to change its outgoing direction. In this case, the curved pipe ensures that optical cable 2 bends in a manner consistent with its characteristics, preventing damage to the internal optical fibers due to improper bending and greatly extending the service life of optical cable 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right-angle reinforcing block 3 is made of high-strength material, and its structural design not only considers the protection of optical cable 2 but also takes into account its own strength and stability. When facing harsh working environments, such as high temperature, high pressure, and high humidity, the right-angle reinforcing block 3 can maintain its structural integrity and will not deform or be damaged due to environmental factors. For example, in the petrochemical industry, the ambient temperature is high and corrosive gases are present during equipment operation. The right-angle reinforcing block 3 can effectively resist these adverse factors, ensuring that the shape and performance of the internal arc-shaped pipe are not affected, thereby guaranteeing the normal operation of the optical cable 2. The right-angle reinforcing block 3 takes into account compatibility with the entire sensor system. Its connection to the sensor body 1 and optical cable 2 is simple and reliable, and it is easy to install and disassemble. When upgrading the system or replacing components, the right-angle reinforcing block 3 can be easily separated from the system for maintenance or replacement without affecting other components.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an optical cable protection tube is also included, through which the optical cable 2 is connected to the right-angle reinforcing block 3. The optical cable protection tube can enhance the optical cable 2's resistance to mechanical damage under complex working conditions. In this embodiment, the connection between the optical cable 2 and the right-angle reinforcing block 3 via the optical cable protection tube can reduce direct damage to multiple optical cables 2. At least one end of the right-angle reinforcing block 3 is provided with an interface structure for fixing the optical cable protection tube. At least one end of the right-angle reinforcing block 3 is a port of an arc-shaped pipe, and the interface structure includes a threaded structure, a flange connection structure, an adhesive structure, or a welded structure. The threaded structure can be an internal thread machined at the end of the right-angle reinforcing block 3, with an external thread fitted at the end of the optical cable protection tube, and fixed by tightening. The flange connection structure can be a flange provided at the ends of the right-angle reinforcing block 3 and the optical cable protection tube, and fastened by bolts. The adhesive structure can use a high-temperature resistant adhesive (such as epoxy resin) to bond the optical cable protection tube to the interface of the right-angle reinforcing block 3; the welded structure, using metal materials, can be achieved by welding the metal optical cable protection tube to the metal interface of the right-angle reinforcing block 3 using laser welding or argon arc welding. From the sensor body 1 to the right-angle reinforcing block 3, and then to the optical cable protection tube, a complete optical cable mechanical protection system is formed, significantly reducing the risk of damage during construction or operation. Furthermore, the optical cable protection tube is designed as a corrugated pipe.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least one end of the optical cable 2 outside the right-angle reinforcing block 3 is provided with a protective tube 4. The optical cable 2 may only have one end exposed outside the right-angle reinforcing block 3, and the protective tube 4 can protect the optical cable. The protective tube 4 is a corrugated pipe. The protective tube 4 can be made of metal such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy, or high-strength polymers such as PVC or PE, and can be flexibly selected according to temperature resistance and corrosion resistance requirements. The tube wall has a continuous corrugated structure, combining flexibility and compressive strength, allowing it to bend freely but not easily collapse. The protective tube can be fixed to the interface of the right-angle reinforcing block 3 by threaded sleeves, clamps, or adhesive, ensuring sealing and pull-out resistance, or it can be directly connected to the optical cable.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right-angle reinforcing block 3 is integrally formed, or the right-angle reinforcing block 3 includes an upper cover and a lower seat that interlock. The mating surfaces of the upper cover and the lower seat are provided with semi-circular grooves that form the arc-shaped pipe. The integrally formed structure can be made of metal (such as aluminum alloy) or high-strength engineering plastic (such as PEEK) through precision casting or 3D printing. The internal arc-shaped pipe and the external structure are formed simultaneously. The inner wall of the pipe can be polished, resulting in a seamless overall structure with high structural integrity. It maximizes mechanical strength, can withstand greater tensile and torque forces, has excellent sealing performance, completely prevents external contaminants from entering, and is suitable for extreme working conditions such as high pressure and high vibration. It will not experience structural loosening problems after long-term use. The split interlocking structure consists of two symmetrical parts, an upper cover and a lower seat. The mating surfaces are precisely machined with matching semi-circular grooves. After closing, a complete arc-shaped pipe is formed. It can be fixed by bolt fastening, snap locking, or ultrasonic welding. The radius of the semi-circular groove is designed to be 1.5-2 times the diameter of the optical cable. Positioning pins are set on the mating surfaces to ensure assembly accuracy. Sealing gaskets can be optionally added to enhance protective performance. The assembly process is simple, which facilitates the installation of optical cables. During maintenance, the internal optical cables can be opened for inspection or replacement. The manufacturing cost is low, making it suitable for mass production. Different material combinations can be selected as needed (such as metal lower base + plastic upper cover).

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right-angle reinforcing block 3 is equipped with multiple arc-shaped pipes. Parallel multi-channel design: the right-angle reinforcing block 3 has at least two arc-shaped pipes, each meeting the minimum bending radius requirement of the optical cable 2. The pipes are completely separated to avoid mutual interference between the optical cables. Temperature-sensing optical fibers, vibration-sensing optical fibers, etc., can be deployed simultaneously to achieve comprehensive diagnosis of the bearing condition.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the friction coefficient of the arc-shaped pipe inner wall of the right-angle reinforcing block 3 is less than or equal to 0.3, which facilitates installation.

[0042] This invention, by incorporating an arc-shaped conduit within a right-angle reinforcing block that conforms to the minimum bending radius of the optical cable, ensures that the cable's bending radius meets mechanical strength requirements. This prevents excessive bending during vertical turns, avoiding fiber core breakage or sheath damage, and significantly improves the long-term reliability and durability of the optical cable. The right-angle reinforcing block integrates an arc-shaped guide structure, enabling the cable to bend and exit while maintaining the correct bending radius. This design is particularly suitable for installation environments with limited space, such as those with bearing bushes, avoiding interference with surrounding components. The modular design simplifies and simplifies the assembly of the sensor body and the optical cable. The right-angle reinforcing block can be prefabricated as a standard part, facilitating mass production and rapid on-site installation.

[0043] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of this utility model and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be included within its protection scope. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

[0044] The above description does not provide detailed explanations of the technical aspects of each layer's patterning and etching. However, those skilled in the art should understand that various methods existing in the prior art can be used to form layers and regions of the desired shape. Furthermore, to form the same structure, those skilled in the art can also design methods that are not entirely identical to those described above.

[0045] The present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments thereof. However, these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Various substitutions and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention, and all such substitutions and modifications should fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0046] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0047] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A perpendicular feedthrough bushing optical fiber temperature sensor, characterized by, include: Sensor body (1), optical cable (2), and right-angle reinforcing block (3); The sensor body (1) is connected to the optical cable (2), and an arc-shaped pipe is provided inside the right-angle reinforcing block (3). The arc of the arc-shaped pipe is greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the optical cable (2). The optical cable (2) changes its outgoing direction after passing through the right-angle reinforcing block (3) via the arc-shaped pipe.

2. The fiber optic temperature sensor of claim 1, wherein, It also includes an optical cable protection tube, through which the optical cable (2) is connected to the right-angle reinforcing block (3).

3. The fiber optic temperature sensor of claim 2, wherein, At least one end of the right-angle reinforcing block (3) is provided with an interface structure for fixing the optical cable protection tube.

4. The fiber optic temperature sensor of claim 3, wherein, The interface structure includes threaded structure, flange docking structure, adhesive structure or welding structure.

5. The fiber optic temperature sensor of claim 1, wherein, The optical cable (2) is provided with a protective tube (4) at at least one end outside the right-angle reinforcing block (3).

6. The fiber optic temperature sensor of claim 1, wherein, The right-angle reinforcing block (3) is integrally formed or the right-angle reinforcing block (3) includes an upper cover and a lower seat that interlock with each other, and the joint surface of the upper cover and the lower seat is provided with a semi-circular groove that forms the arc-shaped pipe.

7. The fiber optic temperature sensor of claim 2, wherein, The optical cable protection pipe is a corrugated pipe.

8. The fiber optic temperature sensor of claim 5, wherein, The protective pipe (4) is configured as a corrugated pipe.

9. The fiber optic temperature sensor of claim 1, wherein, The right-angle reinforcing block (3) is equipped with multiple arc-shaped pipes.

10. The fiber optic temperature sensor of claim 1, wherein, The friction coefficient of the inner wall of the arc-shaped pipe of the right-angle reinforcing block (3) is less than or equal to 0.3.