Grounding device for isolated conductors in armored space cables

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of isolated conductor grounding device in armoured optical cable for spaceflight, it is related to spaceflight equipment technical field.Device includes metal leading-out part and metal switching part, the metal leading-out part and metal switching part are electrically connected;The metal leading-out part is electrically connected with the metal armoured part in armoured optical cable, and the metal switching part is electrically connected with whole star.The utility model indirectly establishes the equipotential connection between metal armoured part and whole star by setting metal leading-out part and metal switching part, so as to realize the effect of isolated conductor grounding in armoured optical cable;Based on this, the problem of the grounding processing of isolated conductor in metal armoured optical cable assembly is solved, and the existing technical scheme has the problem of limitation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of aerospace equipment technology, specifically to a grounding device for isolated conductors in armored optical cables used in space. Background Technology

[0002] In the aerospace field, isolated conductors in space products require grounding, a requirement outlined in regulations issued by the China Academy of Space Technology and the Shanghai Microsatellite Research Center. Specifically, isolated conductors are those that cannot be directly grounded or equipotentially connected. During spaceflight, due to prolonged exposure to high-energy particle radiation, isolated conductors in space products are prone to static charge accumulation. When this accumulation reaches a certain level, electrostatic discharge occurs, damaging components and leading to product malfunctions and difficulty in controlling the satellite's electrostatic environment. Therefore, grounding isolated conductors in space products is essential. Since satellites are independent entities in the space environment, lacking a traditional earth, grounding refers to establishing equipotential between the isolated conductors and the entire satellite (referring to a fully assembled satellite).

[0003] Aerospace products often use floating metal-shell optoelectronic components and metal-armored optical cable assemblies. The floating metal shells of optoelectronic components and the metal armor portions of metal-armored optical cable assemblies are isolated conductors. Existing grounding solutions for isolated conductors in aerospace products mainly target the floating metal shells of optoelectronic components. For example, patent CN109936969A discloses an isolated conductor processing device and installation method for devices with floating metal shells in aerospace products. However, regarding the grounding of isolated conductors in metal-armored optical cable assemblies, there are few feasible solutions in the existing technology. Typically, the outer sheath of the armored optical cable is removed, and a separate grounding wire is led out and connected to the satellite's interior by adding a lead wire. However, this method has limitations in practical applications. Firstly, armored optical cables are generally long, numerous, and widely distributed, making the removal of the outer sheath and the leading out of the grounding wire very cumbersome. Secondly, the led-out grounding wire affects the wiring layout inside the satellite and also introduces unknown electromagnetic interference risks.

[0004] In summary, this utility model provides a grounding device for isolated conductors in aerospace armored optical cables. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a grounding device for isolated conductors in aerospace armored optical cables, so as to solve the problem mentioned in the background art that the existing technical solutions for grounding isolated conductors in metal armored optical cable assemblies have limitations.

[0006] This utility model is achieved using the following technical solution:

[0007] A grounding device for an isolated conductor in an armored optical cable for space applications includes a metal lead-out portion and a metal transition portion, which are electrically connected; the metal lead-out portion is electrically connected to the metal armor portion of the armored optical cable, and the metal transition portion is electrically connected to the entire satellite.

[0008] In the grounding device provided by this utility model, the metal lead-out part is used to lead out the metal armor part, which is an isolated conductor, and the metal transition part is used to indirectly establish an equipotential connection between the metal lead-out part and the whole satellite. This indirectly establishes an equipotential connection between the metal armor part and the whole satellite, thereby achieving the effect of grounding the isolated conductor in the armored optical cable. In particular, by setting the metal transition part as an intermediate component, the whole satellite is connected only by the metal transition part. Even when grounding isolated conductors in multiple armored optical cables, it is not necessary to make multiple separate connections with the whole satellite, thereby effectively avoiding affecting the internal wiring layout of the whole satellite.

[0009] Furthermore, the metal adapter includes a metal housing with a hollow space inside, and the metal housing is electrically connected to the entire satellite.

[0010] Furthermore, the metal lead-out portion includes a jumper wire and a metal terminal block. The jumper wire is made of conductive material. One end of the jumper wire is conductively connected to the metal armor portion of the armored optical cable, and the other end is conductively connected to the metal terminal block. The metal terminal block is conductively connected to the metal housing.

[0011] Furthermore, the metal housing has fiber optic mounting holes on its side wall, through which the armored optical cable and patch cord extend into the metal housing, and the metal terminals are electrically connected to the mounting positions inside the metal housing.

[0012] Furthermore, each end of the jumper is provided with a conductive connection section, and an anti-interference section is provided between the two conductive connection sections; the anti-interference section includes an insulating layer, and the insulating layer is disposed on the outer surface of the jumper.

[0013] Furthermore, the metal lead-out portion includes a metal flange, which is electrically connected to the metal armor portion and the metal housing in the armored optical cable, respectively, and the metal armor portion passes through the metal flange.

[0014] Furthermore, the metal flange is installed on the side wall of the metal housing, and a through hole is provided on the side wall of the metal housing, through which the armored optical cable extends into the interior of the metal housing.

[0015] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are:

[0016] This invention provides a grounding device for isolated conductors in armored optical cables used in space. By setting up a metal lead-out section and a metal transition section, it can indirectly establish an equipotential connection between the metal armor section and the entire satellite, thereby achieving the grounding effect of isolated conductors in the armored optical cable. Compared with existing grounding methods that are cumbersome to operate and affect the internal wiring layout of the entire satellite, this invention has a simple structure. Even when grounding isolated conductors in multiple armored optical cables, it does not require multiple individual connections to the entire satellite. Therefore, it has the advantages of simple operation, does not significantly affect the internal wiring layout of the entire satellite, and can effectively avoid the risk of unknown electromagnetic interference. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship and structure of the armored optical cable and the metal lead-out part in the grounding device described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship and structure of the metal lead-out part and the metal transition part in the grounding device described in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship and structure of the metal lead-out part and the metal transition part in the grounding device described in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Connector; 2. Optical cable with loose tube; 3. Metal armored part; 4. Jumper wire; 5. Metal terminal block; 6. Metal housing; 7. Metal flange. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Example 1

[0023] This embodiment provides a grounding device for isolated conductors in armored optical cables used in aerospace applications. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 It includes a metal lead-out section and a metal transition section, which are electrically connected; the metal lead-out section is electrically connected to the metal armor section 3 in the armored optical cable, and the metal transition section is electrically connected to the entire satellite. Specifically:

[0024] Armored optical cables generally include an FC / APC connector 1, an optical cable with a loose tube 2, and a metal armor section 3. The connection between the optical cable with the loose tube 2 and the metal armor section 3 is typically secured with epoxy resin. In this grounding device, the metal adapter section includes a metal housing 6. The interior of the metal housing 6 has a hollow space. The metal housing 6 is either not fully enclosed or has an openable structure (meaning it can be operated from the outside into the hollow space). The metal housing 6 is electrically connected to the entire satellite via mounting feet. The metal lead-out section includes a patch cord 4 and a circular metal terminal block 5. The patch cord 4 is made of conductive material (such as copper wire conforming to aerospace standards or a corrosion-resistant conductive metal wire similar to copper wire). One end of the patch cord 4 is conductively connected to the metal armor portion 3 in the armored optical cable, and the other end is conductively connected to the metal terminal block 5. Each end of the patch cord 4 has a conductive connection section for achieving the above conductive connection. An anti-interference section is provided between the two conductive connection sections. The anti-interference section includes an insulating layer (specifically, an insulating coating or sheath, etc.), and the insulating layer is set on the outer surface of the patch cord 4. Fiber optic mounting holes are opened on the side wall of the metal housing 6. The armored optical cable and the patch cord 4 extend into the interior of the metal housing 6 through the fiber optic mounting holes. The metal terminal block 5 is conductively connected to the mounting position inside the metal housing 6.

[0025] In practical use, to achieve conductive connections between the metal lead-out portion of the above grounding device and the metal armor portion 3 and the metal transition portion respectively, the following operating steps are required:

[0026] Step A1: Using either a pre-connection or post-connection method, electrically connect one end of the jumper 4 to the metal armor portion 3 in the armored optical cable.

[0027] Specifically, the pre-connection method refers to making one end of the jumper 4 conductively connected to the metal armor part 3 during the fabrication of the armored optical cable; the post-connection method refers to first stripping part of the outer sheath of the armored optical cable to expose the metal armor part 3 for the completed armored optical cable that is not connected to the jumper 4, and then making one end of the jumper 4 conductively connected to the metal armor part 3 by welding or crimping (in actual production, the connection point can be subjected to secondary insulation protection treatment).

[0028] Step A2: Insert the armored optical cable and patch cord 4 into the metal casing 6.

[0029] Specifically, the armored optical cable and patch cord 4 are inserted into the metal housing 6 through the optical fiber mounting hole. After the insertion is completed, the length of patch cord 4 can be lengthened or shortened according to the conditions inside the metal housing 6. In addition, since aerospace products are subject to certain vibrations or impacts during orbital operation, epoxy glue and silicone rubber are often used in actual production to fix the interface between the optical fiber mounting hole and the armored optical cable in order to avoid damage to the optical cable. Epoxy glue or silicone rubber is also used to tightly attach the anti-interference section of patch cord 4 to the inner wall of the metal housing 6.

[0030] Step A3: Connect the metal terminal 5 to the other end of the jumper 4.

[0031] Specifically, in actual production, the metal terminal 5 and the conductive connection section of the jumper 4 can be crimped together.

[0032] Step A4: Connect the metal terminal 5 to the mounting position inside the metal housing 6.

[0033] Specifically, in actual production, screws (with flat washers and spring washers) can be used to fix the metal terminal 5 to the mounting position inside the metal housing 6.

[0034] In summary, by executing steps A1 to A4, a metal lead-out section and a metal transition section can be obtained. The metal lead-out section is used to lead out the metal armored section 3, which is an isolated conductor. The metal transition section is used to indirectly establish an equipotential connection between the metal lead-out section and the entire satellite. Thus, an equipotential connection between the metal armored section 3 and the entire satellite can be indirectly established, thereby achieving the effect of grounding the isolated conductor in the armored optical cable.

[0035] Example 2

[0036] This embodiment provides a grounding device for isolated conductors in aerospace armored optical cables, which differs from the grounding device in Embodiment 1 in the following ways (the similarities will not be repeated):

[0037] Please refer to Figure 3 In this embodiment, the metal lead-out portion includes a metal flange 7, which is electrically connected to the metal armor portion 3 and the metal housing 6 in the armored optical cable, respectively. The metal armor portion 3 passes through the metal flange 7. Specifically, the metal flange 7 is installed on the side wall of the metal housing 6, and a through hole is provided on the side wall of the metal housing 6. The armored optical cable extends into the interior of the metal housing 6 through the through hole. In actual production, a locking device attached to the metal flange 7 can be used to lock the metal armor portion 3 located inside the metal housing 6, so that the armored optical cable and the metal housing 6 can be reliably connected.

[0038] In practical use, to achieve conductive connections between the metal flange 7 and the metal armored part 3 and the metal housing 6 in the above-mentioned grounding device, the following operating steps are required:

[0039] Step B1: Using a pre-installation or post-installation method, pass the metal armor portion 3 of the armored optical cable through the metal flange 7 so that the metal flange 7 and the metal armor portion 3 are electrically connected.

[0040] Specifically, the pre-installation method refers to inserting the metal armor portion 3 into the metal flange 7 during the fabrication of the armored optical cable; the post-installation method refers to first stripping part of the outer sheath of the armored optical cable to expose the metal armor portion 3 for the completed armored optical cable that is not connected to the metal flange 7, and then inserting the metal armor portion 3 into the metal flange 7 (using crimping or welding to ensure tight contact between the metal flange 7 and the metal armor portion 3).

[0041] Step B2: Insert the armored optical cable into the metal casing 6.

[0042] Specifically, the armored optical cable is inserted into the metal casing 6 through a through-hole.

[0043] Step B3: Install the metal flange 7 on the side wall of the metal housing 6;

[0044] Specifically, in actual production, flange fixing screws can be used to install the metal flange 7 onto the side wall of the metal housing 6.

[0045] In summary, by executing steps B1 to B3, an equipotential connection can be indirectly established between the metal armored part 3 and the entire satellite. However, since the metal flange 7 is relatively large, it occupies a lot of space. Therefore, the grounding device described in this embodiment is more suitable for situations where the number of armored optical cables assembled is small in practical applications.

[0046] It should be specifically noted that the parts not described in detail or elaborated in the above solutions are all prior art and do not constitute improvements made by this utility model to existing technology, nor are they within the protection scope of this utility model's technical solutions. Therefore, they will not be elaborated upon further in this document. Of course, the above content is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments of this utility model. This utility model is also not limited to the above examples. Equivalent changes and improvements made by those skilled in the art within the substantial scope of this utility model should all fall within the patent coverage of this utility model.

Claims

1. A grounding device for isolated conductors in aerospace armored optical cables, characterized in that: It includes a metal lead-out section and a metal transition section, which are electrically connected; the metal lead-out section is electrically connected to the metal armor section (3) in the armored optical cable, and the metal transition section is electrically connected to the entire satellite.

2. The isolated conductor grounding device in the aerospace armored optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that: The metal adapter includes a metal housing (6), the interior of which is provided with a hollow space, and the metal housing (6) is electrically connected to the entire satellite.

3. The isolated conductor grounding device in the aerospace armored optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that: The metal lead-out part includes a jumper (4) and a metal terminal (5). The jumper (4) is made of conductive material. One end of the jumper (4) is conductively connected to the metal armor part (3) in the armored optical cable, and the other end is conductively connected to the metal terminal (5). The metal terminal (5) is conductively connected to the metal housing (6).

4. The isolated conductor grounding device in the aerospace armored optical cable according to claim 3, characterized in that: The metal housing (6) has fiber optic mounting holes on its side wall. The armored optical cable and patch cord (4) pass through the fiber optic mounting holes and extend into the metal housing (6). The metal terminal block (5) is electrically connected to the mounting position inside the metal housing (6).

5. The isolated conductor grounding device in the aerospace armored optical cable according to claim 3, characterized in that: The jumper (4) has conductive connection sections at both ends and an anti-interference section between the two conductive connection sections; the anti-interference section includes an insulating layer, which is disposed on the outer surface of the jumper (4).

6. The isolated conductor grounding device in the aerospace armored optical cable according to claim 2, characterized in that: The metal lead-out portion includes a metal flange (7), which is electrically connected to the metal armor portion (3) and the metal housing (6) in the armored optical cable, respectively. The metal armor portion (3) passes through the metal flange (7).

7. The isolated conductor grounding device in the aerospace armored optical cable according to claim 6, characterized in that: The metal flange (7) is installed on the side wall of the metal housing (6), and a through hole is provided on the side wall of the metal housing (6). The armored optical cable extends into the interior of the metal housing (6) through the through hole.

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