A watertight connector

Abstract

This application relates to a watertight connector, belonging to the field of underwater equipment, including a plug, a socket, and a locking screw. The plug housing has a plug receiving cavity, and a plug core is disposed within the plug receiving cavity, including a plug pin and a plug insulating core, with the insulating core covering the plug pin. The socket housing has a socket receiving cavity, and a socket core is disposed within the socket receiving cavity, including a socket pin and a socket insulating core, with the insulating core covering the head of the socket pin and an insertion hole corresponding to the head of the socket pin. The end of the socket housing has an annular insertion groove, and the plug housing has an insertion sleeve corresponding to the annular insertion groove. An annular sealing groove is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the insertion sleeve, and a first sealing ring is filled in the annular sealing groove. The plug and socket are mated and inserted, and the insertion is sealed by the first sealing ring. The locking screw further locks the plug and socket. This application improves the sealing performance of the watertight connector and facilitates disassembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of underwater equipment, and in particular to a watertight connector. Background Technology

[0002] Watertight connectors are primarily used for communication or power transmission between the interior of underwater equipment and the outside world. They mainly consist of a watertight socket and a watertight plug. Typically, the watertight socket is sealed and installed on the underwater equipment panel, with its inner side facing the dry environment and its outer side facing the wet environment. The watertight plug is mostly used in outdoor water, and its tail cable is sealed with a vulcanized rubber sheath. The watertight plug and watertight socket are interlocked to enable communication or power transmission between the outside world and the inside of the equipment.

[0003] Watertight connectors operate at greater depths, requiring them to have good sealing and connection strength, and they need to be disassembled or replaced during repair and maintenance.

[0004] The common sealing mechanism of watertight connectors relies on the mutual compression of the insulating cores of the plug and socket to achieve a seal. A locking sleeve is then placed on the outside of the plug and socket after insertion to enhance the sealing effect. However, this design is prone to material fatigue of the insulating cores and locking sleeves during long-term use, leading to seal failure, which necessitates replacement of the entire connector. Furthermore, this sealing method, due to its reliance on the compression of the insulating cores, makes insertion and removal of the plug and socket relatively difficult. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to improve the sealing performance of watertight connectors and make them easy to disassemble and repair, this application provides a watertight connector.

[0006] The watertight connector provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A watertight connector includes a plug, a socket, and a locking screw, wherein the plug includes a plug housing and a plug core, and the socket includes a socket housing and a socket core; The plug housing has a plug receiving cavity inside, and a first flange is provided on the periphery of the plug housing. The plug core is disposed in the plug receiving cavity. The socket housing has a socket receiving cavity inside, and a second flange matching the first flange is provided on the periphery of the socket housing. The socket core is disposed in the socket receiving cavity. The socket core has an annular insertion groove between the end near the plug and the inner wall of the socket receiving cavity. The plug shell is provided with a insertion tube corresponding to the annular insertion groove. At least one annular sealing groove is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the insertion tube. A first sealing ring is installed in the annular sealing groove. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the plug tube is inserted into the annular plug groove, the first sealing ring seals the plug tube to the socket housing, and the locking screw connects the first flange and the second flange to lock the plug housing and the socket housing.

[0007] By adopting the above scheme, a dual dynamic sealing interface is formed through the radial compression sealing of the annular sealing groove on the outer wall of the plug sleeve and the first sealing ring, combined with the axial insertion of the plug sleeve and the annular plug groove. An annular plug groove is provided between the socket core and the inner wall of the socket receiving cavity, and a plug sleeve with an annular sealing groove on its outer peripheral wall is provided on the plug shell, forming a double sealing structure of nested cavities and annular sealing. When the plug sleeve of the plug is inserted into the annular plug groove of the socket, the first sealing ring filled in the annular sealing groove is compressed, generating radial expansion force, forming a uniform sealing contact pressure between the outer peripheral wall of the plug sleeve and the inner wall of the socket shell, effectively blocking the path of water intrusion from the circumferential gap of the connector, ensuring the sealing performance of the connector. The first flange on the periphery of the plug shell and the second flange on the periphery of the socket shell are directly connected by locking screws, forming a detachable rigid connection structure. The locking screws only require simple tightening or loosening to achieve quick separation and assembly of the plug and socket, shortening the single disassembly and assembly time, eliminating the need for a sleeve connection to fix the plug and socket, and reducing the number of connector components. When connectors require maintenance or internal component replacement, no special tools or complex operations are needed; simply removing the locking screws allows for the separation of the plug and socket, facilitating quick inspection and replacement of the plug and socket cores. This is particularly suitable for complex maintenance environments such as underwater equipment and marine circuits, effectively reducing equipment downtime and maintenance costs. Simultaneously, the flange structure itself has a clear positioning and guiding function, ensuring coaxiality of the plug and socket during insertion, further enhancing the reliability of the sealing structure, and preventing failure due to over-tightening.

[0008] Preferably, the first flange is provided with a screw limiting hole that matches the locking screw, and the second flange is provided with a screw connecting hole corresponding to the screw limiting hole. The diameter of the screw connecting hole at the end near the first flange is larger than the diameter of the locking screw, and the end of the screw connecting hole away from the first flange is a threaded hole that matches the locking screw. The locking screw is fitted with an anti-disengagement ring in the middle, and the outer diameter of the anti-disengagement ring is larger than the inner diameter of the screw limiting hole; After the plug is inserted into the socket, the locking screw is screwed into the threaded hole.

[0009] By adopting the above scheme, the screw limiting hole is located on the first flange, while the screw connecting hole is on the second flange. The screw connecting hole has a larger diameter at the end closer to the first flange, while the threaded hole is further away from the end. This provides sufficient centering adjustment space for the locking screw during insertion, facilitating installation and avoiding installation difficulties caused by hole misalignment. The threaded hole provides tightening force. After the screw is inserted into the screw limiting hole, the anti-disengagement ring temporarily fixes it, ensuring the screw is pre-positioned before final tightening, facilitating subsequent operations and potentially enabling one-handed operation, thus improving operational convenience. The anti-disengagement ring in the middle of the locking screw has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the screw limiting hole. When the screw is not fully screwed in, the anti-disengagement ring can lock into the limiting hole, preventing the screw from falling out and avoiding screw loss during installation, especially in underwater or difficult-to-operate environments, keeping the screw temporarily fixed for convenient subsequent operations. After the plug and socket are connected, the locking screw is screwed into the threaded hole. At this time, the anti-disengagement ring is squeezed by the inner wall of the screw connection hole in the middle, ensuring the screw is secure and improving the convenience and reliability of assembly. Especially in cases where frequent disassembly and assembly are required, it reduces the risk of losing parts and ensures the stability of the connection.

[0010] Preferably, the second flange is provided with a screw limiting hole that matches the locking screw, and the first flange is provided with a screw connecting hole corresponding to the screw limiting hole. The diameter of the screw connecting hole at the end near the second flange is larger than the diameter of the locking screw, and the end of the screw connecting hole away from the second flange is a threaded hole that matches the locking screw. The locking screw is fitted with an anti-disengagement ring in the middle, and the outer diameter of the anti-disengagement ring is larger than the inner diameter of the screw limiting hole; After the plug is inserted into the socket, the locking screw is screwed into the threaded hole.

[0011] By adopting the above scheme, the screw limiting hole is located on the second flange on the socket side, forming a reverse mating structure with the screw connection hole of the first flange. The large-diameter end of the screw connection hole faces the socket side to form a guiding structure, reducing the impact load at the moment of assembly contact and effectively preventing micro-deformation of the precision pins. The outer diameter of the anti-disengagement ring is larger than the inner diameter of the limiting hole. During the plug-socket separation process, even if the screw is completely unscrewed from the threaded hole, the anti-disengagement ring remains locked on the outside of the limiting hole, preventing the screw from detaching from the connector body. When equipment vibration causes slight displacement of the flange, the clearance fit between the anti-disengagement ring and the limiting hole allows the screw to undergo slight radial displacement. The elastic deformation of the sealing ring absorbs the vibration energy, preventing seal failure caused by rigid connection.

[0012] Preferably, the first flange and the second flange are both triangular prisms with an equilateral triangular radial cross section, and the screw limiting hole and the screw connecting hole are located at the corner of the triangular prism.

[0013] By adopting the above solution, when the plug and socket are connected, the three sides of the triangular prism can serve as mechanical positioning references. Even without additional guiding structures, automatic centering is achieved through the contact of the beveled surfaces of the three sides. This integrates the precision guide pins or positioning keys that traditional circular flanges rely on into the flange body, reducing independent parts. With the same circumscribed circle diameter, the effective connecting side length of the equilateral triangular flange is increased compared to the circular flange, allowing the same number of screws to be arranged within a smaller radial dimension, thus improving the radial space utilization of the connector. Within the same space constraints, more cables can be arranged more neatly. The corner screw holes avoid the neutral axis region of the flange edge, utilizing the web effect of the triangular sides to enhance the material strength around the holes. Compared to the stress concentration problem caused by holes at the corners of square flanges, the stress concentration coefficient around the screw holes is reduced through the combination of hole position and geometry, eliminating the need for additional reinforcing ribs or thickening treatment.

[0014] Preferably, the opposite ends of the socket housing and the plug housing are tail portions, the tail portion of the plug housing extends to a first mounting portion, and the tail portion of the socket housing extends to a second mounting portion, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion are provided with threads.

[0015] By adopting the above solution, a mounting part is set at the tail of the shell. The mounting part has threads and may be used to connect other components, such as mounting nuts or protective sleeves. Without the need for additional connecting parts such as flanges or clamps, the protective sleeve can be directly connected to achieve cable reinforcement. Alternatively, the plug or socket can be installed on the shell or panel of the underwater equipment to achieve through-cabin installation. This results in a simple connector structure that is easy to install and disassemble, and improves the connector's compatibility.

[0016] Preferably, a plug sealing groove is provided on the end face of the first flange adjacent to the first mounting part, and a plug sealing ring is provided in the plug sealing groove; A socket sealing groove is provided on the end face of the second flange adjacent to the second mounting part, and a socket sealing ring is provided in the socket sealing groove.

[0017] By adopting the above solution, the mounting part of the outer shell forms an additional sealing point through the threaded part and the sealing ring, preventing water leakage at the cable inlet. In addition, it can form a multiple seal with the annular sealing groove, improving the overall waterproof capability.

[0018] Preferably, the outer peripheral surface of the annular insertion groove near the end of the plug housing is an outwardly expanding slope.

[0019] By adopting the above scheme, the beveled entrance of the annular socket serves as a guide structure, guiding the assembly process. The beveled surface facilitates automatic alignment, making it easier for the plug to align with the socket, especially in harsh environments or when visibility is limited. This improves assembly success rate and efficiency, reducing errors and damage. The beveled design prevents tearing of the sealing ring lip and shearing damage to the sealing ring edge caused by sudden changes in initial contact stress during plug insertion. It also reduces friction during insertion and removal, thus reducing wear on the sealing ring and socket, extending their service life. As the socket extends deeper along the bevel, the contact area between the sealing ring and the socket gradually expands from an initial annular line contact to a surface contact, ultimately forming a full-circumferential seal at the end of the bevel. This contact transition improves the uniformity of the sealing pressure distribution of the sealing ring, enhancing the seal between the plug and socket.

[0020] Preferably, the plug housing has a guide post on the side facing the socket, and the socket housing has a guide hole corresponding to the position of the guide post. When the plug is plugged into the socket, the guide post is inserted into the guide hole.

[0021] By adopting the above solution, guide posts are set on the plug housing, and corresponding guide holes are set on the socket housing. The cooperation between the guide posts and guide holes provides positioning guidance during installation, forming a unique assembly path, reducing the probability of mis-insertion. Visual alignment is not required during insertion, improving blind operation and increasing the efficiency and convenience of assembly, maintenance, and disassembly. Furthermore, the guide posts can be set to a length that mates with the locking screw. The guide posts and guide holes provide axial depth limiting and radial restriction of rotation and offset, thus limiting the amount of screw tightening before tightening and preventing over-tightening that could cause the locking screw to fail.

[0022] Preferably, a magnet is embedded at the end of the guide post, and a magnetic sleeve is provided on the inner wall of the guide hole, which attracts the magnet.

[0023] By adopting the above solution, a magnetic structure of mutually attracting magnets and magnetic sleeves is set in the matching structure of guide hole and guide post, so that when plug and socket are inserted, magnetic attraction automatically aligns them, reducing the difficulty of manual alignment, and improving alignment efficiency, especially in blind insertion scenarios.

[0024] Preferably, the outer peripheral wall of the plug-in tube is provided with two annular sealing grooves, each of which is filled with a first sealing ring, and an expansion groove is provided between the two annular sealing grooves, wherein a water-swellable rubber ring is provided in the expansion groove.

[0025] By adopting the above solution, a water-swellable rubber ring is combined between the two sealing rings to form a layered dynamic seal. When the two main sealing rings experience dynamic failure due to temperature changes or wear, water enters the cavity between the two main sealing rings and comes into contact with the water-swellable rubber ring. The water-swellable rubber ring forms a compensating sealing structure in the middle, avoiding the problem of dynamic failure of the main sealing rings and improving the sealing performance of the connector.

[0026] In summary, this application has the following beneficial effects: 1. Enhanced Sealing Performance: The axial nesting of the plug socket and the annular groove of the socket, combined with the radial compression seal of the first sealing ring within the annular sealing groove on the outer circumferential wall, forms a double sealing interface of nested cavity and annular seal. This evenly distributes the sealing contact pressure and effectively blocks the path of water intrusion from the circumferential gap. The sealing groove at the end of the plug and socket mates with the sealing ring, forming an additional sealing point at the cable entry point in conjunction with the threaded connection, thus constituting a multi-layered waterproof system with the main sealing structure. The inclined guide structure at the entrance of the annular groove allows the sealing ring contact area to gradually transition from line contact to surface contact, avoiding lip tearing and edge shear damage, and improving the uniformity of sealing pressure. A water-swellable rubber ring is placed between the double annular sealing grooves. When the main sealing ring fails due to temperature changes or wear, the water-swellable rubber ring can form a compensating seal, further enhancing reliability.

[0027] 2. Simple structure, easy to assemble and disassemble: The first flange of the plug and the second flange of the socket are directly connected by a locking screw, without the need for special tools or sockets, greatly reducing the time required for a single assembly or disassembly. This is especially suitable for complex maintenance environments such as underwater equipment and marine circuits, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. The outer diameter of the anti-disengagement ring in the middle of the locking screw is larger than the inner diameter of the screw limiting hole, preventing the screw from falling off during assembly or disassembly, improving operational convenience and avoiding part loss. The guide post, guide hole, and magnetic adsorption structure work together to achieve automatic centering and a unique assembly path, supporting blind insertion, reducing alignment errors, and limiting the insertion depth to avoid over-tightening and failure. The triangular prism flange with an equilateral triangular cross-section achieves automatic centering through edge contact, reducing independent parts. The corner screw holes avoid the neutral axis area, reducing stress concentration and enhancing structural strength.

[0028] 3. With the same circumscribed circle diameter, the effective connecting side length of the equilateral triangular flange is greater than that of the circular flange, allowing more screws to be arranged in a smaller radial space, improving space utilization and facilitating the orderly arrangement of cables; the threaded mounting part at the tail can be directly connected to the protective sleeve or equipment housing to achieve through-cabin installation without the need for additional flanges or clamps; the flange has both positioning and guiding functions as well as structural fastening functions, simplifying the number of components.

[0029] This watertight connector, through its innovative architecture of double sealing, quick locking, and multi-functional flanges, ensures high sealing performance while achieving convenient assembly and disassembly, efficient space utilization, and strong environmental adaptability. It is especially suitable for underwater equipment and marine circuits with stringent requirements for waterproofing and ease of maintenance, significantly improving equipment reliability and maintenance efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 2 This is a side view of Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA direction; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the plug and socket in the disassembled state from an oblique top view in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the plug and socket in the disassembled state of Embodiment 1, viewed from a downward angle. Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram created to illustrate the plug structure. Figure 7 This is an exploded structural diagram created to illustrate the structure of the socket. Figure 8 This is a side view of the plug and socket in the disassembled state of Embodiment 1; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the BB direction; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the plug and socket in the disassembled state in Embodiment 2; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged diagram of point C in the middle.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Plug; 11. Plug housing; 111. Plug receiving cavity; 12. Plug core; 121. Plug pin; 122. Plug insulating core; 13. First flange; 2. Socket; 21. Socket housing; 211. Socket receiving cavity; 22. Socket core; 221. Socket pin; 222. Socket insulating core; 223. Insertion hole; 224. Annular insertion groove; 225. Insertion sleeve; 226. Annular sealing groove; 227. First sealing ring; 228. Bevel; 23. Second flange; 3. Locking screw; 31. Screw limiting hole; 32. Screw connecting hole; 33. Anti-disengagement ring; 34. Guide post; 35. Guide hole; 4. First mounting part; 41. Plug sealing groove; 42. Plug sealing ring; 5. Second mounting part; 51. Socket sealing groove; 52. Socket sealing ring; 6. Expansion groove; 7. Water-swellable rubber ring; 8. Magnet; 9. Magnetic sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0036] The present invention will now be described in detail through exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that, without further description, elements, structures, and features in one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments.

[0037] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-11 This application will be described in further detail.

[0038] This application discloses a watertight connector.

[0039] Example 1 Reference Figures 1 to 2 The watertight connector includes a plug 1, a socket 2, and a locking screw 3. The plug 1 and the socket 2 are mated and plugged in, and then the plug 1 and the socket 2 are further locked by the locking screw 3.

[0040] Among them, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the plug 1 includes a plug housing 11 and a plug core 12. The plug housing 11 is cylindrical and has a plug receiving cavity 111 inside for accommodating the plug core 12. The plug core 12 includes a plug pin 121 and a plug insulating core 122. The end of the plug pin 121 facing the socket 2 is the head, and the other end connecting the cable is the tail. The plug pin 121 is disposed in the plug receiving cavity 111, and the plug insulating core 122 covers the middle section of the plug pin 121. The head and tail of the plug pin 121 are exposed. The shape of the plug insulating core 122 matches the plug receiving cavity 111, fills the middle section of the plug receiving cavity 111, and seals with the inner wall of the plug receiving cavity 111.

[0041] Among them, such as Figures 3 to 5As shown, the socket 2 includes a socket housing 21 and a socket core 22. The socket housing 21 is cylindrical and has a socket receiving cavity 211 inside to accommodate the socket core 22. The socket core 22 includes a socket pin 221 and a socket insulating core 222. The end of the socket pin 221 facing the plug 1 is the head, and the end connecting the cable is the tail. The socket pin 221 is disposed in the socket receiving cavity 211, and the socket insulating core 222 covers the head of the socket pin 221. An insertion hole 223 is provided on the socket insulating core 222 corresponding to the head of the socket pin 221. The shape of the socket insulating core 222 matches the socket receiving cavity 211 and fills the middle section of the socket receiving cavity 211. The outer wall of the end of the socket insulating core 222 facing the tail of the socket pin 221 is sealed to the inner wall of the socket receiving cavity 211. Figure 3 As shown, an annular insertion groove 224 is formed between the end of the socket insulating core 222 near the plug 1 and the inner wall of the socket receiving cavity 211. A insertion sleeve 225 is provided on the plug housing 11 corresponding to the annular insertion groove 224. Two annular sealing grooves 226 are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the insertion sleeve 225, and a first sealing ring 227 is installed in each of the two annular sealing grooves 226. When the plug 1 is inserted into the socket 2, the insertion sleeve 225 is inserted into the annular insertion groove 224, and the first sealing ring 227 seals the insertion sleeve 225 against the socket housing 21. The outer peripheral surface of the annular insertion groove 224 near the end of the plug housing 11 is an outwardly expanding inclined surface 228. The inclined surface 228 serves as a guide structure, guiding the assembly process and achieving automatic alignment, helping the plug 1 to align with the socket 2. When the plug 1 is inserted, it prevents tearing of the lip of the first sealing ring 227 or shearing damage to the edge of the first sealing ring 227 due to sudden changes in initial contact stress.

[0042] like Figures 6 to 8As shown, the plug housing 11 has a first flange 13 on its periphery, and the socket housing 21 has a second flange 23 on its periphery that matches the first flange 13. When the plug 1 and socket 2 are plugged in, the first flange 13 and the second flange 23 are joined to form a triangular prism with a radial cross-section of an equilateral triangle. For aesthetics, neatness, and ease of use, the side edges of the triangular prism are chamfered. The triangular corner of the first flange 13 has a screw limiting hole 31 that matches the locking screw 3, and the second flange 23 has a screw connecting hole 32 corresponding to the screw limiting hole 31. The axial cross-section of both the screw limiting hole 31 and the screw connecting hole 32 is convex. The diameter of the end of the screw limiting hole 31 away from the second flange 23 is larger than the diameter of the other end to match the head shape of the locking screw 3, so that the head of the locking screw 3 is embedded in the first flange 13. The end of the screw connection hole 32 closest to the first flange 13 has a larger diameter than the diameter of the locking screw 3. The end of the screw connection hole 32 furthest from the first flange 13 has a threaded hole for the locking screw 3. A retaining ring 33 is slotted in the middle of the locking screw 3 and fitted with it. The outer diameter of the retaining ring 33 is slightly larger than the diameter of the larger end of the screw connection hole 32.

[0043] During installation, after plug 1 is plugged into socket 2, locking screw 3 is inserted from screw limiting hole 31, anti-disengagement ring 33 enters screw connection hole 32 along with locking screw 3, locking screw 3 is screwed into threaded hole, locking screw 3 connects first flange 13 and second flange 23, so that plug housing 11 and socket housing 21 are locked.

[0044] like Figure 9 As shown, a guide post 34 is provided on the side of the socket housing 21 facing the socket 2, and a guide hole 35 is provided on the socket housing 21 at the position corresponding to the guide post 34. When the plug 1 is plugged into the socket 2, the guide post 34 can be blindly inserted into the guide hole 35.

[0045] The ends opposite to the socket housing 21 and the plug housing 11 are called tails. A first mounting portion 4 extends from the tail of the plug housing 11, and a second mounting portion 5 extends from the tail of the socket housing 21. Both the first mounting portion 4 and the second mounting portion 5 have threads on their outer peripheral surfaces. A plug sealing groove 41 is formed on the end face of the first flange 13 adjacent to the first mounting portion 4, and a plug sealing ring 42 is disposed in the plug sealing groove 41. A socket sealing groove 51 is formed on the end face of the second flange 23 adjacent to the second mounting portion 5, and a socket sealing ring 52 is disposed in the socket sealing groove 51. The first mounting portion 4 and the second mounting portion 5 are threaded, which may be used to connect other components, such as mounting nuts or protective sleeves. This allows for direct connection of the protective sleeve without the need for additional flanges or clamps, thus reinforcing the cable. Alternatively, the plug 1 or socket 2 can be installed on the outer shell or panel of underwater equipment for through-cabin installation.

[0046] In other equivalent embodiments of this application, it is understood that the plug pin 121 can also be installed in the socket insulating core 222, with the shape and size of the socket insulating core 222 appropriately modified to fix the plug pin 121 in the socket receiving cavity 211 of the socket housing 21, and both ends of the plug pin 121 protruding. Accordingly, the socket pin 221 is embedded in the plug insulating core 122, with the shape and size of the plug insulating core 122 appropriately modified to fix the socket pin 221 in the plug receiving cavity 111 within the plug housing 11, and the plug insulating core 122 has an insertion hole for the plug pin 121 to be inserted for electrical connection with the socket pin 221.

[0047] In another equivalent embodiment, the plug pin 121 and the plug insulating core 122 can also be installed as a fixed assembly into the socket receiving cavity 211 of the socket housing 21. Correspondingly, the socket pin 221 and the socket insulating core 222 are installed as a fixed assembly into the plug receiving cavity 111 inside the plug housing 11.

[0048] Similarly, the number of plug pins 121 and socket pins 221 can be the commonly used three-pin type exemplified in the above embodiments, or the commonly used four to six-pin type, with at least one set of male and female pins. After the positions of plug pins 121 and socket pins 221 are interchanged, the plug 1 becomes a flat structure with a solid end, which makes the plug 1 more stable and less prone to damage. At the same time, it increases the number of watertight connector models, which can be applied to a variety of application scenarios, thus increasing the application range of the watertight connector of this application and meeting various usage requirements.

[0049] The watertight connector of this application embodiment is mainly used for connecting cables on underwater equipment, such as underwater thrusters. A mounting nut is connected to the second mounting portion 5 at the tail of the socket housing 21, allowing the connector socket 2 to be installed on the underwater thruster through the hull. A cable is connected to the first mounting portion 4 at the tail of the plug 1, followed by a protective sleeve. The cable is connected to the underwater thruster hull by inserting the plug 1 into the socket 2 and then tightening the locking screw 3. For maintenance and disassembly, the locking screw 3 is loosened using a screwdriver or other suitable tools to disengage from the socket 2. The plug 1 is then pulled out with slight force, separating it from the socket 2 for maintenance and replacement.

[0050] In other embodiments of this application, the positions of the screw limiting hole 31 and the screw connecting hole 32 can be interchanged. For example, the screw limiting hole 31 can be located on the plug 1, and the screw connecting hole 32 can be located on the socket 2, which can also achieve the function of locking the plug 1 and the socket 2 with the locking screw 3. Similarly, swapping the positions of the socket pin 221 and the plug pin 121 on the outer casing can also achieve the function and effect of conducting electricity after the plug pin 121 and the socket pin 221 are connected in this application.

[0051] This application embodiment improves the sealing performance of watertight connectors and facilitates their disassembly and maintenance. The watertight connector employs a nested cavity and a double-ring sealing structure combined with a 228-degree bevel guide design to form a uniformly pressurized double-sealing interface, effectively blocking circumferential water seepage paths. The use of an equilateral triangular flange and anti-loosening locking screw 3 increases the effective connection side length while enabling tool-free quick assembly and disassembly. Structurally, the integrated through-hull threaded interface eliminates the need for flange clamps, and neutral shaft stress optimization enhances bending strength. It combines waterproofing with a compact layout, significantly improving environmental adaptability and maintenance efficiency in harsh environments such as underwater equipment and marine circuits.

[0052] Example 2 Based on the above embodiment one, the differences in this embodiment are as follows: like Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, an expansion groove 6 is also provided between the two annular sealing grooves 226, and a water-swellable rubber ring 7 is provided in the expansion groove 6. The water-swellable rubber ring 7 is a sealing ring that expands when it comes into contact with water, filling the sealing gap. When the two main first sealing rings 227 fail and leak water, water enters the cavity between the two first sealing rings 227 and comes into contact with the water-swellable rubber ring 7. The water-swellable rubber ring 7 forms a compensating sealing structure in the middle, which can prevent the first sealing rings 227 from failing dynamically.

[0053] A magnet 8 is embedded at the end of the guide post 34, and a magnetic sleeve 9 is provided on the inner wall of the guide hole 35. The magnetic sleeve 9 attracts the magnet 8. When the plug 1 and the socket 2 are plugged in, the magnetic force automatically attracts and aligns them, and the guide post 34 can be blindly inserted into the guide hole 35. Combined with the magnetic guide post 34 supporting blind insertion and alignment, the single operation time is shortened by seconds.

[0054] This embodiment can be applied to the connection between underwater cables. After the plug pins 121 and socket pins 221 of the watertight connector are connected to the cable head, a vulcanized rubber head is formed. Then, protective sleeves are connected to the first mounting portion 4 and the second mounting portion 5 at both ends, achieving a reliable connection between the plug 1, socket 2, and the cable head. Finally, inserting the plug 1 into the socket 2 and tightening the locking screw 3 completes the reliable connection of the two cables.

[0055] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A watertight connector, characterized by It includes a plug (1), a socket (2) and a locking screw (3), wherein the plug (1) includes a plug housing (11) and a plug core (12), and the socket (2) includes a socket housing (21) and a socket core (22); The plug housing (11) has a plug receiving cavity (111) inside, and a first flange (13) is provided on the periphery of the plug housing (11). The plug core (12) is disposed in the plug receiving cavity (111). The socket housing (21) has a socket receiving cavity (211) inside, and a second flange (23) matching the first flange (13) is provided on the periphery of the socket housing (21). The socket core (22) is disposed in the socket receiving cavity (211). The socket core (22) has an annular insertion groove (224) between the end of the plug (1) near the plug and the inner wall of the socket receiving cavity (211). The plug shell (11) is provided with a plug tube (225) corresponding to the annular insertion groove (224). At least one annular sealing groove (226) is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the plug tube (225). A first sealing ring (227) is installed in the annular sealing groove (226). When the plug (1) is inserted into the socket (2), the plug tube (225) is inserted into the annular plug groove (224), the first sealing ring (227) seals the plug tube (225) and the socket housing (21), and the locking screw (3) connects the first flange (13) and the second flange (23) to lock the plug housing (11) and the socket housing (21).

2. A watertight connector according to claim 1, characterized in that The first flange (13) is provided with a screw limiting hole (31) matching the locking screw (3), and the second flange (23) is provided with a screw connecting hole (32) corresponding to the screw limiting hole (31). The diameter of the screw connecting hole (32) near the end of the first flange (13) is larger than the diameter of the locking screw (3), and the end of the screw connecting hole (32) away from the first flange (13) is a threaded hole matching the locking screw (3). The locking screw (3) is fitted with an anti-disengagement ring (33) in the middle, and the outer diameter of the anti-disengagement ring (33) is larger than the inner diameter of the screw limiting hole (31); After the plug (1) is inserted into the socket (2), the locking screw (3) is screwed into the threaded hole.

3. The watertight connector of claim 1, wherein, The second flange (23) is provided with a screw limiting hole (31) that matches the locking screw (3), and the first flange (13) is provided with a screw connecting hole (32) corresponding to the screw limiting hole (31). The diameter of the screw connecting hole (32) near the end of the second flange (23) is larger than the diameter of the locking screw (3), and the end of the screw connecting hole (32) away from the second flange (23) is a threaded hole that matches the locking screw (3). The locking screw (3) is fitted with an anti-disengagement ring (33) in the middle, and the outer diameter of the anti-disengagement ring (33) is larger than the inner diameter of the screw limiting hole (31); After the plug (1) is inserted into the socket (2), the locking screw (3) is screwed into the threaded hole.

4. A watertight connector according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that The first flange (13) and the second flange (23) are both triangular prisms with an equilateral triangular radial cross section, and the screw limiting hole (31) and the screw connecting hole (32) are located at the corner of the triangular prism.

5. The watertight connector of claim 1, wherein, The opposite ends of the socket housing (21) and the plug housing (11) are the tails. The tail of the plug housing (11) extends to a first mounting part (4), and the tail of the socket housing (21) extends to a second mounting part (5). The outer peripheral surfaces of the first mounting part (4) and the second mounting part (5) are both provided with threads.

6. A watertight connector according to claim 5, wherein A plug sealing groove (41) is provided on the end face of the first flange (13) adjacent to the first mounting part (4), and a plug sealing ring (42) is provided in the plug sealing groove (41); A socket sealing groove (51) is provided on the end face of the second flange (23) adjacent to the second mounting part (5), and a socket sealing ring (52) is provided in the socket sealing groove (51).

7. The watertight connector of claim 1, wherein, The outer peripheral surface of the annular insertion groove (224) near the end of the plug housing (11) is an outwardly expanding inclined surface (228).

8. The watertight connector of claim 1, wherein, The plug housing (11) has a guide post (34) on the side facing the socket (2), and the socket housing (21) has a guide hole (35) corresponding to the position of the guide post (34). When the plug (1) is plugged into the socket (2), the guide post (34) is inserted into the guide hole (35).

9. A watertight connector according to claim 8, wherein A magnet (8) is embedded at the end of the guide post (34), and a magnetic sleeve (9) is provided on the inner wall of the guide hole (35), which attracts the magnet (8).

10. The watertight connector of claim 1, wherein, The outer peripheral wall of the plug tube (225) is provided with two annular sealing grooves (226), each of the two annular sealing grooves (226) is filled with a first sealing ring (227), and an expansion groove (6) is provided between the two annular sealing grooves (226), in which a water-swellable rubber ring (7) is provided.

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