Gateway node

Abstract

A connection node for a submarine cable, comprising: a housing disposed between a first connection end and a second connection end; a connection socket disposed to be housed within the housing; and at least one opening disposed within the housing, configured to allow access to the connection socket through the opening, wherein the connection node is configured to be connected in series with a submarine cable via the first and second connection ends.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wet-mate connector for submarine telecommunication cables.

Background Art

[0002] The ocean is generally a harsh environment for electrical assemblies. Salt water, in particular, is extremely harmful due to its corrosive properties. When electrical components such as connector contacts or parts of a metal connector body are exposed to salt water, they will eventually corrode and cause electrical failure. Therefore, submarine connections between submarine cables need to be able to be mated and un-mated within this harsh environment and full ocean pressure.

[0003] A wet-mate connector is a specially designed connector that can be mated or un-mated in a wet environment. In general, wet-mate connectors rely on a watertight seal at the joint, where submarine cables are most vulnerable to water ingress. Preventing water ingress prevents electrical components from coming into contact with seawater, which helps reduce corrosion.

[0004] By enabling safe submarine connection and disconnection of submarine cables, wet-mate connectors greatly reduce the need to bring cables to the sea surface. Wet-mate connectors can shorten installation time and reduce the size of vessels required for cable management.

[0005] Wet-mate connectors have a wide variety of applications such as submarine control modules, umbilical terminations, and junction boxes.

[0006] Generally, when an additional cable is connected to a main submarine cable system, a branch unit assembly can be combined with a wet-mate connector. However, the interface with the main backbone submarine cable generally requires custom solutions that require non-standard communication deployment and installation.

[0007] It is advantageous to provide a simpler mechanism for connecting additional cables to the submarine cable system. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connection node for a submarine cable is provided. The connection node comprises a housing positioned between a first connection end and a second connection end; a connection socket positioned to be housed within the housing; and at least one opening located within the housing, configured to allow access to the connection socket through the opening. The connection node is configured to be connected in series with a submarine cable via the first and second connection ends.

[0009] Connection nodes equipped with connection sockets enable secure submarine connection and disconnection of submarine cables. Connection nodes act to form passive branching units, thereby enabling branching or spar connections to the main submarine cable system. Connection nodes can be used in both relayed and unrelayed backbone submarine cable systems. Connection nodes may be configured to connect to submarine cables using standard telecommunications techniques.

[0010] The connection sockets of the connection nodes provide pre-deployed connection points on the seabed, enabling the connection of supercables or commercial, scientific, or military equipment after the main cables have been laid. .

[0011] The connection node avoids the need to transport submarine cables to the surface and then connect them to the backbone cable. This significantly reduces the deployment and retrieval time of devices and arrays, leading to substantial cost savings.

[0012] Having pre-deployed connection points ready to use also means that connections can be made within a much shorter timeframe. This can, for example, allow connections to be made underwater within limited availability due to tides. This may be particularly relevant in applications where changing currents or wave action may limit access time.

[0013] Preferably, the connection socket is a wet-mating connector. This allows for connection between the connection node and an external connection point in humid environments, particularly in submarine environments. "External" means a connection point that is not part of the connection node, for example, an additional submarine cable or part of scientific or monitoring equipment, but not limited to these.

[0014] In some examples, the connection socket may have a female connector. In other examples, the connection socket may have a male connector. This allows the connection node to be connected to various external connection points. The connection node is not limited to being connected to a particular type of connector.

[0015] Preferably, the connection node may further comprise a pair of optical fibers and a power conductor. The connection socket may be configured to communicate with the submarine cable via the pair of optical fibers and the power conductor. In this way, the pair of optical fibers and the power conductor can provide an optical-electrical connection between the submarine cable and the connection socket.

[0016] In some variations, the optical fiber pair and power conductor may be located within a hose. The hose may be a flexible hose. The hose may be an oil-filled hose. The hose may provide flexibility that allows the connection socket to be removed from the housing. The hose may further provide a pressure-equalizing environment to the optical fiber pair to help it withstand the conditions of the submarine environment.

[0017] The connection node may further include a breakout housing. The breakout housing may be configured to allow the fiber optic pair and power conductors to be isolated from the submarine cable and to form a connection with the connection socket. The breakout housing may provide a sealed environment in which the breakout of the fiber optic pair and power conductors can be safely performed.

[0018] The optical fiber pair and power conductor may be routed through the breakout housing via a flexible link. The flexible link may be located between a first partition and a second partition within the breakout housing.

[0019] The breakout housing may be positioned between the housing and the connection end of the connecting node. Preferably, the breakout housing may be positioned between the housing and the first connection end of the connecting node. This allows the breakout to assist in the axial transmission of cable loads from the submarine cable to the connecting node.

[0020] The first and second connection ends of the connection node may be configured to connect to the first and second universal joints of the submarine cable. This may allow the termination of the cable strength member to be provided using standard cable termination techniques.

[0021] In some variations, the housing may have multiple openings. Each of these openings may be configured to allow access to the connection socket through the opening. This means that access to the connection socket through the opening is independent of the orientation of the connection node.

[0022] At least one opening is provided with a cover. If the housing has multiple openings, one, some, or all of the openings may be provided with a cover. The cover may help reduce silt buildup and prevent foreign matter from entering the housing.

[0023] Preferably, the one or more covers are detachably attached to the housing. This allows the cover to be removed when access to the connection socket is required and reattached when access to the connection socket is not required. In some cases, the one or more covers may be movable between an open position and a closed position. In this case, the one or more covers may be attached to the housing. This may prevent the cover from being lost or misplaced, particularly while the connection socket is being accessed.

[0024] The housing may be provided with a dummy connection point configured to receive a connection socket. This may make it possible to reliably and safely store the connection socket in the housing when the connection socket is not in use.

[0025] In some examples, the connection node may further include a frame. The frame may be configured to support at least a part of the connection socket within the housing. The frame supports the connection socket within the connection node to stably hold the connection socket relative to the connection node.

[0026] Preferably, the frame includes at least one arm having a slot and a socket support. The socket support may be configured to receive the connection socket, and may further be configured to move along the slot. The socket support may facilitate movement of the connection socket. The socket support may allow the connection socket to move between a storage position where the connection socket is located within the housing and a deployed position where the connection socket extends at least partially through the opening of the housing.

[0027] Throughout the present disclosure, the connection node may also be referred to as a gateway node.

[0028] The connection node further comprises a multi-axis joint configured to enable multi-directional movement of the connection socket. Preferably, the multi-axis joint is a ball socket joint. The multi-axis joint may be configured to enable movement in three different directions.

[0029] The multi-axis joint may comprise a frame having at least one slot arranged to enable movement of the connection socket along the slot. The frame may be referred to as a mounting ball. The frame may have a curved outer surface. The frame may have a rounded outer surface. The outer surface of the frame may facilitate smooth movement of the connection socket.

[0030] The connection node may comprise a socket support configured to support the connection socket. The connection node may be connected to an end of the socket support. The socket support may be configured to move along the slot to cause movement of the connection socket.

[0031] The multi-axis joint may comprise a disk portion having a curved surface complementary to the curved outer surface of the frame. The disk portion may be sized and shaped to smoothly slide on the outer surface of the frame to facilitate smooth movement of the connection socket.

[0032] Preferably, the socket support may be configured to pass through a hole in the disk portion. The hole may be a central hole. The socket support may be arranged to abut against a part of the disk portion. The socket support may be arranged to abut against the periphery of the hole in the disk portion.

[0033] The frame may comprise a plurality of slots, preferably three slots. The plurality of slots are preferably equally spaced from each other around the frame.

[0034] The connection node may further include a second locking mechanism configured to prevent movement of the connection socket in the locked position and to allow movement of the connection socket in the unlocked position.

[0035] The second locking mechanism may include a latch configured to engage with a portion of the multi-axis joint in the locked position. In the unlocked position, the latch may not be engaged with the multi-axis joint.

[0036] The latch may include a ridge configured to engage with the lip of the disc when the second locking mechanism is in the locked position.

[0037] The latch may include a release portion configured to disengage the latch from a portion of the multi-axis joint. The latch may also include a release portion configured to disengage a ridge from the lip of the disk portion. The release portion may be called a leaf. The release portion or leaf may include a ridge.

[0038] The release portion may be a leaf spring. Preferably, the leaf spring may include a bias, for example, resulting from the material from which the release portion is manufactured, so that the second locking mechanism is biased to the locked position.

[0039] The cover may include a first locking mechanism configured to prevent the cover from being removed from the housing when the first locking mechanism is in the locked position, and to allow the cover to be removed from the housing when the first locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.

[0040] The first locking mechanism may include a rotatable locking element configured to adjust the first locking mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position. The rotatable locking element may be in the form of an actuator.

[0041] The rotatable locking element may have a receiving slot configured to accept a locking key.

[0042] The first locking mechanism may include at least one locking pin configured to engage with a portion of the housing when the first locking mechanism is in the locked position. When the first locking mechanism is in the locked position, the locking pin may be in the locked state. When the first locking mechanism is in the unlocked position, the locking pin may be in the unlocked state.

[0043] The rotatable locking element may have at least one cam profile with steep and inclined sides. The cam profile may be called a cam face or simply a cam.

[0044] At least one locking pin is preferably configured to engage with at least one cam profile when the first locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.

[0045] The first locking mechanism may include a biasing element configured to bias the first locking mechanism to the unlocked position. The biasing element may be configured to bias the lock pin to its unlocked state. The biasing element may be configured to bias the lock pin toward the unlocked position.

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will be described merely as examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0047] [Figure 1] An example of connected nodes is shown. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view of a portion of the connected nodes is shown. [Figure 3] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 4] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 5] This shows an example use case for a connected node. [Figure 6] Here is another exemplary use case for a connected node. [Figure 7] Here is another exemplary use case for a connected node. [Figure 8] Another example of connected nodes is shown. [Figure 9] Other example connection nodes are shown. [Figure 10a] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 10b] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 11a] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 11b] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 12] This shows a portion of the joints of the connected nodes. [Figure 13a] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 13b] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 14a] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 14b] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 15] This shows the coverage of the connected nodes. [Figure 16] Indicates the connected node. [Figure 17a] This shows the coverage of the connected nodes. [Figure 17b] This shows the coverage of the connected nodes. [Figure 18a] This shows the coverage of the connected nodes. [Figure 18b] This shows the coverage of the connected nodes. [Figure 19] This shows the connected nodes and coverage. [Figure 20a] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 20b] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 21] This shows a part of the locking mechanism. [Figure 22] This shows a part of the locking mechanism. [Figure 23a] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 23b] This shows some of the connected nodes. [Figure 24a] This shows a part of the locking mechanism. [Figure 24b]This shows a part of the locking mechanism. [Figure 25] This shows the connected nodes and sockets. [Figure 26] This shows a part of the locking mechanism. [Figure 27] This shows a part of the locking mechanism. [Figure 28] This shows the connected nodes and sockets. [Figure 29] This shows the connected nodes and sockets. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] Figure 1 shows an exemplary connection node 2 used with a submarine cable. The connection node 2 comprises a housing 4 positioned between a first connection end 6 and a second connection end 8. The connection node 2 further comprises a connection socket 10 positioned to be housed within the housing 4. An opening 12 is located within the housing 4 and is configured to allow access to the connection socket 10 through the opening 12. The connection node 2 is configured to connect in series with the submarine cable via the first and second connection ends 6 and 8.

[0049] The connection node 2 is a form of wet mating connector in that it provides an environmentally isolated connection point via the connection socket 10. The connection socket 10 allows a connection to be made between the main submarine cable system and additional cables or components branching off from the main system.

[0050] The connection node 2 typically provides a wet-mating hybrid optical / power interface or optical-only / power-only interface within a standard submarine telecommunications cable, utilizing non-illuminated or dedicated fibers (e.g., up to four fiber pairs). The connection nodes 2 can be deployed in series, similar to standard submarine telecommunications repeaters, without requiring specialized equipment. Once installed on the seabed, the connection nodes 2 may be accessed by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that can connect to external equipment or other telecommunications cables on demand via the connection socket 10.

[0051] Here, we will provide further details about connected node 2.

[0052] The first and second connecting ends 6 and 8 are respectively connected to the main submarine cable via a universal joint termination point 14. Thus, the connecting node 2 utilizes a standard cable termination based on universal joint technology to provide termination of the cable strength member.

[0053] The bend limiters 16 are located at both ends of the connection node 2 between the connection node 2 and the submarine cable to limit the bending radius of the cable. This helps prevent excessive bending motion and stress in the submarine cable and also helps to transmit the load through the structure of the connection node 2.

[0054] Generally, the power and optical connections between the submarine cable and the connection socket 10 are provided by appropriate cable isolation from the main cable structure within the submarine cable, which is provided by a breakout housing 18 located next to the housing 4 of the connection node 2. Typically, isolation involves isolating the optical fiber pair and power conductors used to form the connection socket 10 from the submarine cable. Axial cable loads are transmitted from the submarine cable to the breakout housing 18 via a bend limiter 16.

[0055] The optical and electrical connection between the universal joint termination 14 and the breakout housing 18 is achieved using a carrier tube 20, as shown in Figure 2. The carrier tube 20 may also be called a pigtail. The carrier tube 20 is a metal carrier tube. This allows the carrier tube 20 to have a dual function by providing both electrical conductivity for the cable power conductors and hydrostatic protection for the interconnected optical fibers. Electrical insulation of the carrier tube 20 is achieved by an external polyethylene (PE) sheath surrounding the carrier tube 20. The sheath is integrated with the universal joint termination insulator by PE overmolding using standard bonding techniques.

[0056] The carrier tube 20 is routed from the submarine cable to the bend limiter 16, where it is free from axial cable loads and protected from external attacks. The carrier tube 20 is then sealed and terminated to a sealed bulkhead at one end of the breakout housing 18 using a custom-made hybrid optical / high-voltage penetration.

[0057] The breakout housing 18 provides an environment for safely extracting a dedicated pair(s) of optical fiber intended for connection to the connection socket 10 and a power conductor for power supply. The breakout housing 18 also routes the remaining optical fiber and power wire for uninterrupted forward transmission.

[0058] All optical fiber and power connections are routed through the breakout housing 18 from one partition 24a to the other partition 24b via a flexible link 22 between the two partitions 24a, 24b within the breakout housing 18. Therefore, at this stage, no dedicated optical fiber pairs (or more) and power conductors for the connection sockets 10 have been taken out yet. Each partition 24a, 24b provides suitable storage for spare optical fibers, splices, and isolated power connections. The first partition 24a at one end of the breakout housing 18 is a standard single ground partition and is a feedthrough using a composite optical / power penetration 28a. The second opposing partition 24b at the other end of the breakout housing 18 is a double feedthrough partition used with both a sealed penetration 26 and a hybrid optical / high voltage penetration 28b. The hybrid optical / high voltage penetration 28b is identical to the penetration 28a used with the first partition 24a. In some variations, the flexible link may be replaced with an internal amplifier unit and appropriate electronic equipment. This may be necessary in examples where additional electronic equipment or amplification is required for communication, such as for communication with sensors.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the second partition 24b of the breakout housing 18, one or more selected optical fiber pairs are routed and connected to the connection socket 10, which forms a wet mating connector, along with power conductors to supply power to the connection socket 10 as needed. The remaining transmission optical fiber pairs 32, along with power wires, are connected to the high-voltage penetration 28b for forward transmission via an extension of the carrier tube 20.

[0060] As already described, the connection node 2 includes a housing 4. The housing 4 is located between the breakout housing 18 and the bend limiter 16 and provides the connection between the breakout housing 18 and the bend limiter 16. This bend limiter 16 includes an additional cable termination similar to those described above for other bend limiters 16.

[0061] Generally, the housing 4 continues axial load transmission between both ends of the submarine cable via the breakout housing 16 and protects both the optical and power paths through the structure of the connection node 2. During deployment and retrieval, the housing 4 provides additional crush protection to the internally mounted connection socket 10.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3, inside the housing 4 and outside the breakout housing 18, the wet mating penetration 26 is connected to the connection socket 10 via an oil-filled pressure-balancing hose 34. The optical fiber pair and power conductors separated from the main submarine cable are located within the hose 34. The oil-filled hose 34 provides sufficient flexibility to allow the connection socket 10 to be removed from the housing 4 so that it can be mated with another external connection point 36, as shown in Figure 4. The connection socket 10 can take the form of a plug (i.e., a male connection point) or a socket (i.e., a female connection point). Mating the connection socket 10 with another cable is typically performed by an ROV. The openings 12 within the housing 4 allow the ROV to access the connection sockets 10 from inside the housing 4. In some cases, multiple openings 12 may be provided around the outer surface of the housing 4 so that the connection nodes 2 do not need to be oriented in a particular way for the ROV to access the connection sockets 10 inside the housing 4. Each opening may also be provided with a cover, which may be removable by the ROV. The cover may reduce silt accumulation and the ingress of foreign matter into the housing 4 until access is needed.

[0063] To ensure that the connection socket 10 is securely housed during the deployment and / or retrieval of the connection node 2, a dummy connection point configured to connect to the connection socket 10 is provided within the housing 4. The housing 4 has sufficient internal space to allow for the storage of the oil-filling hose 34 when the connection socket 10 is not in use.

[0064] The connection socket 10, as shown in at least Figures 1 to 4, is essentially free to float in the sense that it can move around as a result of the flexibility provided by the oil-filled hose 34. Since the connection socket 10 is not held in place, it moves freely within the opening 12 when it is removed from the housing 4 and extends through the opening 12, for example, as shown in Figure 3.

[0065] In an alternative configuration, the connecting socket 10 can be held within a frame 38, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The frame 38 comprises a plurality of support arms 40, each arm 40 having a slot 42 along which a socket support 44 can move. The connecting socket 10 is held within the socket support 44 as shown in Figure 8. The frame 38 abuts against the inner surface of the housing 4 using a plurality of frame legs 46. The socket support 44, which can move along the slot 42, allows the connecting socket 10 to move between the deployed position shown in Figure 8 and the retracted position shown in Figure 9.

[0066] In the deployed position, the socket support 44 moves along one of the slots 42 to allow the connecting socket 10 to extend through the opening 12. The socket support 44 helps hold the connecting socket 10 in a substantially fixed position relative to the connecting node 2, which can help facilitate the connection between the connecting socket 10 and the external connection point 36. Thus, the socket support 44 and frame 38 can help stabilize the connecting socket 10 when it is deployed.

[0067] In the housing position, as shown in Figure 9, the socket support 44 holds the connecting socket substantially centered relative to the frame 38 so that the connecting socket is substantially axially aligned within the connecting node 2. The socket support 44 and frame 38 may help to secure the connecting socket 10 within the housing 4 when the connecting socket 10 is not in use. This may help to prevent damage to the connecting socket 10.

[0068] In summary, connection node 2 provides a wet-mating hybrid power and optical connection port (in the form of a connection socket 10) within the telecommunications cable, and the connection port is deployed in series with the donor system cable without requiring specialized equipment or operation. The proposed series design allows for sheave deployment and port retrieval using both cable drums and linear cable engines (LCEs) without interfering with or delaying the ship's laying speed.

[0069] Connection Node 2 can be thought of as a plug-and-play solution that provides pre-installed connection points for use with a variety of different devices and applications. Connection Node 2 provides pre-deployed connection points on the seabed, which allows for post-layout connection of either supercables or commercial / military assets at a later, convenient time.

[0070] Connection node 2 is primarily designed to be included within a new system to provide a pre-planned connection point within the system. However, connection node 2 may be retrofitted to the cable as needed. Therefore, advantageously, connection node 2 is applicable to both unrelayed and relayed telecommunications cable systems.

[0071] Connection node 2 can be used for several different purposes, some of which will be briefly explained.

[0072] In an exemplary telecommunications application, as shown in Figure 5, the uninterrupted supercable 50 can be connected to the main backbone cable system at a later date via the connection socket 10 of the connection node 2 after the main cable system has been laid. Therefore, for telecommunications applications, the connection node 2 eliminates the need to lay supercables before branch unit deployment for later connections, and thus the supercables can be deployed at a later date as needed.

[0073] In an exemplary scientific application, as shown in Figure 6, data sensors, observatories, or marine monitoring equipment can be connected to the main cable system via the connection socket 10 of connection node 2.

[0074] In an exemplary defense application, as shown in Figure 7, connection node 2 may provide a strategic connection point for coastal defense surveillance equipment or AUV charging and / or underwater communications via connection socket 10 without requiring resurfacing. In a military application, a series deployment of connection nodes 2 would allow for the concealed installation of military equipment without the installation vehicle, such as a ship, having to dock.

[0075] As described in relation to Figures 8 and 9, the connecting socket 10 can be held within a frame 38 having multiple slots 42 along which a socket support 44 can move to move the connecting socket 10 along the slots 42. The frame 38, slots 42, and socket support 44 act like a multi-axis joint, enabling multi-directional movement of the connecting socket 10.

[0076] Another exemplary multi-axis joint 60 is described. Looking at Figure 10a, the connecting socket 10 is connected to the multi-axis joint 60, which is shown as a ball-socket type joint 60. Similar to the previous arrangement, the connecting socket 10 can be accessed through an opening 12 in the housing 4, as shown in Figures 11a and 11b, and can be housed in the housing 4 when not in use (as seen in Figures 10a and 10b). Figure 10b shows a front view of the multi-axis joint 60.

[0077] Referring to Figure 12, the multi-axis joint 60 comprises a curved frame portion 62 having a hemispherical outer surface and a similarly curved disc portion 64. The disc portion 64 has a curve that is complementary to the curved frame portion 62 so that the disc portion 64 can easily slide on the outer surface of the curved frame portion 62.

[0078] Similar to Figures 8 and 9, the connecting socket 10 is mounted on a socket support 44 sized to slide along a plurality of slots 66 within the curved frame portion 62. The socket support 44 passes through the central hole 68 of the disk portion 64, and the lip 70 of the socket support 44 is positioned to abut against a portion 72 of the surface of the disk portion 64. The abutment between the lip 70 and the portion 72 of the disk portion helps prevent the connecting socket 10 from retracting into either the body of the curved frame portion 62 or the slots 66 of the curved frame portion 62, and also helps prevent the connecting socket 10 from getting caught in any part of the curved frame portion 62. The disk portion 64 also passes through the curved frame portion 62 Providing a smooth interface between the outer surface and the inner surface of the disk portion 64 may contribute to the smooth movement of the socket support 44 through the slot 66.

[0079] As partially seen in Figures 12 and 11b, 13a–13b, and 14a–14b, the multi-axis joint 60 has three slots 66 spaced equally apart from each other around a curved frame section 62 that allows the connection socket 10 to move in three different directions. The slots 66 in this arrangement are spaced approximately 120 degrees apart from each other. Each slot 66 is associated with a corresponding opening 12 (not shown in Figures 11b, 13b, and 14b), allowing the connection socket 10 to be accessed by each opening 12. This means that access to the connection socket 10 is independent of the orientation of the connection node 2 on the seabed. Instead, there is always an accessible opening that allows the connection socket 10 to be accessed, regardless of the orientation of the connection node 2.

[0080] The curved frame portion 62 and the three equally spaced slots 66 and three openings 12 around the housing 4 were found to provide an optimized compromise between providing 360-degree access to the connection socket 10 and maintaining the strength and structural integrity of the housing 4, which would otherwise be weakened by the presence of the openings 12. Therefore, the housing 4 preferably has three openings 12 associated with three slots 66, but other numbers of openings 12 and slots 66, such as two or four, are also possible.

[0081] As in the example above, each opening 12 may be provided with a removable cover 74, which can help prevent silt accumulation and foreign matter from entering the housing 4 until access is needed. The removable cover 74 also provides rigidity and structural support to the housing 4 during deployment and retrieval of the connection node 2, protecting the housed connection socket 10 and associated components.

[0082] Figure 11a shows the housing 4 with the cover 74 removed from the top opening 12 (e.g., 0 degrees), allowing access to the connection socket 10 through this opening 12 (as shown in Figure 11b). Figure 11b shows the covers 74 over the remaining two openings (e.g., at 120 degrees and 240 degrees).

[0083] Similarly, Figures 13a and 13b relate to the multi-axis joint 60 with the cover 74 removed in the lower right position (e.g., 120 degrees). Figure 13a shows a front view of the multi-axis joint 60 with the cover 74 to be removed identified in shaded areas to allow access to the connecting socket 10 through its corresponding opening 12 (as shown in Figure 13b). Figures 13a and 13b show the cover 74 over the remaining two openings (e.g., 0 degrees and 240 degrees).

[0084] Similarly, Figures 14a and 14b relate to the multi-axis joint 60 with the cover 74 removed in the lower left position (e.g., 240 degrees). Figure 14a shows a front view of the multi-axis joint 60 with the cover 74 to be removed identified in shaded areas to allow access to the connecting socket 10 through its corresponding opening 12 (as shown in Figure 14b). Figures 14a and 14b show the cover 74 over the remaining two openings (e.g., 0 degrees and 120 degrees).

[0085] The multi-axis joint 60 is equipped with several locking features that help improve the multi-axis joint 60. A first locking mechanism 75 secures each opening 12 to the housing 4, reducing the possibility of the opening 12 accidentally coming loose. A second locking mechanism 102 secures the position of the connection socket 10 when in use, preventing the connection socket 10 from connecting to any additional cables or components. This provides a more stable connection point. These locking mechanisms will be described in order, starting with the first locking mechanism 75.

[0086] As can be seen at least in Figures 15 and 16, each cover 74 is provided with a first locking mechanism 75 which includes a rotatable locking element 76 having a receiving slot 78 that can be used to rotate the locking element 76 between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking element 76 can be actuated by a locking key 82 having a projection 84 sized and shaped to fit into the receiving slot 78. As shown in Figure 16, the projection 84 can be inserted into the receiving slot 78, and then the locking element 76 can be rotated using the locking key 82 to lock and unlock the cover 74 from the housing 4. A handle portion 80 on the cover 74 allows the cover 74 to be easily removed from the housing 4 when it is unlocked.

[0087] The locked position of the first locking mechanism 75 is shown in detail in Figure 17a (showing a cross-section through the side of the first locking mechanism 75) and Figure 17b (showing a view of the first locking mechanism 75 from below). The lower surface of the locking element 76 shown in Figure 17b is provided with a plurality of uniformly spaced cam surfaces 86. Each cam 86 is provided with a steeply sloped side surface 88 and a gently sloping side surface 90.

[0088] Multiple locking pins 92 are positioned on either side of the locking element 76 such that the locking element 76 is positioned between the locking pins 92. The locking pins 92 are biased toward the locking element using a biasing element 94 such that the first end 96 of each locking pin 92 abuts against a portion of the cam 86 of the locking element 76.

[0089] Specifically, as shown in Figures 17a and 17b, when the locking element 76 is in the locked position, the first end 96 of the locking pin 92 abuts against the outermost edge of the inclined side surface 90 of the cam 86. In this position, the second end 98 of the locking pin 92 protrudes through the corresponding hole 100 in the cover 74 and engages with a portion of the housing 4. The second end 98 of the locking pin 92 holds the cover 74 in place. Thus, in the locked position, the locking pin 92 of the locking mechanism 75 engages with the housing 4 to lock the cover 74 in place.

[0090] To unlock the cover 74 from the housing 4, the locking element is rotated using the locking key 82 in the direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 17b, for example. In this example, a 90-degree counterclockwise rotation is shown to move the locking element 76 from the locked position to the unlocked position shown in Figures 18a and 18b.

[0091] As the locking element 76 rotates, the biasing element 94 acting on the locking pin 92 causes the first end 96 of the locking pin 92 to advance along the inclined side surface 90 of the cam 86 until the first end 96 of the locking pin 92 contacts the steep side surface 88 of the cam 86, thereby preventing further rotation of the locking element 76.

[0092] When the first end 96 of the locking pin 92 contacts the steeply sloped side surface 88 of the cam 86, the second end 98 of the locking pin 92 no longer protrudes through the corresponding hole 100 in the cover 74. In this configuration, since the locking pin 92 no longer holds the cover 74 in place, the cover 74 can be removed from the housing 4 (as shown in Figure 19), and the cover 74 is unlocked. Thus, in the unlocked position, the locking pin 92 of the locking mechanism 75 does not engage with the housing 4.

[0093] The design of the locking element 76 provides a simple and effective locking mechanism in which the locking pin 92 easily slides on the gently sloping slide 90 and locks against the steeply sloped side 88. The locking element 76 is machined to provide a plurality of rotating cam surfaces 86 that a biased locking pin 92 follows as the locking element 76 rotates. The first end 96 of the locking pin 92 is shaped to match the contour of the cam 86. In particular, the first end 96 of the locking pin 92 is hemispherical in shape to match the contour of the cam surface within the locking element 76.

[0094] In the illustrated example, two locking pins 92 and two cams 86 are shown. To relock the locking element 76 from the unlocked position, the locking element 76 is simply rotated in the opposite direction (e.g., clockwise) until the locking pins 92 engage with the housing again.

[0095] As described above, the second locking mechanism 102 fixes the position of the connection socket 10 after it has been removed from the housing 4 through the opening 12. The second locking mechanism 102 has an unlocked position, shown in Figures 20a and 20b, in which the connection socket 10 can move via the multi-axis joint 60, and a locked position, shown in at least Figures 23a and 23b, in which the connection socket 10 is fixed in place along one of the slots 66 of the multi-axis joint 60.

[0096] More specifically, the second locking mechanism 102 includes a latch 104, which includes a load-stopping section 106 and a leaf 108. Since each slot 66 of the multi-axis joint 60 is provided with a latch 104, the number of latches 104 in the second locking mechanism 102 is the same as the number of slots 66 in the joint 60. In the illustrated example having three slots 66, three latches 104 are provided.

[0097] The leaf 108 is attached to the base 62 at its first end 107 while its second end 109 is free (as is most commonly seen in Figure 21). The leaf 108 is made of a material that allows it to bend toward the load-retaining section 106 when a force is applied to the second end 109 and return to its original position when the force is removed. In this way, the leaf 108 acts as a leaf spring. The load-retaining section 106, also attached to the base 62, prevents the leaf 18 from being overloaded.

[0098] Each leaf 108 has a ridge 110 configured to engage with a lip 112 extending around the disk portion 64. Specifically, referring to Figures 20a and 20b, when the connecting socket 10 is desired for use, the socket support 44 moves along one of the slots 66 to remove the connecting socket 10 from the housing 4. As the socket support 44 moves along the slot 66, the lip 112 of the disk portion 64 moves along a portion of the length of the leaf 108 from the first end 107 to the second end 109, as shown in Figure 21. At this point, the lip 112 has not yet reached the ridge 110, so the socket support 44 can continue to move in both directions along the slot 66. Since the socket support 44, and therefore the connecting socket 10, is still movable, the second locking mechanism 102 and latch 104 are in the unlocked position.

[0099] As shown in Figure 22, when the socket support 44 moves sufficiently far along the length of the slot 66, the lip 112 of the disk portion 64 moves sufficiently far along the length of the leaf 108 so that the lip 112 engages with the ridge 110, as shown in Figures 23a and 23b. In this configuration, movement of the socket support 44 in the opposite direction toward the center of the joint 60 is prevented, and thus the connecting socket is held in place by the engagement between the lip 112 and the ridge 110. Here the second locking mechanism 102 and latch 104 are in the locked position. In this way, when a part of the multi-axis joint 60 engages with a part of the second locking mechanism 102, the connecting socket 10 is locked in place. The locked position is shown again in Figures 24a and 24b. In this locked position, additional cables can be added as needed. The wire or component can be connected to or disconnected from the connection socket 10.

[0100] In order to accommodate the connecting socket 10, the second locking mechanism 102 must first be unlocked so that when not in use, the socket support 44 retracts along the slot 66 and the connecting socket 10 returns to the housing 4.

[0101] As shown in Figure 26, a force is applied to the second end 109 of the leaf to unlock the second locking mechanism 102, causing the lip 112 to disengage from the ridge 110. When the disc portion 64 is no longer engaged with any part of the latch 104, the lip 112 retracts freely along the length of the leaf 108 toward the first end 107, as shown in Figure 27. The socket support 44 can be returned along the slot 66, allowing the connecting socket 10 to be returned to the housing 4, as shown in Figure 28. The opening cover 74 can be replaced, as shown in Figure 29.

[0102] The process of deploying and retracting the connection socket 10, including the operation of the first and second locking mechanisms, can be summarized as follows:

[0103] To deploy the connection socket 10, access to the appropriate opening 12 (determined based on the orientation of the connection node 2) must be obtained by removing its cover 74. This is achieved by inserting a locking key 82 and rotating a locking element 76, which allows a biased locking pin 92 to disengage a portion of the housing 4. The cover 74 can then be lifted away from the housing 4 using the handle portion 80 as needed, exposing the connection socket 10 through the opening 12. The connection socket 10 can be gripped and manipulated to rotate around the multi-axis joint 60. The socket support 44 slides along the appropriate slot 66 until the latch 104 engages and the second locking mechanism 102 is locked. The connection socket 10 is now in its operational state and can make an external subsea connection to equipment or cable infrastructure.

[0104] To return the connecting socket 10 to its housing configuration, the second locking mechanism 102 is unlocked by disengaging the latch 104, allowing the connecting socket 10 to rotate around the multi-axis joint and return to the housing 4. Once the connecting socket 10 is back in the housing 4, the cover 74 can be repositioned and locked in place by rotating the locking element 76 using the locking key 82, thereby engaging the locking pin 92 with the housing 4.

[0105] The operation of the lock key 82, the removal and repositioning of the cover 74, and the operation of the connection socket 10 are performed by the ROV.

[0106] In some examples, a loopback connector 120 is provided at connection node 2, which mates with connection socket 10 and is configured to be stored in housing 4 when connection socket 10 is not in use. Before use of connection socket 10, the loopback connector 120 can be removed by the ROV and then repositioned after use.

Claims

1. A connection node for submarine cables, A housing positioned between the first connecting end and the second connecting end, A connection socket is arranged to be housed within the aforementioned housing, An opening located within the housing, wherein the opening is configured to allow access to the connection socket through the opening, Equipped with, The connection node is configured to be connected in series with the submarine cable via the first connection end and the second connection end, A connection node further comprising a multi-axis joint configured to allow multi-directional movement of the connection socket.

2. The connection node according to claim 1, wherein the connection socket is a wet mating connector.

3. The connection node according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the connection socket comprises a female connection portion.

4. The connection node according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the connection socket comprises a male connection portion.

5. The connection node according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a pair of optical fibers and a power conductor, wherein the connection socket is configured to communicate with a submarine cable via the pair of optical fibers and the power conductor.

6. The connection node according to claim 5, wherein the optical fiber pair and power conductor are located inside the hose.

7. The connection node according to claim 6, wherein the hose is a flexible hose.

8. The connection node according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the hose is an oil-filled hose.

9. The connection node according to any one of claims 5 to 8, further comprising a breakout housing, wherein the breakout housing is configured to allow the optical fiber pair and power conductors to be isolated from the submarine cable and to form a connection with the connection socket.

10. The connecting node according to claim 9, wherein the optical fiber pair and power conductor are routed through the breakout housing via a flexible link.

11. The connection node according to claim 10, wherein the flexible link is located between a first bulkhead and a second bulkhead within the breakout housing.

12. The connection node according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the breakout housing is positioned between the housing and the first connection end of the connection node.

13. The connection node according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first and second connection ends are configured to connect to first and second universal joints of a submarine cable.

14. The connection node according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of openings, and each of the plurality of openings is configured to allow access to the connection socket through the opening.

15. The connection node according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the at least one opening is provided with a cover.

16. The connection node according to claim 15, wherein the cover is detachably attached to the housing.

17. The connection node according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the housing comprises a dummy connection point configured to receive the connection socket.

18. The connecting node according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the multi-axis joint is preferably a ball-socket type joint configured to allow movement in three different directions.

19. The connection node according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the multi-axis joint comprises a frame having at least one slot arranged to allow movement of the connection socket along the slot.

20. The connection node according to claim 19, further comprising a socket support configured to support the connection socket and further configured to move along the slot to cause movement of the connection socket.

21. The connecting node according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the multi-axis joint further comprises a disc portion having a curved surface complementary to the curved outer surface of the frame.

22. The connection node according to claim 22, wherein the socket support is configured to pass through the hole in the disk portion and contact a part of the disk portion.

23. The connection node according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of slots, preferably three slots, and the plurality of slots are spaced equally apart from each other around the frame.

24. The connection node according to any one of claims 19 to 23, further comprising a second locking mechanism configured to prevent movement of the connection socket in a locked position and to allow movement of the connection socket in an unlocked position.

25. The connection node according to claim 24, wherein the second locking mechanism comprises a latch configured to engage with a portion of the multi-axis joint in the locked position.

26. The connection node according to claim 25, wherein the latch comprises a ridge configured to engage with the lip of the disk portion when the second locking mechanism is in the locked position.

27. The connecting node according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the latch comprises a release portion configured to disengage the latch from the portion of the multi-axis joint.

28. The connecting node according to claim 27, wherein the release portion is a leaf spring.

29. The connecting node according to claim 28, wherein the leaf spring includes a biasing force such that the second locking mechanism is biased to the locked position.

30. The connection node according to any one of claims 16 to 29, wherein the cover comprises a first locking mechanism configured to prevent the cover from being removed from the housing when the first locking mechanism is in a locked position, and to allow the cover to be removed from the housing when the first locking mechanism is in an unlocked position.

31. The connection node according to claim 30, wherein the first locking mechanism comprises a rotatable locking element configured to adjust the first locking mechanism between the locked position and the unlocked position.

32. The connection node according to claim 31, wherein the rotatable locking element comprises a receiving slot configured to receive a locking key.

33. The connection node according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the first locking mechanism comprises at least one locking pin configured to engage with a portion of the housing when the first locking mechanism is in the locked position.

34. The connecting node according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the rotatable locking element comprises at least one cam profile having a steep side and an inclined side.

35. The connection node according to claim 34, wherein the at least one locking pin is configured to engage with the at least one cam profile when the first locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.

36. The connection node according to any one of claims 30 to 35, wherein the first locking mechanism comprises a biasing element configured to bias the first locking mechanism to the unlocked position.

37. The connection node according to claim 36, wherein the biasing element is configured to bias the lock pin toward the unlocked position of the lock pin.

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