Method for assembling Underwater Connector and Cable and Assembly of Underwater Connector and Cable Produced by the Method

Abstract

A method for joining an underwater connector and a cable, and an underwater connector and cable assembly manufactured by the method are disclosed. The disclosed method comprises the steps of: joining a conductor of a cable to a pin of a connector (a); joining a mold having microholes formed therein to the connector and the cable (b); injecting a silicone adhesive into the mold having microholes formed therein (c); curing the silicone adhesive to form a silicone waterproof body (d); and joining a tube covering the mold, a part of the connector, and a part of the cable without removing the mold (e). According to the disclosed assembly and method, good waterproof performance can be maintained even when subjected to water pressure due to moisture penetration, and elastic silicone can be used as the base material of the waterproof body to prevent insulation breakdown of the pin of the connector or the cable conductor due to water pressure.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and cable assembly and a method for manufacturing the same, and more specifically, to an underwater connector and cable assembly having an enhanced waterproof function underwater and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0003] It is a connector used for signal transmission in marine equipment such as underwater connectors and submarines. The underwater connector is connected to a cable, and the assembly combining the underwater connector and the cable requires good waterproof performance.

[0004] The underwater connector includes multiple pins, and each pin is connected to a conductor contained in the cable. The connection between the connector pins and the cable conductors is achieved by a joining method such as soldering.

[0005] For example, if communication between the first device and the second device is required underwater, the connector provided in the first device and the cable connected to the second device are combined.

[0006] Previously, epoxy waterproofing was used to waterproof connectors and cable assemblies.

[0007] A mold was attached to the connection part of the connector and cable assembly, and epoxy adhesive was injected into the mold and cured, after which the mold was removed to form a waterproof structure of the connector and cable assembly.

[0008] However, there were limitations to the waterproofing performance of connectors and cable assemblies using conventional epoxy waterproofing materials. When connectors and cable assemblies were placed underwater and used for an extended period, a problem arose where insulation performance gradually deteriorated. Over time, moisture eventually enters; when the cable assembly is submerged below sea level, water pressure builds up, compressing the cable. Consequently, the incoming moisture moves toward the connector, causing an increase in humidity in that area.

[0009] Even if a waterproof structure is formed by epoxy, if moisture penetration occurs due to prolonged use, cables, wires, soldering points, and pins located inside the epoxy emitter will be subjected to significant pressure. Due to this pressure, the elements located within the epoxy waterproofing material may shrink.

[0010] However, since epoxy itself is a very rigid material, its shape does not change due to water pressure even if moisture penetrates it. Consequently, when pressure is generated by moisture penetration, a gap forms between the epoxy waterproofing layer and the elements located inside it, leading to the problem of even more moisture penetrating. Under water pressure, elements inside the epoxy waterproofing layer, such as cable conductors, contract, but the epoxy itself is unaffected by the pressure, resulting in the gap expanding further.

[0011] Although electrical insulation must be ensured for the connector and the cable wires connected to each pin, a problem occurred where the electrical insulation was eventually destroyed due to moisture penetration during prolonged use. The problem to be solved

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention propose a method for manufacturing an underwater connector and cable assembly capable of maintaining good waterproof performance even when affected by moisture penetration due to water pressure, and an underwater connector and cable assembly manufactured by said method.

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention propose a method for manufacturing an underwater connector and cable assembly capable of preventing insulation breakdown of the connector pins or cable conductors due to water pressure by using elastic silicone as the base material of a waterproof body, and an underwater connector and cable assembly manufactured by said method. means of solving the problem

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an underwater connector and cable assembly is provided, comprising the steps of: (a) combining a conductor of a cable with a pin of a connector; (b) combining a mold having a microhole formed therein with the connector and the cable; (c) injecting a silicone adhesive into the mold having the microhole formed therein; (d) curing the silicone adhesive to form a silicone waterproof body; and (e) combining a tube covering the mold, a part of the connector and a part of the cable without removing the mold.

[0017] The mold with the above-mentioned micro-holes is a mold made of a flexible nonwoven fabric.

[0018] The above tube includes an EPDM tube.

[0019] The EPDM tube includes a boot portion, the first boot portion extends from the combined end portion of the mold and the cable, and the second boot portion extends from the combined end portion of the mold and the connector.

[0020] The above method further includes the step (f) of filling urethane between the EPDM tube and the cable at the combined end of the EPDM tube and the cable.

[0021] The above method further includes the step (e) of compressing the EPDM tube, and compressing at least a portion of the EPDM tube by combining a compression means.

[0022] Step (e) above compresses the EPDM tube using a compression wire.

[0023] The above compression wire is coupled to the EPDM tube to compress the boot portion of the EPDM tube, the area adjacent to the connection area of ​​the pin of the connector and the wire, and the area where the cable branches.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, an underwater connector and cable assembly is provided, comprising: a connector having a plurality of pins; a connector including a plurality of conductors, each of which is coupled to a pin of the connector; a mold coupled to the connector and the cable, having a cavity formed inside and a microhole formed on its surface; a silicone waterproofing material located inside the mold and providing a waterproofing function for the plurality of conductors and the plurality of pins; and a tube covering the mold, a part of the connector, and a part of the cable. Effects of the invention

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, good waterproofing performance can be maintained even when subjected to water pressure due to moisture penetration, and there is an advantage in that elastic silicone is used as the base material of the waterproofing body to prevent insulation breakdown of the connector pins or cable wires due to water pressure. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating the overall flow of a method for manufacturing an underwater connector and a cable assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the state in which the pins of an underwater connector and the conductors of a cable are connected according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the side structure of a nonwoven fabric mold according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the surface portion of a nonwoven fabric mold according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the state of a silicone adhesive liquid being injected into a nonwoven fabric mold according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a structure in which EPDM tubes are joined after silicone curing is completed according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the state in which urethane filling is completed according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the state in which an EPDM tube according to one embodiment of the present invention is compressed through a compression wire. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] In order to fully understand the present invention, the operational advantages of the present invention, and the objectives achieved by the implementation of the present invention, reference must be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and the contents described in the accompanying drawings.

[0030] The present invention will be described in detail below by explaining preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described. Furthermore, to clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same components.

[0031] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as “comprising” a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as “...part,” “...unit,” “module,” and “block” as used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating the overall flow of a method for manufacturing an underwater connector and a cable assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, first, the pins of the prepared connector and the wires of the cable are connected (step 100).

[0034] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the state in which the pins of an underwater connector and the conductors of a cable are connected according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the connector (200) includes a housing (210) and a plurality of pins (220). The housing (210) functions to protect the internal components of the connector (200). The housing (210) may be made of a metal material or a dielectric material.

[0036] An insulator (not shown) is present inside the housing, and the insulator secures a plurality of pins (220). The plurality of pins (220) protrude from the insulator, and the protruding parts of the pins (220) are coupled with the conductors of the cable.

[0037] A plurality of pins (220) are made of metal. The number of pins can be set in various ways, and signals are transmitted independently through each pin, and if the insulation of the pins is not ensured, distortion of the signals transmitted through each pin occurs.

[0038] The cable (300) includes a plurality of conductors, and at the connection portion with the pin (220) of the connector (200), the plurality of conductors (310) included in the cable (300) are exposed. The plurality of conductors (310) branch off at specific points and are electrically connected to the pin (220) of the connector (200). To make the electrical connection with the pin (200), the end covering of the plurality of conductors (310) is removed. The number of conductors (310) of the cable (300) may be equal to the number of pins (220) of the connector (200).

[0039] Each conductor (310) of the cable (300) is electrically connected by being coupled to a pin (220) of a corresponding connector. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the coupling between the conductor (310) of the cable and the pin (200) of the connector can be achieved by soldering. The pin (220) and the conductor (310) can be connected by a method of applying solder liquid to the coupling portion of the pin (220) and the conductor (310) and curing it.

[0040] The pins (220) and wires (310) of the combined connector must not be exposed underwater. In the past, a waterproof body made of epoxy material was combined through molding to prevent the pins (220) and wires (310) of the connector from being exposed underwater and to prevent moisture penetration.

[0041] However, as seen in the background technology, over time moisture eventually penetrates into the interior, and the waterproof structure made of epoxy molding had a problem in that it could not provide proper waterproofing performance when the internal pins (220) and wires (310) were subjected to pressure due to moisture penetration.

[0042] Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention proposes a new method for forming a waterproof structure using silicone, which is a different material. Unlike epoxy, silicone is an elastic material and can provide more efficient waterproofing performance compared to epoxy, even if moisture penetrates over time.

[0043] Unlike epoxy, silicone possesses elasticity and contracts due to this elasticity when subjected to hydrostatic pressure caused by infiltrated moisture. When using epoxy, there was a problem where gaps expanded because the epoxy itself did not change even if cables or wires contracted due to hydrostatic pressure. However, when a waterproof structure is formed using silicone, the elastic silicone contracts along with the cables and wires even if they contract due to hydrostatic pressure. Consequently, gaps do not expand in the connection area between the cable and connector that is encased by the silicone, enabling the use of the connector and cable assembly underwater while maintaining good waterproof performance for a longer period.

[0044] Previously, a waterproof structure was formed by injecting epoxy after attaching a mold to the connection point between the connector and the cable assembly; however, if silicone is used as the standard material for the waterproof structure, it is impossible to form a waterproof structure using such a conventional mold. Silicone adhesives cure only upon contact with air, but since conventional molds maintain a sealed structure, silicone could not be cured inside the mold; for this reason, silicone could not be used for waterproofing in the connector and cable assembly.

[0045] The present invention proposes a new type of mold capable of curing silicone, and the mold used to form a silicone waterproof structure in the present invention is a mold having a plurality of micro-holes. Preferably, it is desirable to use a mold having flexibility and a plurality of micro-holes. As a specific embodiment, a mold made of non-woven fabric may be used.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the side structure of a nonwoven fabric mold according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 3, the side of the nonwoven fabric mold according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a truncated structure, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] A hole is formed inside the nonwoven fabric mold, and in FIG. 3, the left side (410) is the part that is connected to the connector, and the right side (420) is the part that is connected to the cable. Since the diameter of the cable (300) is relatively smaller than the diameter of the connector (200), the size of the end of the nonwoven fabric mold is also different.

[0049] In the nonwoven fabric mold of the present invention, the inner diameter of the left part (410) coupled to the connector is set to correspond to the diameter of the connector, and the inner diameter of the right part (420) coupled to the cable is set to correspond to the diameter of the cable.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a nonwoven fabric mold can be easily produced through a molding operation on the nonwoven fabric, and the nonwoven fabric mold may be made of multiple layers of nonwoven fabric or may be made of a single layer of nonwoven fabric.

[0051] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the surface portion of a nonwoven fabric mold according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, a number of micro-holes (450) are formed due to the characteristics of the nonwoven fabric. Air can be introduced into the mold through the number of micro-holes, and the silicone adhesive can be cured with the introduced air. In addition, due to the sticky nature of the silicone adhesive, the silicone adhesive is not released through the micro-holes (450).

[0053] Referring again to FIG. 1, a nonwoven fabric mold with microholes formed therein is combined with the mold of the connector and cable assembly, and then a silicone adhesive is injected into the mold (step 110).

[0054] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the state in which a silicone adhesive liquid is injected into a nonwoven fabric mold according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 5, after joining the nonwoven fabric mold (400), a silicone adhesive liquid (500) is injected into the nonwoven fabric mold (400). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the silicone adhesive liquid (500) can be injected into the gap between the silicone and the nonwoven fabric mold (400). Of course, the injection part or injection method of the silicone adhesive liquid (500) may be different, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such changes fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0056] The interior of the nonwoven fabric mold (400) is filled with silicone adhesive (500), and each pin (220) of the connector (200) and each wire of the cable (300) are electrically insulated from each other by the silicone adhesive (500).

[0057] Since a nonwoven fabric mold (400) with micro-holes is used, air can be introduced into the nonwoven fabric mold (400), and the silicone adhesive liquid hardens after a predetermined time has elapsed (step 120).

[0058] The nonwoven fabric mold is not removed even after the silicone adhesive (500) is completely cured. Unlike conventional methods for manufacturing epoxy waterproof structures, the nonwoven fabric mold (400) of the present invention is not removed even after the silicone adhesive (500) is cured. Since the nonwoven fabric is lightweight and flexible, its performance is not affected even if it is not removed. As the silicone adhesive (500) is cured, a silicone waterproof body is formed.

[0059] Once the silicone adhesive is fully cured, the tubes are joined (step 130). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the EPDM tubes can be joined to the connector and cable assembly after the silicone curing is complete. Of course, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the material of the tubes can be different, but it is preferable to use tubes having an elastic material.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a structure in which EPDM tubes are combined after silicone curing is completed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, after silicone curing is completed within the nonwoven mold (400) and a silicone waterproof body is formed, the EPDM tube (600) is joined without removing the nonwoven mold (400).

[0062] The EPDM tube (600) primarily prevents moisture from entering the silicone waterproofing material combined with the connector and cable.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 6, an EPDM tube is connected to the upper part of the nonwoven mold (400), as well as to the connection part of the silicone spinneret (510, cured silicone) and the cable, or to the connection part of the silicone waterproofing body (510) and the connector. To this end, the length of the EPDM tube (600) is set to be longer than the length of the nonwoven mold (400). In particular, the EPDM tube (600) includes a boot portion and has a longer length than the nonwoven mold (400) due to the boot portion.

[0064] In FIG. 6, the AA' region and the BB' region of the EPDM tube (600) correspond to the first boot portion and the second boot portion, respectively, and the boot portions extend longitudinally from the body of the EPDM tube. Even though a silicone waterproofing body is formed by curing a silicone adhesive, there is a possibility that moisture may penetrate through the connection end between the silicone waterproofing body (510) and the cable (300) and the connection end between the silicone radiator (510) and the connector (200). To prevent such moisture penetration, the boot portion of the EPDM tube (600) is connected to the cable and the connector. The second boot portion extends from the connection end between the silicone waterproofing body and the cable, and the second boot portion extends from the connection end between the connector and the silicone waterproofing body to block the inflow of moisture into the silicone waterproofing body.

[0065] Meanwhile, the EPDM tube (600) also performs the function of protecting the silicone waterproof body (510), cable (300), and connector (200).

[0066] Referring again to FIG. 1, urethane is filled into the combined tube (step 140).

[0067] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the state in which urethane filling is completed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] In particular, urethane filling can be performed on the boot portion of the EPDM tube. Urethane (700) is filled into the gap between the boot portion of the EPDM tube and the cable or connector to prevent moisture from entering as much as possible.

[0069] In addition, using urethane as a filler is merely one example, and fillers of other materials may also be used.

[0070] When the urethane filling is completed, the EPDM tube is compressed (step 150). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the EPDM tube is compressed using a compression wire. Compression of the EPDM tube by the compression wire is a characteristic structure of the present invention, and since a silicone material is used as the waterproofing material, it is possible to improve waterproofing performance through the compression wire.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the state in which an EPDM tube according to one embodiment of the present invention is compressed through a compression wire. FIG. 8 is the final structure of a connector and cable assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Since the EPDM tube (600), nonwoven mold (400), and silicone waterproofing body (500) all have elasticity, when compressed through the compression wire (800), pressure is applied to the silicone waterproofing body (500) and it contracts, thereby eliminating gaps that may occur during the curing process and preventing moisture penetration more effectively.

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compression wire can be wound around the boot portion of the EPDM tube, the area adjacent to the soldering area of ​​the pin (210) and the wire (310) of the connector, and the area where the cable branches, thereby applying compression to the EPDM tube.

[0074] Of course, compression could also be applied through compression means other than compression wires.

[0075] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom.

[0076] Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical concept of the appended claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for manufacturing an underwater connector and cable assembly comprising: a step of combining a conductor of a cable and a pin of a connector (a); a step of combining a flexible nonwoven fabric mold, having a plurality of micro-holes formed on its surface, with the connector and the cable at the portion where the conductor and the pin are combined (b); a step of injecting a silicone adhesive into the nonwoven fabric mold (c); a step of curing the silicone adhesive by external air introduced through the micro-holes of the nonwoven fabric mold to form an elastic silicone waterproof body (d); a step of combining an EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) tube covering the nonwoven fabric mold, a part of the connector, and a part of the cable without removing the nonwoven fabric mold after the silicone waterproof body is formed (e); and a step of combining a compression wire to the outside of the EPDM tube to eliminate gaps occurring during the curing process by compressing the elastic silicone waterproof body, the nonwoven fabric mold, and the EPDM tube from the outside (f). Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A method for manufacturing an underwater connector and cable assembly according to claim 1, wherein the EPDM tube includes a boot portion, the first boot portion extends from the combined end portion of the nonwoven mold and the cable, and the second boot portion extends from the combined end portion of the nonwoven mold and the connector. Claim 5 A method for manufacturing an underwater connector and cable assembly according to claim 4, further comprising the step of filling urethane between the EPDM tube and the cable at the combined end of the EPDM tube and the cable. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 An underwater connector and cable assembly manufactured by the method of claim 1. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete Claim 16 delete

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