CN118355305A

CN118355305A - Submarine cable jointing device

Info

Publication number: CN118355305A
Application number: CN202280080131.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 曹泳昌; 梁恩正
Original assignee: LS Cable Ltd
Current assignee: LS Cable and Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-02
Filing date: 2022-02-22
Publication date: 2024-07-16
Also published as: KR20230082862A; WO2023101101A1

Abstract

A submarine optical cable splicing device that splices two submarine optical cables having an optical unit including an optical fiber and an armor layer including a plurality of armor wires surrounding the optical unit, the submarine optical cable splicing device comprising: a pair of cable coupling parts including a fixing part body having a plurality of armor holes formed to be able to accommodate terminal areas of a plurality of armor wires of two submarine optical cables and a through-hole accommodating an optical unit, and a coupling element for fixing a plurality of armor wires to the fixing part body in a state in which two or more of the plurality of armor wires are accommodated in one of the plurality of armor holes; and an optical fiber joint part, which forms an accommodation space for jointing the optical fibers of the two submarine optical cables in a state that the two submarine optical cables are fixed at the pair of cable joint parts, and the accommodation space is watertight sealed and is combined with the pair of cable joint parts.

Description

Submarine cable jointing device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a submarine optical cable splicing device for splicing two submarine optical cables, and more particularly, to a submarine optical cable, a submarine optical cable splicing device, and a submarine optical cable assembly having a structure that provides a stable splicing force for maintaining a spliced state of two submarine optical cables.

Background

In general, a submarine optical cable is a cable installed on the sea floor for connecting the land and islands or continents to supply communication or electric power, and in the case of installing the submarine optical cable over a long distance of several tens kilometers or more, it is almost impossible to install the submarine optical cable with one cable without intermediate splicing, and therefore, it is installed between desired areas by continuously extending a plurality of submarine optical cables for a length.

There is a need for a subsea optical cable engagement device that safely and securely connects more than two cables connected at the sea floor. Here, an armor layer composed of a plurality of armor wires (armoring wire) in the form of steel wires (iron wires) having a function of preventing the cable from being deformed by a tensile force generated by a fluid force or the like may be provided to the submarine optical cable.

The armor wires may be circumferentially arranged in plural in the outer contour of the cross section of the submarine optical cable, and the submarine optical cable splicing device is directly spliced with a splicing structure accommodating the plurality of the armor wires in order to provide a splicing force with the cable.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a submarine optical cable and a submarine optical cable splicing device having an optimized splicing structure capable of conveniently and stably splicing two submarine optical cables.

Technical proposal for solving the problems

To achieve the above object, a submarine optical cable joining apparatus of the present invention, which joins two submarine optical cables having an optical unit including an optical fiber and an armor layer including a plurality of armor wires surrounding the optical unit, includes: a pair of cable fixing sections including a fixing section body including a plurality of armor holes formed so as to be able to accommodate terminal areas of a plurality of the armor wires of the submarine optical cable and a through-hole accommodating the optical unit, and a joining element for fixing a plurality of the armor wires to the fixing section body in a state where two or more of the plurality of the armor wires are accommodated in one of the plurality of the armor holes; and an optical fiber joint part for forming an accommodation space for jointing optical fibers of the two submarine optical cables in a state that the two cable fixing parts fix the terminals of the two submarine optical cables, and sealing the accommodation space in a watertight manner and combining the accommodation space with the pair of cable joint parts. Since two or more armatures can be fixed in a state of being inserted into one armatures receiving hole, the convenience of the user can be improved, and since two or more armatures are fixed in one armatures receiving hole, the stability of the connection of two submarine cables can be improved.

Here, if the plurality of armor holes of the fixing portion body are formed of 1/n (n is an arbitrary integer) of the number of the plurality of armor wires, it is possible to insert and fix the plurality of armor wires all to the armor holes, and thus it is preferable.

And, if at least one of the plurality of armor wires is arranged and fixed to at least one of the plurality of armor holes in the case where the plurality of armor holes of the fixing portion body are not formed to 1/n of the number of the plurality of armor wires, so that the tensile force of the plurality of armors can be made uniform, the stability of the connection of the two submarine cables can be improved, and thus it is preferable.

Here, if the plurality of armor holes have a shape that is narrower in a direction of accommodating the plurality of armor wires, the binding force of the armor wires inserted into the armor can be improved, and thus it is preferable.

Also, if the armor holes are formed obliquely outward with respect to the axis of the submarine optical cable in a direction in which the plurality of armor wires are accommodated, it is possible to make it difficult for the armor wires bonded to the armor holes to be unbonded, and thus it is preferable.

Here, if a biting tooth form is formed on the inner side surface of the plurality of armor holes, the biting tooth form prevents the plurality of armor wires from moving in the opposite direction to the direction in which the plurality of armor wires are accommodated in a state where the bonding element fixes the plurality of armor wires, the armor wires can be prevented from moving in the direction in which the armor wires are released in a state where the armor wires are bonded to the armor holes, and thus it is preferable.

Further, if the fixing portion body further includes a plurality of insertion holes into which the joining elements can be inserted, the insertion holes having an inclination angle to prevent movement of the plurality of armor wires in a direction opposite to a direction in which the plurality of armor wires are inserted, the fixing portion can fix the armor wires in a direction in which movement of the armor wires in a direction in which the joining is released is prevented in a state where the armor wires are accommodated in the armor holes, which is preferable.

Here, if the terminal areas of the bonding elements that press the plurality of armor wires are formed in tooth shapes, the armor wires can be prevented from moving in the direction of releasing the bonding in a state of being bonded to the armor holes, and thus it is preferable.

And, if a sealing member provided between the optical fiber splicing section and the pair of cable fixing sections is further included, it is possible to prevent intrusion of water into the portion where the optical fibers are connected, and thus it is preferable.

Here, in the cable joint portion, it is preferable that the fixing portion body and the fixing element are fixed by at least one of snap-fit coupling, click-fit coupling, and fastening coupling, so that the fixing coupling can be firmly achieved.

Further, if the fixing portion body further has an insertion hole capable of accommodating and coupling the coupling element, the coupling element can be coupled to the insertion hole of the fixing portion body, which is preferable.

Here, it is preferable if the fixing portion body can be formed by separating not two or more fixing bodies, and the two or more fixing bodies each have a different number of armor holes, since the fixing portion body can be assembled according to the thickness and size of the submarine cable.

In another aspect, a submarine optical cable assembly of the present invention for achieving the object comprises: two submarine optical cables comprising a plurality of optical fibers, an optical fiber sheath for accommodating the optical fibers, a cushion layer for surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber sheath, an armor layer formed by surrounding the cushion layer by a plurality of armor wires, and a protective layer arranged on the periphery of the armor layer; and a submarine optical cable joining apparatus including a pair of cable fixing parts fixing the armor wires to the armor holes, an optical fiber joining part providing a joining space between the optical fibers, a pair of cable joining covers removing stress generated by bending of the submarine cable, and an outer box main body accommodating the cable fixing parts and the optical fiber joining parts; wherein the number of armor holes may be formed as 1/n (n being any integer) of the number of armor wires.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coupling force required when connecting two submarine optical cables by an optimized coupling structure between the submarine optical cables and the submarine optical cable coupling device, and to secure a compact submarine optical cable and submarine optical cable coupling device.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a submarine optical cable according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a submarine optical cable joining apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a cable fixing portion included in the submarine optical cable joining apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 is an action diagram of the invention for securing a submarine optical cable to a submarine optical cable splicing device.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of optical fibers joining two undersea optical cables.

Fig. 6 is a modified example view of the armor accommodating hole.

Fig. 7 is an exemplary diagram of a bite profile.

Fig. 8 is an exemplary view of a fixing member.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, the submarine optical cable 2 and the submarine optical cable splicing device 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a submarine optical cable 2 of the present invention. The submarine optical cable 2 comprises an optical unit 220, an armoured layer 210, a protective layer 230.

The light unit 220 may include optical fibers 221, an optical fiber sheath 222, and a cushion layer 223.

The optical fibers 2 to 21 are configured to transmit data by light, and may be provided in plural by being bonded by an adhesive or being bound in a tape form.

The optical fiber sheath 222 is a component for physically protecting the optical fiber 221 from an external force, and may be formed of one or more layers. The first fiber sheath 2221 directly receiving the optical fibers 2-21 is a sheath of a metallic material, preferably a stainless steel (STAINLESS STEEL) material in the shape of a tube, which can surround the bundled plurality of optical fibers 221 to protect the optical fibers from the outside.

The optical fiber second outer sheath 2222 surrounding the outer surface of the optical fiber first outer sheath 2221 is a sheath of a metal material, preferably a copper (cap) material in a tube shape is applied, and it is used for transmitting power for power supply to a repeater or the like or for sensing a damaged portion of a cable by an electric signal, in addition to a function of protecting the optical fiber 221 from an external force.

The pad layer 223 surrounds the optical fiber sheath 222 and protects the optical fiber 221 and the optical fiber sheath 222, and the pad layer 223 is provided in order to achieve an appropriate designed outer diameter considering the mechanical physical properties of the entire cable, etc. The cushion layer 223 may be made of a plastic polymer material, and preferably, HDPE (high-density polyethylene: high-density polyethylene) may be used. The cushion layer 223 may be formed of more than two plural layers.

The armor 211 may be formed of a metal material such as steel wire (STEEL WIRE) for improving mechanical strength or a high-strength plastic material to be able to protect the light unit 220 inside the cable from the external environment of the ocean floor. The armor wires 211 constituting the armor layer may be provided in a number and outer diameter determined according to the mechanical and physical properties such as tensile force required for the cable, and may be disposed outside the bedding 223 to form at least one layer formed of a plurality of armor wires 211.

In order to manufacture a compact submarine optical cable after determining the overall cross-sectional area of the armor layer for satisfying the tensile characteristics required for the submarine optical cable, the armor layer 210 is distributed into a plurality of armor wires which are finely hardened.

Also, the plurality of armor wires 211 may each have a different material and a different outer diameter. In this case, armor wires having small outer diameters are arranged between armor wires having large outer diameters, so that a layer formed of a plurality of armor wires may also be formed indistinctly distinguished.

The protective layer 230 is formed to accommodate the light unit 220 and the armor layer 210, protecting them from the outside. May be composed of a plastic polymer material, and preferably polypropylene (polypropylene) may be used.

Typically, the submarine optical cable 2 has a cross-sectional area of the armor layer 210 selected according to the desired tensile characteristics. In order to minimize an increase in the outer diameter of the submarine optical cable 2 while protecting the inner optical cell 220, the armor layer 210 is arranged outside the optical cell 220 in the form of a plurality of armor wires 211. At this time, the sum of the sectional areas of the plurality of armor wires 211 must be equal to or greater than the sectional area of the pre-selected armor layer 210, and the number of the plurality of armor wires 211 allocated for fine hardening of the cable may be composed of a plurality of from several tens to several hundreds.

Mode for carrying out the invention

Fig. 2 (a) is a schematic diagram of the submarine optical cable splicing device 1 according to the present invention, and fig. 2 (b) is a schematic diagram of the submarine optical cable assembly 3 of the submarine optical cable splicing device 1 to which two submarine optical cables 2 are connected.

The submarine optical cable joining apparatus 1 may be formed of a symmetrical structure so that both terminals are joined in the same shape as the two submarine optical cables 2.

The submarine optical cable splicing device 1 includes a cable fixing section 110, an optical fiber splicing section 120, a cable splicing cover 130, and a main body 140.

As shown in fig. 3 (a), the cable fixing portion 110 may include an armor hole 113, the armor hole 113 being capable of receiving and bonding the armor wires 211 of the submarine optical cable 2 on the fixing portion body 111 having a cylindrical shape, and may include a through hole 114 enabling the optical unit 220 to be connected to the optical fiber bonding portion 120 through the fixing portion body 111. The through hole 114 may be located at the center of the longitudinal cross section of the fixing portion body 111, and the sheathing hole 113 may have a plurality of holes at equal intervals around the through hole 114.

An armor hole 113 for accommodating the armor wires 211 may be formed at one end of the cable fixing part 110, but the armor hole 113 may not be provided at the other end to prevent the armor wires 211 from penetrating to be exposed to the optical fiber joint part 120 side.

The armor wires 211 introduced into the armor holes 113 of the cable fixing body 111 may have a fixing structure in which the coupling elements 112 are coupled to the shape of the insertion holes 115 provided to the fixing body.

The plurality of armor holes 113 formed in the fixing portion body 111 may be formed of 1/n (n is an arbitrary integer) of the number of the plurality of armor wires 211 greater than the number of the armor holes 113.

This is to include a plurality of armor wires 211 for fine hardening of the submarine optical cable 2, and in the case where the number of armor holes 113 accommodating the armor wires 211 in the submarine optical cable splicing device 1 is set the same as the armor wires 211, a compact fixing portion body 111 cannot be realized. That is, this is because, only if the intervals between the outer periphery of the fixing portion body 111 and the armor holes 113, the intervals between the armor holes 113, and the intervals between the armor holes 113 and the through-holes 114 are sufficiently ensured in the longitudinal cross section, the armor holes 113 provided in the fixing portion body 111 can have sufficient rigidity so as not to be damaged even when the fixing portion body 111 is subjected to the tensile force applied by the armor wires 211.

In addition, when the armor wires 211 accommodated in the armor holes 113 are equally distributed, the tensile force is not concentrated to a specific armor hole 113 but distributed uniformly, so that an optimal design of the compact submarine optical cable 1 and the jointing device 2 can be achieved.

The armor holes 113 may be formed of 1/n of a preselected number of armor wires 211, and n armor wires 211 may be inserted into one armor hole 113 and secured by a bonding element 112 described below.

In the case where the plurality of armor holes 113 of the fixing portion body 111 are not formed to be 1/n of the number of the plurality of armor wires 211, at least one armor wire of the plurality of armor wires 211 may be arranged to be fixed to at least one armor hole of the plurality of armor holes 113 so that the tensile force of the plurality of armor wires 211 can be distributed relatively equally.

As shown in fig. 5, the plurality of armor holes 113 may have a shape that is narrower in a direction to accommodate the plurality of armor wires 211. The plurality of armor holes 113 may be formed obliquely outward with respect to the axis of the submarine optical cable 2 in a direction to accommodate the plurality of armor wires 211.

In a state where the plurality of armor wires 211 are fixed by the coupling element 112, as shown in fig. 6, the fixing portion body 111 may be formed with first armor-engaging tooth shapes 1131 on the inner side surfaces of the plurality of armor holes 113, the first armor-engaging tooth shapes 1131 preventing the plurality of armor wires 211 from moving in the opposite direction to the direction in which the plurality of armor wires 211 are accommodated.

As shown in fig. 7, a plurality of insertion holes 115 into which the coupling elements 112 can be inserted in the fixing portion body 111 may be formed with inclination angles to prevent the plurality of armor wires 211 from moving in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

The coupling element 112 is a structure for fixing the armor wire bond to the fixing portion body 111 by at least one of snap-bonding, snap-locking bonding, and fastening bonding in a state where the armor wire is accommodated in one of the plurality of armor holes 113. As shown in fig. 7, the bonding element 112 may be formed with a fixing tooth 1121 pressing and fixing the plurality of armor wires 211 at a terminal area in contact with the armor wires 211.

In view of the ease of coupling and the coupling force with the submarine optical cable 2, the fixing portion body 111 may be separated into a plurality of constituent elements, and as another embodiment, as shown in fig. 3 (b), the fixing body 111 may be composed of a first fixing body 111-1, a second fixing body 111-3, and a connection body 111-2.

The first fixing body 111-1 has a cylindrical shape, is disposed on the lead-in side of the submarine optical cable 2, and includes: a plurality of first armor holes 113-1 formed to be able to accommodate a termination area of a plurality of armor wires 211 of the submarine optical cable 2; a first through hole 114-1 accommodating the light unit 2-2; and an insertion hole 115-1 into which the coupling element 112-1 can be inserted, and the coupling element 112-1 can fix the armor wires 211 accommodated in the first armor hole 113-1.

The plurality of first armor holes 113-1 formed in the first fixing body 111-1 may be formed as 1/n of the number of the plurality of armor wires 211.

The second fixing body 111-3 has a similar size and specification to those of the first fixing body 111 so as to be disposed on the opposite side of the introduction side of the submarine optical cable 2. The second fixing body 111-3 includes: a plurality of second armor holes 113-3 formed to be able to accommodate a termination area of a plurality of armor wires 211 of the undersea optical cable 2; a second through hole 114-3 accommodating the light unit 220; and an insertion hole 115-1 into which the coupling element 112-3 can be inserted, and the coupling element 112-3 can fix the armor wires 211 accommodated in the second armor hole 113-3.

An armor hole 113 for accommodating the armor wires 211 may be formed at one end of the second fixing body 111-3, but the armor hole 113 may not be provided at the other end to prevent the armor wires 211 from being exposed by penetrating toward the optical fiber joint 120 side.

The plurality of second armor holes 113-3 formed in the second fixing body 111-3 may be formed as 1/n2 of the number of the plurality of armor wires 211.

At this time, the number of the respective sheathing holes 113-1, 113-3 provided to the first and second fixing bodies 111-1, 111-3 may be different.

In addition, even if the number of the respective armor holes 113-1, 113-3 is the same, the armor wires 211 introduced to the respective armor holes 113-1, 113-3 may be different from each other. That is, the plurality of armor wires 211 received in one first armor hole 113-1 may be each received in a different plurality of second armor holes 113-3.

The connection body 111-2 may be connected between the first and second fixing bodies 111-1 and 111-3 as a fixing armor wire 211, and fix the first and second fixing bodies 111-1 and 111-3.

The connection body 111-2 includes: a plurality of connection armor holes 113-2 formed to be able to accommodate a terminal area of a plurality of armor wires 211 of the submarine optical cable 2; a coupling hole 114-2 accommodating the light unit 220; and a connection insertion hole 115-2 into which the coupling element 112-2 can be inserted, and the coupling element 112-2 can fix the armor wires 211 accommodated in the connection armor hole 113-2.

The connecting armor hole 113-2 provides a path through which the armor wires 211 can be routed by connecting between the first armor hole 113-1 and the second armor hole 113-3. In the case where the number of the respective armor holes 113-1, 113-3 provided to the first and second fixing bodies 111-1, 111-3 is different, or even if the number of the respective armor holes 113-1, 113-3 is the same, in the case where the armor wires 211 introduced to the respective armor holes 113-1, 113-3 are different from each other, a path for wiring the corresponding armor wires 211 may be formed.

The fixing structure and method of the submarine optical cable 2 and the submarine optical cable joining apparatus 1 according to another embodiment are described in detail in fig. 4 described later.

The optical fiber splicing section 120 forms a space for splicing the optical fibers 221 of the two undersea optical cables 2 and 2 'and a space for storing the excess length (excess length) of each of the optical fibers in a state where the pair of cable fixing sections 110 and 110' fix the terminals of the two undersea optical cables 2 and 2', and can watertight seal the accommodation space and couple with the pair of cable fixing sections 110 and 110'.

The fiber optic splice 120 may include a cassette support portion 121, a cable splice cassette 122, and a cable alignment portion 123.

The cassette support portion 121 connects the pair of cable fixing portions 110, 110' and supports the cable joint cassette 22.

The cable junction box 122 joins (splice) the optical fibers 221, forms a space for storing the surplus length of the optical fibers, and is sealed and bonded in a watertight manner.

The cable alignment portion 123 is a structure that helps to join the optical fibers 221, can be aligned accurately when a plurality of optical fibers 221 are joined, and can function to protect and finish the connection joint.

The fiber optic splice 120 may further include a cassette housing 124.

The case housing 124 may surround the outside in a state where the case supporting part 121, the cable engaging case 122, the cable aligning part 123, and the pair of cable fixing parts 110, 110' are accommodated inside, so as to be watertight.

The cable joint cover 130 is coupled to the outside of the cable fixing part 110 after connecting the two sub-sea optical cables 2, so that the sub-sea optical cables 2 and the cable fixing part 110 can be protected from the impact of the outside. The cable engagement cover 130 may include an outer engagement cover 131 and an inner engagement cover 132. The inner joint cover 132 is disposed in close contact with the outer side of the cable fixing portion 110, and functions to remove stress caused by bending in the joint portion of the submarine optical cable 2 together with the outer joint cover 131 accommodating the inner joint cover 132.

The main body 140 is an outer case accommodating the cable fixing parts 110, 110' and the optical fiber splicing part 120, and is preferably configured to surround the outside of the case housing 124 so that the internal constituent elements can be protected.

The undersea optical cable joint device 1 may further include a sealing member 150, the sealing member 150 being disposed between the optical fiber joint 120 and the pair of cable fixing portions 110, 110', preventing water from penetrating into the inside of the optical fiber joint 120.

Fig. 4 is an action diagram of fixing each submarine optical cable 2 to the submarine optical cable splicing device 1 of another embodiment.

In fig. 4 (a), the light unit 220 of the submarine optical cable 2 is received in the first through hole 114-1 of the first fixing body 111-1.

In fig. 4 (b), after the first fixing body 111-1 is moved to the armor wires 211 side of the submarine optical cable 2 so that the armor wires 211 are accommodated in the first armor holes 113-1 of the first fixing body 111-1, the armor wires 211 are pressed and fixed to the first armor holes 113-1 by the bonding elements 112-1.

Then, in fig. 4 (c), the fixed connection body 111-2 is gently hit with a rubber hammer or the like to place and fix the fixed connection body 111-2 in close contact with the first fixed body 111-1 while accommodating the armor wires 211 in the connection armor holes 113-2, and then the armor wires 211 are pressed and fixed to the connection armor holes 113-2 with the coupling element 112-2.

Then, in fig. 4 (d), the second fixing body 111-3 is gently hit again with a rubber hammer or the like to place and fix the second fixing body 111-3 in close contact with the connection body 111-2 while accommodating the armor wires 211 in the second armor holes 113-3, and then the armor wires 211 are pressed and fixed to the second armor holes 113-3 with the coupling element 112-3.

As a further example, as shown in fig. 4 (d'), the second fixing body 111-3 having no second armor holes 113-3 provided on one side or no second armor holes 113-3 provided on both sides and having no through holes 115-3 is fixed in close contact with the connection body 111-2 accommodating the armor wires 211, thereby preventing the armor wires 211 from being exposed to the optical fiber joint 120 side.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the operation of the optical fibers joining two submarine optical cables 2.

In fig. 5 (a), after the cable fixing portions 110 fixed to the respective submarine optical cables 2 are connected to the cassette support portion 121, they are fixedly coupled by a method of welding coupling, clamping coupling, screw coupling, or the like.

In fig. 5 (b), the optical fibers 221 are aligned and then spliced by the cable alignment portion 123 in the cable splicing box 122.

In fig. 5 (c), after the optical fibers 221 are bonded, the cable junction box 122 is welded and sealed.

In fig. 5 (d), after the sealed cable junction box 122 and the box support 121 are accommodated and sealed with the box housing 124, the cable junction cover 130 and the main body 140 are assembled.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of the armor holes 113-1, 113-3 of another embodiment.

Fig. 6 (a) is a case where the armor wires 211 are inserted from the left side to the right side. In this case, it means that the armor hole 113-1 can have a shape that narrows as it approaches from the left side to the right side.

Fig. 6 (b) shows a view that can be formed obliquely outward with respect to the axis of the submarine optical cable 2 in the direction in which the plurality of armor wires 211 are accommodated.

Fig. 7 is an exemplary view of the bite profile 1131. A biting tooth 1131 facing the right side with the armor 211 inserted from the left side to the right side may be formed inside the armor hole 113. Thus, in a state where the armor wires 211 are inserted into the armor holes 113, the armor wires 211 can be prevented from moving in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

Fig. 8 is an exemplary diagram of the bonding element 112.

The coupling element 112 is a constituent element that can be inserted through the insertion hole 115 and fills the hollow space between the armor hole and the armor wires, and its shape is not limited, but may be preferably a shape based on a screw thread, a rod, a wedge, or a filler (filler) shape according to the hollow space.

In order to provide sufficient bonding force without damaging the anchor body 111 and the armor wires 211, the bonding element 112 may have a lower hardness than the armor wires and may have a hardness greater than or the same as the anchor body 111.

A fixed tooth 1121 may be formed in a terminal region of the coupling element 112. Thus, the armor wires 211 can be prevented from moving in the direction opposite to the insertion direction in a state where the armor wires 211 are inserted into the armor holes 113.

Since the submarine optical cable joining apparatus 1 described above can be fixed in a state where two or more armor wires 211 are inserted into one armor hole, convenience of user operation can be improved, and two or more armor wires are fixed to one armor hole, so that stability of connection of two submarine optical cables 2 can be improved.

Industrial applicability

Claims

1. A submarine optical cable splicing device that splices two submarine optical cables having an optical unit including an optical fiber and an armor layer including a plurality of armor wires surrounding the optical unit, comprising:

A pair of cable fixing sections including a fixing section body including a plurality of armor holes formed to be able to accommodate a terminal area of a plurality of the armor wires of the submarine optical cable, and a through hole accommodating the optical unit, and a bonding element for fixing a plurality of the armor wires to the fixing section body in a state where two or more of the plurality of the armor wires are accommodated in one of the plurality of the armor holes; and

And an optical fiber joint part for forming an accommodation space for jointing optical fibers of the two submarine optical cables in a state that the two cable fixing parts fix the terminals of the two submarine optical cables, and sealing the accommodation space in a watertight manner and combining the accommodation space with the pair of cable joint parts.

2. The submarine optical cable joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

The plurality of armor holes of the fixing portion body are formed as 1/n of the number of the plurality of armor wires, n being an arbitrary integer.

3. The submarine optical cable joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

In the case where the plurality of armor holes of the fixing portion body are not formed to 1/n of the number of the plurality of armor wires, at least one of the plurality of armor wires is arranged and fixed to at least one of the plurality of armor holes so that the tensile force of the plurality of armors can be made uniform.

4. The submarine optical cable joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

The plurality of armor holes have a shape that becomes narrower in a direction to accommodate the plurality of armor wires.

5. The submarine optical cable joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

The plurality of armor holes are formed obliquely outward with respect to an axis of the submarine optical cable in a direction to accommodate the plurality of armor wires.

6. The submarine optical cable joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

A biting tooth shape is formed on an inner side surface of the plurality of armor holes, the biting tooth shape preventing the plurality of armor wires from moving in a direction opposite to a direction in which the plurality of armor wires are accommodated in a state in which the bonding element fixes the plurality of armor wires.

7. The submarine optical cable joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

The fixing part body further comprises a plurality of insertion holes into which the coupling elements can be inserted,

The insertion holes have a canted angle to inhibit movement of the plurality of armor wires in a direction opposite to a direction in which the plurality of armor wires are inserted.

8. The submarine optical cable joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

The terminal areas of the bonding elements pressing the plurality of armor wires are formed with tooth shapes.

9. The submarine optical cable joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

And a sealing member disposed between the optical fiber splicing section and the pair of cable fixing sections.

10. The submarine optical cable joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

In the cable joint portion, the fixing portion body and the fixing element are fixed by at least one of snap-fit coupling, click-fit coupling, and fastening coupling.

11. The submarine optical cable joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

The fixing part body also has an insertion hole capable of receiving and coupling the coupling element.

12. The submarine optical cable joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

The fixing part body can be formed by separating more than two fixing bodies.

13. The undersea optical cable joint assembly according to claim 12, wherein,

More than two of the stationary bodies each have a different number of armor holes.

14. A submarine optical cable assembly comprising:

two submarine optical cables comprising a plurality of optical fibers, an optical fiber sheath for accommodating the optical fibers, a cushion layer for surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber sheath, an armor layer formed by surrounding the cushion layer by a plurality of armor wires, and a protective layer arranged on the periphery of the armor layer; and

A submarine optical cable joining apparatus including a pair of cable fixing sections that fix the armor wires to an armor hole, an optical fiber joining section that provides a joining space between the optical fibers, a pair of cable joining covers that remove stress generated by bending of the submarine cable, and an outer case main body that accommodates the cable fixing sections and the optical fiber joining sections; it is characterized in that the method comprises the steps of,

The number of armor holes is formed to be 1/n of the number of armor wires, n being any integer.