JP3698960B2

JP3698960B2 - Insulation structure of optical submarine repeater cable introduction device

Info

Publication number: JP3698960B2
Application number: JP2000174291A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 基亮玉谷; 祐亮土橋
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2000-06-09
Filing date: 2000-06-09
Publication date: 2005-09-21
Anticipated expiration: 2020-06-09
Also published as: JP2001352659A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、光ファイバ海底ケーブルを中継器に接続する光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
図４は従来の光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造を説明するために例示した一般的な光海底中継器を示す概略的な説明図であり、同図において、１は光ファイバ海底ケーブルが接続される中継器、２は前記中継器１を収納する耐圧筐体、３は前記耐圧筐体２の壁部に設けられたケーブル導入装置であり、このケーブル導入装置３は、前記耐圧筐体２の壁部に気密状態に取り付け固定された第１のケーブル導入装置３１と、この第１のケーブル導入装置３１に接続された第２のケーブル導入装置３２とからなっている。４は前記第１のケーブル導入装置３１に接続された第１の光ファイバ海底ケーブル、５は前記耐圧筐体２内にて前記中継器１と前記第２のケーブル導入装置３２とを接続する第２の光ファイバ海底ケーブルである。
【０００３】
図５は図４中のＡ部のケーブル導入装置３を示す拡大断面図であり、同図において、２ａは前記耐圧筐体２の壁部に設けられた段付貫通孔からなるケーブル導入用の導入孔であり、この導入孔２ａに前記第１のケーブル導入装置３１が組み付けセットされている。さらに詳しく述べると、前記第１のケーブル導入装置３１は、前記耐圧筐体２の導入孔２ａ内にガスケットおよびＯリング等の封止手段を介して嵌合された金属製のボディスリーブ６と、このボディスリーブ６内に挿入された第１の金属スリーブ７と、この第１の金属スリーブ７の周囲を被覆し、その金属スリーブ７と前記ボディスリーブ６との間を電気的に絶縁する第１の絶縁体８とからなって、前記第１の金属スリーブ７内に光ファイバ９を挿通した構成となっている。
ここで、前記ボディスリーブ６は、固定リング１０，１１，１２によって、前記耐圧筐体２の導入孔２ａの内壁面に圧接固定されている。また、前記第１の金属スリーブ７内には、該金属スリーブ７の内壁面と前記光ファイバ９との間を気密状態にして該光ファイバ９を保持するための金属スリーブ１３が収納配置されている。さらに、前記第１の金属スリーブ７の一端部には、前記耐圧筐体２外部との信号伝送および給電を行う金属パイプ１４が連結され、この金属パイプ１４の外周は電気絶縁材１５で被覆されている。
【０００４】
一方、前記第２のケーブル導入装置３２は、前記光ファイバ９が挿通され、かつ前記第１の金属スリーブ７における耐圧筐体２内部側の端部に対し同軸上に接続されて電力供給を行う第２の金属スリーブ１６と、この第２の金属スリーブ１６の外周を被覆し、前記第１の絶縁体８の軸方向端面に接合された電気絶縁性を有する第２の絶縁体１７とから構成されている。なお、前記第１の絶縁体８および第２の絶縁体１７は、例えばポリエチレンなどの電気絶縁物からなるものである。
【０００５】
図６は図５のＢ部の拡大断面図であり、同図において、１９は前記第１の絶縁体８と第２の絶縁体１７との接合面を融着させた溶接部、２０は給電線として機能する前記第１の金属スリーブ７と前記耐圧筐体２との間で前記第１，第２の絶縁体８，１７相互の接合面間に生じる径方向の放電経路であり、この放電経路２０は、前記第１の金属スリーブ７と前記耐圧筐体２との間で放電が発生し、前記第１，第２の絶縁体８，１７相互の接合面間が絶縁破壊した際に、その接合面間に発生するものである。
【０００６】
次に動作について説明する。
耐圧筐体２の外部から、中継器１の入力側となる第１の光ファイバ海底ケーブル４→ケーブル導入装置３→第２の光ファイバ海底ケーブル５を介して、前記中継器１内の光回路系統（図示せず）に電力が供給されると、その光回路系統は、光ファイバ９からの光伝送信号を増幅し、前記中継器１の出力側となる第２の光ファイバ海底ケーブル５→ケーブル導入装置３→第１の光ファイバ海底ケーブル４を介して前記供給電力および前記光伝送信号を前記耐圧筐体２外部の別の中継器（図示せず）に導出する。この場合、前記第１の光ファイバ海底ケーブル４側の金属パイプ１４と第１の金属スリーブ７および第２の金属スリーブ１６は給電線として機能し、前記耐圧筐体２はアースとして機能する。
【０００７】
ここで、第１，第２の金属スリーブ７，１６が絶縁体８，１７で被覆されていない場合、それらの金属スリーブ７，１６を通して中継器１に供給される電力によって、アースである耐圧筐体２には電位差が生じる。その電位差によって、前記耐圧筐体２には前記金属スリーブ７，１６からの放電が発生するので、その放電防止のために前記金属スリーブ７，１６の周囲をそれぞれ絶縁体８，１７で被覆した光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造としているが、前記金属スリーブ７，１６からの放電は、前記絶縁体８，１７の接合面間に沿って発生し易くなる。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来の光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造は以上のように構成されているので、第１，第２の金属スリーブ７，１６を被覆している第１，第２の絶縁体８，１７は、軸方向の対向端面を接合して該接合面間の外側を開先溶接しているにすぎず、前記金属スリーブ７，１６と耐圧筐体２との間における前記絶縁体８，１７相互の接合面間に沿った沿面距離が短いため、前記第１の金属スリーブ７および／または第２の金属スリーブ１６から前記耐圧筐体２に流れる放電が発生し絶縁破壊を起こす危険性が生じるという課題があった。特に、最近は中継器１の高性能化が図られ、該中継器１への供給電力が増大し、前記金属スリーブ７，１６と耐圧筐体２との間に発生する電位差が大きくなることから、放電発生による絶縁破壊の危険性が高いという課題があった。
【０００９】
この発明は上記のような課題を解決するためになされたもので、中継器に対する給電系統の金属スリーブからアース系統の耐圧筐体に至る放電経路（沿面距離）を長くすることができ、放電による絶縁破壊の発生を防止することが可能で、耐電圧性能の向上が図れる信頼性の高い光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造を得ることを目的とする。
【００１０】
また、この発明は、ケーブル導入装置の基本構成を変更せずに、給電系統の金属スリーブを被覆する絶縁体の最小限の形状変更だけで簡単に放電経路を長くすることができる光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造を得ることを目的とする。
【００１１】
さらに、この発明は、給電系統の金属スリーブを被覆する本来の絶縁体とは別の部材を必要とせずに、絶縁体の断面形状を変更するだけで簡単に放電経路を長くすることができる光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造を得ることを目的とする。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この発明に係る光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造は、光ファイバ海底ケーブルの中継器を収納する耐圧筐体の壁部に設けられ、光ファイバが挿通された第１の金属スリーブと、この第１の金属スリーブと前記耐圧筐体との間を電気的に絶縁する第１の絶縁体とを有し、前記耐圧筐体に対し光ファイバ海底ケーブルを導入する第１のケーブル導入装置と、前記光ファイバが挿通され、前記第１の金属スリーブに接続される第２の金属スリーブと、この第２の金属スリーブの外周を被覆して前記第１の絶縁体の軸方向端面に接合される第２の絶縁体とを有し、前記中継器と前記第１のケーブル導入装置との間を接続する第２のケーブル導入装置とを備えた光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造において、前記第１，第２のケーブル導入装置の相互接続部には、前記第１，第２の絶縁体の相互接合面間に形成され、前記第１，第２の金属スリーブから前記耐圧筐体に向かう放電経路の途中の放電方向を、前記絶縁体の厚み方向から、前記金属スリーブの軸方向にずれた方向に導くことによって前記放電経路を延長する放電経路延長手段を設けたものである。
【００１３】
この発明に係る光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造の放電経路延長手段は、第１の絶縁体と第２の絶縁体との接合部外周を、前記第１，第２の絶縁体に跨って一体的に覆う電気絶縁性のカラーからなっているものである。
【００１４】
この発明に係る光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造の放電経路延長手段は、第１の絶縁体と第２の絶縁体において、一方の絶縁体の被接合端部に形成された嵌合凹部と、他方の絶縁体の被接合端部に形成され前記嵌合凹部に嵌合固着された嵌合凸部とからなっているものである。
【００１５】
この発明に係る光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造の放電経路延長手段は、第１の絶縁体と第２の絶縁体における一方の絶縁体の被接合端部に形成された嵌合凹部と、他方の絶縁体の被接合端部に形成され前記嵌合凹部に嵌合固着された嵌合凸部と、前記第１，第２の絶縁体相互の接合部外周を一体的に覆う電気絶縁性のカラーとからなっているものである。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、この発明の実施の一形態を説明する。
実施の形態１．
図１はこの発明の実施の形態１による光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造を示す断面図であり、図４から図６と同一または相当部分には同一符号を付して重複説明を省略する。なお、この発明による光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造は、図４および図５に基づいて説明した従来のケーブル導入装置３を構成する第１のケーブル導入装置３１と第２のケーブル導入装置３２との接続部に適用されるものである。
【００１７】
図１において、２１は第１の金属スリーブ７を被覆する第１の絶縁体８と第２の金属スリーブ１６を被覆する第２の絶縁体１７との接合面間の外周を一体的に覆う電気絶縁性のカラー、２２はそのカラー２１の両端部を前記第１の絶縁体８および前記第２の絶縁体１７の外周面に隅肉溶接した溶接部、２３は前記第１の金属スリーブ７および／または前記第２の金属スリーブ１６から前記第１と第２の絶縁体８，１７の接合面間を通って図４，図５の耐圧筐体２に流れる放電が発生する場合の放電経路である。
【００１８】
すなわち、前記カラー２１は、前記第１，第２の絶縁体８，１７相互の接合面間を覆うように該絶縁体８，１７相互の外周面に跨って嵌合し、軸方向両端部を前記各絶縁体８，１７に溶接したものである。かかるカラー２１は、前記第１の金属スリーブ７および／または第２の金属スリーブ１６から前記第１と第２の絶縁体８，１７の接合面間を通って図４，図５の耐圧筐体２に至る放電経路２３が発生した際に、その放電経路２３の途中を、前記耐圧筐体２に近い側となる前記第１の絶縁体８の外周面軸方向に屈曲させ、前記放電経路２３を長くする放電経路延長手段となるものである。
【００１９】
次に動作について説明する。
ケーブル導入装置３による中継器１への電力および光信号の導入、かつ、その中継器１からの電力および光信号の導出は従来と同様に行われるので、説明を省略する。
例えば、中継器１の高性能化に伴って、該中継器１への供給電力が増大することにより、第１，第２の金属スリーブ７，１６と耐圧筐体２との間に発生する電位差が大きくなった場合でも、第１，第２の絶縁体８，１７の接合面間を両者の外周面部で覆う電気絶縁性のカラー２１によって、前記第１の金属スリーブ７および／または第２の金属スリーブ１６から前記第１と第２の絶縁体８，１７の接合面間を通って図４，図５の耐圧筐体２に至る放電経路（沿面距離）２３が長くなるため、前記第１の金属スリーブ７および／または第２の金属スリーブ１６から前記耐圧筐体２への放電が発生し難くなる。
【００２０】
以上説明した実施の形態１によれば、第１，第２の金属スリーブ７，１６を被覆して互い接合する第１，第２の絶縁体８，１７相互の接合面間を両者の外周面部に跨る電気絶縁性のカラー２１で一体的に覆うように構成したので、前記第１の金属スリーブ７および／または第２の金属スリーブ１６から前記第１と第２の絶縁体８，１７の接合面間を通って耐圧筐体２に至る放電経路（沿面距離）２３を前記カラー２１によって長くすることができる。このため、前記第１の金属スリーブ７および／または第２の金属スリーブ１６から前記耐圧筐体２への放電が発生し難くなり、放電による絶縁破壊の防止が可能となり、絶縁性能が向上し、絶縁破壊に対する信頼性が高くなるという効果がある。また、構成が簡単で、第１および第２のケーブル導入装置３１，３２の基本構成を変更することなく、容易かつ低コストで実施できるという効果がある。
【００２１】
実施の形態２．
図２はこの発明の実施の形態２による光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造を示す断面図であり、図１および図４から図６と同一または相当部分には同一符号を付して重複説明を省略する。
図２において、８ａは第１の絶縁体８における第２の絶縁体１７との被接合端部に一体形成した嵌合凹部であり、この嵌合凹部８ａは、前記第１の絶縁体８の被接合端部外周を径方向に切り欠いて環状に形成されたものである。１７ａは前記第２の絶縁体１７における前記第１の絶縁体８との被接合端部に一体形成した嵌合凸部であり、この嵌合凸部１７ａは、前記第２の絶縁体１７の被接合端部内周を径方向へ環状に切り欠いて形成されたものである。そして、この実施の形態２では、前記第１の絶縁体８の嵌合凹部８ａに前記第２の絶縁体１７の嵌合凸部１７ａを凹凸嵌合させ、前記嵌合凸部１７ａ先端と第１の絶縁体８との接合面部外側を開先溶接したもので、その溶接部を符号１９で示す。２４は前記第１の金属スリーブ７および／または第２の金属スリーブ１６から前記耐圧筐体２へ放電が発生する場合の放電経路である。
【００２２】
すなわち、この実施の形態２では、前記第１の金属スリーブ７および／または第２の金属スリーブ１６から前記第１と第２の絶縁体８，１７の接合面間を通って耐圧筐体２に至る前記放電経路（沿面距離）２４を長くする放電経路延長手段として、第１の絶縁体８に嵌合凹部８ａを形成し、かつ、第２の絶縁体１７に嵌合凸部１７ａを形成したものである。
【００２３】
次に動作について説明する。
第１の絶縁体８の嵌合凹部８ａと第２の絶縁体１７の嵌合凸部１７ａが軸方向に沿って凹凸嵌合され、前記嵌合凹部８ａと嵌合凸部１７ａ相互の軸方向に沿った接合面部によって、前記放電経路２４が長くなるため、前記第１の金属スリーブ７および／または第２の金属スリーブ１６から前記耐圧筐体２への放電が発生し難くなる。
【００２４】
以上説明した実施の形態２によれば、第１の金属スリーブ７を被覆する第１の絶縁体８と、第２の金属スリーブ１６を被覆する第２の絶縁体１７との被接合端部において、第１の絶縁体８の被接合端部に嵌合凹部８ａを、かつ第２の絶縁体１７の被接合端部に嵌合凸部１７ａをそれぞれ一体形成し、前記嵌合凹部８ａと前記嵌合凸部１７ａとを凹凸嵌合して溶接で一体化するように構成したので、第１，第２の絶縁体８，１７とは別の部材を必要とせずに、それらの絶縁体８，１７の被接合端部の形状を一部変更するだけで、前記第１の金属スリーブ７および／または第２の金属スリーブ１６から前記第１と第２の絶縁体８，１７の接合面間を通って耐圧筐体２に至る放電経路（沿面距離）２４を長くすることができる。このため、前記実施の形態１の場合と同様に、放電による絶縁破壊の防止が可能となり、絶縁性能が向上し、絶縁破壊に対する信頼性が高くなるという効果がある。また、構成が簡単で、第１および第２のケーブル導入装置３１，３２の基本構成を変更することなく、容易かつ低コストで実施できるという効果がある。
【００２５】
実施の形態３．
図３はこの発明の実施の形態３による光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造を示す断面図であり、図１，図２および図４から図６と同一または相当部分には同一符号を付して重複説明を省略する。
図３において、８ｂは第１の絶縁体８における第２の絶縁体１７との被接合端部に一体形成した嵌合凸部であり、この嵌合凸部８ｂは、前記第１の絶縁体８の被接合端部内周を径方向に切り欠いて環状に形成したものである。１７ｂは前記第２の絶縁体１７における前記第１の絶縁体８との被接合端部に一体形成した嵌合凹部であり、この嵌合凹部１７ｂは、前記第２の絶縁体１７の被接合端部外周を径方向へ環状に切り欠いて形成されたものである。なお、２５は前記第１の金属スリーブ７および／または第２の金属スリーブ１６から前記耐圧筐体２へ放電が発生する場合の放電経路である。
【００２６】
すなわち、前記実施の形態２では、第１の絶縁体８の被接合端部に嵌合凹部８ａを、かつ、第２の絶縁体１７の被接合端部に嵌合凸部１７ａをそれぞれ形成したが、これとは逆に、この実施の形態３では、第１の絶縁体８の被接合端部に嵌合凸部８ｂを、かつ、第２の絶縁体１７の被接合端部に嵌合凹部１７ｂをそれぞれ形成したものである。
したがって、この実施の形態３では、前記実施の形態２と同様の効果が得られる。
【００２７】
実施の形態４．
この実施の形態４については図示しないが、この実施の形態４では、前記実施の形態２や前記実施の形態３における溶接用の開先（溶接部１９）を設けずに、その他は前記実施の形態２もしくは前記実施の形態３と同一の構成とし、第１の絶縁体８と第２の絶縁体１７との被接合端部を、前記実施の形態２もしくは前記実施の形態３の場合と同様に凹凸嵌合させ、該凹凸嵌合による前記第１，第２の絶縁体８，１７相互の接合面部外周を、前記実施の形態１の場合と同様に電気絶縁性のカラー２１で一体的に覆う構成とするものである。
【００２８】
以上説明した実施の形態４によれば、前記実施の形態２もしくは前記実施の形態３による第１，第２の絶縁体８，１７相互の凹凸嵌合と、前記実施の形態１によるカラー２１とを組み合わせるように構成したので、第１の金属スリーブ７および／または第２の金属スリーブ１６から第１，第２の絶縁体８，１７の接合面間を通って耐圧筐体２に至る放電経路（沿面距離）がさらに長くなり、このため、放電による絶縁破壊の防止性能が一層高くなるという効果がある。
【００２９】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、この発明によれば、第１のケーブル導入装置の金属スリーブを被覆する第１の絶縁体と、第２のケーブル導入装置の金属スリーブを被覆する第２の絶縁体との接合面間を通って前記金属スリーブから耐圧筐体への放電が発生する際の放電経路の途中の放電方向を、前記絶縁体の厚み方向から、前記金属スリーブの軸方向にずれた方向に導くことによって前記放電経路を延長する放電経路延長手段を設けるように構成したので、前記金属スリーブから前記絶縁体の接合面間を通って耐圧筐体に至る放電経路が長くなり、このため、耐圧筐体への放電が発生し難く、放電による絶縁破壊の防止が可能となって絶縁性能が向上し、絶縁破壊に対する信頼性が高くなるという効果がある。
【００３０】
この発明によれば、第１の絶縁体と第２の絶縁体との接合部外周を電気絶縁性のカラーで一体的に覆うように構成したので、構成が簡単であり、しかも、前記金属スリーブから前記絶縁体の接合面間を通って耐圧筐体に至る放電経路を前記カラーによって長くでき、このため、耐圧筐体への放電が発生し難く、放電による絶縁破壊の防止が可能となって絶縁性能が向上し、絶縁破壊に対する信頼性が高くなるという効果がある。
【００３１】
この発明にによれば、第１の絶縁体および第２の絶縁体における一方の絶縁体の被接合端部に嵌合凹部を、かつ、他方の絶縁体の被接合端部に嵌合凸部をそれぞれ形成し、前記嵌合凹部と前記嵌合凸部とを凹凸嵌合して一体化するように構成したので、前記第１，第２の絶縁体とは別の部材を必要とせずに、それらの絶縁体の被接合端部の形状を一部変更するだけで、金属スリーブから前記第１と第２の絶縁体の接合面間を通って耐圧筐体に至る放電経路を長くすることができ、放電による絶縁破壊の防止が可能となり、絶縁性能が向上し、絶縁破壊に対する信頼性が高くなるという効果がある。また、構成が簡単で、第１および第２のケーブル導入装置の基本構成を変更することなく、容易かつ低コストで実施できるという効果がある。
【００３２】
この発明によれば、第１の絶縁体と第２の絶縁体における一方の絶縁体の被接合端部に形成された嵌合凹部と、他方の絶縁体の被接合端部に形成され前記嵌合凹部に嵌合固着された嵌合凸部と、前記第１，第２の絶縁体相互の接合部外周を一体的に覆う電気絶縁性のカラーとを組み合わせるように構成したので、金属スリーブから前記絶縁体の接合面間を通って耐圧筐体に至る放電経路がさらに長くなり、このため、放電による絶縁破壊の防止性能が一層高くなるという効果がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明の実施の形態１による光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造を示す断面図である。
【図２】この発明の実施の形態２による光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造を示す断面図である。
【図３】この発明の実施の形態３による光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造を示す断面図である。
【図４】従来の光海底中継器用ケーブル導入装置の絶縁構造を説明するために例示した一般的な光海底中継器を示す概略的な説明図である。
【図５】図４中のＡ部のケーブル導入装置を示す拡大断面図である。
【図６】図５のＢ部の拡大断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１中継器、２耐圧筐体、３ケーブル導入装置、７第１の金属スリーブ、８第１の絶縁体、８ａ嵌合凹部、８ｂ嵌合凸部、１６第２の金属スリーブ、１７第２の絶縁体、１７ａ嵌合凸部、１７ｂ嵌合凹部、１９溶接部、２１カラー、２２溶接部、２３〜２５放電経路、３１第１のケーブル導入装置、３２第２のケーブル導入装置。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an insulating structure of an optical submarine repeater cable introducing device for connecting an optical fiber submarine cable to a repeater.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory view showing a general optical submarine repeater exemplified for explaining an insulation structure of a conventional optical submarine repeater cable introducing device. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 1 denotes an optical fiber submarine cable. A relay 2 to be connected, 2 is a pressure-resistant housing for housing the repeater 1, 3 is a cable introducing device provided on the wall of the pressure-resistant housing 2, and the cable introducing device 3 The first cable introduction device 31 is attached and fixed to the wall portion 2 in an airtight state, and the second cable introduction device 32 is connected to the first cable introduction device 31. Reference numeral 4 denotes a first optical fiber submarine cable connected to the first cable introducing device 31, and 5 denotes a first optical fiber connecting the repeater 1 and the second cable introducing device 32 in the pressure-resistant housing 2. 2 is an optical fiber submarine cable.
[0003]
FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the cable introducing device 3 at the A part in FIG. 4, in which 2 a is for introducing a cable comprising a stepped through hole provided in the wall of the pressure-resistant housing 2. It is an introduction hole, and the first cable introduction device 31 is assembled and set in the introduction hole 2a. More specifically, the first cable introduction device 31 includes a metal body sleeve 6 fitted into the introduction hole 2a of the pressure-resistant housing 2 via a sealing means such as a gasket and an O-ring, A first metal sleeve 7 inserted into the body sleeve 6 and a first metal sleeve 7 that covers the periphery of the first metal sleeve 7 and electrically insulates between the metal sleeve 7 and the body sleeve 6. In this structure, an optical fiber 9 is inserted into the first metal sleeve 7.
Here, the body sleeve 6 is pressed and fixed to the inner wall surface of the introduction hole 2 a of the pressure-resistant housing 2 by fixing rings 10, 11, and 12. Further, a metal sleeve 13 for accommodating the optical fiber 9 in an airtight state between the inner wall surface of the metal sleeve 7 and the optical fiber 9 is housed and disposed in the first metal sleeve 7. Yes. Further, one end of the first metal sleeve 7 is connected to a metal pipe 14 that performs signal transmission and power feeding to the outside of the pressure-resistant housing 2, and the outer periphery of the metal pipe 14 is covered with an electrical insulating material 15. ing.
[0004]
On the other hand, the second cable introduction device 32 is connected to the end of the first metal sleeve 7 on the inner side of the pressure-resistant housing 2 and supplies power by inserting the optical fiber 9. A second metal sleeve 16 and a second insulator 17 that covers the outer periphery of the second metal sleeve 16 and has an electrical insulation property joined to the axial end surface of the first insulator 8. Has been. In addition, the said 1st insulator 8 and the 2nd insulator 17 consist of electrical insulators, such as polyethylene, for example.
[0005]
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion B in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, 19 is a welded portion in which the joining surfaces of the first insulator 8 and the second insulator 17 are fused, and 20 is a supply portion. This is a radial discharge path generated between the first and second insulators 8 and 17 between the first metal sleeve 7 functioning as an electric wire and the pressure-resistant housing 2, and this discharge The path 20 is generated when a discharge occurs between the first metal sleeve 7 and the pressure-resistant housing 2 and the insulation between the joint surfaces of the first and second insulators 8 and 17 breaks down. It occurs between the joint surfaces.
[0006]
Next, the operation will be described.
An optical circuit in the repeater 1 from the outside of the pressure-resistant housing 2 via the first optical fiber submarine cable 4 on the input side of the repeater 1 → the cable introducing device 3 → the second optical fiber submarine cable 5. When electric power is supplied to a system (not shown), the optical circuit system amplifies the optical transmission signal from the optical fiber 9 and the second optical fiber submarine cable 5 on the output side of the repeater 1 → The supplied power and the optical transmission signal are led out to another repeater (not shown) outside the pressure-resistant housing 2 via the cable introducing device 3 → the first optical fiber submarine cable 4. In this case, the metal pipe 14 on the first optical fiber submarine cable 4 side, the first metal sleeve 7 and the second metal sleeve 16 function as a power supply line, and the pressure-resistant housing 2 functions as a ground.
[0007]
Here, when the first and second metal sleeves 7 and 16 are not covered with the insulators 8 and 17, the electric pressure supplied to the repeater 1 through the metal sleeves 7 and 16 is used as a pressure-resistant housing as a ground. A potential difference occurs in the body 2. Due to the potential difference, discharge from the metal sleeves 7 and 16 occurs in the pressure-resistant casing 2, so that the light around the metal sleeves 7 and 16 is covered with insulators 8 and 17 to prevent the discharge. Although the insulation structure of the cable introducing device for the submarine repeater is used, the discharge from the metal sleeves 7 and 16 is likely to occur along the joint surfaces of the insulators 8 and 17.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the insulation structure of the conventional optical submarine repeater cable introducing device is configured as described above, the first and second insulators 8 and 17 covering the first and second metal sleeves 7 and 16 are provided. Is merely joining the opposite end surfaces in the axial direction and groove-welding the outside between the joint surfaces, and the insulators 8, 17 between the metal sleeves 7, 16 and the pressure-resistant housing 2 are mutually connected. The creepage distance between the joint surfaces of the first and second metal sleeves 7 and / or 16 is short, so that a discharge that flows from the first metal sleeve 7 and / or the second metal sleeve 16 to the pressure-resistant casing 2 may occur, causing a risk of dielectric breakdown There was a problem. In particular, since the performance of the repeater 1 has been improved recently, the power supplied to the repeater 1 has increased, and the potential difference generated between the metal sleeves 7 and 16 and the pressure-resistant housing 2 has increased. There is a problem that the risk of dielectric breakdown due to the occurrence of electric discharge is high.
[0009]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and can increase the discharge path (creeping distance) from the metal sleeve of the power supply system to the repeater to the pressure-resistant housing of the ground system, and the discharge. An object of the present invention is to obtain a highly reliable insulation structure for an optical submarine repeater cable introduction device that can prevent the occurrence of dielectric breakdown and can improve the withstand voltage performance.
[0010]
Further, the present invention is for an optical submarine repeater that can easily lengthen the discharge path by changing the minimum shape of the insulator covering the metal sleeve of the power feeding system without changing the basic configuration of the cable introducing device. It aims at obtaining the insulation structure of a cable introduction apparatus.
[0011]
Furthermore, the present invention does not require a member different from the original insulator covering the metal sleeve of the power supply system, and can easily lengthen the discharge path by simply changing the cross-sectional shape of the insulator. It aims at obtaining the insulation structure of the cable introduction device for submarine repeaters.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An insulation structure of a cable introducing device for an optical submarine repeater according to the present invention is provided on a wall portion of a pressure-resistant housing that houses an optical fiber submarine cable repeater, and a first metal sleeve through which an optical fiber is inserted, A first cable introduction device for introducing an optical fiber submarine cable into the pressure-resistant housing; and a first insulator that electrically insulates between the first metal sleeve and the pressure-resistant housing; The optical fiber is inserted, and a second metal sleeve connected to the first metal sleeve and an outer periphery of the second metal sleeve are covered and joined to the axial end surface of the first insulator. In an insulating structure of an optical submarine repeater cable introducing device comprising a second insulator, and comprising a second cable introducing device connecting between the repeater and the first cable introducing device, 1st and 2nd cave The interconnect of the introduction device, the first, is formed between the mutually bonded surfaces of the second insulator, the first, the middle of the discharge direction of the discharge path from the second metal sleeve toward the pressure-resistant housing Is provided with a discharge path extending means for extending the discharge path by guiding it from the thickness direction of the insulator in a direction shifted in the axial direction of the metal sleeve.
[0013]
The discharge path extending means of the insulating structure of the optical submarine repeater cable introducing device according to the present invention spans the outer periphery of the joint portion between the first insulator and the second insulator across the first and second insulators. It consists of an electrically insulating collar that covers it as a whole.
[0014]
The discharge path extending means of the insulating structure of the optical submarine repeater cable introducing device according to the present invention includes a fitting recess formed at a bonded end of one insulator in the first insulator and the second insulator. And a fitting convex portion which is formed at the joined end portion of the other insulator and fitted and fixed to the fitting concave portion.
[0015]
The discharge path extending means of the insulating structure of the optical submarine repeater cable introducing device according to the present invention includes a fitting recess formed at a joined end of one of the first insulator and the second insulator. An electrically insulating insulation that integrally covers the outer periphery of the joint between the first and second insulators, and the fitting convex formed at the end of the other insulator to be joined and fixed to the fitting recess. It consists of a sex color.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
1 is a cross-sectional view showing an insulating structure of an optical submarine repeater cable introducing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The same or corresponding parts as those in FIGS. To do. The insulation structure of the optical submarine repeater cable introducing device according to the present invention includes the first cable introducing device 31 and the second cable introducing device constituting the conventional cable introducing device 3 described with reference to FIGS. 32 is applied to the connecting portion.
[0017]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 21 denotes an electric circuit that integrally covers the outer periphery between the joint surfaces of the first insulator 8 that covers the first metal sleeve 7 and the second insulator 17 that covers the second metal sleeve 16. Insulating collar 22, a welded portion in which both end portions of collar 21 are fillet welded to the outer peripheral surfaces of first insulator 8 and second insulator 17, 23 is the first metal sleeve 7 and / Or a discharge path when a discharge flows from the second metal sleeve 16 to the pressure-resistant casing 2 of FIGS. 4 and 5 through the joint surfaces of the first and second insulators 8 and 17. is there.
[0018]
That is, the collar 21 is fitted over the outer peripheral surfaces of the insulators 8 and 17 so as to cover the joint surfaces of the first and second insulators 8 and 17, and both end portions in the axial direction are fitted. The insulators 8 and 17 are welded. The collar 21 passes through between the joint surfaces of the first and second insulators 8 and 17 from the first metal sleeve 7 and / or the second metal sleeve 16, and the pressure-resistant housing shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. 2 is generated, the middle of the discharge path 23 is bent in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface of the first insulator 8 on the side close to the pressure-resistant housing 2, and the discharge path 23 It becomes a discharge path extending means for prolonging the length.
[0019]
Next, the operation will be described.
The introduction of power and optical signals to the repeater 1 by the cable introduction device 3 and the derivation of power and optical signals from the repeater 1 are performed in the same manner as in the prior art, and thus description thereof is omitted.
For example, a potential difference generated between the first and second metal sleeves 7 and 16 and the pressure-resistant housing 2 due to an increase in power supplied to the repeater 1 as performance of the repeater 1 increases. Even when the first metal sleeve 7 and / or the second metal sleeve 7 and / or the second metal sleeve 7 are covered by the electrically insulating collar 21 that covers the gap between the joint surfaces of the first and second insulators 8 and 17 with the outer peripheral surface portions of both. Since the discharge path (creeping distance) 23 from the metal sleeve 16 to the pressure-resistant housing 2 in FIGS. 4 and 5 through the joint surface between the first and second insulators 8 and 17 becomes long, the first The discharge from the metal sleeve 7 and / or the second metal sleeve 16 to the pressure-resistant housing 2 is less likely to occur.
[0020]
According to the first embodiment described above, the outer peripheral surface portion between the joint surfaces of the first and second insulators 8 and 17 that cover the first and second metal sleeves 7 and 16 and are joined to each other. The first and second insulators 8 and 17 are joined from the first metal sleeve 7 and / or the second metal sleeve 16. A discharge path (creeping distance) 23 that passes between the surfaces and reaches the pressure-resistant housing 2 can be lengthened by the collar 21. For this reason, it becomes difficult to generate a discharge from the first metal sleeve 7 and / or the second metal sleeve 16 to the pressure-resistant casing 2, it is possible to prevent a dielectric breakdown due to the discharge, and an insulation performance is improved. There is an effect that reliability against dielectric breakdown is increased. In addition, the configuration is simple, and there is an effect that the configuration can be easily and inexpensively performed without changing the basic configuration of the first and second cable introduction devices 31 and 32.
[0021]
Embodiment 2. FIG.
2 is a cross-sectional view showing an insulating structure of an optical submarine repeater cable introducing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The same or corresponding parts as those in FIGS. Description is omitted.
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 8 a denotes a fitting recess formed integrally with the second insulator 17 in the first insulator 8, and this fitting recess 8 a is formed on the first insulator 8. The outer periphery of the joined end is cut out in the radial direction and formed into an annular shape. Reference numeral 17 a denotes a fitting convex portion formed integrally with an end of the second insulator 17 to be joined with the first insulator 8, and the fitting convex portion 17 a is formed on the second insulator 17. It is formed by notching the inner periphery of the joined end portion in an annular shape in the radial direction. And in this Embodiment 2, the fitting convex part 17a of the said 2nd insulator 17 is unevenly fitted by the fitting recessed part 8a of the said 1st insulator 8, and the said fitting convex part 17a front-end | tip and the 1st The outer surface of the joint surface with one insulator 8 is groove-welded, and the welded portion is denoted by reference numeral 19. Reference numeral 24 denotes a discharge path when a discharge occurs from the first metal sleeve 7 and / or the second metal sleeve 16 to the pressure-resistant housing 2.
[0022]
That is, in the second embodiment, the first metal sleeve 7 and / or the second metal sleeve 16 passes through the space between the joining surfaces of the first and second insulators 8 and 17 to the pressure-resistant housing 2. As a discharge path extending means for lengthening the discharge path (creeping distance) 24, the fitting insulator 8a is formed in the first insulator 8, and the fitting protrusion 17a is formed in the second insulator 17. Is.
[0023]
Next, the operation will be described.
The fitting concave portion 8a of the first insulator 8 and the fitting convex portion 17a of the second insulator 17 are concavo-convexly fitted along the axial direction, and the axial direction between the fitting concave portion 8a and the fitting convex portion 17a. Since the discharge path 24 becomes long due to the joint surface along the line, discharge from the first metal sleeve 7 and / or the second metal sleeve 16 to the pressure-resistant housing 2 is less likely to occur.
[0024]
According to the second embodiment described above, at the joined end portion of the first insulator 8 that covers the first metal sleeve 7 and the second insulator 17 that covers the second metal sleeve 16. The fitting recess 8a is integrally formed at the joined end portion of the first insulator 8, and the fitting convex portion 17a is integrally formed at the joined end portion of the second insulator 17, respectively. Since the fitting convex portion 17a is configured to be unevenly fitted and integrated by welding, a separate member from the first and second insulators 8 and 17 is not required, and the insulators 8 are not required. , 17 only by partially changing the shape of the joined end portions, between the first metal sleeve 7 and / or the second metal sleeve 16 between the joining surfaces of the first and second insulators 8, 17 It is possible to lengthen the discharge path (creeping distance) 24 that passes through and reaches the pressure-resistant housing 2. For this reason, as in the case of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent dielectric breakdown due to discharge, and there is an effect that the insulation performance is improved and the reliability against dielectric breakdown is increased. In addition, the configuration is simple, and there is an effect that the configuration can be easily and inexpensively performed without changing the basic configuration of the first and second cable introduction devices 31 and 32.
[0025]
Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the insulation structure of the optical submarine repeater cable introducing device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and the same or corresponding parts as those in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 to 6 are designated by the same reference numerals. Therefore, duplicate explanation is omitted.
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 8 b denotes a fitting convex portion that is integrally formed at the end of the first insulator 8 to be joined with the second insulator 17, and this fitting convex portion 8 b is the first insulator. 8 is formed in an annular shape by notching the inner periphery of the joined end portion in the radial direction. Reference numeral 17b denotes a fitting recess integrally formed at the end of the second insulator 17 to be joined to the first insulator 8, and the fitting recess 17b is to be joined to the second insulator 17. The outer periphery of the end portion is formed by annularly cutting out in the radial direction. Reference numeral 25 denotes a discharge path when a discharge occurs from the first metal sleeve 7 and / or the second metal sleeve 16 to the pressure-resistant housing 2.
[0026]
That is, in the second embodiment, the fitting recess 8a is formed at the joined end portion of the first insulator 8, and the fitting convex portion 17a is formed at the joined end portion of the second insulator 17. On the contrary, in the third embodiment, the fitting convex portion 8b is fitted to the joined end portion of the first insulator 8 and the fitted end portion of the second insulator 17 is fitted. Recesses 17b are respectively formed.
Therefore, in the third embodiment, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.
[0027]
Embodiment 4 FIG.
Although the fourth embodiment is not illustrated, in the fourth embodiment, the welding groove (welded portion 19) in the second embodiment and the third embodiment is not provided, and the others are the same as those in the second embodiment. The configuration is the same as that of Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3, and the joined end portion of the first insulator 8 and the second insulator 17 is the same as in Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3. The outer periphery of the joint surface between the first and second insulators 8 and 17 by the uneven fitting is integrated with the electrically insulating collar 21 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. It is set as the structure covered.
[0028]
According to the fourth embodiment described above, the uneven fitting between the first and second insulators 8 and 17 according to the second embodiment or the third embodiment and the collar 21 according to the first embodiment. The discharge path extends from the first metal sleeve 7 and / or the second metal sleeve 16 to the pressure-resistant housing 2 through the joint surfaces of the first and second insulators 8 and 17. (Creepage distance) is further increased, and therefore, the effect of preventing the dielectric breakdown due to discharge is further enhanced.
[0029]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the first insulator covering the metal sleeve of the first cable introduction device and the second insulator covering the metal sleeve of the second cable introduction device are joined. The discharge direction in the middle of the discharge path when the discharge from the metal sleeve to the pressure-resistant housing passes between the surfaces is guided in a direction shifted from the thickness direction of the insulator to the axial direction of the metal sleeve. Since the discharge path extending means for extending the discharge path is provided, the discharge path from the metal sleeve to the pressure-resistant housing through the joint surface of the insulator becomes long. It is difficult to cause electrical discharge, and it is possible to prevent dielectric breakdown due to electrical discharge, improve the insulation performance, and increase the reliability against dielectric breakdown.
[0030]
According to the present invention, since the outer periphery of the joint portion between the first insulator and the second insulator is integrally covered with the electrically insulating collar, the configuration is simple and the metal sleeve is provided. The discharge path to the pressure-resistant casing through the space between the bonding surfaces of the insulators to the pressure-resistant casing can be lengthened by the collar, so that the discharge to the pressure-resistant casing is difficult to occur and it is possible to prevent dielectric breakdown due to discharge. There is an effect that the insulation performance is improved and the reliability against dielectric breakdown is increased.
[0031]
According to the present invention, the fitting concave portion is formed at the bonded end portion of one insulator in the first insulator and the second insulator, and the fitting convex portion is formed at the bonded end portion of the other insulator. Are formed, and the fitting recess and the fitting projection are configured to be integrated by uneven fitting, so that a member different from the first and second insulators is not required. The discharge path from the metal sleeve to the pressure-resistant housing through the joining surface of the first and second insulators is lengthened only by partially changing the shape of the joined end portions of those insulators. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dielectric breakdown due to electric discharge, improve the insulation performance, and increase the reliability against dielectric breakdown. In addition, the configuration is simple, and there is an effect that it can be implemented easily and at low cost without changing the basic configuration of the first and second cable introduction devices.
[0032]
According to this invention, the fitting recess formed in the joined end of one insulator in the first insulator and the second insulator and the fitting formed in the joined end of the other insulator. Since the fitting convex portion fitted and fixed to the fitting concave portion and the electrically insulating collar that integrally covers the outer periphery of the joint portion between the first and second insulators are combined, the metal sleeve is used. The discharge path that passes between the bonding surfaces of the insulators to reach the pressure-resistant housing is further lengthened, and therefore, there is an effect that the performance of preventing breakdown due to discharge is further enhanced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an insulating structure of an optical submarine repeater cable introducing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an insulating structure of an optical submarine repeater cable introducing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an insulating structure of an optical submarine repeater cable introducing device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory view showing a general optical submarine repeater exemplified for explaining an insulation structure of a conventional optical submarine repeater cable introducing device;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cable introducing device of part A in FIG. 4;
6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion B in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Relay device, 2 pressure | voltage resistant housing | casing, 3 cable introduction apparatus, 7 1st metal sleeve, 8 1st insulator, 8a fitting recessed part, 8b fitting convex part, 16 2nd metal sleeve, 17 2nd Insulator, 17a fitting convex part, 17b fitting concave part, 19 welding part, 21 collar, 22 welding part, 23-25 discharge path, 31 1st cable introduction apparatus, 32 2nd cable introduction apparatus.

Claims

A first metal sleeve provided on a wall portion of a pressure-resistant housing that houses a repeater for an optical fiber submarine cable, and an optical fiber is inserted between the first metal sleeve and the pressure-resistant housing. And a first cable introduction device for introducing an optical fiber submarine cable into the pressure-resistant housing, and the optical fiber is inserted and connected to the first metal sleeve. A second metal sleeve, and a second insulator that covers an outer periphery of the second metal sleeve and is joined to an axial end surface of the first insulator. In the insulation structure of the optical cable submarine repeater cable introducing device provided with the second cable introducing device connected to the first cable introducing device, the interconnecting portion of the first and second cable introducing devices includes: Interconnection of the first and second insulators Is formed between the faces, the first, the middle of the discharge direction of the discharge path toward the pressure-resistant housing of the second metal sleeve, the thickness direction of the insulator, in a direction deviated in the axial direction of the metal sleeve An insulating structure for an optical submarine repeater cable introducing apparatus, characterized in that a discharge path extending means for extending the discharge path by guiding is provided.

The discharge path extending means is made of an electrically insulating collar that integrally covers the outer periphery of the joint between the first insulator and the second insulator across the first and second insulators. The insulation structure of a cable introducing device for an optical submarine repeater according to claim 1.

In the first insulator and the second insulator, the discharge path extending means is formed at a fitting recess formed at a bonded end of one insulator and a bonded end of the other insulator. 2. The insulation structure for a cable introducing device for an optical submarine repeater according to claim 1, comprising a fitting convex portion fitted and fixed to the fitting concave portion.

The discharge path extending means includes a fitting recess formed at a bonded end of one insulator in the first insulator and the second insulator, and a fitting recess formed at the bonded end of the other insulator. 2. A fitting convex portion fitted and fixed to a fitting concave portion, and an electrically insulating collar that integrally covers the outer periphery of the joint portion between the first and second insulators. The insulation structure of the cable introducing device for optical submarine repeaters according to 1.