Offshore Connector Assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an offshore connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first connector body and a plurality of first engagement members each defining a first engagement surface. The second connector includes a second connector body and a plurality of second engagement members each defining a second engagement surface, the second engagement surfaces configured to form a plurality of engagement surface pairs with the plurality of respective first engagement surfaces when the first connector is connected to the second connector. At least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface of each engagement surface pair is configured to be movable relative to its respective first or second connector body between a first engagement surface position in which the first connector is freely spaced from the second connector and a second engagement surface position in which the first connector is mechanically retained relative to the second connector by contact between a first retention portion of the first engagement surface and a second retention portion of the second engagement surface of each engagement surface pair. The subsea offshore connector assembly is configured such that at least one of the first and second mating surfaces of each mating surface pair is biased toward the second mating surface position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an offshore connector assembly and components for forming the same. [Background technology]

[0002] When installing a device in a marine environment, it may be necessary to tether or otherwise connect the device to an anchor or other securely attached structure. The structural connection needs to be strong enough so that the device is not inadvertently separated from the anchor. In some instances, an electrical connection is also provided so that power and / or data signals (e.g., control signals) can be transferred between the device and the anchor (which may itself have an electrical connection to shore).

[0003] Often times, equipment installed in a marine environment needs to be removed from the marine environment, either temporarily, such as for maintenance or repair, or permanently, such as for disposal.

[0004] It is against this background that the present disclosure has been conceived. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the disclosure, an offshore connector assembly is provided. The offshore connector assembly includes a first connector including a first connector body and a plurality of first engagement members each defining a first engagement surface, and a second connector including a second connector body and a plurality of second engagement members each defining a second engagement surface. Each second engagement surface is configured to form a plurality of engagement surface pairs with a respective one of the plurality of first engagement surfaces when the first connector is connected to the second connector. At least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface of each engagement surface pair is configured to be movable relative to its respective first or second connector body between a first engagement surface position in which the first connector is freely spaced from the second connector and a second engagement surface position in which the first connector is mechanically retained relative to the second connector by contact between a first retention portion of the first engagement surface and a second retention portion of the second engagement surface of each engagement surface pair. The offshore connector assembly is configured such that at least one of the first and second mating surfaces of each mating surface pair is biased toward the second mating surface position.

[0006] Thus, an offshore connector assembly can be provided that secures a mechanical connection between a first connector and a second connector in which engaging members cooperate to provide a mechanical connection, the assembly being configured such that the connection is biased toward a position in which the first connector is mechanically retained relative to the second connector, thereby improving the safety and convenience of the mechanical connection.

[0007] An offshore connector assembly is understood to be substantially any connector that is used (e.g., configured to be used) at least partially in a marine environment (i.e., away from shore) above or below the surface of a body of water. In some examples, the offshore connector assembly may be configured to be used in a marine environment only after connection. In other examples, the offshore connector assembly may be configured to be used in a marine environment during connection of the first connector and the second connector. In some examples, the offshore connector assembly may be a subsea connector assembly. In other words, the offshore connector assembly may be configured to be used below the surface of a body of water, at least sometimes.

[0008] The plurality of first engagement members may be at least 5 first engagement members. The plurality of first engagement members may be at least 10 first engagement members. The plurality of first engagement members may be less than 100 first engagement members. The plurality of first engagement members may be less than 20 first engagement members. The plurality of second engagement members may be at least 5 second engagement members. The plurality of second engagement members may be at least 10 second engagement members. The plurality of second engagement members may be less than 100 second engagement members. The plurality of second engagement members may be less than 20 second engagement members.

[0009] It will be appreciated that movement of the first connector away from the second connector is at least partially prevented by contact between the first and second retaining portions of the first and second engagement surfaces of each engagement surface pair.

[0010] The offshore connector assembly may be configured such that at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces of each engagement surface pair is resiliently biased toward the second engagement surface position. Thus, even when a force is applied that moves at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces of each engagement surface pair from the second engagement surface position to the first engagement surface position, the offshore connector assembly is configured to urge at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces of each engagement surface pair back to the second engagement surface position. At least one of the first connector and the second connector may include a resiliently deformable member (e.g., a spring) that resiliently urges at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces of each engagement surface pair toward the second engagement surface position.

[0011] The plurality of first engagement members may be circumferentially arranged around a first connection axis of the first connector. The plurality of second engagement members may be circumferentially arranged around a second connection axis of the second connector. Thus, the first connector and the second connector may each have a substantially circular arrangement of engagement members. It is understood that the first connection axis may be considered to be a centerline of the first connector that is centered within the plurality of first engagement members and extends to the second connection axis. Similarly, the second connection axis may be considered to be a centerline of the second connector that is centered within the plurality of second engagement members and extends to the first connection axis.

[0012] At least two of the plurality of first engagement members may be fixedly attached to one another such that at least two of the plurality of first engagement members can move together relative to the first connector body. Each of the plurality of first engagement members may be fixedly attached to one another such that all of the plurality of first engagement members can move together. Thus, there is no need to provide a movement actuator for each movable engagement member. Each of the first engagement members movable relative to the first connector body may be fixedly attached to one another such that all of the plurality of movable first engagement members can move together.

[0013] At least two of the plurality of second engagement members may be fixedly attached to one another such that at least two of the plurality of second engagement members can move together relative to the second connector body. Each of the plurality of second engagement members may be fixedly attached to one another such that all of the plurality of second engagement members can move together. Thus, there is no need to provide a movement actuator for each movable engagement member. Each of the second engagement members movable relative to the second connector body may be fixedly attached to one another such that all of the plurality of movable second engagement members can move together.

[0014] Each of the plurality of first engagement members may be sized such that its width does not exceed a respective spacing between the plurality of second engagement members. Each of the plurality of second engagement members may be sized such that its width does not exceed a respective spacing between the plurality of first engagement members. Thus, each of the first engagement members may pass through a respective spacing between adjacent second engagement members before contact between the retaining portions of each engagement surface is made at the second engagement surface location.

[0015] The first connector may be configured to move toward the second connector when the first connector connects to the second connector, and the first retaining portion may be arranged to face away from a direction of movement of the first connector. The second connector may be configured to move toward the first connector when the first connector connects to the second connector, and the second retaining portion may be arranged to face away from a direction of movement of the second connector.

[0016] A first engagement surface of at least one of the engagement surface pairs may further comprise a first angled portion and a second engagement surface of the at least one engagement surface pair may further comprise a second angled portion. The first engagement surface of each engagement surface pair may further comprise a respective first angled portion and the second engagement surface of each engagement surface pair may further comprise a respective second angled portion.

[0017] The first and second angled portions may each be positioned such that as the first connector moves toward the second connector, sliding contact between the first and second angled portions is provided, urging the first and second engagement surfaces of at least one of the or each engagement surface pair to move toward the first engagement surface position. Thus, the first engagement member of the first connector may be moved relative to the second engagement member of the second connector, urging the first connector to contact the second connector and at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces of each engagement surface pair to move to the first engagement surface position.

[0018] The prompted movement may be in a direction having a component perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first connector to the second connector. This direction may have a component in the circumferential direction of the first and / or second connection axis. In other words, the angled portion allows lateral movement of the first engagement member relative to the second engagement member, thereby ensuring that the engagement members can pass each other during the connecting operation. This movement may be a rotational movement about the first and / or second connection axis.

[0019] It will be appreciated that the angled portions of the engagement surfaces define surfaces that are inclined at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the retaining portions of the respective engagement surfaces. Each angled portion may be inclined at an angle between 20 degrees and 70 degrees relative to a surface normal passing through the retaining portions of the respective engagement surfaces. Each angled portion may be inclined at an angle less than 45 degrees relative to a surface normal passing through the retaining portions of the respective engagement surfaces. As such, sliding contact between the first angled portion and the second angled portion allows the first angled portion and the second angled portion to induce lateral movement of the first and second engagement surfaces without creating excessive frictional resistance.

[0020] The first and second angled portions of at least one engagement surface pair may each be further arranged such that sliding contact between the first and second angled portions prompts movement of the connector body of at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces of each engagement surface pair, thereby changing the axial alignment between the first connector and the second connector while the first connector is moving toward the second connector.

[0021] The angled portion therefore ensures that the first connector and the second connector are each centrally positioned relative to the other's connection axis, thereby ensuring alignment of the first and second engagement members and / or alignment of the first and second connection axes.

[0022] The first and second angled portions of at least one engagement surface pair may each be further positioned such that sliding contact between the first and second angled portions facilitates movement of the connector body of at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces of each engagement surface pair, thereby improving axial alignment of the first and second connectors during movement of the first connector toward the second connector.

[0023] A plane defined by at least one of the angled portions may intersect a respective connection axis at an axial location above or below the height of the respective angled portion. In other words, at least one of the angled portions may be considered to be inclined inwardly or outwardly. As a result, a lateral force may be applied to the first and second connectors during the connection process, which improves translational alignment of the first and second connectors during connection.

[0024] A first engagement surface of the at least one engagement surface pair may further include a first sliding portion extending from the first retaining portion. A second engagement surface of the at least one engagement surface pair may further include a second sliding portion extending from the second retaining portion. The first sliding portion may be arranged to contact the second sliding portion during movement of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface of the at least one engagement surface pair from a second engagement surface position to a first engagement surface position when the first connector is mechanically retained relative to the second connector. In the second engagement surface position. The first sliding portion and the second sliding portion may each be configured such that while the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface of the at least one engagement surface pair are moving from the second engagement surface position to the first engagement surface position, when the first sliding portion contacts the second sliding portion, the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface of the at least one engagement surface pair are further moving from the second engagement surface position to the first engagement surface position.

[0025] Thus, once the sliding portions contact each other, the first and second mating surfaces of the mating surface pair may continue to slide together even if no release force is applied. In this manner, it can be seen that removal of the first connector from the second connector is simplified. Offshore connector assemblies may be used in applications where the connection may be subjected to significant mechanical forces under tension. It is therefore important that the connection can be safely removed without damaging components such as the first connector or the second connector.

[0026] At least one of the shape and surface roughness of the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion may be configured such that, while the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface of the at least one engagement surface pair are moving from the second engagement surface position toward the first engagement surface position, when the first sliding portion contacts the second sliding portion, the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface of the at least one engagement surface pair are moving further from the second engagement surface position toward the first engagement surface position.

[0027] The or each first sliding part may extend from a respective first retaining part, and the or each second sliding part may extend from a respective second retaining part. The radius of curvature of any convex region of the or each first sliding part may be configured to be sufficiently large such that a level of contact stress between the first sliding part and the second sliding part that would cause localized plastic deformation of the first connector or the second connector is substantially avoided (e.g., avoided). The radius of curvature of any convex region of the or each first sliding part may be greater than 5 millimeters. The radius of curvature of any convex region of the or each first sliding part may be greater than 5% of the width of the first retaining part. The lateral extent of the first slide in the direction of the length of the first retainer (in which direction the first retainer is arranged to move relative to the second retainer when moving from the second engagement surface location towards the first engagement surface location) may be less than 50% of the length of the first retainer. The lateral extent of the first slide may be less than 30%. The lateral extent of the first slide may be less than 5 millimeters.

[0028] The radius of curvature of any convex region of the or each second sliding part may be configured to be sufficiently large such that a level of contact stress between the first and second sliding parts that would cause localized plastic deformation of the first or second connector is substantially avoided (e.g., avoided). The radius of curvature of any convex region of the or each second sliding part may be greater than 5 millimeters. The radius of curvature of any convex region of the or each second sliding part may be greater than 5% of the width of the second retainer. The lateral extent of the second sliding part in the length direction of the second retainer (in which direction the second retainer is arranged to move relative to the first retainer when moving from the second engagement surface position towards the first engagement surface position) may be less than 50% of the length of the second retainer. The lateral extent of the second sliding part may be less than 30%. The lateral extent of the second slider may be less than 5 millimeters.

[0029] At least one of the first retention portions may extend over at least 50% of the circumferential length of an individual first engagement member (i.e., around the first connecting axis). At least one of the second retention portions may extend over at least 50% of the circumferential length of an individual second engagement member (i.e., around the second connecting axis).

[0030] The offshore connector assembly may further comprise a linear actuator operable to exert a release force on at least one engagement member of at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces movable relative to its respective first or second connector body. Thus, movement of the linear actuator may cause movement from the second engagement surface position to the first engagement surface position. The offshore connector assembly may further comprise a linear actuator operable to exert a release force on at least one engagement member of at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces movable relative to its respective first or second connector body.

[0031] The linear actuator may be an electric actuator. The linear actuator may be a hydraulic actuator.

[0032] The offshore connector assembly may be configured such that at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces movable relative to its respective first or second connector body is freely movable from a second engagement surface position to a first engagement surface position without the action of a linear actuator. In other words, the linear actuator is mounted such that it does not retard or impede the movement of the respective engagement surface from the second engagement surface position to the first engagement surface position relative to its respective connector body. As a result, once the first and second slides contact each other and the first engagement surface is urged to move relative to the second engagement surface to the first engagement surface position without the need for further lateral force (e.g., from the linear actuator), the respective first or second engagement member is free to move away from the arm of the linear actuator.

[0033] The offshore connector assembly may further include a slotted linkage disposed between the respective first or second connector body and the first or second engagement member, whereby the respective engagement member is movably connected to the respective connector body via the linear actuator and the slotted linkage. The slotted linkage defines a slot therein, thereby allowing the linear actuator to slide relative to at least one of the respective engagement member and the respective connector body. Thus, the engagement member may freely move at a speed greater than the extension (or retraction) speed of the linear actuator, if desired.

[0034] The second mating surface of each mating surface pair may be configured to be movable relative to the second connector body between a first mating surface position and a second mating surface position, and thus, specifically, it may be the second mating surface of each mating surface pair that moves, rather than the first mating surface.

[0035] In another example, a first mating surface of each mating surface pair may be configured to be movable relative to the first connector body between a first mating surface position and a second mating surface position.

[0036] The first connector may include one or more first electrical contacts. The second connector may include one or more second electrical contacts. The second electrical contacts may be configured to form one or more electrical contact pairs with one or more respective first electrical contacts when the first connector is connected to the second connector. At least one of the first connector and the second connector may include one or more movable contact covers configured to be movable between a first cover position in which a respective cover surface of the one or more movable contact covers covers a respective first or second electrical contact and a second cover position in which a respective cover surface of the one or more movable contact covers is removed from the respective first or second electrical contact. The offshore connector assembly may be configured such that the one or more movable contact covers move from the first cover position to the second cover position when the first connector is moved to the second connector. The offshore connector assembly may alternatively or additionally be configured such that when the first connector is moved away from the second connector, the one or more movable contact covers move from a second cover position to a first cover position.

[0037] Thus, in addition to mechanical connections, electrical connections can be provided across the offshore connector assembly. The movable contact covers ensure that the electrical contacts on the individual connectors are only exposed as part of connecting the first connector to the second connector, and further, that as part of removing the first connector from the second connector, the movable contact covers return to shield the respective electrical contacts. In this manner, the use of the movable contact covers can prevent biofouling of at least some of the electrical contacts.

[0038] According to another aspect, as believed novel per se, the present disclosure provides an offshore connector assembly comprising a first connector including one or more first electrical contacts and a second connector including one or more second electrical contacts configured to form one or more electrical contact pairs with one or more respective first electrical contacts when the first connector is connected to the second connector, one of the first connector and the second connector comprising one or more movable contact covers configured to be movable between a first cover position in which a respective cover surface of the one or more movable contact covers covers a respective first or second electrical contact and a second cover position in which a respective cover surface of the one or more movable contact covers is removed from a respective first or second electrical contact. The offshore connector assembly is configured such that when the first connector moves towards the second connector, the one or more movable contact covers move from a first cover position to a second cover position, and when the first connector moves away from the second connector, the one or more movable contact covers move from the second cover position to the first cover position.

[0039] Thus, electrical connections can be provided across the offshore connector assembly. The movable contact cover ensures that the electrical contacts on the individual connectors are only exposed as part of connecting the first connector to the second connector, and further, that the movable contact cover returns to shield the respective electrical contacts as part of removing the first connector from the second connector. In this manner, the movable contact cover can be used to prevent biofouling of at least some of the electrical contacts.

[0040] The one or more first electrical contacts and the one or more second electrical contacts may be configured to conduct power and / or control signals between the two connectors of the offshore connector assembly.

[0041] One or more movable contact covers may be included in the first connector. One or more movable contact covers may be included in the second connector.

[0042] The first connector may further comprise one or more contact cover seats each having a shielding surface arranged to cover a respective cover surface when the one or more movable contact covers are in the first cover position, thus reducing or even substantially preventing biofouling on the respective cover surface of the movable contact covers when the first connector is connected to the second connector.

[0043] Typically, the shielding surface is substantially flat.

[0044] Each of the one or more movable contact covers may be rotatable between a first cover position and a second cover position. Each of the one or more movable contact covers may be slidable between the first cover position and the second cover position. Thus, the sliding action helps to remove biofouling contaminants on either or both of the respective electrical contacts and shielding surfaces.

[0045] The second connector may further comprise one or more elongated projections. The first connector comprises one or more movable parts, said movable parts being mechanically coupled to one or more movable contact covers, whereby movement of the one or more movable parts causes the one or more movable contact covers to move between a first cover position and a second cover position. The offshore connector assembly may be configured such that when the first connector moves to the second connector, the one or more elongated projections together contact and cause movement of the one or more movable parts, whereby the one or more movable contact covers move from the first cover position to the second cover position. Thus, a particularly efficient mechanism is provided for moving the one or more movable contact covers from the first cover position to the second cover position as part of connecting the first connector to the second connector.

[0046] The offshore connector assembly may be configured such that when the first connector is moved away from the second connector, the one or more elongate protrusions together release contact with and enable movement of the one or more moveable portions, thereby enabling movement of the one or more moveable contact covers from the second cover position to the first cover position. Thus, a particularly efficient mechanism is provided for moving the one or more moveable contact covers from the second cover position to the first cover position as part of removal of the first connector from the second connector.

[0047] The one or more movable contact covers are biased towards the first covering position such that when the first connector is removed and moved away from the second connector, the one or more movable contact covers can be automatically returned to the first covering position, thereby reducing or even preventing biofouling on the respective one or more first or second electrical contacts.

[0048] The first connector may be arranged to extend to the surface away from the second connector. The second connector may be arranged to be provided as part of a deployable marine device. The deployable marine device may be at least partially tethered to the surface by the subsea connector assembly.

[0049] The deployable marine device may be mechanically and / or electrically connected to further components by subsea connector assemblies.

[0050] The surface may be a seabed. The deployable marine device may be a power generating device. The deployable marine device may be a floating facility. The deployable marine device may be configured to transmit at least one of power and / or control signals via the subsea connector assembly.

[0051] The present disclosure extends to a kit of parts for forming an offshore connector assembly as described herein, the kit of parts comprising a first connector and a second connector, each as described herein.

[0052] The present disclosure extends to a first connector for an offshore connector assembly.The present disclosure extends to a second connector for an offshore connector assembly.

[0053] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates example components of a connector assembly as described herein. [Diagram 2] 1 shows an enlarged view of a movable cover provided as part of the components of the connector assembly described herein. [Diagram 3] 2 illustrates examples of further components of the connector assembly of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 4 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a further component shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates an example of an engagement member as described herein. [Figure 6(a)] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating stages of engagement of engaging members during mechanical connection and disconnection of components in an example connector assembly described herein. [Figure 6(b)] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating stages of engagement of engaging members during mechanical connection and disconnection of components in an example connector assembly described herein. [Figure 6(c)] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating stages of engagement of engaging members during mechanical connection and disconnection of components in an example connector assembly described herein. [Figure 6(d)] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating stages of engagement of engaging members during mechanical connection and disconnection of components in an example connector assembly described herein. [Figure 7]An example of a connector assembly as described herein is shown in a partially connected configuration. [Figure 8] The connector assembly of FIG. 7 is shown in a connected configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates a first connector 100 of a connector assembly described herein. The first connector 100 comprises a connector body 101 and an electrical mounting carriage 102 extending from the connector body 101. The electrical mounting carriage 102 is provided with a pair of first electrical connectors 103 and a subsea junction box 104. Rotational coarse alignment pins 105 extend radially from a surface of the connector body 101. Fine alignment cones 106 extend away from the electrical mounting carriage 102 between the paired first electrical connectors 103. Rotational fine alignment channels 107 are defined by a portion of the electrical mounting carriage 102. A set of first engagement members 108 in the form of wedge-shaped teeth 108 extend radially from a surface of the connector body 101. FIG. 1 illustrates the first connector 100 in an unconnected configuration. In this example, the first connector 100 would normally be located subsea when detached and may be supported off the sea floor (eg, at the surface) by subsea buoyancy (not shown).

[0056] The first connector 100 is oriented with a mooring connection point 109 and a subsea cable connection flange 110 on the underside, typically relatively close to the seabed. The mooring connection point 109 is used for connection to one or more mooring lines (not shown in this figure). The subsea cable connection flange 110 provides an entry point for the subsea electrical and / or communication cables into the subsea junction box 104. Within the subsea junction box 104, the cables split and are electrically connected to the first electrical connector 103. In this embodiment, the first electrical connector 103 is a wet-mate connector. In other words, it is intended that the first electrical connector 103 can be connected to a second connector (described below with reference to FIG. 3) in a wet environment (including when fully submerged).

[0057] On the top surface of the first connector 100, an upper bullnose piece 111 provides a connection eye 112 to which an attachment line (not shown) can be connected. The attachment line can be connected to the connection eye 112, for example via a hook or slidable line, for easy release after the connection operation is completed. In this way, the attachment line can be used to pull up the first connector 100 while connecting it to a second connector, as will be further described below.

[0058] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of some of the first electrical connectors 103 and their associated components of FIG. 1. Each of the first electrical connectors 103 is provided with a movable contact cover 120 to cover the contact surface of the first electrical connector 103 when in an unconnected configuration. The movable contact cover 120 protects the first electrical connector 103 from impact, biofouling, or other contaminants when the first electrical connector 103 is left unconnected in the sea. A pair of protective pads 121 are also provided alongside the first electrical connectors 103. The movable contact covers 120 are pivotally connected to the electrical mounting carriage 102 and can be rotated between a first position where each movable contact cover 120 covers the contact surface of a respective first electrical connector 103 and a second position where each movable contact cover 120 covers the protective pad 121. In other words, when the first electrical connectors 103 are in a connected configuration, the movable contact cover 120 is located on the protective pad 121. The purpose of the protective pad 121 is to protect the underside of the movable contact cover 120 from impact, biofouling, or other contaminants when the first electrical connector 103 is in a connected configuration and thus the movable contact cover 120 is not covering the contact surface of the first electrical connector 103. A movable tab 113 is also provided which is configured to cause the movable contact cover 120 to rotate from a first position to a second position when moved, such as by rotation. The movable tab 113 is arranged to move upon engagement of components of the second connector, as will be further described below with reference to FIG. 7. The movable contact cover 120 is spring loaded to bias towards the first position to protect the pair of first electrical connectors 103 when unconnected.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a second connector 200 for connecting with the first connector 100 described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The second connector 200 comprises a second connector body 202. The second connector body 202 has a second set of engagement members 204 extending radially inward therefrom that are wedge shaped opposite to the first engagement members of the first connector. The second connector body 202 defines an open channel 206. The second set of engagement members 204 extend radially inward into the open channel 206. The second connector 200 further comprises an electrical mounting carriage 208 on which a pair of second electrical connectors 210 are provided.

[0060] The open channel 206 includes a rotational alignment channel (more clearly seen in FIG. 4) that engages with an alignment pin 105 on the first connector 100. The electrical attachment carriage 208 also includes a precision alignment cone tube 212 that defines an opening for engaging with a precision alignment cone feature 106 on the first connector 100. A rotational alignment spike 214 is included on the electrical attachment carriage 208 to provide further rotational alignment of the second connector 200 as it connects to the first connector 100. The rotational alignment spike 214 also functions as part of a mechanism for moving the moveable contact cover 121, as described below. In this embodiment, the electrical attachment carriage 208 is further provided with a pair of springs 216 that are coaxially mounted to one another. The pair of springs 216 are provided between the second electrical connector 210 and a portion of the electrical mounting carriage 208 that is rigidly connected to the second connector body 202 to allow the second electrical connector 210 to move relative to the second connector body 202. In this manner, the use of the pair of springs 216 provides compliance in the electrical mounting carriage 208 to ensure that the electrical connection is mechanically isolated from any acting relative motion between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 when connected. This increases the service life and reliability of the electrical / communication connections made via the first electrical connector 103 and the second electrical connector 210.

[0061] In this embodiment, the second connector 200 is further provided with a structural attachment mechanism 218 that allows the second connector to be secured by direct bolting to an offshore structure such as a wave or tidal machine or other marine structure. The open channel 206 allows the attachment line to run through the center to a winch that may be mounted on the offshore structure or attachment vessel. As mentioned above, when the attachment line is connected to the connection eye 112 of the first connector 100, the winch can be used to pull the first connector 100 to the second connector 200.

[0062] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of the second connector shown in FIG. 3. In this view, it can be seen that the second engaging member 204 is mounted on a cylindrical ring 259 that was in the lower region of the second connector 200. The cylindrical ring 259 can rotate relative to the upper part of the second connector body 202. First and second radial bearings 250, 251 are mounted to allow the second engaging member 204 to move rotationally on the cylindrical ring 259. The engaging members 204 are arranged circumferentially on the inner surface of the cylindrical ring 259 and extend radially inwards, respectively, as described above. A series of compression springs 253 are accommodated circumferentially in two spring pockets 254 of the second connector 200 in the region above the cylindrical ring 259. The compression springs 253 are arranged to oppose the free rotation of the cylindrical ring 259 in a first sense. In other words, when the cylindrical ring 259 rotates slightly in the first rotational direction, the compression spring 253 compresses and resists the rotation, thereby biasing the cylindrical ring 259 toward a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. As will be further explained below with reference to Figs. 5 and 6(a)-6(d), a set of release actuators (not shown) is attached to rotate the cylindrical ring 259 with the second engagement members 204 relative to the second connector body 202 to disengage the first engagement members from the second engagement members. In this view of the second connector 200, the rotational alignment channel 255 is also clearly visible. The rotational alignment channel 255 is where the rotational coarse alignment pin 105 is oriented and held during the connection of the first connector 100 to the second connector 200.

[0063] 4 also shows that there are a number of spaced apart engagement members 204. In this embodiment, each engagement member 204 further comprises a machined load bearing tab 257, and some engagement members 204 also have a bolted wedge shaped portion 258. Surface 256 indicates where the wedge shaped portion can be attached via a mounting hole defined in a cylindrical ring 259.

[0064] In this embodiment, the second connector 200 typically includes the actuator and associated control system, compression spring, and movable engagement member. These are the more complex parts of the connector assembly. Locating these parts on the second connector 200, which is typically mounted on the offshore structure, ensures that the parts are easily retrieved for inspection, maintenance, and / or repair.

[0065] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a detail of one of the engagement members 204 of the second connector 200, of the type having a wedge-shaped portion 258 described above with reference to FIG. 4, but also of one of the first engagement members 108 of the first connector 100, which are substantially similar in appearance. It will be seen that the first engagement member 108 of the first connector 100 has a wedge-shaped shape that opposes the wedge-shaped shape of the second engagement member 204 of the second connector 200, so that the wedge-shaped surfaces of the respective engagement members 108, 204 rise up against each other during the connection of the first connector 100 to the second connector 200. This action causes the second engagement member 204 to be pressed against the compression spring 253 and in an "open position". When the engagement members 108, 204 have completely passed each other, the second engagement member 204 can spring back to the locked position under the action of the compression spring 253.

[0066] It can be seen that the engagement member 204 is provided with an engagement surface 300. The engagement surface 300 is understood to be any surface of the engagement member 204 that contacts a respective engagement surface of a corresponding engagement member 108 of the first connector 100, thereby forming an engagement surface pair together with the engagement member 204 of the second connector 200 during connection and / or disengagement between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200. The engagement surface 300 is provided in a number of different portions 302, 304, 306, each having a different functional purpose during connection and / or disengagement between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200. A portion of the engagement surface 300 is provided in an angled portion 302 in the form of an angled upside surface 302, which in this example forms the edge surface of the wedge-shaped portion 258. The engagement surface 300 is further provided with a sliding portion 304 in the form of a curved sliding surface 304 that extends away from the first end of the angled upside surface 302. The engagement surface 300 is further provided with a retaining portion 306 in the form of a straight bearing surface 306 that itself extends away from the curved sliding surface 304. In this example, the curved sliding surface 304 and the straight bearing surface 306 each form an edge surface of the load bearing tab 257.

[0067] The angled upright surface 302 is not perpendicular to a localized area of ​​the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical ring, thereby acting to center the first engagement member 108 relative to the second engagement member 204 during contact of the angled upright surfaces 302 of the first and second engagement members 108, 204.

[0068] The curved sliding surface 304 has a minimum radius of curvature large enough (greater than 5 mm in this example) to reduce local contact stress between the engaging members 108, 204 both when separating and when connecting the engaging members 108, 204, particularly when the two engaging members 108, 204 contact each other via the curved sliding surface 304 of each engaging member 108, 204 of the respective engaging surface pair. Furthermore, the curved profile of the curved sliding surface 304 acts such that once the system initiates disengagement during separation, the reverse driving force of the system drives the second engaging member 204 away from the first engaging member 108, thus achieving a fast and efficient self-disengagement of the two sets of engaging members 108, 204 without the need for an applied disengagement force to complete the removal. The inclusion of the curved profile is important to prevent a point during disengagement where the contact force increases to (effectively) infinity. The shape of the curved sliding surface 304 is also selected to maximize the length and area of ​​the linear load surface 306 to ensure that the load bearing surface is as large as possible. In other words, the size of the curved sliding surface 304 is as small as possible while still sufficiently reducing the local contact stresses as described above. Maximizing the proportion of the lateral portion of the engagement surface 300 of the engagement member 204 provided by the linear load surface 306 ensures that the maximum mechanical load can be supported through the linear load surface 306 when the first connector 100 is connected to the second connector 200, thereby reducing the circumferential size of the first and second connectors 100, 200 required to support a given load. The profile of the curved sliding surface 304 may be a constant radius or, preferably, a specific profile designed to produce an optimal balance between the above characteristics. In other words, in some instances, the curved sliding surface 304 takes the form of a compound curve having a larger radius of curvature adjacent the straight load surface 306 and gradually decreasing to a smaller radius of curvature adjacent the angled uphill surface 302, thereby minimizing the proportion of the engagement surface required in the curved portion and thus maximizing the load carrying capacity after engagement.

[0069] The linear load surface 306 is that portion of the engagement surface 300 of the engagement members 108 , 204 that is disposed to contact one another when the first connector 100 is connected to the second connector 200 .

[0070] In this embodiment, some of the engagement members 204 include bolted portions 258 to facilitate ease of manufacture and allow replacement if necessary. Alternatively, the entire tooth can be machined in place. In this embodiment, not all of the engagement members 204 are full wedge shaped teeth. In other words, not all of the engagement members 204 include bolted portions 258 (as is evident from FIG. 4), which further simplifies manufacture.

[0071] Next, a connection operation between the above-mentioned first connector 100 and second connector 200 will be described.

[0072] As previously mentioned, to connect the first connector 100 to the second connector 200, a first end of the attachment line passes through the second connector body 202 of the second connector through the open channel 206 and is attached to a connection eye 112 on the bull nose piece 111 at the top of the first connector 100. A second end of the attachment line, opposite the first end, is typically connected to a winch that is directly or indirectly attached to the second connector 200 (e.g., attached to the offshore structure to which the second connector 200 is attached). During the connecting operation, the winch is actuated to shorten the attachment line and pull the first connector 100 up towards the second connector 200. When the first connector 100 contacts the second connector 200, the rotational coarse alignment pins 105 extending radially outward from the first connector body 101 of the first connector 100 slide into rotational alignment channels 255 defined in the second connector body 202 of the second connector 200 to compensate for rotational and axial misalignment of the two connectors. The tapered shape and profile of the first connector body 101 and the internal shape and profile of the second connector 200 ensure that the first and second connectors 100, 200 are tightly axially aligned without jamming as the first connector body 101 is gradually inserted into the open channel 206 of the second connector 200. Additionally, the rotational coarse alignment pin 105 on the first connector 100 engages with a tapered opening in the rotational alignment channel 255 on the second connector 200, thereby tightly aligning the first and second connectors 100, 200 in a rotational direction without jamming. The combination of these features provides coarse rotational and positional alignment, thereby preparing the system for fine alignment and mechanical and electrical connections. It is understood that some rotational alignment may also be performed by other components of the apparatus (not shown) prior to this stage.

[0073] As the first connector 100 moves further through the open channel 206 of the second connector 200, the wedge-shaped engagement members 108, 204 are in contact via their respective angled upside surfaces 302. As will be further described below with reference to Figures 6(a)-6(d), as the first connector 100 moves further axially towards the second connector 200, the first connector 100 is mechanically latched to the second connector 200. Figures 6(a)-6(d) each show the second engagement member 270 (extending radially inward from the second connector body 202 of the second connector 200) and the first engagement member 271 (extending radially outward from the first connector body 101 of the first connector 100) in a four-stage engagement process as the first connector 100 is pulled up towards the second connector 200. In stage 1 (FIG. 6(a)), the first engagement member 271 is approaching the second engagement member 270 but has not yet made contact with the second engagement member. As the first engagement member 271 approaches the second engagement member 270, the angled upside surfaces 302 of the engagement member pair formed by the first engagement member 271 and the second engagement member 270 come into contact with each other. As the first connector 100 moves further axially through the open channel 206 of the second connector, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the sloping nature of the angled upside surfaces 302 causes lateral movement of the first engagement member 271 relative to the second engagement member 270 by the angled upside surfaces 302 sliding against each other as the first engagement member 271 and the second engagement member 270 also move axially together. 4 above, it will be appreciated that in this example, lateral movement of the first engagement member 271 relative to the second engagement member 270 is achieved by rotating the second engagement member 270 together with the cylindrical ring 259 and relative to the second connector body 202, thereby compressing the compression spring 253. As the first connector 100 moves further towards the second connector 200, the first engagement member 271 moves further axially past the second engagement member 270, while the second engagement member 270 continues to gradually disengage (i.e., rotate) laterally relative to the first engagement member 271.As shown in FIG. 6(c), the above-described movement continues until the contact of the first engagement member 271 with the second engagement member 270 is no longer by mutual contact between the angled upside surfaces 302, but instead by mutual contact between the respective curved sliding surfaces 304 of the first and second engagement members. As shown in FIG. 6(d), once the first engagement member 271 has completely passed the second engagement member 270, the compression spring 253 of the second connector 200 urges the second engagement member 270 back towards its initial lateral position, which is considered the locked position. In the locked position, the linear load surfaces 306 of the first and second engagement members 271, 270 are in contact with each other. The compression spring 253 then acts to hold the first and second engagement members 271, 270 firmly in this state until the system is again forced open to remove the first connector 100 from the second connector 200. This completes the mechanical connection. It will be appreciated that any axial mechanical loads passing through the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 when they are mechanically connected will be supported via the interface surface area between the linear load faces 306.

[0074] The electrical and communication connections are completed when the first and second electrical and / or optical fiber contacts are mated. Typically, the electrical and communication connections are made simultaneously with the mechanical connection. Thus, after these steps, the mechanical and electrical connections between the first and second connectors are ensured.

[0075] As a final step, the attachment tether can be removed from the connection eye 112 on the upper bull nose piece 111 of the first connector 100 .

[0076] 7-8 show the final stage of the connection in more detail and in particular allow the explanation of the mechanism of the electrical connection. To achieve an electrical connection between the first connector 100 and the second connector, the pair of first electrical connectors 103 of the first connector 100 needs to be electrically connected to the pair of second electrical connectors 210 of the second connector 200. The electrical connection process will not be explained in further detail.

[0077] As described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2, in the fully disconnected configuration, a movable contact cover 120 is provided in the disconnected position to completely cover the first electrical connector, thereby preventing the ingress of dirt, biological organisms or any other contaminants which may cause corrosion and / or interfere with the electrical conductivity of the pair of first electrical connectors 103.

[0078] As the first connector body 101 of the first connector 100 moves into and through the open channel 206 of the second connector 200, the rotational alignment spikes 214 of the second connector 200 contact and engage with the rotational precision alignment channels 107, and at the same time, the precision alignment cones 106 of the first connector 100 engage within the precision alignment cone tubes 212 of the second connector 200, thereby ensuring rotational precision alignment between the first and second connectors 100, 200 which is critical for the alignment between the electrical connectors 103, 210. At the same time, the rotational alignment spikes 214 also engage with the movable tabs 113, which depress the movable tabs, thereby rotating the movable contact covers 120 away from a first position in which each movable contact cover 120 covers a contact surface of a respective first electrical connector 103, to a second position in which each movable contact cover 120 covers a protective pad 121. 7 shows the movable contact cover 120 in a position between the first and second positions, where the pair of electrical connectors 103, 210 do not yet touch each other before the movable contact cover 120 is completely out of the way.

[0079] As the first connector body 101 moves further through the open channel 206 of the second connector 200, the movable contact cover 120 moves completely out of the way and rests on the protective pad 121, and the electrical connectors 103, 210 can make contact.

[0080] When the first and second electrical connectors 103, 210 are fully mated, they bottom out and compress the spring 216, which holds the wet mate carriage and allows it to be isolated from any relative movement between the first and second connector bodies 101, 202 during use. This configuration is shown in Figure 8.

[0081] The separation process of this embodiment can be achieved by the second engagement member beginning to rotate relative to the first engagement member under actuation of the release actuator in the reverse order of the steps shown in Figures 6(a)-6(d) and described above with respect to the mechanical connection between the first and second connectors. Once released, the first connector is free to drop away from the second connector, thereby also achieving electrical separation. During release, the movable contact cover automatically returns to cover the first electrical connector.

[0082] There is remote control over the release actuators, which allows for the separation of the two connectors without diver intervention or personnel on boarding the offshore structure. In this embodiment, there are two release actuators, which provides redundancy in case one actuator fails. Additionally, it is also possible to manually release the connection system in case both actuators fail. This is achieved by establishing a release line that provides tension instead of the actuators.

[0083] In summary, an offshore connector assembly is provided that includes a first connector (100) and a second connector (200). The first connector (100) includes a first connector body (101) and a plurality of first engagement members (108) each defining a first engagement surface. The second connector (200) includes a second connector body (202) and a plurality of second engagement members (204) each defining a second engagement surface (300), the second engagement surfaces configured to form a plurality of engagement surface pairs with the plurality of respective first engagement surfaces when the first connector (100) is connected to the second connector (200). At least one of the first and second mating surfaces (300) of each mating surface pair is configured to be movable relative to its respective first or second connector body (101, 202) between a first mating surface position in which the first connector (100) is free to move away from the second connector (200) and a second mating surface position in which the first connector (100) is mechanically retained relative to the second connector (200) by contact between the first retention portion of the first mating surface of each mating surface pair and the second retention portion (306) of the second mating surface (300). The subsea offshore connector assembly is configured such that at least one of the first and second mating surfaces (300) of each mating surface pair is biased toward the second mating surface position.

[0084] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprises" and "comprises" and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to" and are not intended to and do not exclude other elements, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood as contemplating the plural as well as the singular, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0085] It should be understood that features, integers, properties, or groups described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention are applicable to other aspects, embodiments, or examples described herein, unless incompatible therewith. All features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel, or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel, or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. a first connector including a first connector body and a plurality of first engagement members each defining a first engagement surface; a second connector including a second connector body and a plurality of second engagement members each defining a second engagement surface, the second engagement surfaces configured to form a plurality of engagement surface pairs with the plurality of respective first engagement surfaces when the first connector is connected to the second connector; 1. An offshore connector assembly comprising: at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces of each engagement surface pair is configured to be movable relative to its respective first or second connector body between a first engagement surface position in which the first connector is freely separated from the second connector and a second engagement surface position in which the first connector is mechanically retained relative to the second connector by contact between a first retention portion of the first engagement surface and a second retention portion of the second engagement surface of each engagement surface pair; the offshore connector assembly is configured such that at least one of the first and second mating surfaces of each mating surface pair is biased toward the second mating surface position; an offshore connector assembly, wherein at least two of the plurality of first engaging members are fixedly attached to one another and at least two of the plurality of first engaging members are movable with the first connector body, or at least two of the plurality of second engaging members are fixedly attached to one another and at least two of the plurality of second engaging members are movable with the second connector body.

2. 2. The offshore connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first engaging members are circumferentially arranged about a first connection axis of the first connector, and the plurality of second engaging members are circumferentially arranged about a second connection axis of the second connector.

3. 3. The offshore connector assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first engaging members is sized such that its width does not exceed an individual spacing between the plurality of second engaging members, and each of the plurality of second engaging members is sized such that its width does not exceed an individual spacing between the plurality of first engaging members.

4. 3. The offshore connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the first retaining portion is arranged to face away from a direction in which the first connector is configured to move towards the second connector when the first connector is to connect to the second connector, and the second retaining portion is arranged to face away from a direction in which the second connector is configured to move towards the first connector when the first connector is to connect to the second connector.

5. 3. The offshore connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the first engagement surface of at least one engagement surface pair further comprises a first angled portion and the second engagement surface of the at least one engagement surface pair further comprises a second angled portion, the second angled portion being positioned such that as the first connector moves toward the second connector, sliding contact is provided between the first angled portion and the second angled portion, thereby urging movement of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface of the at least one engagement surface pair toward the first engagement surface position.

6. 6. The offshore connector assembly of claim 5, wherein the first angled portion and the second angled portion of the at least one pair of mating surfaces are each further positioned such that sliding contact between the first angled portion and the second angled portion encourages movement of the connector body of at least one of the first and second mating surfaces of each pair of mating surfaces, thereby improving axial alignment between the first connector and the second connector during movement of the first connector toward the second connector.

7. The first engagement surface of at least one engagement surface pair further comprises a first sliding portion extending from the first retaining portion, and the second engagement surface of the at least one engagement surface pair further comprises a second sliding portion extending from the second retaining portion, the first sliding portion sliding against the second sliding portion while the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface of the at least one engagement surface pair move from the second engagement surface position when the first connector is mechanically retained relative to the second connector toward the first engagement surface position.

3. The offshore connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion are disposed to contact a sliding portion, and wherein the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion are configured such that, while the first and second engagement surfaces of the at least one engagement surface pair are moving from the second engagement surface position to the first engagement surface position, when the first sliding portion contacts the second sliding portion, the first and second engagement surfaces of the at least one engagement surface pair are further moving from the second engagement surface position to the first engagement surface position.

8. 3. The offshore connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising a linear actuator operable to exert a moving force on at least one engaging member of at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces movable relative to its respective first or second connector body, thereby causing movement from the second engagement surface position to the first engagement surface position.

9. 9. The offshore connector assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least one of the first and second engagement surfaces movable relative to its respective first or second connector body is configured to freely move from the second engagement surface position to the first engagement surface position without operation of the linear actuator.

10. 3. The offshore connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the second mating surface of each mating surface pair is configured to be movable relative to the second connector body between the first mating surface position and the second mating surface position.

11. the first connector comprises one or more first electrical contacts and the second connector comprises one or more second electrical contacts, the one or more second electrical contacts configured to form one or more electrical contact pairs with the one or more respective first electrical contacts when the first connector is connected to the second connector; at least one of the first connector and the second connector includes one or more movable contact covers configured to be movable between a first cover position in which a cover surface of each of the one or more movable contact covers covers the respective first or second electrical contact and a second cover position in which the cover surface of each of the one or more movable contact covers is removed from the respective first or second electrical contact; The offshore connector assembly comprises: when the first connector moves toward the second connector, the one or more movable contact covers move from the first cover position to the second cover position; 3. The offshore connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more movable contact covers are configured to move from the second cover position to the first cover position when the first connector moves away from the second connector.

12. The offshore connector assembly of claim 11 , wherein the one or more movable contact covers are included in the first connector.

13. 13. The offshore connector assembly of claim 12, wherein the first connector further comprises one or more contact cover seats each having a shielding surface, the shielding surfaces positioned to cover the respective cover surfaces when the one or more movable contact covers are in the first cover position.

14. 13. The offshore connector assembly of claim 12, wherein the second connector further comprises one or more elongated protrusions, and the first connector comprises one or more movable portions, the movable portions mechanically coupled to the one or more movable contact covers, whereby movement of the one or more movable portions causes the one or more movable contact covers to move between the first cover position and the second cover position, and the offshore connector assembly is configured such that when the first connector moves towards the second connector, the one or more elongated protrusions together contact and cause movement of the one or more movable portions, whereby the one or more movable contact covers move from the first cover position to the second cover position.

15. The offshore connector assembly of claim 12 , wherein the one or more movable contact covers are biased toward the first cover position.

16. 3. The offshore connector assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first connector is arranged to extend to the surface away from the second connector, and the second connector is arranged to be provided as part of a deployable marine device, the marine device being at least partially tethered to the surface by the subsea connector assembly.

17. 3. A kit of parts for forming an offshore connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the first connector and the second connector.

18. 3. A first connector for an offshore connector assembly, as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of first engaging members are configured to be movable relative to the first connector body, at least two of the plurality of first engaging members are fixedly attached to each other, and at least two of the plurality of first engaging members are movable with the first connector body.

19. 3. A second connector for an offshore connector assembly, as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of second engaging members are configured to be movable relative to the second connector body, at least two of the plurality of second engaging members are fixedly attached to each other, and at least two of the plurality of second engaging members are movable with the second connector body.

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