Latching mechanism for female connectors in subsea assemblies

Abstract

The present invention provides a female connector for a subsea connector assembly, including at least one latching mechanism operably mounted within an opening through a tubular wall along a wall axis aligned downwardly and converging toward a central axis. The latching mechanism includes a latch member coupled to a distal end of the link member to form a latching coupling configured to allow relative movement in at least one first degree of freedom (DOF) between the latch member and the link member, an actuator configured to move the coupled latch and link member from a first position to a second position, and a biasing member configured to bias the latch member toward and engage the first position when moving between the first and second positions. The latch member is configured to release from the biasing member in the first position and move unbiased from the first position to a third position into the central passage.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of subsea tubing and manifolds, and more particularly to the field of subsea tubing connections or flexible supply pipelines to fixed structures including devices for limiting bending of the flexible tubing or supply pipelines. Specifically, the present invention relates to an improved latching mechanism for female connectors of subsea connector assemblies adapted for installation without intervening marine equipment, such as, for example, bend stiffeners for cables connecting to floating offshore wind (FOW) facilities. [Background technology]

[0002] Subsea operations often require the use of a series of tubes, also called "risers," to connect equipment on the seabed to a fixed structure above, such as, for example, an offshore floating watercraft (e.g., FOW) or a vessel. The series of tubes or risers may include a conduit or conduits used for the safe transportation of raw materials, or a subsea cable (e.g., a solid multi-copper core cable for electrical connection between renewable energy generating devices, such as wind turbines at a wind farm). The series of tubes or risers may also include cables or control lines to allow remote control of any equipment from a surface structure (i.e., a platform or vessel).

[0003] 1 shows a typical example setup for subsea operations, where production fluid would be transported from at least one subsea well 10 to a floating production, storage and offloading facility 20, also known as an FPSO 20, or power cable 97 connecting wind turbines 95 on the FOW. In this prior art example, a flexible riser 30 (a series of tubes) is used to transport the production fluid from the well 10, or from the subsea production site in the case of multiple wells, to the FPSO 20 via a turret 40 located on the FPSO 20, or cable 97 connecting the wind turbines 95. To protect the flexible riser 30 or cable 97 from excessive cyclic bending due to movement that may be caused, for example, by waves, currents, or wind, or simply by the movement of the FPSO 20, one or more bend stiffeners 50 (only one connection is shown in FIG. 1) are typically used at the junction where the flexible riser 30 enters the fixed structure (i.e., through an "I" or "J" tube 60).

[0004] In many cases, the bend stiffener 50 is installed on the "I" or "J" tube 60 via a detachable connector assembly 70. The detachable connector assembly 70 may include a male connector member 72 that fits onto the bend stiffener 50 and a female connector member 74 that fits onto the "I" or "J" tube 60. During installation, the male connector member 72 is attached to the bend stiffener 50, and the end fittings 32 of the risers 30 are positioned within and attached to the male connector member 72. Specifically, the end fittings 32 of the risers 30 pass through the bend stiffener 50 and into the through-holes of the male connector member 72 and are secured in place by, for example, a cam device, a simple clamping mechanism 78, a latching mechanism, or any other suitable interlocking mechanism (not shown). The end fittings 32 of the series of tubes 30 are typically attached to the male connector member 72 in a workshop.

[0005] The assembly (i.e., riser 30, end fitting 32, bend stiffener 50, and male connector member 72) is then transported to the desired subsea location and pulled toward and coupled with the female connector member 74 using wire lines 80 attached to the end fitting 32 of the riser 30. Once the male connector member 72 is properly positioned within the female connector member 74, it is fixedly interlocked with the female connector member 74 to form a secure connection between the bend stiffener 50 and the "I" or "J" tubing 60. After securing the male connector member 72 within the female connector member 74, the end fitting 32 is released from engagement with the male connector member 72 and the riser 30 is pulled up and through the bend stiffener 50, and the "I" or "J" tubing is secured in place on the FPSO 20 or FOW.

[0006] In many cases, the locking and unlocking of the male and female connector members 72, 74, and the release of the riser end fitting 32 from engagement with the male connector member 72, is accomplished through external intervention, such as, for example, a subsea diver 90 or a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) 92. To at least minimize the time and / or expense and potential risks of using a subsea diver 90 or ROV 92 (hydraulic use), currently available connector assemblies have also been improved to use remotely operable latching and / or end fitting release mechanisms, for example, through hydraulic or pneumatic systems controlled from the upper deck of the FOW facility.

[0007] Removable coupling between the male and female connector members is typically achieved using a pivoting latch arm (see latch arm 76 in FIG. 1) attached to the female connector member and configured to contact and engage a lip or shoulder portion of the male connector member, such that the male connector member "hangs" from the latch arm, which projects radially inward.

[0008] However, for this type of interlocking engagement, any relative movement between the male and female connector members can apply substantial stress to the latch arms and the engaging lip or shoulder of the male connector member. Specifically, any axial displacement between the male and female connector members can "rock" the lip or shoulder up and down when located on the respective latch arms during engagement, thus repeatedly hammering the latch arms to the point of potential failure. Furthermore, currently available latching mechanisms may allow for small relative movements between the male and female connector members (e.g., caused by movement of a floating structure, wave or wind movement through a series of tubing, or even pressurized fluid pumped through a conduit(s)), but at the expense of increased risk of damage due to repeated high pressures, shear stresses, fatigue and wear from uneven engagement and / or continuous movement between the contacting surfaces between the male and female connector members.

[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a female connector for a subsea connector assembly that includes an improved latching mechanism adapted to compensate for the effects of inevitable relative movement between the female connector and a mating male connector. Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a female connector with a latching mechanism adapted to optimize the mating engagement between the female connector and the male connector to minimize potentially damaging stresses and pressures caused by relative movement between the female connector and the mating male connector, thereby improving durability and reducing potential costs for repair or replacement. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claim(s). The dependent claims describe optional features.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a female connector for a subsea connector assembly including a connector body having a tubular wall defining a central passageway along a central axis, and at least one latching mechanism operably mounted within an opening through said tubular wall along a wall axis downwardly aligned to converge with said central axis, said latching mechanism comprising: a latch member coupled to a distal end of the link member to form a latch coupling configured to enable relative movement in at least one first degree of freedom (DOF) between the latch member and the link member, the coupled latch and link member being configured to be slidably movable together at least partially within the opening and to move between a first position in which the latch member extends at least partially into the central opening, and a second position in which the latch member is withdrawn from the central passage and into the opening; an actuator fixedly attached to the outer surface of the tubular wall and operably coupled to the link member and configured to move the coupled latch and link member from the first position to the second position; a biasing member operably coupled between the connector body and the latching member and configured to bias and engage the latching member toward the first position when moving between the first position and the second position, the latching member disengaging from the biasing member at the first position and moving unbiased away from the first position to a third position and into the central passage;

[0012] The latch mechanism of the present invention offers the advantage of a latch that can bend downward, so that the vertical load of the male connector moving downward centers itself radially within the central passage of the female connector, while minimizing the force acting between the male connector, the latch, and the female connector. Furthermore, the permitted movement of the latch member (biased and unbiased) offers the advantage of optimized engagement between the male and female connectors (via the latch) regardless of the movement of the male connector within the central passage of the female connector. Movement of the male connector can be caused by movement of the upper deck platform or vessel due to wave motion or wind transmitted through fixed structures or risers, thus introducing potentially harmful shear and moment loads into the latch and female connector. However, the latch member of the present invention is configured to allow small relative movement with respect to the female connector in at least one DOF, i.e., axial sliding movement into and out of the central passage, and preferably two DOFs, i.e., sliding movement and rotational movement with the link member about its connecting pin. The biased and unbiased DOFs allow the latch member(s) to "correct" their position "according" to movement of the male connector to maintain its optimal contact engagement with the male connector, preventing unnecessary inertial forward forces (e.g., from a "locking" male connector) or excessive wear (e.g., from contact surfaces sliding relative to one another). Additionally, the permitted unbiased movement of the latch member between its first position and its third position prevents the latch from extending too far into the central passage during installation of the male connector, i.e., when the male connector is pulled up through the central passage and then dropped onto the latch for engagement. When the male connector is pulled up, it is advantageous to have a little more slack in the central passage, and upon engagement, the latch member is fully extended to maximize contact between the lip of the male connector and the latch member.

[0013] Advantageously, the latch connection is formed by at least one elongated slot provided in the distal end of the link member, aligned parallel to the wall axis, which is slidably and rotatably engaged with a respective latch projection and which, when in situ, extends laterally away from the latch member along a lateral axis aligned perpendicular to the wall axis.

[0014] Advantageously, the at least one first DOF is a sliding movement along the wall axis when in situ. Preferably, the latch connection is further configured to allow relative movement between the latch member and the link member in at least one second DOF. Even more preferably, the at least one second DOF is a rotational movement about the transverse axis.

[0015] Advantageously, the relative movement in the first DOF is limited to the extent that the latch protrusion is able to slide within the elongated slot.

[0016] Conveniently, said third position is defined by a distal end of said elongate slot when said link member is in said second position.

[0017] Conveniently, the latch mechanism further comprises a stop member provided between the bias member and the latch member, the stop member being arranged to be axially slidable within the opening and adapted to engage in a stopped state with an opening shoulder, the opening shoulder preferably being provided within the opening such that the opening shoulder is disengaged from the bias member when the latch member is in the first position.

[0018] Advantageously, said wall axes, when in situ, are aligned downwards and converge to said central axis at an opening angle in the range of 25 degrees to 45 degrees, preferably said opening angle being 35 degrees.

[0019] Conveniently, the actuator is adapted to hold the coupled latch and link member in the second position. Preferably, the actuator is configured to be remotely actuated.

[0020] Conveniently, the latch member includes a support at a distal end configured for stationary engagement with the male connector. Preferably, the latch member includes a contact surface at said distal end that is aligned substantially parallel to the central axis when in situ and configured for contacting and engaging an outer surface of the male connector.

[0021] Preferably, the knife includes a plurality of latch mechanisms mounted equidistantly around said central axis and adapted to fit into respective coplanar openings through said tubular wall.

[0022] Conveniently, the link member includes a handle provided at a proximal end configured to allow manual movement of the coupled latch and link member from the first position to the second position.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] A simplified illustration of a typical offshore setup for producing hydrocarbons from a subsea well and transporting the fluids to and from an FPSO via a flexible riser, where the riser is protected by bend stiffeners at the point where it enters the FPSO's "I" or "J" bend. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B show perspective top views of the male and female connectors of the present invention, where (a) the male and female connectors are axially separated and (b) the male connector is interlocked within the female connector. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of the tubular body of the female connector. [Figure 4]1A shows a partial view of one latch mechanism coupled to a female connector and a side wall, and FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the latch mechanism. [Figure 5] 3A shows a cross-sectional side view of the female connector along line AA in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B shows a perspective close-up view of the latch mechanism of the cross-sectional side view in FIG. 2A. [Figure 6] (a) A close-up view of the opening through the tubular body of the female connector and the stop member shown in an exploded view, and (b) a close-up view of the opening with the stop member and spring inserted (without any other latch components). [Figure 7] 1A and 1B show perspective views of (a) a latch, (b) a link member, and (c) a latching engagement of the link member and the latch. [Figure 8] 1 shows a perspective view of (a) a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator, (b) a coil spring, (c) a stop member, (d) an assembly of the actuator, spring and stop member in situ, and (e) a latch assembly. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B show a side view and a perspective view of the latch assembly in its second position, respectively. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B show a side view and a perspective view of the latch assembly in its first position, respectively. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B show (a) a side view and (b) a perspective view of the latch assembly in its third (unbiased) position. [Figure 12] 10 shows a side view of the latch assembly with the latch manually retracted by the handle portion of the link member. [Figure 13] 1 shows the sequence (a) to (d) of the connection process between the male connector and the female connector. [Figure 14] 1A and 1B show (a) a perspective view and (b) a top view of three circumferentially equidistant latch mechanisms (without the female connector components for illustrative purposes) contacting and engaging the lip portion of the male connector. [Figure 15](a)-(k) show the complete sequence of coupling and uncoupling between a male connector fitted with a bend stiffener and engaged with a series of tubing, and a female connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The example embodiments described relate to a latching mechanism for a female connector of a subsea connector assembly, e.g., a bend stiffener for protecting cables in a FOW (Floating Offshore Wind System). However, the invention is not limited to offshore applications and may be used for any other suitable application.

[0026] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience only and are not limiting. The words "right," "left," "bottom," "up," "front," "back," "upward," "downward," "downward," "up," "downward," "uphole," and "downhole" designate directions within the referenced drawings and relate to the described components when assembled and installed (e.g., in situ). Specifically, the designated directions used within the description relate to equipment installed within the facility to provide connections between the FPSO and subsea wells / reservoirs. Specifically, the terms "top," "upward," and "uphole" refer to the side of the equipment, in situ, that faces toward the water surface, and the terms "seabed," "down," and "downhole" refer to the side of the equipment, in situ, that faces toward the seabed or ocean floor. The words "inner," "inwardly," and "outer," "outwardly" refer to directions toward or away from, respectively, a designated centerline or geometric center (e.g., central axis) of the described element, with the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

[0027] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "coupled," "attached," "connected," and "mounted" are intended to include a direct connection between two members without any other members interposed therebetween, and an indirect connection between members where one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terms include the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words of similar import.

[0028] Also, as used herein, the term "latching dog" or "dog" may be understood to mean a mechanical device suitable for holding, grasping, and / or securing, including a spike, bar, hook, deadbolt, pin, or the like. The term "bend stiffener" may refer to any one of a bend stiffener, a bend restrictor, or a bend limiter. The terms "fixed structure," "turret," "I-tube," and "J-tube" may be used interchangeably. A "riser" is understood to mean any series of tubing or supply pipeline suitable for operatively connecting a subsea well or any other subsea equipment to a fixed structure, for example, an FPSO vessel. The term "interventionless" is understood to mean no intervention from an ROV, subsea diver, or any other device operated subsea to install the equipment. The terms "connector assembly" / "connector" and "adapter assembly" / "adapter" / "adapter ring" may be used interchangeably.

[0029] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives such as "first," "second," "third," etc., is intended only to indicate that different instances of similar objects are being referred to and is not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given order, either temporally or spatially, in ranking or in any other way.

[0030] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the terms "comprise" and "include," and variations thereof, are intended to mean "including but not limited to," and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, adjuncts, components, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the content requires otherwise. Specifically, where the indefinite article is used, the specification should be understood to contemplate the plural as well as the singular unless the content requires otherwise.

[0031] It should be understood that any feature, integer, property, compound, chemical moiety, or group described in connection with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention is applicable to any other aspect, embodiment, or example described herein, except where incompatible therewith. All features disclosed herein (including any accompanying claims, summaries, and drawings), and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not limited to the details of any of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one or any novel combination of the features disclosed herein (including any accompanying claims, summaries, or drawings), or any novel one or any novel combination of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0032] Referring now to Figure 2, a subsea connector assembly is shown including a female connector 100 and a male connector 300. The male connector 200 is suitably configured for mating with the female connector 100 of the present invention (see Figure 2(b)). As explained in the introduction, a bend stiffener (not shown) or the like is typically attached to the male connector 300 (e.g., using threads), and the male connector 300 is pulled through a series of tubing end fittings into mating engagement with the female connector 100 using a wire (not shown). For simplicity, the end fittings and the wires connected to them are not shown in the drawings, even though they are essential to the mating procedure.

[0033] 2 and 3, female connector 100 includes a tubular body 102 forming a central passageway 104 or throughbore along its central axis 106. Three latch mechanisms 200 are attached to the proximal end of female connector 100. In this particular example, the three latch mechanisms 200 are circumferentially equidistant and coaxially aligned (with central axis 106) in the same plane as one another. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that female connector 100 may include any number of latch mechanisms 200 arranged in any order and configuration suitable for operably engaging with male connector 300.

[0034] A respective opening or through-hole 108 through the outer peripheral wall 112 of the tubular body 102 is provided for each one of the latch mechanisms 200. Each one of the respective openings 108 extends along an opening axis 110 to the central passageway 104 of the female connector 100 and is aligned downward (i.e., toward the distal end of the female connector 100) to converge to a central axis 106 of the tubular body 102. The angle between the opening axis 110 and the central axis 106 is optimized for contact engagement with the male connector 300 and is within the range of 30° to 40° (angle), preferably approximately 35°.

[0035] 4 and 5, each one of the latch mechanisms 200 is attached to the outer peripheral wall 112 of the tubular body 102 by two parallel-arranged latch fixtures 114 secured to the outer peripheral wall 112 by respective bolts 116. A latch-mounting plate 202 is secured between the two latch fixtures 116 with the bolts 116. The latch-mounting plate 202 is configured to operably house a latch assembly including a link member 204 operably connected to the latch 206, a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator 208, a spring 226, and a stop member 220 (see also FIGS. 6, 7, and 8).

[0036] When assembled, in situ, the link member 204 and associated latch 206 are mounted within the opening 108 so as to be slidably movable relative to the latch-mounting plate 202. The actuator 208 is fixedly secured to the latch-mounting plate 202, centered between the two latch mounts 114, to allow its piston rod 210 to engage with the link member 204. Upon actuation, the piston rod 210 is adapted to urge the link member 204 and associated latch 206 from a first position, in which the latch 206 protrudes into the central passageway 104, to a second position, in which the latch 206 is retracted into the opening 108 (i.e., not protruding into the central passageway 104). The piston rod 210 can be retracted into the actuator cylinder 208 through a coil spring 226 that urges the latch 206 back to its first position.

[0037] The actuators 208 in this embodiment are controlled via pneumatic or hydraulic lines or conduits 212 configured to connect each actuator 208 to a control manifold 214 attached to the proximal end of the female connector 100.

[0038] 6(a) and (b) show detailed views of the opening 108, which further includes two radially opposed guide slots 216 extending from the proximal opening of the opening a predetermined axial length within the opening 108, thus forming respective shoulders 218 separating a larger diameter opening at the proximal end of the opening and a smaller diameter opening at the distal end of the opening. The location of the shoulders 218 within the opening 108 can be any suitable distance from the outer circumferential wall 112 to provide sufficient axially unbiased movement of the latch 206. A stop member 220 is provided within the opening 108, shaped to fit slidably and moveably within the opening 108. The stop member 220 has a rim portion 222 at its proximal end and a cup portion 224 at its distal end. The rim portion 222 is dimensioned to fit within the larger diameter opening of the opening 108 and engage the respective shoulders 218 in a stopped manner. The cup portion 224 is sized to slidably fit within the reduced diameter opening of the aperture 108 and to accommodate a coil spring 226 .

[0039] As shown in FIG. 7 , the latch 206 is adapted to slideably fit within the opening 108 having a seat 228 configured for contacting engagement with the lip of the male connector 300 during use. Two laterally protruding pins 230 are provided at the proximal end of the latch 206 for connection with the link member 204. The link member 204 includes a U-shaped body with two parallel arms, each with an elongated pin opening 232 at its distal end. The elongated pin openings 232 are adapted to operably receive the pins 230, allowing limited axial movement (in situ, along the opening axis 110) and rotational movement between the connected link member 204 and latch 206. A handle 234 is provided at the proximal end of the link member 204 for manual actuation of the latch 206.

[0040] 8(a)-(e) show detailed views of the actuator 208, coil spring 226 and stop member 220, and component assembly. In use, the components are positioned within the coupled link member 204 and latch 206 to provide a biasing force by the stop member 220 between the immovably fixed actuator 208 and latch 206 (coupled with the link member 204).

[0041] The function of the example embodiment of latch mechanism 100 will now be described with reference to Figures 9-11. In use (e.g., when releasing latch 206 from male connector 300), actuator 208 is actuated to move piston rod 210 out of the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder and push link member 204 up. Link member 204 moving upward draws coupled latch 206 into opening 108 and out of central passageway 104 against the biasing force provided by coil spring 226. In this retracted position, latch 206 is released from male connector 300. When pneumatic or hydraulic actuator 208 is deactivated, the biasing force provided by coil spring 226 pushes latch 206 back into central passageway 104 to the point where stop member 220 engages shoulder 218. At this point, the latch 206 is in an unbiased state and protrudes far enough into the central passage 104 to allow the male connector 300 to engage with the seat portion 228 of the latch 206 as it drops after release.

[0042] The stop member 220 prevents the spring 226 from pushing the latch 206 too far into the central passageway 104, which would prevent the male connector 300 from properly engaging the latch 206. Once the lip of the dropping male connector 300 engages the seat 228, the weight of the male connector 300 pulls the latch 206 sufficiently into the central passageway 104 to allow the male connector 300 to fully engage the seat 228 of the latch 206. The unbiased axial movement of the latch 206 is limited to the length of the elongated opening 232 in the link member 204, as shown in Figures 10(b) and 11(b).

[0043] Additionally, the latches 206 are adapted to move axially and rotationally relative to the link member 204, thus allowing the male connector 300 to center itself within the central passageway 104 of the female connector 100. Any movement (e.g., tilting movement) of the engaged male connector 300 within the central passageway 104 is thus compensated for by the movable latch(es) 206 to prevent or at least minimize unwanted friction between the contacting surfaces, reducing potential damage due to excessive wear. Furthermore, the compensating movement of the latch(es) 206 can reduce potentially harmful shear stresses caused by the moving male connector 300.

[0044] Also, the male connector 300 may be dimensioned so that its top end has a smaller diameter than its bottom end, i.e., the gap between the inner wall of the central passageway 104 and the outer wall of the male connector 300 is larger at the top end than at the bottom end of the male connector 300. Thus, the angled male connector 300 will first contact the inner wall of the central passageway 104 at its bottom end, allowing the latch(es) 206 to slide in and out of the opening(s) 108 to compensate.

[0045] In the event of actuator failure, the latch 206 can also be manually retracted using a handle portion 234 provided at the proximal end of the link member 204 to release the engaged male connector 300 from the female connector 100 (see FIG. 12).

[0046] 13(a)-(d). Here, the male connector 300 is moved upward into the central passageway 104 of the female connector 100. As it moves upward, the lip of the male connector 300 pushes the latch(es) 206 into the opening 108, allowing the male connector 300 to pass through the latch(es) 206, at which point the latch 206 is pushed back out of the opening 108 by the spring 226. The male connector 300 then falls back down, such that the lip engages the seat 228 of the latch 206, retracting the latch 206 fully into the central passageway 104 and out of engagement with the spring 226.

[0047] FIG. 14 shows a perspective side view and a top view of the male connector 300 and three engaged latch mechanisms 200, with the female connector 100 removed for illustrative purposes.

[0048] The complete installation and removal sequence for a bend stiffener attached to a male connector 300 coupled with a series of wire-tensioned tubing is shown in Figures 15(a)-(k). Specifically, Figures (a)-(f) show the interlocking engagement between the male connector 300 and the female connector 100, while Figures (e)-(k) show the separation of the male connector 300 from the female connector 100, i.e., removing the male connector 300 from contact with the latch 206 and activating the pneumatic or hydraulic actuator 208 to retract the latch 206 into the opening 108 and move the male connector 300 downward, past the latch mechanism 200, and out of the central passageway 104 of the female connector 100. Specifically, the steps are: (a) a bend stiffener connector (BSC) (i.e., a male connector 300 with a bend stiffener attached) is pulled into the female connector 100 with an end fitting having a wire or cable attached; (b) the upper shoulder of the lip of the male connector 300 pushes away, thus pulling the three latches 206 into the opening 108; and (c) the upper shoulder of the male connector 300 passes over the top of the latches 206, and the release adapter of the end fitting is actuated to initiate the release of the end fitting from the male connector 300. (d) the latch 206 springs back into the central passage 104 due to the biasing force caused by the compression spring 226, causing the lower male connector shoulder to prevent further upward movement into the female connector 100 while the release adapter of the end fitting is fully released; (e) the end fitting is pulled up and through the connector assembly into the "I" tube; (f) the male connector 300 drops onto the protruding latch 206, pulling the latch further into the central passage 104 to center the position of the male connector 300 within the central passage 104 and completing the installation.The steps for disengaging the BSC from the female connector 100 include: (g) the end fitting and release adapter are lowered to engage the male connector 300; (h) the end fitting and attached male connector 300 are raised up within the central aisle until a shoulder portion of the male connector 300 engages the female connector 100 in a stationary state; (i) the latch 206 is retracted either by the actuator 208 or manually, the actuator being controlled remotely (e.g., from the upper deck) or using an ROV hot stab system; and (k) the engaged male connector 300, with attached end fitting and bend stiffener, is lowered out of the female connector and down the central aisle 104 by a cable or wire.

[0049] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing embodiment(s) have been described by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, and that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed designs described above are possible, for example, there may be variations in shape, size, configuration (i.e., a single unified component or two separate components), assembly, or the like. Also, any other suitable actuator mechanism (hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, magnetic, etc.) may be used to move the latch 206 from the first position to the second, retracted position.

[0050] Reference Number List [Table 1]

Claims

1. 1. A female connector for a subsea connector assembly including a connector body having a tubular wall defining a central passageway along a central axis, and at least one latching mechanism operably mounted within an opening through said tubular wall along a downwardly aligned wall axis converging with said central axis, said latching mechanism comprising: a latch member coupled to a distal end of the link member to form a latch coupling configured to enable relative movement in at least one first degree of freedom (DOF) between the latch member and the link member, the coupled latch and link member being configured to be slidably movable together at least partially within the opening to move between a first position in which the latch member at least partially extends into the central opening, and a second position in which the latch member is withdrawn from the central passage and into the opening; an actuator fixedly attached to the outer surface of the tubular wall and operably coupled to the link member and configured to move the coupled latch and link member from the first position to the second position; a biasing member operably coupled between the connector body and the latching member and configured to bias and engage the latching member toward the first position when moving between the first position and the second position, wherein the latching member disengages from the biasing member at the first position and enters the central passageway unbiasedly from the first position to a third position; Includes a female connector.

2. 2. The female connector of claim 1, wherein the latch connection is formed by at least one elongated slot provided in the distal end of the link member and aligned parallel to the wall axis, which is slidably and rotatably engaged with a respective latch projection and, when in place, extends laterally away from the latch member along a lateral axis aligned perpendicular to the wall axis.

3. 10. The female connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one first DOF, when in situ, is a sliding movement along the wall axis.

4. 4. The female connector of claim 2, wherein the latching connection is further configured to allow relative movement between the latching member and the linking member in at least one second DOF.

5. The female connector of claim 4 , wherein the at least one second DOF is a rotational movement about the lateral axis.

6. The female connector according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the relative movement in the first DOF is limited to a slidable range of the latch protrusion within the elongated slot.

7. The female connector of claim 6 , wherein the third position is defined by a distal end of the elongated slot when the link member is in the second position.

8. 10. The female connector of claim 9, wherein the latch mechanism further comprises a stop member provided between the bias member and the latch member, the stop member being configured to be axially slidable within the opening and adapted to engage an opening shoulder in a stopped state.

9. 9. The female connector of claim 8, wherein the opening shoulder is provided within the opening such that the latch member is disengaged from the bias member when the latch member is in the first position.

10. 10. The female connector of claim 1, wherein the wall axes, when in situ, are aligned downwardly and converge to the central axis at an opening angle in the range of 25 degrees to 45 degrees.

11. 10. The female connector of claim 1, wherein the opening angle is 35 degrees.

12. 10. The female connector of claim 1, wherein the actuator is adapted to hold the coupled latch and link member in the second position.

13. 10. A female connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is configured to be remotely actuated.

14. 10. A female connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch member includes a support at a distal end configured for stationary engagement with the male connector.

15. 15. The female connector of claim 14, wherein the latch member, when in place, is aligned substantially parallel to the central axis and includes a contact surface at the distal end configured to contact and engage an outer surface of the male connector.

16. 10. A female connector according to any one of the preceding claims, including a plurality of latching mechanisms mounted equidistantly around the central axis and receiving into respective coplanar openings through the tubular wall.

17. 10. The female connector of claim 1, wherein the link member includes a handle provided at a proximal end configured to enable manual movement of the coupled latch and link member from the first position to the second position.

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