GB1407202A - Under water connector - Google Patents

Abstract

1407202 Two-part couplings BRITISH PETROLEUM CO Ltd 26 July 1972 [27 July 1971] 35196/71 Heading H2E An electrical connector for underwater use comprises a plug 15 for connection to a socket 16, the plug 15 having at least one contact member 2, and a channel through the plug body for a liquid sealant to flow therethrough, to adjacent the contact member, the plug body further comprising a positioning member 5 to co-operate with a corresponding member 7 in a socket 16 to facilitate correct alignment of plug and socket before uniting. In one embodiment, contacts 1 in the form of metallic sleeves surrounded by rubber sleeves 13 are engaged by contact members 2 to form an electrical connection, spigot 5 being located in socket 7, guide peg 6 ensuring an accurate fitting. Silicone grease is squeezed through part 10 through channel 14 to fill any gaps within the plug and socket. A switch 5 only allows passage of current through the contact members when magnet 9 actuates reed relay 8, that is when the spigot 5 is fully inserted into locating socket 7. An O-ring 12 fitted within a retaining ring 11 holds the joint firm. When the connection is to be broken, more grease is hydraulically forced through channel 14 to force the plug and socket apart, and switch 5 operates to isolate the circuit. The plug and socket, if desired may then be separated manually by pulling and twisting the plug away from the socket. A further protection against sea water may be provided by bellows 17 and 18, which have perforations to allow movement of contacts 2 therethrough. These perforations are sealed with grease as the assembly is twisted and so provided watertight protection of the mating surfaces.