GB2600117A

GB2600117A - Marine connector apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2600117A
Application number: GB2016676.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Mummery David
Original assignee: Flex Marine Power Ltd
Current assignee: Flex Marine Power Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-21
Filing date: 2020-10-21
Publication date: 2022-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2040-10-21
Also published as: GB202016676D0; GB2600117B

Abstract

A marine connector comprising a socket 30 and plug. The socket comprises: a hollow casing; a diametrically disposed locking rod 41; an actuating mechanism and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism, which may use a resilient member like a spring 42, applies a biasing force to move the rod to a locked position, which can be overridden by the actuating mechanism, which may be hydraulic 44 or manual 45, to move the rod to an unlocked position. The plug unit has a hollow body (which may have protruding keys) that slides into the socket and has a pair of diametrically opposed axial keyhole slots formed from an elongated channel with an enlarged closed end. The rod is received and guided by the elongated channel during assembly and eventually abuts the enlarged closed end. The rod may have transverse recessed channels which align with the elongated channels in the unlocked configuration.

Description

MARINE CONNECTOR APPARATUS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a marine connector apparatus which facilitates quick connection and disconnection of a retrievable device to and from a support structure.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In marine renewable energy devices such as tidal power devices, wave power devices, wind power devices, oil and gas subsea exploration or well equipment, moorings, ferries/transportation it can be problematic connecting and disconnecting equipment in location e.g. at sea from a mooring or supporting structure. It is particularly problematic to connect and disconnect equipment in location in tidal-stream environments where the safest time to make such connections and disconnections is during the limited safe slack water window, which is around 20 minutes or so.

The Ballgrab0 by First Subsea is an example of a quick release system that provides an in-line mooring connector, which facilitates quick and safe connection and disconnection of a mobile offshore drilling unit and a submerged turret buoy. The Ballgrab0 quick release system is configured to disconnect a buoy and mooring line within 15 minutes Ballgrab 0 requires the buoy to be locked in position for quick connection of the Buoy and mooring. Disconnection can be triggered at any time and therefore rapid emergency disconnection is enabled by the quick release system. Bal!grab® is spring loaded and held in place by a hydraulic system to ensure quick release.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a marine connector apparatus comprising a socket unit, which in use forms part of a retrievable marine component and a plug unit, which, in use, forms part of a marine carrier component, wherein mating of the plug unit and the socket unit assembles the connector apparatus and unifies the retrievable marine component and the marine carrier component; the socket unit includes: a hollow casing, which is configured to slidingly receive the plug unit; a diametrically disposed locking rod; 10 an actuating mechanism; and a locking mechanism, wherein both the actuating mechanism and the locking mechanism are operable to apply opposing forces on the locking rod, wherein the actuating mechanism is operable to control positioning and/or orientation of the locking rod to maintain an unlocked configuration during assembly and the locking mechanism is operable to control positioning and/or orientation of the locking rod to a locked configuration after assembly; the plug unit includes a hollow body, configured to be received, by sliding, into the hollow casing of the socket unit, wherein the hollow body includes a pair of axial keyhole slots, which are diametrically opposed, wherein each keyhole slot includes an elongated channel and an enlarged closed end, wherein each elongated channel extends from a leading end of the hollow body towards a trailing end of the hollow body and is configured to receive and guide the locking rod during assembly and disassembly and wherein full engagement of the socket unit and plug unit occurs when the locking rod abuts with the enlarged closed end; the locking rod is biased to a locked configuration by virtue of an active force applied by the locking mechanism, wherein the actuating mechanism is actuatable to apply an overriding force, which overrides the active force to shift the locking rod to an unlocked configuration and to maintain the locking rod in an unlocked configuration by maintaining application of the overriding force during assembly and disassembly, wherein upon removal of the overriding force by deactivation of the actuating mechanism the active force applied by the locking mechanism restores the locking rod to the locked configuration.

The hollow casing of the socket unit may include a flared mouth on its exposed end, 10 the exposed end being the end configured to receive the plug unit during assembly of the connector apparatus. The flared end provides corrective movement as the socket unit and plug unit are arranged and manipulated for assembly/connection.

The hollow body of the plug unit may include a chamfered leading end. The chamfered end provides corrective movement as the socket unit and plug unit are 15 arranged and manipulated for assembly/connection.

The hollow body may include at least one key protruding from an outside wall of the hollow body. The hollow body may include two keys protruding from an outside wall of the hollow body. The two keys may be diametrically opposed. The two keys may be diametrically opposed and axially offset relative to each other. Each key may be located a quarter-circumference from the keyhole slots. The keys facilitate aligning the plug unit and socket unit during installation/assembly. The axial offset means one enters/aligns ahead of the other promoting a progressive aligning together of the plug unit and socket unit. Additionally, in the assembled connector apparatus, the keys increase torque load carrying capacity of the engaged connector.

The or each key may include a resilient pad on a leading face. The resilient pad is configured to be responsive during assembly to allow movement corrections during assembly and to dampen effects of relative movement of the plug unit and the socket unit when assembled. The resilient pad may be neoprene. Each resilient pad is configured to compress between the key and its slot end to create tightness in the joint, absorb vibration and avoid fretting between the plug unit and the socket unit.

The hollow casing may include at least one slot extending from the exposed end axially along the casing wall, wherein the slot is configured to receive and guide the at least one key during assembly of the connector apparatus. The hollow casing may include two slots corresponding to the position of the two keys, wherein each slot is configured to receive and guide one key during assembly of the connector apparatus. The two slots may be diametrically opposed. Each slot may include a flared mouth to facilitate alignment and engagement of the corresponding key.

Placement of the enlarged closed end of each keyhole slot may be eccentric relative to a centreline of the associated elongated channel. A lower-case letter b may define the configuration of the elongated channel and enlarged closed end of each keyhole slot.

The locking rod may include two transverse recessed channels, wherein each recessed channel bridges two full dimension portions, wherein axial spacing of the transverse channels corresponds with spacing of the elongated channels and each transverse recessed channel is configured to slidingly engage with and to be guided by the elongated channels during assembly and disassembly of the socket unit and plug unit. The locking rod may include a circular cross-section.

The configuration of the b-shaped slot is such that the recessed channels engage with the elongated channel and the elongated slot guides the locking rod to the extent of the b-shaped slot, wherein the eccentric/offset location of the head of the slot facilitates axial displacement of the locking rod and prevents rotation of the rod during transition from the guided/unlocked configuration to the engaged/locked configuration.

Each transverse channel and/or each edge of the keyhole slots may include a low friction liner or coating.

The hollow casing may include diametrically opposed holes through the casing, where each hole is configured to receive at least an end section of each end of the locking rod and to be associated with one of the actuating mechanism and the locking mechanism.

The actuating mechanism may include hydraulic actuation, wherein a first end of the locking rod is configured as a hydraulic piston, wherein proximate the first end of the locking rod, the locking rod includes at least one circumferential groove and at least one 0-ring seal and wherein, in use, hydraulic pressure applied to the first end of the locking rod applies the overriding force to axially displace the locking rod to the unlocked position In the unlocked position, the recessed channels align with the keyhole slots.

The locking mechanism may include a resilient member operable to apply the active force to a second end of the locking rod thereby biasing the locking rod to the locked configuration. The resilient member may be a tension spring, which applies an active spring force on the second end of the locking rod to maintain the locking rod in a locked configuration.

The locking mechanism may include a spring housing, attached to the hollow casing, wherein the spring housing is configured to house the spring, the second end of the locking rod and a portion of the locking rod and wherein the spring housing includes an elongated slot which is engageable with a limiter extending radially from the locking rod proximate the second end, wherein the limiter is configured to slide along the slot during displacement of the locking rod and wherein the configuration of the slot is such that displacement of the locking rod is limited by travel of the limiter and the length of the slot.

The locking mechanism may further comprise an override member, wherein the override member includes a shaft and a handle, wherein the shaft extends through the spring housing and engages with the second end of the locking rod and the handle facilitates manually pulling or pushing the second end of the locking rod to manually apply load to the spring or remove load from the spring, thereby the override member facilitates manual change of the lock or unlock configuration of the locking rod.

The hollow casing may include a low friction liner or coating.

The hollow body of the plug unit may include a low friction overlay or coating.

Mating edges of the locking rod and the keyhole slots may be chamfered. The chamfered edges allow for correction of any misalignment of the mating parts 20 because the chamfers provide a lead in for each mating pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1A and 1B provide an illustrative example of a deployed a marine connector apparatus according to the present invention; Fig. 2A illustrates an example of a plug unit forming the first mating component of the marine connector apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1A and 1B; Fig. 2B illustrates an example of a hollow casing of a socket unit forming the second mating component of the marine connector apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1A and 1B; Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a locking rod mechanism, which is assembled with the hollow casing of Fig. 2B to provide the socket unit of the marine connector apparatus illustrated in Fig. 'IA and 1B; Fig. 4A illustrates an exploded view of the socket unit; Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C illustrate an assembled socket unit in a locked configuration; Fig. 4D and Fig. 4E illustrate an assembled socket unit in an unlocked configuration; Fig. 5A and Fig.5B illustrate the configuration of internal edges to correct misalignment and prevent jamming during reconfiguration from locked to unlocked; Fig. 6A to 6D illustrate an example of assembling the connector apparatus in a marine environment; Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a manual assembly of a connector apparatus in a marine environment from a vessel by a single operator.

DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1A is an illustration of an axial flow turbine apparatus 100 as an example of a marine application of a connector apparatus 10 according to the present invention.

The illustrated turbine apparatus 100 is described in GB patent publication GB 2 583 141 In the example illustrated in Fig. 1A, the turbine apparatus 100 includes a turbine rotor support 120, a rotor mechanism 140 and the connector apparatus 10 according to the present invention. The connector apparatus 10 joins the turbine rotor support and the rotor mechanism 140.

Fig.1A includes an illustration of an installation tool 56, as described further below with reference to Fig. 7.

The connector apparatus 10 according to the present invention facilitates engagement and disengagement of the rotor mechanism 140 and the turbine rotor support 120. The arrangement illustrated in Fig. 1A is one example of a marine based application of the connector apparatus 10 where buoyancy and flotation of the components being joined can assist with aligning the mating parts of the connector apparatus 10, as described further below.

Figure 1B provides an illustrated example of the assembled connector apparatus 10 i.e. indicative of the arrangement of the rotor mechanism 140 and the turbine rotor support 120 being joined. In Fig. 1B the components being joined are indicated as dotted lines because it should be appreciated the components 120, 140 being joined are not limited to the rotor mechanism 140 and the turbine rotor support 120 as zo shown in Fig. 1A.

Fig. 1B, 2A, 2B, Fig. 3 and Fig.4A to 4E each illustrate features of the connector apparatus 10. As noted above Fig. 1A illustrates an assembled/engaged configuration of the connector apparatus 10. Fig. 2A illustrates an example of a plug unit 20, which, in the example illustrated in Fig. 1A, is attached to the turbine rotor support 120. Fig. 2B illustrates an example of a socket unit 30, which, in the example illustrated in Fig. 1A, is attached to the rotor mechanism 140. Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a locking rod mechanism 40, which is assembled as part of the socket unit 30 and facilitates engagement and disengagement of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20. Engagement and disengagement of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 in a marine environment is discussed further below, with reference to Fig. 7.

The connector apparatus 10 has been designed such that the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 facilitate quick and simple connection and disconnection of two components e.g. the rotor assembly 140 and the rotor support 120 of Fig. 1A. When the plug unit 20 and the socket unit 30 are fully engaged and locked together (this process is described further below) the connector apparatus 10 is configured to provide a rigid connection between the two components 120, 140, as such the connector apparatus 10 unifies the two components 120, 140. This union of the two components 120, 140 is such that the connector apparatus 10 is configured as a unit to transmit dynamic or static system loads/forces on any rotational or linear axis. Therefore, the connector apparatus 10 is designed to carry high levels of torque force and to be strong and rigid such that the system in which it is deployed can perform as it would if the connector apparatus 10 was absent and the two components e.g. a rotor mechanism 140 and a rotor support 120 were connected directly to each other. Quick and simple engagement of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 is such that at least one of the components 120, 140 is retrievable for maintenance, repair or replacement.

As indicated above, an example of deployment of the connector apparatus 10 is in a marine environment. Therefore, the connector apparatus 10 is designed to function efficiently in an active/dynamic environment, where the connector apparatus 10 is submerged and is subject to contact with dirt, particulate material, corrosiveness, progressive biofouling etc. which are all characteristics of an underwater marine environment.

The configuration of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 is such that the connector apparatus 10 can be assembled/mated i.e. the two units 20, 30 can be engaged and disengaged in an environment where the components 120, 140 are submerged or are at least partially submerged and one or both parts is/are buoyant and therefore move responsively with their marine environment e.g. tidal movement.

It will be appreciated, that in such an environment it is highly likely that the two components 120, 140, which are to be joined, will rarely be perfectly aligned because of independent movement relative to each other and responsive movement relative to the dynamic environment in which the system is deployed. Therefore, the configuration of the connector apparatus 10 i.e. the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 is such that any misalignment of the components 120, 140 and therefore misalignment of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 is quickly overcome to allow a quick and reliable connection of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 every time.

The plug unit 20, as illustrated in Fig. 2A is defined by a hollow tubular member 21, which includes a leading end 22 and a trailing end 23. The leading end 22 is the end of the plug unit 20, which is inserted into the socket unit 30 (described further below).

A graphical representation of externally mounted power and communications connectors 27 are shown on the plug unit 20 illustrated in Fig.2A. It will be appreciated that corresponding connectors (not visible) are provided on the socket unit 30. These connectors 27 are configured for quick connection or quick release of the ends of power lines, communication lines and control lines (not illustrated) when the plug unit 20 and socket unit 30 are assembled or disassembled.

The connectors may be mounted externally (as illustrated) or internally such that the action of aligning the plug unit 20 and the socket unit 30 and bringing them together acts to engage the line connectors (not illustrated) and the mounted fixed connectors The trailing end 23 is the end of the socket unit 20, which is connected to one of the components e.g. the rotor support 120 (reference hereafter as a carrier component 120). In the illustrated example the means of attaching the trailing end 23 of the plug unit 20 to the carrier component 120 includes a welded joint 120A (see figure 1B).

Alternatively, the trailing end 23 of the plug unit 20 and the end of the carrier unit 120 may include a flanged connection (not illustrated). Alternatively, the trailing end 23 of the plug unit 20 and the end of the carrier unit 120 may include a threaded connection, for example the trailing end 23 of the plug unit 20 may include an internal/female thread and a leading end of the carrier component 120 may include a corresponding external/male thread to facilitate joining the plug unit 20 to the carrier component 120.

In the illustrated example, the leading end 22 includes a pair of diametrically opposed and axially disposed keyhole slots 24. In the illustrated example, the keyhole slots 24 each include an elongated channel 24A and an enlarged closed end 24B. The channel 24A extends axially from the leading end 22 towards the trailing end 24B and ends with the enlarged closed end 24B. In the illustrated example, the enlarged closed end 24B is circular to correspond with the cross-section of the locking rod 41 described below with reference to Fig. 3 and 4A. The locking rod 41 (see Fig. 3 and 4A) forms part of the socket unit 30 (described further below).

In the illustrated example, the enlarged closed end 24B of the keyhole slot 24 is arranged eccentrically relative to the centreline of the channel 24A i.e. the centreline of the closed end 24B is offset from the centreline of the channel 24A. Referring to Fig. 2A, in the illustrated example, the profile of the keyhole slot 24 resembles a lower-case letter b.

Interaction of the keyhole slot 24 and the locking mechanism 40 facilitates quick connection, quick disconnection and locking engagement of the plug unit 20 and socket unit 30, as discussed further below. In the context of use in a marine environment, quick means less than 20 minutes.

The leading end 22 is chamfered 22A to facilitate alignment of the plug unit 20 and the socket unit 30 during installation.

The outer wall of the hollow tube 21 includes two keys 25A, 253. The keys 25A, 253 are diametrically opposed and are each located a quarter-circumference (90 degrees) from the keyhole slots 24. In the orientation illustrated, one key 25A is on top of the plug unit 20, one key 25B is on the bottom of the plug unit 20 and a keyhole slot 24 is located on each side of the plug unit 20.

It is not evident from the illustrated example, but the keys 25A and 256 are axially displaced relative to each other such that upon assembly of the connector apparatus 10, the first key 25A engages with a corresponding slot 35A provided in the socket unit 30 before the second key 253 engages with a corresponding slot 35B provided in the socket unit 30. This arrangement of the keys 25A and 25B and slots 35A, 35B aid installation/assembly of the plug unit 20 and the socket unit 30 because the offset between the two keys 25A and 25B means one key 25A engages its slot 35A slightly ahead of the other key 25B engaging its slot 35B This arrangement facilitates progressive engagement and alignment during installation/assembly of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20.

In the illustrated example, each key 25A, 25B includes on its leading face 25C, 25D a resilient pad/stopper 26 which is configured to compress during installation and to dampen relative movement of the plug unit 20 and the socket unit 30 when the assembled connector apparatus 10 is subject to loading from the connected components 120, 140 when the complete system is deployed in a marine environment. In the illustrated example, the stoppers 26 are made of neoprene.

The resilient pads/stoppers 26 are configured to give/flex during installation i.e. to permit movement between the components of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 such that jamming of the rod 41 and the keyhole slots 24 is avoided. Additionally, the give/flex of the resilient (e.g. neoprene) pads 26 provides damping in the deployed and working system.

The pads/stoppers 26 provide a corrective function during installation and a damping function once the connector apparatus 10 is assembled and locked. The damping function of the pads 26 in the assembled connector apparatus 10 reduces fretting or wear because of reduced metal to metal contact. Reduced metal to metal contact may also be addressed by using non-metal liners and non-metal coatings, which aid installation and reduce wear and tear, which can be expected from a marine environment, where actions of tides can violently stress and vibrate the connector apparatus during normal operations.

The socket unit 30, and its component parts are illustrated in Fig. 2B, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E. A hollow casing 31 defines the body of the socket unit 30 The hollow casing 31 includes a flared exposed/outer end 32 and a flange connection 33 at the internal end 34; the internal end 34 being the end of the casing 31 that attaches the socket unit 30 to the component (hereinafter called the retrievable component 140), which is being joined to the carrier component 120.

In the illustrated example, the flange connection 33 is configured to be fastened to a corresponding flange 33A on the retrievable component 140. In the illustrated example the flange connection 33 is conventional, where two mating/corresponding 10 flanges are joined by bolting them together.

The flared outer end 32, also known as a bell mouth, includes an internal taper 32A, which is configured to guide the chamfered leading end 22 of the plug unit 20 during installation/ assembly of the connector apparatus 10.

The flared outer end 32 includes two axial slots 35A, 35B, which extend along the tubular casing wall. As noted above, the slots 35A and 35B are configured to guide the keys 25A, 25B during installation/assembly of the connector apparatus 10. The slots 35A, 35B each include an open tapered end which terminates with a parallel sided channel, which is dimensioned to accommodate the key 25A, 25B. The slots 35A, 35B are different lengths to correspond with the axial displacement of the keys 25A, 25B and to assist with alignment during engagement of the plug unit 20 and the socket unit 30.

Two diametrically disposed holes 36 are provided through the casing wall 30. The holes 36 are located a quarter circumference (90 degrees) from the slots 35A, 35B such that the concentric axis of the holes 36 is arranged to align with the keyhole slots 24 provided in the plug unit 20 during assembly of the connector apparatus 10.

A round boss 36A protrudes from the casing wall 31 in the location of each hole 36. The bosses 36A each include an internal thread 363, which facilitates connection of the locking system 40, which is described further below.

The flanged end 33 of the socket unit 30 includes windows 37A and cut-out slot 37B, which reduce the weight of the socket unit 30 and the assembled connector 10. The windows 37A and the cut-out clot 373 facilitate routing of power lines, communication lines etc. The windows 37A and the cut-out clot 37B enabled water flow through the system. Therefore, their inclusion in the design facilitates cooling of any hardware that is attached to the connector 10. The windows 37A and cut-out slot 37B also facilitate avoidance of entrapped air bubbles.

As noted above, the socket unit 30 includes a locking system/mechanism 40. The components of the locking system 40 are illustrated in exploded views in Fig. 3 and Fig.4A. The complete assembly of the socket unit 30 is illustrated in Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C, 4D and 4E; Fig. 4B and 4C illustrate a locked configuration and Fig. 4B and 4E illustrate an unlocked configuration.

In the illustrated example, the locking system 40 includes a profiled rod 41, a coiled/tension spring 42, a spring casing 43, a hydraulic casing 44 (as part of an actuating mechanism), a manual/override handle 45, a stud bolt 46 and a series of 0-ring seals 47 (see Fig. 4A). The coiled/tension spring 42, the spring casing 43, the manual/override handle 45 and the stud bolt 46 provide a locking mechanism.

The hydraulic casing 44 and the spring casing 43 are closed cylinders, which include an external thread 43A, 44A on the open end 433, 443. The external threads 43A, 44A complement internal threads 36B in the bosses 36 such that the hydraulic casing 44 and the spring casing 43 are secured to the hollow casing 31 via the bosses 36. When assembled each of the hydraulic casing 44 and the spring casing 43 protrude radially from the hollow casing 31 of the socket unit 30.

In the illustrated example, the profiled rod 41 includes three elongated circular /full dimension portions 41A, 41B, 41C and two recessed, substantially semi-circular, portions 410, 41E, where the recessed portion 41D bridges the full portions 41A and 41B and recessed portion 41E bridges the full portions 41B and 41C. The recessed portions 41D, 41E are dimensioned such that they can slide along the channels 24A during installation/assembly of the connector apparatus 10.

The first elongated full portion 41A, located at the first end of the rod 41, includes circumferential grooves 41G, which are configured to house 0-ring seals 41F. Three grooves 41G and three 0-rings 41F are illustrated. This arrangement is such that the profiled rod 41 behaves as a mechanical actuator i.e. a hydraulic piston, wherein an incompressible fluid is applied to the face 41H of the first elongated cylinder 41A to displace the rod 41 and to retain the rod 41 in an unlocked configuration.

The third elongated cylindrical portion 41C, located at the second end of the rod 41, includes an end face 41J, which is configured to engage with the tension spring/coil spring 42, which facilitates displacing the rod 41 to a locked configuration upon the 20 removal of hydraulic pressure from face 41H.

The second and third elongated full portions 41B, 41C are each configured to engage with one of the enlarged closed ends 24B of the keyhole slots 24 such that the plug unit 20 and the socket unit 30 are locked together until the spring force generated by the spring 42 on the rod 41 is overcome by a hydraulic force or a manual override force, either of which will result in displacing the rod 41 such that the recessed portions 41D, 41E align with the channels 24A to facilitate disconnection of the retrievable component 140 from the carrier component 120.

An external face/closed end 43C of the spring casing 43 includes a hole 43D, which 5 receives a shaft 45C of the manual override handle 45. The manual override handle 45 includes an enlarged end 45B, which allows manual displacement of the handle relative to the spring casing 43 to manually change the locking configuration.

The socket unit 30 is configured such that the rod 41 is biased to a locked configuration i.e. spring is in tension (see Fig. 4C) When the spring 42 is compressed, by action of the hydraulic pressure or by manual override using the handle the rod 41 is in the unlocked configuration i.e. the spring is compressed (see Fig. 4E).

The rod 41 is configured such that it can be displaced under the control of spring force or hydraulic force relative to the spring casing 43. To limit displacement of the rod 41 and to ensure there is no rotation of the rod 41 relative to the spring casing 43, the spring casing 43 includes diametrically opposed axially displaced elongated slots 43E, which are configured as guides for the stud bolt 46 i.e. a limiter such that the extent of displacement of the rod 41 is controlled and predetermined by the interaction of the limiter 46 and the length of the slots 43E.

The combination of the b-shaped keyhole slot 24, the slots 43E and the limiter 46 i.e. stud bolt 46 ensure that the rod 41 and the stud bolt 46 are displaced linearly and that neither the rod 41 nor the limiter 46 rotate. This is important to ensure consistent and accurate engagement of the recessed portions 41D, 41E and the channels 24A during installation/assembly of the plug unit 20 and the socket unit 30 and during disconnection/disassembly of the plug unit 20 and socket unit 30.

The assembled socket unit 30, includes the hydraulic casing 44 secured to one boss 36A and the spring casing 43 secured to the second boss 36A. The rod 41 extends through the holes 36 and bosses 36A such that the 0-ring seals 47, mounted onto the circumferential grooves 41G are located inside the hydraulic casing 43. The spring 42 is housed between the closed end 43C of the spring casing 43 and the end face 41 J of the rod 41. The handle 45 extends through the spring casing 43, via a hole 43B through the closed end 43C and is secured to the exposed end 41J of the io third cylindrical portion 41C of the rod 41.

Advancing or retracting the handle 45 provides manual control/actuation of the locking rod 41. The end 45A of the handle shaft 45C engages with a threaded hole/dimple 41K provided on the exposed end face 41 J of the rod 41. The complete assembly of the socket unit 30 includes alignment (indicate by dotted lines 50) of a hole 41L through the third cylindrical portion 41C with the spring casing slots 43D and inserting the stud bolt /limiter 46. As noted above, the extent of displacement of the rod 41 is limited by the interaction of the stud bolt 46 and the slots 43.

The manual handle 45 can also be used to manually assist unlocking or locking the rod 41 when hydraulic actuation fails or when the spring 42 does not respond as zo expected.

Not illustrated, but it will be appreciated the biasing load, provided by spring 42, may alternatively be provided by hydraulic pressure, wherein the second end 41C of the rod 41 is configured similarly to the first end 41A of the rod 41, wherein the second end 41C includes circumferential grooves and 0-ring seals and where the spring casing is adapted as a hydraulic casing. It will be appreciated, this example represents a double acting cylinder configuration, where hydraulic load can be applied to each end of rod 41 such that the rod 41 can be displaced in two directions, where each displacement direction depends on which end of the rod 41 that a hydraulic load/hydraulic pressure is applied.

In the illustrated example, the socket unit 30 includes a low friction liner 31A, for example a plastic liner to aid sliding engagement of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20. In addition, or alternatively, the plug unit 20 may include a low friction sleeve or a low friction coating to aid sliding engagement of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 during installation.

Fig. 4B and Fig.4C illustrate the socket unit 30 with the rod 41 arranged in a locked configuration i.e. the spring 42 is compressed. The location of the handle 45 provides a visual indicator that the rod 41 is in the locked position.

Fig. 4D and Fig. 4E illustrate the socket unit 30 with the rod 41 arranged in an unlocked configuration i.e. the spring 42 is in tension. Similar to Fig. 4B and 4C, the location of the handle 45 provides a visual indicator that the rod 41 is in the unlocked position. In this example, a visible gap 45D between the handle 45 and the end face 43C of the spring casing 43 indicates rod is in an unlocked configuration.

Markings on the shaft 45C can also indicate locked/unlocked configuration.

The example illustrated in Fig. 5A and 5B, show chamfers 60 on the exposed leading edges of the rod 41 and the cylindrical portions 41A, 41B, 41C and external edges of the keyhole slot 24. The chamfers 60 assist with installation by allowing corrective movement and provide lead-in to avoid jamming during sliding installation of the rod 41 relative to the key hole slots 24 and during sliding displacement of the rod 41 between an unlocked (Fig. 5A) and a locked (Fig. 5B) configuration.

Fig. 5B indicates an initial misalignment 60A of the rod 41 and the enlarged end of the keyhole slot 24. Arrows 60B in Fig.5B indicate the corrective movement provided by interaction of the chamfers 60 to manipulate the rod 41 into alignment with the keyhole slots 24 and the holes 36 and the hydraulic casing 44. In Fig.5B the arrows 60C indicate the displacement direction of the rod 41, once aligned, to adopt the locked configuration as illustrated. The internal edges of the holes 36 may also be chamfered. As noted above, due to the dynamic environment in which the connection apparatus 10 is being installed, movement of the mating parts is to be expected i.e. interaction of the rod 41, the keyhole slots 24 and the holes 36 through the socket casing 31 will likely cause small corrective movements. These corrective movements are permitted by the neoprene pads 26, the chamfered edges 22A, 60, 60A and manufactured clearance tolerances in each of the mating parts.

Fig. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D illustrate an overview of connecting a retrievable component e.g. a rotor mechanism and a carrier component 120 e.g. a rotor support 120 as illustrated in Fig. 1A. Fig.6A represents a situation where the connector apparatus 10 is disconnected Fig. 6B, 6C and 6D represent the steps to reconnect the socket unit 30 to the plug unit 20.

In the illustrated example, a small vessel/boat 52 is used to push the rotor assembly and the socket unit 30 into alignment with the rotor support 120 and the plug unit 20. The action of pushing Fl the rotor assembly 140 causes the flared end 32 of the socket unit 30 to gradually align (see Fig. 6A, 6B) and contact with the chamfered end 22A of the plug unit 20 such that the socket unit 30 and plug unit 20 become concentrically aligned (see Fig. 6C). With the assistance of a draw-in line (not illustrated) and the self-weight SW of the rotor assembly 140 and the socket unit 30, the socket unit 30 and plug unit 20 gradually align concentrically such that the socket unit 30 can descend towards an ascending plug unit 20, where ascension of the plug unit 20 is assisted by the pull line (no illustrated).

From the example described above, it will be appreciated that hydraulic pressure is applied to the end of the rod 41 to ensure the rod 41 remains in an unlocked configuration during the installation process illustrated by Fig. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B.

When the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 are completely engaged i.e. when the rod 41 is located in the closed end 24B of the keyhole slot 24, hydraulic pressure is removed and the spring force displaces the rod 41 to lock together the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 to allow an appliance 400 i.e. full assembly to be submerged as a unit 400 as illustrated in Fig. 6D. A pull line (not illustrated) assisting installation can be removed before the appliance 400 is released.

Hydraulic pressure is applied to one end of the rod 41 via the hydraulic casing. A hydraulic line (not illustrated) may function also as a pull line/draw in line to aid alignment of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 during installation/assembly of the connector apparatus 10.

The hollow configuration of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 and the non-rotational connection of the two units 20, 30 as guided by the keyhole slots 24, the recessed portions 41D and 41E, the keys 25A, 25B and the casing slots 35A, 35B facilitate efficient connection and disconnection of communication lines, control lines etc between the components 120, 140 being joined by the connector apparatus 10.

In the application described above, the rotor assembly 140 is floated and is therefore free to move in any axis. The freedom of movement enables the alignment process illustrated in Fig. 6A, 63 and 6C to initially take place. In the illustrated example, the vertical plane of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 are very approximately pre-aligned due to the nature of flotation of the retrievable component i.e. rotor assembly 140, and the nature of support or flotation of carrier component i.e. rotor support 120, which includes the plug unit 20. The socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 are each configured such that they float or are otherwise supported in the correct orientation to facilitate correct alignment.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a disconnected connector apparatus 10 and illustrates a boat 52 and an operator 54 using an installation tool 56 (also shown in Fig. 1A) and a pull line 58 to facilitate engagement of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20.

In the illustrated example, the installation tool 56 engages with a spike 57 extending from the socket unit 30. The spike 57 is a hollow tube through which the pull line/pull-in line 58 can be pulled e.g. by a winch (not illustrated) on the installation tool 56 when the installation tool is braced against the spike 57. The spike 57 provides a hydraulic stab connector, which facilitates hydraulic actuation of the profiled rod 41 e.g. via a matching connector and hydraulic power pack, which may zo be located on the installation tool 56.

It will be appreciated, the above described function of the spike 57 would not be required in a system utilising remote controlled hydraulic actuation. In a remote-controlled arrangement, the spike 57 and installation tool 56 may be redundant in respect of hydraulic actuation. However, they may both be utilised to manipulate alignment of the plug unit 20 and the socket unit 30 during installation/assembly.

In the illustrated example, the rotor assembly 140 is configured to float to facilitate ease of manipulation and handling by an operator 54 and a small vessel 52 e.g. a RIB.

The operator 54 uses the installation tool 56 to manipulate orientation 56A, 56B, 56C of the rotor assembly 140 and the socket unit 30 relative to the rotor support 120 and the plug unit 20 The pull line 58 extends through the socket unit 30 and into the plug unit 20 such that when correctly aligned the plug unit 20 can be pulled into the socket unit 30.

The operator 54 can manipulate the position of the rotor assembly 140 and socket unit 30 whilst simultaneously pulling the pull line 58 to manipulate and manoeuvre the plug unit 20 such that the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 engage when they are axially aligned, as described above with reference to Fig. 1A to Fig. 6D.

Routing of the pull line 58 is such that the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 are pulled into axial alignment. In this regard, the pull line 58 preferably extends centrally through the rod 41 (not visible in Fig. 7) and the plug unit 20 to ensure accurate axial alignment of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20.

A hydraulic line (not illustrated) is used to apply hydraulic pressure to the end of rod 41 (described above) to ensure the status of the socket unit 30 is maintained in an unlocked configuration during the installation process illustrated in Fig. 7. The hydraulic line connects to the hydraulic casing 44 and is either remotely controlled or is manually controlled by an accessible connector located on the socket unit 30 for convenient access by the operator 54.

The example illustrated in Fig.7 represents manual operation, where the operator uses the installation tool 56, which incorporates at one end a hydraulic stab connector and includes an associated power pack to overcome the spring force on the rod 41 to ensure the socket unit 30 and the rod 41 is unlocked.

The operator 54 utilises the installation tool 56 to manipulate the orientation of the socket unit 30 to axially align with the plug unit 20. During the aligning process the pull line 58 is configured to pull the plug unit 20 into the socket unit 30. It will be appreciated the operator 54 controls alignment and pull simultaneously. A winch (not illustrated) provides control and safe operation of the pull line 58.

Fig. 7 illustrates an example of manual operation via a floating vessel 52 and a manual operator 54. However, the installation and disconnection process could be controlled remotely, for example the pull line 58 could be pulled by a remote-controlled winch, which could be configured as an internal component of the carrier component e.g. the rotor support 120 or the plug unit 20. Activation of such an installation or disconnection process could be controlled by remote push button activation or an app on a mobile device.

Internal connections and moving parts are configured such that they can move freely through internal holes or over internal pulleys within the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 such that jamming is avoided.

The installation process can be summarised as four simple steps i.e. unlock the socket unit 30, axially align the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20, engage the socket unit 30 and plug unit 20 and lock the socket unit 30 i.e. displace rod 41 to the locked configuration. Each step can be formed efficiently and quickly i.e. in a matter of 30 to 300 seconds. Therefore, the connector apparatus 10 described and illustrated fulfils connection and appliance deployment or recovery and disconnection well within the available slack tide window.

It will be appreciated, from Fig. 6A to 6D and the description of the components of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20, that disconnection can be done by simply changing the status of connection from locked to unlocked i.e. displacing rod 41 to align the recessed portions 41D, 41E with the keyhole slots 24 and then simply pulling apart the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20. Based on the example illustrated in Fig.7 disconnection can be done by simply attaching a short tow line to the retrievable component 140 and then gently driving the vessel away to detach the socket unit 30 from the plug unit 20.

As noted above, to facilitate engagement of the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20, a pull line 58 can be used. For optimum performance of the pull line 58, the pull line 58 extends substantially axially and centrally through the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 to facilitate pulling together the socket unit 30 and the plug unit 20 from their disparate locations in the water, whilst simultaneously manipulating the parts into axial alignment. As illustrated in Fig. 3 and 4A, the rod 41 extends across the centre of the socket unit 30. Therefore, to ensure optimum alignment of the units 20, 30 as they are pulled together a slot or hole (not illustrated) could be provided through the cylindrical portion 41B of the rod 41. The pull line 58 can then extend through the slot or hole to optimise alignment of the socket unit 30 relative to the plug unit 20.

When the connector apparatus 10 is locked it is configured to resist axial thrust and torque loads by virtue of the rod 41. It should be appreciated that the keys 25A, 25B and slots 35A, 35B also facilitate resistance to axial torque, which can be exerted by an operating tidal turbine.

The connector apparatus 10 is described above in relation to connecting and disconnecting a floating turbine assembly (retrievable component) and its moored support (carrier component). However, it should be appreciated the connector apparatus 10 is suitable for use with for example, tidal energy converters, rotors, wave energy converters, floating wind turbines, offshore servicing vessels, ferry docking, offshore substations, a wide range of offshore surface or subsurface equipment, including vessels, pipelines, H2 generation plant, substations, oil exploration or extraction equipment and platforms, solar arrays, fish farms, seaweed or other marine production systems, fishing equipment, survey equipment, tidal barrages, other types of Marine Energy Converter, submarines, defence, marine observation equipment, navigational equipment and markers, offshore civil works, bridge or structural supports. Other examples are wind turbine applications, floating wind turbines, subsea data centres and structural piles, such as removable bridge supports. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather is indicative of many appliances and situations in which the connector apparatus 10 can be usefully employed.

Whilst specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that departures from the described embodiments may still fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A marine connector apparatus comprising a socket unit, which in use forms part of a retrievable marine component and a plug unit, which, in use, forms part of a marine carrier component, wherein mating of the plug unit and the socket unit assembles the connector apparatus and unifies the retrievable marine component and the marine carrier component; the socket unit includes: a hollow casing, which is configured to slidingly receive the plug unit; a diametrically disposed locking rod; 10 an actuating mechanism; and a locking mechanism, wherein both the actuating mechanism and the locking mechanism are operable to apply opposing forces on the locking rod, wherein the actuating mechanism is operable to control positioning and/or orientation of the locking rod to maintain an unlocked configuration during assembly and the locking mechanism is operable to control positioning and/or orientation of the locking rod to a locked configuration after assembly; the plug unit includes: a hollow body, configured to be received, by sliding, into the hollow casing of the socket unit, wherein the hollow body includes a pair of axial keyhole slots, which are diametrically opposed, wherein each keyhole slot includes an elongated channel and an enlarged closed end, wherein each elongated channel extends from a leading end of the hollow body towards a trailing end of the hollow body and is configured to receive and guide the locking rod during assembly and disassembly and wherein full engagement of the socket unit and plug unit occurs when the locking rod abuts with the enlarged closed end; the locking rod is biased to a locked configuration by virtue of an active force applied by the locking mechanism, wherein the actuating mechanism is actuatable to apply an overriding force, which overrides the active force to shift the locking rod to an unlocked configuration and to maintain the locking rod in an unlocked configuration by maintaining application of the overriding force during assembly and disassembly, wherein upon removal of the overriding force by deactivation of the actuating mechanism the active force applied by the locking mechanism restores the locking rod to the locked configuration.
2. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow casing of the socket unit includes a flared mouth on its exposed end, the exposed end being the end configured to receive the plug unit during assembly of the connector apparatus.
A marine connector apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the hollow body of the plug unit includes a chamfered leading end.
4. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hollow body includes at least one key protruding from an outside wall of the hollow body.
5. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hollow body includes two keys protruding from an outside wall of the hollow body, 20 wherein the two keys are diametrically opposed.
A marine connector apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the two keys are diametrically opposed and axially offset relative to each other.
7 A marine connector apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein each key is located a quarter-circumference from the keyhole slots.
8. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the or each key includes a resilient pad on a leading face.
9. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the resilient pad is neoprene.
10. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any of claims 4 to 9, wherein the hollow casing includes a corresponding number of slots to keys, wherein the or each slot extends from the exposed end of the hollow casing axially along the casing wall, wherein each slot is configured to receive and guide an associated key during assembly of the connector apparatus.lo
11. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the or each slot includes a flared mouth to facilitate alignment and engagement of the corresponding key.
12. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the enlarged closed end of each keyhole slot is eccentric relative to a centreline of the associated elongated channel.
13. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the shape and configuration of the elongated channel and enlarged closed end of each keyhole slot is the shape of a lower-case letter b.
14. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the locking rod includes two transverse recessed channels, wherein each recessed channel bridges two full dimension portions of the locking rod, wherein axial spacing of the transverse channels corresponds with spacing of the elongated channels and each transverse recessed channel is configured to slidingly engage with and to be guided by the elongated channels during assembly and disassembly of the socket unit and plug unit, wherein in the unlocked configuration, the recessed channels align with the keyhole slots.
15. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the full dimension portions of the locking rod are circular in cross-section.
16. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the recessed channels are substantially semi-circular in cross-section.
17. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16, wherein each transverse channel includes a low friction liner or coating.
18 A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each edge of the keyhole slots includes a low friction liner or coating.
19. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hollow casing includes diametrically opposed holes through the casing, where each hole is configured to receive at least an end section of each end of the locking rod and to be associated with one of the actuating mechanism and the locking mechanism.
20. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the actuating mechanism includes hydraulic actuation, wherein a first end of the locking rod is configured as a hydraulic piston, wherein proximate the first end of the locking rod, the locking rod includes at least one circumferential groove and at least one 0-ring seal and wherein, in use, hydraulic pressure applied to the first end of the locking rod applies the overriding force to axially displace the locking rod to the unlocked position/configuration.
21. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the locking mechanism includes a resilient member operable to apply the active force to a second end of the locking rod thereby biasing the locking rod to the locked configuration.
22 A marine connector apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the locking mechanism includes a housing, attached to the hollow casing, wherein the housing is configured to house the resilient member, the second end of the locking rod and a portion of the locking rod and wherein the housing includes an elongated slot which is engageable with a limiter extending radially from the locking rod proximate the second end, wherein the limiter is configured to slide along the slot during displacement of the locking rod and wherein the configuration of the slot is such that displacement of the locking rod is limited by travel of the limiter and the length of the slot.
23. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises an override member, wherein the override member includes a shaft and a handle, wherein the shaft extends through the housing and engages with the second end of the locking rod and the handle facilitates manually pulling or pushing the second end of the locking rod to manually apply load to the resilient member or remove load from the resilient member, thereby the override member facilitates manual change of the lock or unlock configuration of the locking rod.
24. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in claim 21, 22 or 23, wherein the resilient member is a tension spring, which applies an active spring force on the second end of the locking rod to maintain the locking rod in a locked configuration.
25. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hollow casing includes a low friction liner or coating.
26. A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hollow body of the plug unit includes a low friction overlay or coating.
27 A marine connector apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein mating edges of the locking rod and the keyhole slots are chamfered.