TEPZZ 8Z9969B_T

(19)

(11) EP 2 809 969 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.:

of the grant of the patent: F16G 11/08 (2006.01) F16G 15/04 (2006.01)
11.07.2018 Bulletin 2018/28
(86) International application number:
(21) Application number: 13708869.6 PCT/GB2013/050202

(22) Date of filing: 30.01.2013 (87) International publication number:

WO 2013/114105 (08.08.2013 Gazette 2013/32)

(54) A CONNECTOR
VERBINDER
CONNECTEUR

(84) Designated Contracting States: • JACKSON, Jonathan Fletcher

AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB Stalmine
GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO Poulton-le-Fylde FY6 0QA (GB)
PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR • PRESTON, Jonathan Scott
Houghton
(30) Priority: 30.01.2012 GB 201201510 Preston PR5 0HQ (GB)

(43) Date of publication of application: (74) Representative: Wilson Gunn

10.12.2014 Bulletin 2014/50 Blackfriars House
The Parsonage
(73) Proprietor: Balltec Limited 5th Floor
Morecambe, Lancashire LA3 3PB (GB) Manchester M3 2JA (GB)

(72) Inventors: (56) References cited:

• TAYLOR, Richard James GB-A- 2 436 920 US-A- 4 568 221
Kendal US-A- 4 676 696 US-A1- 2011 240 403
Cumbria LA9 6FF (GB)
EP 2 809 969 B1

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent
Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the
Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been
paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)

 1 EP 2 809 969 B1 2

Description [0008] Provision of cooperating formations serves to

automatically align the connector parts as they are
Technical Field of the Invention brought together. This overcomes or at least reduces the
need, such as with conventional connectors employing
[0001] The present invention relates to a connector 5 a locking pin, to take steps to align the parts before en-
and particularly, although not exclusively, to a connector gaging the locking member and so facilitates remote use
suitable for use as a subsea mooring connector. of the connector.
[0009] The locking member may be a locking pin. At
Background to the Invention least one of the parts may comprise an aperture through
10 which a locking member may be received. Both parts
[0002] Subsea mooring connectors are employed in a may comprise an aperture. The or each aperture may be
variety of applications, but are typically used for connect- substantially circular in cross-section.
ing mooring lines (usually chains) used to anchor off- [0010] The first part may be a female part and the sec-
shore installations. For example, a subsea connector ond part a male part which may be received into the fe-
may be used to connect lengths of chain used to anchor 15 male part.
an offshore platform to the sea bed. [0011] The cooperating formations may be arranged
[0003] Such mooring connectors need to be able to such that contact between the formations as the male
withstand significant loads as well as being able to be part is introduced into the female part causes the male
connected, and possibly disconnected, in challenging part to rotate relatively to the female part in order to align
undersea conditions. 20 the structures of each part appropriately.
[0004] One conventional type of connector employs a [0012] In one embodiment the cooperating formation
load bearing pin to connect two connector parts together, on one part comprises a protrusion and the cooperating
such as a device and pad eye. Such connectors have formation on the other part comprises a profiled surface
the advantage of being simple and robust. However, it such as a shoulder or groove.
can be difficult to establish a connection under sea when 25 [0013] In one embodiment the female part defines a
working remotely because of the need to align the two bore. An aperture extends from an outside surface of the
connector parts and maintain the parts in alignment whilst part into the bore and a formation projects from an inside
the pin is inserted. Consequently, such connectors tend surface of the bore. The male part comprises a portion
not to be employed in subsea applications. arranged to be received into the bore of the female part.
[0005] Another type of known connector comprises a 30 An aperture extends into the portion of the male part and
receptacle into which a mandrel is received such as that, a cooperating formation is formed on the surface of that
for example, shown in WO2006/109065. This connector portion. The connector is arranged such that, as the male
is more suited to remote operation under sea since it is part is introduced into the bore of the female part, contact
only necessary to insert the mandrel into the receptacle between the respective cooperating formations causes
in order to establish a connection. However, the connec- 35 the two parts to rotate relative to each other so that when
tor is complex and therefore relatively costly to manufac- the male part is fully received into the female part the
ture. aperture in the female part is sufficiently aligned with the
[0006] US4568221 discloses a device for anchoring aperture in the male part to enable a locking member to
underwater pipes in a fixed sleeve according to the pre- be introduced through the aperture in the female part into
amble of claim 1. Embodiments of the present invention 40 the male part, thereby to lock the two parts relative to
have been made in consideration of these issues. each other.
[0014] In another embodiment the cooperating forma-
Summary of the Invention tions on each part comprise profiled surfaces.
[0015] The first part may comprise a forked member,
[0007] According to the present invention, as defined 45 defining a slot into which the other part is received. An
in claim 1, there is provided a connector comprising first aperture may extend through one or more prongs forming
and second connectable parts, each part comprising a the slot. The second part may comprise formation to be
respective structure arranged so that, when the two parts received into the slot. An aperture may extend through
are brought together and appropriately aligned with each the formation and be arranged to align with an aperture
other, a locking member may be engaged with the two 50 in the one or more prongs to enable a locking member
respective parts to connect them together, wherein the to extend through both apertures and lock the two parts
connectable parts comprise respective mutually cooper- together.
ating formations arranged such that, as the connectable [0016] The forked member may be disposed in a hous-
parts are brought together, engagement of the respective ing and, together the housing, form a female part. The
cooperating formations causes the two parts to move rel- 55 housing may define an opening for receiving the second
ative to one another so that they align sufficiently to en- part, which may be a male part. The opening may be
able the locking member to be engaged with the respec- flared, for example by fitting a frustro-conical collar, to
tive structures. help guide the second part into the housing. A sleeve

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may be provided in the housing to receive the second Figure 20 is a plan view of the arrangement of figure
part. 18 showing detail of a locking pin;
[0017] A locking means may be provided to lock a lock- Figure 21 is a plan view of the part of figure 15 showing
ing member relative to the first and second members. a non-engagement zone; and
[0018] Such connectors are particularly suited to sub- 5 Figure 22 is a perspective view of the second embod-
sea operations. The male part may be simply lowered iment of a connector mounted to a pile.
into the bore of the female part. When the male part has
been fully lowered into the female part a remotely oper- [0020] Referring to figures 1 to 14 of the drawings there
ated vehicle (ROV) may be used to introduce a locking is shown a first embodiment of a subsea mooring con-
member, such as a locking pin, through the aperture in 10 nector, for use in connecting together two lengths of
the female part into the aperture in the male part thereby chain, or other mooring line, such as may be used for
to lock the two parts together. It is not necessary to in- mooring an off shore installation such as a hydrocarbon
tervene to ensure that the two parts are correctly aligned. production or drilling platform.
Thus, the connector provides the strength and simplicity [0021] The connector comprises a female part 1 ar-
of a conventional locking pin connector but with the ease 15 ranged to accept a male part 2. A slot 3 is formed through
of operation of more sophisticated receptacle and man- one end of each part, forming a forked end with two par-
drel type connectors. allel spaced apart portions 4. Aligned apertures 5 extend
respectively through each portion for receiving a fasten-
Detailed Description of the Invention ing pin 6. A pad eye may be received between the two
20 portions 4 and the fastening pin 6 passed through the
[0019] In order that the invention may be more clearly apertures 4 and an aperture in the pad eye to secure the
understood embodiments thereof will now be described, pad eye, and a mooring chain connected to the pad eye,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompa- to the connector part. Alternatively, the fastening pin of
nying drawings, of which: a shackle could be passed through the apertures 5 in the
25 spaced apart portions 4 of a connector part to connect a
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a female part of a mooring chain to the part. In fact, any suitable means
first embodiment of a connector; could be used for connecting a mooring chain or line to
Figure 2 is a plan view of the part of figure 1; each connector part. Each connector part could be pro-
Figure 3 is a front elevation of the part of figure 1; vided with a different formation for connecting it to a moor-
Figure 4 is a side elevation of the part of figure 1; 30 ing chain or line.
Figure 5 is a cross-section along the line A-A of fig- [0022] The opposite ends of each part are provided
ure 3; with respective, mutually cooperating formations.
Figure 6 is a cross-section along the line B-B of fig- [0023] The opposite end of the female part 1 defines
ure 4; a substantially circular opening into a short tapered bore
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a male part of the 35 7 leading to a longer cylindrical bore 8 the far end of which
connector; is closed. At about one third of the length of the cylindrical
Figure 8 is a plan view of the part of figure 7; bore from its open end two diametrically opposed, sub-
Figure 9 is a front elevation of the part of figure 7; stantially circular apertures 9 are formed in the walls of
Figure 10 is a side elevation of the part of figure 7; the part. The apertures are sized to receive a locking pin
Figure 11 is a front elevation of the part of figure 1 40 10. At about half of the length of the cylindrical bore from
received into the part of figure 7; its open end two diametrically opposed, substantially cy-
Figure 12 is a side elevation of the assembly of figure lindrical, protrusions 11 are formed on the inside of the
11; bore, each lying on an axis extending substantially at
Figure 13 is a cross-section along the line C-C of fig- right angles to an axis extending through the centres of
ure 11; 45 the opposed apertures 9. The protrusions are formed by
Figure 14 is a cross-section along the line D-D of fig- pins extending through further opposed apertures in the
ure 12; and part, but could be otherwise formed.
Figure 15 is an exploded, perspective view of a first [0024] The opposite end of the male part 2 is substan-
part of a second embodiment of a connec- tially cylindrical in shape, with a chamfered or radiussed
tor; 50 corner. Spaced from the free end of the part a radial
Figure 16 is a perspective view of a second part of the shoulder 12 is formed leading to a substantially cylindrical
connector; region of greater diameter to that of the free end of the
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a forked connector part. The depth of the shoulder slightly exceeds the height
body of the part of figure 15 of the protrusions 11 from the inside of the bore 8 of the
Figure 18 is a perspective view of the part of figure 16 55 female member. The shoulder 12 extends completely
received into the part of figure 15; around the circumference of the part. The axial position
Figure 19 is a cross-section along the line E-E of fig- of the shoulder 12 on the part varies with its position
ure 18; around its circumference such that the shoulder extends

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symmetrically between to diametrically opposed posi- mooring line extending from the sea bed, or to some other
tions 13, where the shoulder is nearest the free end of installation, so that the opening into the bore 7,8 faces
the part, and two diametrically opposed positions 14 ax- upwards. The male part is connected to a line to be con-
ially spaced from those closest to the free end of the part, nected to the female part. The male part is lowered to-
where the shoulder is furthest from the free end of the 5 wards and into the female part. If necessary, a remotely
part. The positions of the shoulder nearest and furthest operated vehicle (ROV) may be used to guide the male
from the free end of the part are substantially at right part into the female part. As the male part 2 is lowered
angles to each other around the circumference of the into the female part 1 interaction between the shoulder
part. At the positions 13 nearest the free end of the part 12 on the male part and the protrusions into the bore of
the shoulder changes direction at a point 13, forming a 10 the female part cause the male part to rotate relative to
wedge or arrow shape directed towards the free end of the female part so that the apertures 9,15 in the male
the part. At each of the positions most remote from the and female parts, for receiving a locking pin 10, align.
free end of the part the shoulder forms a parallel sided This alignment occurs automatically with no intervention
slot 14 with a closed, radiussed end. The sides of the slot required, other than to ensure that the male part enters
run substantially parallel to a long axis of the part and 15 the female part. When the male part is lowered fully into
with the open end of the slot facing the free end of the the female part an ROV is used to insert a locking pin 10
part. The shoulder extends in a smooth, continuous curve through the aligned apertures.
between the points nearest the free end of the part and [0028] Referring to figures 15 to 21 of the drawings
the edges of the slot located most remote from the free there is shown a second embodiment of a subsea moor-
end of the part. The curve may be substantially helical. 20 ing connector.
[0025] A substantially circular aperture 15 extends ra- [0029] The connector comprises a first, female, part,
dially through the male part along a diameter of the part generally 20, shown in figure 15 and a second, male, part
substantially parallel to that which extends between the 21 shown in figure 16.
two opposed points 13 of the shoulder nearest to the free [0030] The female part 20 comprises a forked connec-
end of the part. The diameter of the aperture is slightly 25 tor body 22, sleeve 23 and housing 24.
greater than that of the apertures 9 which extend through [0031] The forked connector body 22 comprises two
the female part 1. The edges of the apertures nearest to parallel, spaced apart, substantially identical, opposed
the free end of the part 12 lie on a circumference of the prongs connected together by a cross portion at one end.
part which extends through the slot 14 defined by the Together, the prongs define an elongate, straight, parallel
shoulder 12 at the shoulder’s position most remote from 30 sided slot. The prongs each terminate in a free end. Part
the free end of the part. The sides of the part at each end way along each prong a substantially circular aperture
of the aperture 15 are slightly recessed. 25 extends through the prong. The two apertures are
[0026] The free end of the male part 2 is arranged to substantially aligned. The free ends of each prong are
be received into the cylindrical bore 8 of the female part tapered and each comprise two faces which extend to-
1. The diameter of the free end of the male part beyond 35 wards each other at an angle of about 45 degrees to the
the shoulder 9 is smaller than the inside diameter of the lateral sides of the prong. The two faces meet to form an
cylindrical bore 9 of the female part, by just over the height edge which connects to a triangular end face to the prong.
of the protrusions 11 into that bore, so that it can pass The faces of each prong are also angled towards each
between the protrusions. The diameter of the male part other. To the opposite side of the cross portion to the
above the shoulder is just less than the inside diameter 40 prongs there is a flat sided portion with a substantially
of the cylindrical part of the bore of the female part so rectangular cross-section through which a substantially
that it is received into the cylindrical bore with a close fit circular aperture 26 extends in a direction substantially
and the shoulder engages with the protrusions in the at right angles to the apertures 25 which extend through
bore. The shoulder is shaped such that as the male part the prongs. This aperture is provided to enable the forked
moves into the female part any contact between the pro- 45 connector body to be connected to a chain or other line,
trusions into the bore and the shoulder causes the male for example by way of a shackle. The flat sided portion
part to rotate relative to the female part (if necessary) so is thinner than the cross portion in one dimension so there
that when the male part is fully received into the bore the is step in each of two opposite sides of the body. In an-
protrusions are guided and received into the slots 14 other arrangement the aperture could extend in a direc-
formed by the shoulder 12 and the apertures 9 in the 50 tion parallel to those 25 through the prongs. Other ar-
sides of the female part are aligned with that 15 through rangements are possible. Any other suitable formation
the male part. A locking pin 10 can then be inserted could be provided on the forked body to enable it to be
through the aligned apertures to lock the female part with connected to a chain or other line.
respect to the male part, preventing withdrawal of the [0032] The housing 24 comprises a generally cylindri-
male part from the female part. To disconnect the two 55 cal body open at each end. At one end, the lower end in
parts the locking pin can be withdrawn. an in-use state, a plate 27 is provided over the open end
[0027] The connector is intended for making subsea of the cylindrical body. The plate 27 defines a substan-
connections. The female member is connected to a tially rectangular aperture sized and shaped to allow the

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flat sided portion of the forked connector 22 body to pass to the part. A substantially circular aperture 37 also ex-
through, but not the cross portion of that body. Thus, the tends through this portion of the male part, between its
flat sided portion can extend out of the housing to enable flat faces and in a direction substantially at right angles
a chain or other line to be connected to the forked con- to the aperture 35 which extends through the other end
nector body, but the prongs will remain in the housing. 5 of the part.
At the opposite end of the housing a frustro-conical collar [0038] In an alternative embodiment the substantially
28 is provided around the opening. The inside diameter flat surfaces of each end of the male part 21 are substan-
of the collar 28 diverges away from the cylindrical part of tially parallel, so that the respective apertures formed
the body. A substantially cylindrical sleeve 23 fits inside through those parts extend in parallel directions.
the housing just inside the frustro-conical collar and is 10 [0039] The tapered faces 36 of the male part 21 are
secured in place with sleeve bolts 29 which passes arranged to cooperate with the tapered faces of the
through the cylindrical part of the housing 24 and into the forked connector body 22 to cause the two to rotate rel-
sleeve 23. In use, the forked connector body 22 is insert- ative to each other so that the flattened end portion of
ed into the housing 24 followed by the sleeve 23 and the the male part 21 can be easily received between the two
sleeve 23 secured in place by the sleeve bolts 29. The 15 prongs if the forked connector body 22 without having to
inner diameter of the sleeve 23 is slightly smaller than accurately align the male part and the forked connector
the distance between outside edges of the prongs of the body.
forked connector body 22, so the sleeve 22 serves to [0040] The aperture 37 through the male element is
retain the forked body in the housing between the sleeve positioned so that when the tip of the tapered part touches
23 and the end plate 27. 20 the cross portion between prongs of the forked connector
[0033] Diametrically opposed, substantially circular body 22, it aligns with the apertures 25 through the prongs
apertures 30 are formed through the cylindrical part of so that the locking pin 34 can be inserted, through the
the housing at a position where they are concentric with, slotted collar 33 into the housing 24, through the aper-
but of a slightly larger diameter than, the apertures 25 tures 25 and 35 in the forked connector body 22 and male
through the prongs of the forked connector body 22. Cy- 25 connector part 21 in order to lock the two together. The
lindrical collars 31 with and internal diameter substantial- pin 34 comprises a solid rod with substantially circular
ly the same as the apertures 30 are mounted to the out- cross-section. One end is chamfered to facilitate its in-
side of the cylindrical body over the apertures. Diamet- sertion into the connector parts. At the other end there
rically opposed apertures 32 are formed in one of the is an external shoulder, and a portion of greater external
cylindrical collars 31, to receive bolts 32a for receiving a 30 diameter which will fit through the apertures in the hous-
slotted collar 33. The slotted collar 33 is a substantially ing 24, but not through the apertures 25 in the forked
cylindrical collar into which are formed two diametrically connector body 22. The portion of greater diameter is
opposed J-shaped slots with diverging openings. The ex- hollow, defining a cylindrical bore. A plug 35 is slidably
ternal collars 31 and slotted collar 33 are arranged to mounted in the bore and a spring 36 (or other resiliently
receive a locking pin 34. 35 compressible element) is positioned between the plug
[0034] The collars 31 form the lower part of elongate 35 and the bore, operative to resiliently urge the plug 35
formations 31a extending axially in diametrically op- out of the bore. A stop is provided to prevent the plug
posed positions on the cylindrical body of the housing 24. moving right out of the bore. Two diametrically opposed
[0035] The male connector part 22 comprises a central protrusions 37 are provided on the outside of the plug. A
portion with a substantially circular cross-section. At ei- 40 loop handle 38 is provided on the exposed, axial end of
ther side of the central part the connector is flattened so the plug 35.
that it has two opposed, substantially flat, parallel faces [0041] In use, the female part 20 of the connector would
connected by two opposed convex faces with the same be typically be connected to a mooring chain or other line
radius as the central portion. The substantially flat faces extending from the sea bed, in an assembled state, with
at each end of the part extend substantially at right angles 45 the chain or line being connected via the aperture 26 in
to each other, and the thickness of the part between its the exposed, flattened end of the forked connector body
substantially flat faces is less than that of the diameter and arranged so that the open end of the housing 24 with
of the central portion, so that there is a shoulder between the frustro-conical collar 28 faces upwards. The male part
each flattened end and the central portion. 21 would be connected to a chain or other line, to be
[0036] At one end an aperture 35 is formed through 50 connected to the female part, via the aperture 35 in the
the flattened part to enable it to be connected to a chain male part 21.
or line. This end of the male part 21 has a convex surface. [0042] The male part 21 would then be lowered to-
However, any other suitable formation could actually be wards the female part 20 so that the tapered end of the
provided to enable the male part to be connected to a male part 21 enters the housing 24, passing through the
chain or other line. 55 frustro-conical collar 28, which helps to locate the male
[0037] The opposite side of the male part 21 is tapered, part and guide it into the housing, and the sleeve 23,
with four faces 36 each approaching each other at an towards the forked connector body 22. The aim is to align
angle of substantially 45 degrees to form a flattened end the flattened free end of the male part with the slot defined

5
 9 EP 2 809 969 B1 10

between the prongs of the forked connector body so that the appended claims.
the male element is received between the prongs. The
process is facilitated by the sleeve 23 which helps retain
the male element relative to the prongs, and the angled Claims
faces at the ends of the male element and prongs. These 5
are arranged so that, provided the opposite lateral sides 1. A subsea mooring connector comprising first (1, 20)
of the flattened end of the male element are sufficiently and second (2, 21) connectable parts, each part
aligned with the slot between the prongs (so they lie out- comprising a respective structure (9, 15, 25, 37) ar-
side the non-engagement zone 38 shown in figure 21) ranged so that when the two parts are brought to-
contact between the angled faces causes the male part 10 gether and appropriately aligned with each other a
to rotate relative to the female part as it approaches the locking member (10, 34) may be engaged with the
female part, so that the male part 21 aligns with and is two respective structures to releasably connect the
received into the slot between the prongs of the forked two parts together, wherein: the connectable parts
connector body 22. comprise respective mutually cooperating forma-
[0043] The male part 21 is then lowered towards the 15 tions (11, 12, 36) arranged such that, as the con-
forked connector body 22 until its tip contacts the cross nectable parts are brought together out of sufficient
portion of the forked connector body whereupon the ap- rotational alignment with each other, engagement of
erture 37 in the male element will be aligned with the the respective cooperating formations causes the
apertures 25 in the forked connector body 22. The locking two parts to rotate relative to one another so that
pin 34 is then introduced, via the collars 31, 34 and ap- 20 they are brought into sufficient rotational alignment
ertures in the housing 34, through the apertures 25, 37 to enable the locking member to be engaged with
to lock the male part 21 and forked connector body 22 the respective structures; the second part has a free
together. As the locking pin 34 is fully inserted the shoul- end; the cooperating formation of the second part
der between the parts of smaller and larger diameter will comprises a radial shoulder (12) which is spaced
contact a prong of the forked connector body 22. If nec- 25 from the free end of the second part and extends
essary, the end plug 35 of the locking pin 34 is rotated completely around the circumference of the second
so that the protrusions 37 are received into the flared part; and characterised by the axial position of the
open ends of the J-shaped slots on the slotted collar 33. shoulder on the second part varying with its position
The plug 35 is then urged into the collar 33, and bore of around the circumference of the second part such
the pin 34, against the action of the spring 36, so that the 30 that the shoulder extends symmetrically between
protrusions travel along the slots. The plug 34 is then two diametrically opposed positions (13) where the
turned clockwise and released so that the protrusions shoulder is nearest the free end of the part, and two
travel to the end of the J-shaped slots and are held in diametrically opposed positions (14) axially spaced
position by action of the spring 36, thus locking the pin from those closest to the free end of the part where
34 in place. 35 the shoulder is furthest from the free end of the part.
[0044] Figure 22 shows how the female part of the con-
nector could be mounted on a pile 38. A cradle 39 is 2. A subsea mooring connector as claimed in claim 1
provided on the pile 38. The cradle provides two aligned wherein the first and second parts each comprise an
slots 40 into which the elongate formations 31a on the aperture (9, 15, 25, 37) through which a locking mem-
side of the cylindrical part of the female connector part 40 ber may be received.
are received. Bolts 41 or other fastener may then be
passed through the cradle and female part of the con- 3. A subsea mooring connector as claimed in any pre-
nector to secure it to the cradle. A lanyard 42 may be ceding claim wherein the first part is a female part
used to connect the loop handle of the locking pin to a and the second part is a male part which may be
fitting 43 on the cradle to prevent loss of the locking pin 45 received into the female part.
when it is removed.
[0045] Both described embodiments would typically be 4. A subsea mooring connector as claimed in claim 3
fabricated from steel. The second embodiment is more wherein the first part defines a cylindrical bore (8).
economical to produce, particularly in larger sizes, as
less material is required to form the female part of this 50 5. A subsea mooring connector as claimed in claim 4
connector than that of the first embodiment. in which diametrically opposed apertures (9) are
[0046] The invention provides relatively simple, relia- formed in the cylindrical bore and an aperture (15)
ble and releasable undersea connectors which may be extends through the second part, the two parts being
engaged and disengaged without the need for any sig- arranged so that when the second part is received
nificant external input to align components. 55 into the first part the opposed apertures in the first
[0047] The above embodiments are described by way part align with the aperture in the second part so that
of example only. Many variations are possible without a locking member can extend through the aligned
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in apertures.

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 11 EP 2 809 969 B1 12

6. A subsea mooring connector as claimed in either le miteinander kooperierende Formgebungen (11,

claim 4 or 5 wherein the bore defined by the first part 12, 36) aufweisen, die so ausgestaltet sind, dass,
has a closed end. wenn die verbindbaren Teile rotationsmäßig nicht
ausreichend ausgerichtet miteinander zusammen-
7. A subsea mooring connector as claimed in any pre- 5 geführt werden, der Angriff der zusammenwirken-
ceding claim wherein a cooperating formation on one den Formgebungen aneinander bewirkt, dass die
part comprises a protrusion (11). beiden Teile relativ zueinander gedreht werden, so
dass sie in eine ausreichende rotationsmäßige Aus-
8. A subsea mooring connector as claimed in claim 7 richtung gebracht werden, um zu ermöglichen, dass
when dependent on any of claims 4 to 6 where two 10 das Verriegelungsteil in Eingriff mit den jeweiligen
diametrically opposed protrusions are formed inside Strukturen gebracht wird; das zweite Teil ein freies
the bore of the first part. Ende hat; die kooperierende Formgebung des zwei-
ten Teils eine radiale Schulter (12) umfasst, die von
9. A subsea mooring connector as claimed in any pre- dem freien Ende des zweiten Teils beabstandet ist
ceding claim wherein the shoulder of the second part 15 und vollständig um den Umfang des zweiten Teils
forms a wedge or arrow shape directed towards the herum verläuft; und dadurch gekennzeichnet,
free end of the second part dass die axiale Position der Schulter an dem zweiten
Teil mit ihrer Position um den Umfang des zweiten
10. A subsea mooring connector as claimed in any pre- Teils herum variiert, so dass die Schulter symmet-
ceding claim wherein at each of the opposed posi- 20 risch zwischen zwei diametral gegenüberliegenden
tions furthest from the free end of the second part Positionen (13), an denen die Schulter dem freien
the shoulder forms a parallel sided slot (14) with a Ende des Teils am nächsten ist, und zwischen zwei
closed, radiussed end. diametral gegenüberliegenden Positionen (14) ver-
läuft, die axial auf Abstand zu den dem freien Ende
11. A subsea mooring connector as claimed in claim 10 25 des Teils am nächstliegenden sind und bei denen
wherein the sides of the slots are substantially par- die Schulter am weitesten entfernt von dem freien
allel to a long axis of the second part with the open Ende des Teils ist.
end of each slot facing the free end of the second
part. 2. Unterwasser-Verankerungsverbinder wie in An-
30 spruch 1 beansprucht, wobei die ersten und zweiten
12. A subsea mooring connector as claimed in any pre- Teile jeweils eine Öffnung (9, 15, 25, 37) aufweisen,
ceding claim wherein a substantially circular aper- durch die ein Verriegelungsteil aufgenommen wer-
ture (15) for receiving a locking pin extends radially den kann.
through the second part along a diameter of the part
which is substantially parallel to that which extends 35 3. Unterwasser-Verankerungsverbinder wie in einem
between the two opposed positions (13) of the shoul- vorhergehenden Anspruch beansprucht, wobei das
der where the shoulder is nearest the free end of the erste Teil ein Buchsenteil und das zweite Teil ein
second part. Steckerteil ist, das in das Buchsenteil gesteckt wer-
den kann.
13. A subsea mooring connector as claimed in claim 12 40
wherein apertures (9) are formed in the first part for 4. Unterwasser-Verankerungsverbinder wie in An-
receiving the locking member and the diameter of spruch 3 beansprucht, wobei das erste Teil eine zy-
the aperture (15) extending through the second part lindrische Bohrung (8) definiert.
is slightly greater than the diameter of the apertures
(9) extending through the first part. 45 5. Unterwasser-Verankerungsverbinder wie in An-
spruch 4 beansprucht, bei dem diametral gegenü-
berliegende Öffnungen (9) in der zylindrischen Boh-
Patentansprüche rung gebildet sind und eine Öffnung (15) durch das
zweite Teil verläuft, wobei die beiden Teile so aus-
1. Unterwasser-Verankerungsverbinder mit einem ers- 50 gestaltet sind, dass, wenn das zweite Teil in das ers-
ten (1, 20) und einem zweiten (2, 21) verbindbaren te Teil gesteckt ist, die gegenüberliegenden Öffnung
Teil, wobei jedes Teil eine jeweilige Struktur (9, 15, in dem ersten Teil mit der Öffnung in dem zweiten
25, 37) hat, die dazu ausgestaltet ist, so dass, wenn Teil ausgerichtet sind, so dass ein Verriegelungsteil
die beiden Teile zusammengeführt und richtig zu- sich durch die ausgerichteten Öffnungen erstrecken
einander ausgerichtet sind, ein Verriegelungsteil 55 kann.
(10, 34) in Eingriff mit den beiden jeweiligen Struk-
turen gebracht kann, um die beiden Teile lösbar mit- 6. Unterwasser-Verankerungsverbinder wie in An-
einander zu verbinden, wobei: die verbindbaren Tei- spruch 4 oder 5 beansprucht, wobei die durch das

7
 13 EP 2 809 969 B1 14

erste Teil definierte Bohrung ein geschlossenes En- des première (1, 20) et deuxième (2, 21) parties con-
de hat. nectables, chaque partie comprenant une structure
(9, 15, 25, 37) respective, agencée de manière à ce
7. Unterwasser-Verankerungsverbinder wie in einem que, lorsque les deux parties sont mises ensemble
vorhergehenden Anspruch beansprucht, wobei eine 5 et alignées de manière appropriée l’une sur l’autre,
zusammenwirkende Formgebung an dem ersten un élément (10, 34) de verrouillage peut être enclen-
Teil einen Vorsprung (11) umfasst. ché avec les deux structures respectives pour con-
necter, de manière déconnectable, les deux parties
8. Unterwasser-Verankerungsverbinder wie in An- ensemble, dans lequel : les parties connectables
spruch 7 beansprucht, wenn abhängig von einem 10 comprennent des conformations (11, 12, 36) respec-
der Ansprüche 4 bis 6, wobei zwei diametral gegen- tives, coopérant mutuellement et agencées de ma-
überliegende Vorsprünge innerhalb der Bohrung nière à ce que, lorsque les parties connectables sont
des ersten Teils gebildet sind. mises ensemble, sans avoir un alignement en rota-
tion suffisant l’une sur l’autre, l’enclenchement des
9. Unterwasser-Verankerungsverbinder wie in einem 15 conformations respectives de coopération fait que
vorhergehenden Anspruch beansprucht, wobei die les deux parties tournent l’une par rapport à l’autre,
Schulter des zweiten Teils eine Keil- oder Pfeilform de sorte qu’elles sont mises en un alignement en
bildet, die auf das freie Ende des zweiten Teils ge- rotation suffisant pour permettre d’enclencher l’élé-
richtet ist. ment de verrouillage avec les structures respectives;
20 la deuxième partie a une extrémité libre; la confor-
10. Unterwasser-Verankerungsverbinder wie in einem mation de coopération de la deuxième partie com-
vorhergehenden Anspruch beansprucht, wobei an prend un épaulement (12) radial, qui est à distance
jeder der gegenüberliegenden Positionen, die am de l’extrémité libre de la deuxième partie et qui
weitesten vom freien Ende des zweiten Teils entfernt s’étend complètement autour de la circonférence de
sind, die Schulter einen Schlitz (14) mit parallelen 25 la deuxième partie; et caractérisé par la position
Seiten bildet, der ein geschlossenes, abgerundetes axiale de l’épaulement sur la deuxième partie, va-
Ende hat. riant avec sa position autour de la circonférence de
la deuxième partie, de manière à ce que l’épaule-
11. Unterwasser-Verankerungsverbinder wie in An- ment s’étende symétriquement entre deux positions
spruch 10 beansprucht, wobei die Seiten der Schlit- 30 (13) opposées diamétralement où l’épaulement est
ze im Wesentlichen parallel zu einer Längsachse le plus près de l’extrémité libre de la partie et deux
des zweiten Teils sind, wobei das offene Ende jedes positions (14) opposées diamétralement, à distance
Schlitzes auf das freie Ende des zweiten Teils zu axialement de celles les plus proches de l’extrémité
gerichtet ist. libre de la partie où l’épaulement est le plus éloigné
35 de l’extrémité libre de la partie.
12. Unterwasser-Verankerungsverbinder wie in einem
vorhergehenden Anspruch beansprucht, wobei eine 2. Connecteur d’amarrage sous la mer tel que reven-
im Wesentlichen kreisförmige Öffnung (15) zum Auf- diqué à la revendication 1, dans lequel les première
nehmen eines Verriegelungsstiftes in radialer Rich- et deuxième parties comprennent chacune une
tung durch das zweite Teil entlang eines Durchmes- 40 ouverture (9, 15, 25, 37), dans laquelle un élément
sers des Teils verläuft, die im Wesentlichen parallel de verrouillage peut être reçu.
zu derjenigen ist, die zwischen den beiden gegenü-
berliegenden Positionen (13) der Schulter verläuft, 3. Connecteur d’amarrage sous la mer tel que reven-
wo die Schulter dem freien Ende des zweiten Teils diqué à l’une quelconque des revendications précé-
am nächsten ist. 45 dentes, dans lequel la première partie est une partie
femelle et la deuxième partie est une partie mâle,
13. Unterwasser-Verankerungsverbinder wie in An- qui peut être reçue dans la partie femelle.
spruch 12 beansprucht, wobei in dem ersten Teil Öff-
nungen (9) gebildet sind, um das Verriegelungsteil 4. Connecteur d’amarrage sous la mer tel que reven-
aufzunehmen, und wobei der Durchmesser der Öff- 50 diqué à la revendication 3, dans lequel la première
nung (15), die durch das zweite Teil verläuft, etwas partie définit un alésage (8) cylindrique.
größer als der Durchmesser der Öffnungen (9) ist,
die durch das erste Teil verlaufen. 5. Connecteur d’amarrage sous la mer tel que reven-
diqué à la revendication 4, dans lequel des ouvertu-
55 res (9), opposées diamétralement, sont formées
Revendications dans l’alésage cylindrique et une ouverture (15)
s’étend dans la deuxième partie, les deux parties
1. Connecteur d’amarrage sous la mer, comprenant étant agencées de manière à ce que, lorsque la

8
 15 EP 2 809 969 B1 16

deuxième partie est reçue dans la première partie, est légèrement plus grand que le diamètre des
les ouvertures opposées de la première partie s’ali- ouvertures (9) s’étendant dans la première partie.
gnent sur l’ouverture de la deuxième partie, de ma-
nière à ce qu’un élément de verrouillage puisse
s’étendre dans les ouvertures alignées. 5

6. Connecteur d’amarrage sous la mer tel que reven-

diqué à la revendication 4 ou 5, dans lequel l’alésage,
définit par la première partie, a une extrémité fermée.
10
7. Connecteur d’amarrage sous la mer tel que reven-
diqué à l’une quelconque des revendications précé-
dentes, dans lequel une conformation de coopéra-
tion sur une partie comprend une protubérance (11).
15
8. Connecteur d’amarrage sous la mer tel que reven-
diqué à la revendication 7 lorsqu’elle dépend de l’une
quelconque des revendications 4 à 6, dans lequel
deux protubérances opposées diamétralement sont
formées à l’intérieur de l’alésage de la première par- 20
tie.

9. Connecteur d’amarrage sous la mer tel que reven-

diqué à l’une quelconque des revendications précé-
dentes, dans lequel l’épaulement de la deuxième 25
partie forme un coin ou une forme en flèche pointant
vers l’extrémité libre de la deuxième partie.

10. Connecteur d’amarrage sous la mer tel que reven-

diqué à l’une quelconque des revendications précé- 30
dentes, dans lequel, à chacune des positions oppo-
sées les plus éloignées de l’extrémité libre de la
deuxième partie, l’épaulement forme une fente (14)
à côté parallèle ayant une extrémité fermée arrondie.
35
11. Connecteur d’amarrage sous la mer tel que reven-
diqué à la revendication 10, dans lequel les côtés
des fentes sont sensiblement parallèles à un grand
axe de la deuxième partie, l’extrémité ouverte de
chaque fente faisant face à l’extrémité libre de la 40
deuxième partie.

12. Connecteur d’amarrage sous la mer tel que reven-

diqué à l’une quelconque des revendications précé-
dentes, dans lequel une ouverture (15), sensible- 45
ment circulaire, de réception d’une broche de ver-
rouillage s’étend radialement dans la deuxième par-
tie suivant un diamètre de la partie, qui est sensible-
ment parallèle à celui qui s’étend entre les deux po-
sitions (13) opposées de l’épaulement, où l’épaule- 50
ment est le plus près de l’extrémité libre de la deuxiè-
me partie.

13. Connecteur d’amarrage sous la mer tel que reven-

diqué à la revendication 12, dans lequel les ouver- 55
tures (9) sont formées dans la première partie pour
recevoir l’élément de verrouillage et le diamètre de
l’ouverture (15) s’étendant dans la deuxième partie

9
EP 2 809 969 B1

10
EP 2 809 969 B1

11
EP 2 809 969 B1

12
EP 2 809 969 B1

13
EP 2 809 969 B1

14
EP 2 809 969 B1

15
EP 2 809 969 B1

16
 EP 2 809 969 B1

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European
patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be
excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• WO 2006109065 A [0005] • US 4568221 A [0006]

17