UNDERWATER-MATEABLE CONNECTOR FOR HIGH PRESSURE APUNDERWATER-MATEABLE CONNECTOR FOR HIGH PRESSURE APPLICATIONS PLICATIONS

摘要

A connector sealing mechanism for, and a method for mating a plug unit and receptacle unit of, an electrical, fiber-optic, or hybrid electro-optical connector unit. The connector unit and connector sealing mechanism are adapted for use in underwater and harsh environments, such as high pressure environments. The connector sealing mechanism is used to open and close a passage through the connector unit, the sealing mechanism having an open position and a closed position. The sealing mechanism includes a moveable gate body that is moveable in a lateral, as opposed to axial, direction within the connector unit. The gate body has a bore hole that is substantially aligned with the passage in the connector unit when in the open position. The sealing mechanism also has a gate key for moving the gate body laterally within the connector unit from the open position to the closed position. In the method, a plug unit having at least one keyway and at least one key (or tab) is mated to a receptacle unit having at least one key (or tab). The plug and receptacle units are forced together and rotated at certain points in order to move the keys through the keyways and thereby mate the two units.