Coaxial wet connector

Abstract

A coaxial wet connector for connecting coaxial conductors of electromechaal ocean cables underwater, either by a diver or submersible manipulator. The connector comprises a male section having a male inner conductor extending outwards from a concentric male outer conductor. A female section comprises a shuttle piston for receiving the male inner conductor. An O-ring wiping seal wipes the male inner conductor clean of water as the male inner conductor drives the shuttle piston rearward within a female housing until electrical interconnection between the male and female sections is completed. A female facing lip is disposed within the female housing to mate with a male facing such that water caught in the area adjacent the shuttle piston and the male and female facings is ejected. The space between the backside of the shuttle piston and the female inner conductor is oil-filled and is in fluidic communication with a circumferential bladder. A squeeze ring surrounds the circumferential bladder and supplies a hydraulic force to the backside of the shuttle piston such that the shuttle piston is driven to its forward position, thereby disconnecting the male and female sections. A latch is provided for transferring the mechanical forces from the cable from the female outer conductor to the female housing to the male housing and back to the male outer conductor.