Connector unit

Abstract

A connector unit for connecting at least two cables includes a male part, a female part, and a shuttle piston. The shuttle piston includes at least one magnetic connecting device for establishing a magnetic connection between the shuttle piston, and at least one magnetic connecting aid of the male part and at least one latching structure for establishing a force-fitting connection between the shuttle piston and the female part. The male part includes the magnetic connecting aid for interaction with the magnetic connecting device of the shuttle piston for establishing the magnetic connection between the shuttle piston and the male part, and an interaction area for interaction in a force-fitting manner with at least one backing latch of the female part. The female part includes the backing latch for establishing the force-fitting connection and for interacting at least with the interaction area of the male part in a force-fitting manner.

Claims

1. A female part of a connector unit, the female part comprising: a shuttle piston comprising: a magnetic connecting device operable to establish a magnetic connection between the shuttle piston and a magnetic connecting aid of a male part of the connector unit, the magnetic connecting device comprising a magnetic structure, wherein the magnetic structure comprises a magnet assembly, and wherein the magnet assembly comprises at least two sections with differently oriented magnetic poles.

2. The female part of the connector unit of claim 1, wherein the magnet assembly comprises an effective surface, wherein the effective surface of the magnet assembly comprises at least two magnetic areas providing equal amounts of magnetic force, or a combination thereof, the magnetic forces have contrariwise magnetic orientations.

3. The female part of the connector unit of claim 1, wherein the at least two sections with differently oriented magnetic poles are configured as concentric rings with alternating magnetic orientation or poles in radial direction, axial direction, or radial direction and axial direction.

4. The female part of the connector unit of claim 3, wherein the at least two sections with differently oriented magnetic poles comprise three concentric rings arranged in radial direction and having alternating magnetic orientation.

5. The female part of the connector unit of claim 4, wherein the three concentric rings comprise an inner concentric ring and an outer concentric ring having a same magnetic polarity, and an intermediate concentric ring located between the inner concentric ring and the outer concentric ring and having the opposite magnetic polarity.

6. The female part of the connector unit of claim 1, wherein the at least two sections with differently oriented magnetic poles comprise at least two sets of radially concentric rings that are arranged axially one after the other, wherein an orientation pattern of a magnetic orientation of the radially concentric rings of a first set of the at least two sets of radially concentric rings is vice versa to an orientation pattern of the radially concentric rings of a second set of the at least two sets of radially concentric rings.

7. The female part of the connector unit of claim 1, wherein the magnet assembly is placed on at least a base out of a high permeability material.

8. The female part of the connector unit of claim 1, wherein the shuttle piston comprises a region made of a high permeability material that is provided to engage a magnetic field of a magnetic section of the magnetic structure to reduce a magnetic field of the magnetic section.

9. The female part of the connector unit of claim 8, wherein the region made of the high permeability material is at least one part of a pin insertable through a hole of the magnetic structure, the region is a shell arrangeable at least partially around a circumference of the magnetic structure, or a combination thereof.

10. The female part of the connector unit of claim 1, wherein the shuttle piston comprises a front section, wherein the front section is movable relative to the magnetic structure, and wherein the front section comprises a central pin guiding the movement.

11. The female part of the connector unit of claim 1, wherein the magnetic structure is arranged axially moveable inside the shuttle piston relative to a front section of the shuttle piston.

12. The female part of the connector unit of claim 1, wherein the magnetic structure comprises a hydraulic damping device operable to limit a movement speed of the magnetic structure.

13. The female part of the connector unit of claim 12, wherein the hydraulic damping device comprises a flow channel for a lubricant.

14. The female part of the connector unit of claim 1, wherein the shuttle piston comprises a dirt seal that is mounted in an opening of the shuttle piston to prevent entering of dirt into the shuttle piston.

15. The female part of the connector unit of claim 1, wherein the shuttle piston further comprises: a latching structure for establishing at least a force-fitting connection between the shuttle piston and the female part; and a backing latch for establishing at least a force-fitting connection between the shuttle piston and the female part, and for interacting at least with an interaction area of the male part in a force-fitting manner.

16. The female part of the connector unit of claim 1, wherein an interaction of the magnet assembly of the female part with a magnetic connecting aid of the male part of the connector unit provides a latch between the shuttle piston and the male part.

17. A male part of a connector unit, the male part comprising: a receptacle pin assembly; and a magnetic connecting aid for interaction with a magnetic connecting device of a shuttle piston of a female part of the connector unit for establishing a magnetic connection between the shuttle piston and the male part, wherein the magnetic connecting aid comprises a magnetic structure, the magnetic structure comprising a magnet assembly, the magnet assembly comprising at least two sections with differently oriented magnetic poles, and wherein the at least two sections with differently oriented magnetic poles are configured as concentric rings with alternating magnetic orientation or poles in radial direction, axial direction, or radial direction and axial direction.

18. The male part of the connector unit of claim 17, wherein the magnetic connecting aid comprises an interaction device that corresponds to a magnetic structure of the magnetic connecting device of the shuttle piston of the female part, wherein the interaction device of the magnetic connecting aid comprises a high permeability material.

19. A connector unit comprising: a female part of the connector unit, the female part comprising: a shuttle piston comprising: a magnetic connecting device operable to establish a magnetic connection between the shuttle piston and a magnetic connecting aid of a male part of the connector unit, the magnetic connecting device comprising a magnetic structure, wherein the magnetic structure comprises a magnet assembly, and wherein the magnet assembly comprises at least two sections with differently oriented magnetic poles; and a male part of the connector unit, the male part comprising: a receptacle pin assembly; and a magnetic connecting aid for interaction with a magnetic connecting device of a shuttle piston of a female part of the connector unit for establishing a magnetic connection between the shuttle piston and the male part.

20. A male part of a connector unit, the male part comprising: a receptacle pin assembly; and a magnetic connecting aid for interaction with a magnetic connecting device of a shuttle piston of a female part of the connector unit for establishing a magnetic connection between the shuttle piston and the male part, the magnetic connecting device of the shuttle piston of the female part comprising a magnetic structure, wherein the magnetic structure comprises a magnet assembly, and wherein the magnet assembly comprises at least two sections with differently oriented magnetic poles, wherein the magnetic connecting aid comprises an interaction device that corresponds to the magnetic structure of the magnetic connecting device of the shuttle piston of the female part, and wherein the interaction device of the magnetic connecting aid comprises a high permeability material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1: shows schematically a subsea connector unit with a male part, a female part and a shuttle piston beforehand of mating,

(2) FIG. 2: shows schematically the subsea connector unit from FIG. 1 in a mated position,

(3) FIG. 3: shows a front view of an assembly holder of a backing latch of the female part from FIG. 1,

(4) FIG. 4: shows a section along line IV-IV through the assembly holder from FIG. 3,

(5) FIG. 5: shows the assembly holder from FIG. 3 in a first three dimensional view,

(6) FIG. 6: shows the assembly holder from FIG. 3 in a second three dimensional view,

(7) FIG. 7: shows a detailed view of the section through the assembly holder from FIG. 4,

(8) FIG. 8: shows a section through a pin of the backing latch from FIG. 3,

(9) FIG. 9: shows the pin from FIG. 8 in a three dimensional view,

(10) FIG. 10: shows the shuttle piston from FIG. 1 with a magnetic connecting device and a latching structure,

(11) FIG. 11: shows a front view of the shuttle piston from FIG. 10,

(12) FIG. 12: shows a side view of the shuttle piston from FIG. 10,

(13) FIG. 13: shows the shuttle piston from FIG. 10 in a three dimensional view,

(14) FIG. 14: shows section through a magnetic connecting aid of the male part from FIG. 1,

(15) FIG. 15: shows a top view of a magnet assembly of the magnetic connection device from FIG. 10,

(16) FIG. 16: shows a section along line XVI-XVI through the magnet assembly from FIG. 15,

(17) FIG. 17: shows a section along line XVII-XVII through the magnet assembly from FIG. 15,

(18) FIG. 18: shows the magnet assembly from FIG. 15 in a three dimensional view,

(19) FIG. 19: shows a diagram depicting a predicted axial magnetic field for three different magnet configurations (a bare magnet, a potted magnet and a three magnet assembly)

(20) FIG. 20 shows schematically the male part and the shuttle piston connected to the female part beforehand of mating of the male part and the shuttle piston,

(21) FIG. 21: shows schematically the male part with the connected shuttle piston after mating,

(22) FIG. 22: shows schematically the male part with the connected shuttle piston after mating and dis-engagement from the female part in a first demating scenario,

(23) FIG. 23: shows schematically the male part with the connected shuttle piston after mating and dis-engagement from the female part in a second demating scenario,

(24) FIG. 24: shows schematically the male part with the connected shuttle piston after relatching with the female part beforehand of a demating of the male part from the shuttle piston,

(25) FIG. 25: shows a section through a first alternative magnetic structure in the form of a potted magnet,

(26) FIG. 26: shows a section through a first alternative magnet assembly,

(27) FIG. 27: shows the magnet assembly from FIG. 25 in a three dimensional view,

(28) FIG. 28: shows an alternative shuttle piston with a magnetic connecting device, a latching structure and an opening with a dirt seal,

(29) FIG. 29: shows a front view of the shuttle piston from FIG. 28,

(30) FIG. 30: shows a side view of the shuttle piston from FIG. 28,

(31) FIG. 31: shows a section through a magnetic connecting aid of a male part,

(32) FIG. 32: shows schematically a male part with the magnetic connecting aid from FIG. 31 and the shuttle piston from FIG. 28 connected to a female part beforehand of mating of the male part and the shuttle piston,

(33) FIG. 33: shows schematically the male part with the connected shuttle piston after mating,

(34) FIG. 34: shows schematically the male part with the connected shuttle piston after mating and dis-engagement from the female part,

(35) FIG. 35: shows schematically the male part with the connected shuttle piston after relatching with the female part beforehand of a demating of the male part from the shuttle piston,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(36) The illustrations in the drawings are schematically. It is noted that in different figures, similar or identical elements are provided with the same reference signs.

(37) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a high voltage subsea connector unit 10 for connecting two subsea cables 12, wherein the connector unit 10 includes a male part 14 and a female part 16 (of the cables 12 only connecting regions are illustrated). Both the male part 14 and the female part 16 are each encased in a housing 88, which will be axially aligned during a mating or demating process of the male and female parts 14, 16. The female part 16 is located at a plug front end 90 of one subsea cable 12 and includes an axially extending bore 92 with seals 94 for preventing entering of water or dirt into internals of the female part 16. The male part 14 is located at a receptacle front end 96 of the other subsea cable 12 and includes a receptacle pin assembly 98.

(38) For a mating of the male and female parts 14, 16 the bore 92 and the receptacle pin assembly 98 will be arranged vertically aligned towards each other, so that by moving the receptacle pin assembly 98 in direction of the female part 16, in the following text named moving direction 100, the receptacle pin assembly 98 can partially enter the bore 92 of the female part 16. Due to a proper positioning of the receptacle pin assembly 98 in the bore 90 of the female part 16 an electrical connection is established. This mating position is schematically shown in FIG. 2.

(39) The connector unit 10 further includes shuttle piston 18 to support the connection between the female and the male parts 14, 16. Moreover, the shuttle piston 18 is designed to keep water out of the female part 16 of the high voltage subsea connector unit 10. The shuttle piston 18 is inserted into a front end 102 of the bore 92 of the plug front end 90 and connected via a shuttle piston plug 104 with internals 106 of the female part 14 (see FIGS. 1 and 10). In the unmated position a front of the shuttle piston 18 is flush with the front of the electrically female part 16. To secure the shuttle piston 18 axially inside the bore 92 the female part 16 includes a backing latch 28 for establishing a force-fitting and form-fitting connection between the shuttle piston 18 and the female part 16 (details see below).

(40) FIGS. 3 to 7 show an assembly holder 108 of the backing latch 28 in various views. The assembly holder 108 is constructed as an annular structure that extends, when mounted in the female part 16, in circumferential direction 74 of the bore 92 of the female part 16 (FIG. 1). The backing latch 28 includes a plurality of spring loaded pins 68, which are arranged evenly distributed along a circumference 52 of the assembly holder 108.

(41) As could be seen in FIG. 7 that shows a section through a lower part of the assembly holder 108 along line IV-IV in FIG. 3 each spring loaded pin 68 is arranged in its mounted state in the female part 16 basically radial in respect to an axis 70 of the female part 16 (see FIG. 1). A radially inner end 110 of the pin 68 extends in radial direction 112 through a clearance 114 of the assembly holder 108. A radially outer end 116 of the pin 68 extends in a channel 118, guiding the pin 68, and features a recess 120 to accommodate a spring 122 to bias the pin 68.

(42) To construct the assembly each backing latch pin 68 is inserted into the channel 118 in the assembly holder 108 and the spring 122 is placed into the recess 118 behind the inner end 110. The spring 122 and pin 68 are secured in place by a latch pin spring base 124 which is screwed into a thread (not shown in detail) in the holder 108. The base 124 is also used to ensure that the correct compression is applied to the spring 122. A stepped flange 126 at a radially inner bottom of the channel 118 prevents the pin 68 from moving too far into the bore 92 of the female part 16. The backing latch 28 or the assembly holder 108 respectively, includes a lubricating device 128 in the form of an oil flow channel 128 for feeding a lubricant to a contact surface 130 between the spring loaded pin 68 and the channel 118 guiding the spring loaded pin 68 to prevent hydraulic locking of the pins 68.

(43) In FIG. 8 a section through a pin 68 is shown. The pin 68 of the backing latch 28 includes two chamfers 76, 78 with angles α, β which are specifically selected for functions of the chamfers 76, 78. The angle α of chamfer 76 is a gentle dis-engagement angle with an inclination angle of about 150° in respect to the axis 70 of the female part 16 (see FIG. 1). The angle β of chamfer 78 is a vertical or over-vertical anti-extrusion angle with an inclination angle of about 100° in respect to the axis 70 of the female part 16. In a mounted state of the assembly holder 108 at the female part 16 the chamfer 76 for dis-engagement faces towards the male part 14 and the chamfer 78 for locking faces in contrariwise direction. The function of the chamfers 76, 78 is to allow a mating and a demating of the shuttle piston 18 from the female part 16 (details see below). Thus, the backing latch 28 of the female part 16 provides a releasable connection between the shuttle piston 18 and the female part 16. In addition, the backing latch 28 is further needed to prevent the shuttle piston 18 from extruding out of the female part 16 (against the moving direction 100) and to provide a resistive force to enable the male part 14 to be dis-connected at the end of the demating process (see below).

(44) The force required to dis-engage each pin 68 can be controlled by considering the dis-engagement chamfer angle α and the stiffness and compression of the backing spring 122. Larger dis-engagement forces can be gained by increasing the chamfer angle α and using a stiffer spring 122 under greater compression. Using this design the shuttle piston cannot extrude from the female part 14 without shearing the backing latch pins 68.

(45) Further, the spring loaded pin 68 of the backing latch 28 or the radially inner end 110, respectively, includes a rounded tip 86 so that the pin 68 will not catch on interfaces 132, 132′ between two sections 134, 136 of the shuttle piston 18 and between the male part 14 and the shuttle piston 18 (see below). FIG. 9 shows the pin 68 in a three dimensional view.

(46) FIG. 10 shows the shuttle piston 18 in a sectional view. For interaction with the backing latch 28 of the female part 16 the shuttle piston 18 includes a latching structure 24 for establishing the force-fitting and form-fitting connection between the shuttle piston 18 and the female part 16. This latching structure 24 is embodied as a groove 72 extending in circumferential direction 74 of the shuttle piston 18. In the mated position of the shuttle piston 18 and the female part 16 the spring loaded pins 68 of the female part 16 are latched with the groove 72 of the shuttle piston 18 (see FIG. 1).

(47) Therefore, the groove 72 has a contour 80 that is basically designed correspondingly to a contour 82 (chamfers 76, 78) of the spring loaded pin 68 of the backing latch 28 (see FIG. 8). In other words, the groove 72 has the same profile as a latch pin 68 to ensure a smooth engagement and dis-engagement. An end of the shuttle piston 18 in direction to the female part 16 and located adjacent to the groove 72 features a lip 138 that is radially recessed slightly about distance D so that the lip 138 does not interfere with any of the other features, like internal stress control mouldings or a multilam in a female socket contact, within the female part 16.

(48) Both the shuttle piston 18 and the male part 14 have an interaction area 26, 26′ for interaction in a force-fitting manner with the backing latch 28 of the female part 16. The interaction areas 26, 26′ are embodied as planar surfaces 26, 26′ at a radially outer cylinder barrel 140 of the male part 14 and the shuttle piston 18. After connection of a magnetic connecting aid 22 of the male part 14 (see below) with the shuttle piston 18 the cylinder barrels 140 of both pieces end radially flush with each other. Hence, the transition between the planar surface 26 of the shuttle piston 18 and the planar surface 26′ of the male part 14 build the smooth interface 132′ (see below and FIG. 21).

(49) After dis-engagement of the backing latch pins 68 from the groove 72 the rounded tip 86 of the spring loaded pin 68 first engages the planar surface 26 of the shuttle piston 18 in a force-fitting manner and as the male part 14 is further moved in moving direction 100 into the female part 16 the rounded tip 86 engages the planar surface 26′ of the male part 14 in a force-fitting manner (see FIGS. 22 and 23). The force-fitting connection between the tip 86 of the backing latch pin 68 and the interaction areas or planar surfaces 26, 26′ of the shuttle piston 18 and the male part 14, respectively, is embodied in such a way that a gliding motion of the tip 86 on the planar surface 26, 26′ is allowed or easily possible. The force-fitting connection is latching action.

(50) The principal of operation for the backing latch is that in the normal, unmated, position, the shuttle piston 18 is prevented from moving easily by the latch pins 68 being engaged in the shuttle piston groove 72. Extrusion beyond the female part 16 would be impossible without shearing all of the latch pins 68. To mate the male and female parts 14, 16 a large enough force must be applied so the pins 68 will be pushed clear by the dis-engagement chamfer angle α. Once fully mated the backing latch 24 will not interfere with male part 14 or shuttle piston 18 movements as they will be fully recessed (see below). During the demate process the pins 68 will be pushed into the shuttle piston groove 72, locking the shuttle piston 18 into the original position.

(51) As stated above, the shuttle piston 18 includes the two sections 134, 136, namely a front section 134 and a rear section 136. They are arranged basically axially in respect of each other, wherein they overlap in their adjacent parts. The front section 134 is free to move over an outer surface 142 of the rear section 136. A movement of the front section 134 in relation to the rear section 136 is limited by a front end stop 144 mounted in the rear section 136 and extending with a protrusion 146 in a recess 148 of a central pin 46 of the front section 134. The front section 134 is pushed forwards from the rear section 136 by a shuttle piston spring 150 loading the front end stop 144 so that, when no other forces are acting on the shuttle piston 18, it rests in its fully extended state. FIGS. 11 to 13 show the shuttle piston 18 in various views, wherein the line X-X in FIG. 11 depicts the cut for the sectional view of FIG. 10.

(52) To join the male part 14 and the shuttle piston 18 during the mating and demating processes, the shuttle piston 18 includes a magnetic connecting device 20 for establishing a magnetic connection between the shuttle piston 18 and the magnetic connecting aid 22 of the male part 14. The magnetic connecting device 20 includes a magnetic structure 30 that is placed inside the front section 134 of the shuttle piston 18 and is arranged axially moveable inside the shuttle piston 18 or the front section, respectively. Thus, the magnetic structure 30 is free to move forwards and backwards, guided by the central pin 46 of the front section 134. There are a number of light constant force springs 152 which link the magnetic structure 30 and the rear section 136 of the shuttle piston 18. This is so that when no other forces are acting on the shuttle piston 18 the magnetic structure 30 is in the rear position. This helps to reduce the field at a front surface of the shuttle piston 18 to prevent accidental pick-up of magnetic material. Alternatively, it would be possible to us light compression springs (not shown).

(53) To further shield the magnetic structure 30 or its magnetic field, respectively, and thus to reduce the throw of the magnetic field when the magnetic structure 30 is in the rear, unmated position, the shuttle piston 18 includes two regions 42, 42′ out of a high permeability material that is provided to engage a magnetic field of magnetic sections 38.1, 38.2, 38.3, 40.1, 40.2, 40.3 of the magnetic structure 30 to reduce the magnetic field of the magnetic sections 38.1, 38.2, 38.3, 40.1, 40.2, 40.3, (see FIG. 16). 0

(54) Region 42 is a part 44, e.g. a radially outer layer 154 of the pin 46 that is, when the magnetic structure 30 is in the rear position, inserted in a hole 48 of the magnetic structure 30 (see FIGS. 15 and 16). Furthermore, region 42′ is a shell 50 that is when the magnetic structure 30 is in the rear position arranged around a circumference 52 of the magnetic structure 30 (see FIG. 15). Since the core pin 46 is mounted into the shuttle piston front section 134 so that, as the front section 134 is pushed backwards relative to the magnetic structure 30, the core pin 46 is removed from the magnetic structure 30. The outer shell 50 is mounted on the rear section 136 so that, as the magnetic section 30 moves forwards relative to the rear section 136, the shell 50 is removed from the magnetic section 30 (details see below).

(55) It should be noted that the high permeability pin 46 or core and shell 50 may be omitted. These would only be included if extra magnetic shielding was required.

(56) In addition, the shuttle piston 18 includes the small recess 156 at a front of the pin 46. This recess 156 has a corresponding protrusion 158 from the front of the male part 14 (see FIG. 14). These features are to aid in the alignment of the shuttle piston 18 and the male part 14.

(57) The magnetic structure 30 is embodied as a magnet assembly 36 that is shown in FIGS. 15 to 18 in various views, wherein FIG. 16 shows a section of the magnet assembly 36 from FIG. 15 along line XVI-XVI, FIG. 17 along line XVII-XVII through and FIG. 18 shows a three dimensional view. The magnet assembly 36 is placed on a base 60 out of a high permeability material to shield a region located in moving direction 100 after the magnet assembly 36 from the magnetic field of the magnet assembly 36 (see FIG. 1). The base 60 includes an axially extending flange 160 which engages into the rear section 136 of the shuttle piston 18. For connection with the rear section 136 the flange has two holes 162 in which the light constant force springs 152 engage (see FIG. 17). Moreover, the magnetic structure 30 includes a hydraulic damping device 62 in the form of several flow channels 62 for a lubricant, like oil, to limit a movement speed of the magnetic structure 30.

(58) The magnet assembly 36 includes three rings 163, 163′, 163″, wherein each ring 163, 163′, 163″ has two sections 38.1, 40.1; 38.2, 40.2; 38.3, 40.3. The rings 163, 163′, 163″ are arranged concentric towards each other and towards the axis 70. Sections 40.1, 38.2, 40.3 build a first set 164 and sections 38.1, 40.2, 38.3 build a second set 164′, wherein the sets 164, 164′ are fashioned in a disc-like manner. The second set 164′ is viewed in moving direction 100 arranged axially after the first set 164. The concentric rings 163, 163′, 163″ have alternating magnetic orientations or poles, wherein the orientation pattern of the sections 40.1, 38.2, 40.3 of the first set 164 is vice versa to the orientation pattern of the sections 38.1, 40.2, 38.3 of the second set 164′.

(59) Thus, the magnet assembly 36 includes several sections 38.1, 38.2, 38.3, 40.1, 40.2, 40.3 with differently oriented magnetic poles (e.g. sections with 38 are north poles; sections with 40 are south poles). The three magnetic rings 163, 163′, 163″ are arranged so that the exposed face of each magnetic section 38.1, 40.2, 38.3, 40.1, 38.2, 40.3 is opposed to its neighbours. This increases the short-range attractive force of the magnet assembly 36 while greatly reducing the range of the magnetic field.

(60) In FIG. 14 a tip 166 of the male part is shown. At the tip 166 the magnetic connecting aid 22 is arranged. It includes an interaction device 32 that corresponds to the magnetic structure 30 or the magnet assembly 36, respectively. The interaction device 32 includes a bulk 168 of high permeability material to provide the connection with the shuttle piston 18. As stated above, this connection is supported by the protrusion 158 at the tip 166 that engages the recess 156 at the front of the pin 46 of the front section 134. Furthermore, the bulk 168 is covered with a corrosion resistant shell 170 to protect it from sea water.

(61) Generally speaking the latch between the male part 14 and the shuttle piston 18 operates via the interaction between the magnet assembly 36 and a mass 168 of high permeability material.

(62) The magnet of the magnetic structure 30 may be a rare earth magnet. For temperature of up to 200° C., the material may be a Neodymium-Boron-Iron (NdFeB) magnet. If higher temperatures where required a Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo) magnet could be used. The high permeability material may be a Nickel-Iron alloy (commercial examples include Supra50 (50% Nickel:Iron), Invar (36% Nickel, 64% Iron) or Mu-metal (77% Nickel, 16% Iron)). Pure iron could also be used. According to an embodiment, the core pin 46, the shell 50, the base and the bulk 168, would be made out of the same high permeability material. In general, it would be also possible to use different materials, which would be selected according to the required properties of the specific part.

(63) In FIG. 19 a diagram depicting a predicted axial magnetic field for three different magnet configurations with a same length and diameter is shown. The y-axis refers to the magnetic flux density in Tesla (T) and on the x-axis the distance from the magnet surface in meter (m) is plotted. Graph A represents a bare magnet, graph B a potted magnet 34 (see FIG. 25) and graph C the magnet assembly 36. The graphs A, B, C depict the magnetic field on an axis of each magnet (bare magnet, potted magnet 34, magnet assembly 36).

(64) The bare magnet (graph A) has at its centre its highest magnetic flux density but is significantly weaker in respect to its overall attractive force due to a long flux path length and a weak flux linkage (not depicted). In contrast, the highest magnetic flux density for the potted magnet 34 (graph B) and the magnet assembly 36 (graph C) is not on the axis but at some position further out across a magnetic surface. As could be seen, the potted magnet 34 (graph B) and the three magnet assembly 36 (graph C) have similar attractive forces. Advantageously, as shown in graph C, the field drops off far quicker from a surface 54 of the three magnet assembly 36 (see FIG. 16) in comparison with the potted magnet 34 (graph B) and the bare magnet (A). For example experiments had shown that, even if the binding force of the potted magnet 34 and the magnet assembly 36 are similar, the potted magnet 34 will pick up magnetic material for distances up to ˜80-100 millimeter (mm) from the surface of the potted magnet 34 whereas the magnet assembly 36 will only pick up material which is closer than ˜17 mm from the surface 54.

(65) Generally, a maximum force of a magnet is dependent on the flux linkage from the north to south pole of the magnet. In case of the potted magnet 34 a return path of magnetic flux lines emerging from a front pole of the magnet to the rear of the magnet is completed through the higher permeability pot In the magnet assembly 36 the flux linkage is improved as the field lines emerging from a front pole of the magnet do not have to loop around to the rear of the magnet assembly 36 at all; the field lines link from one magnetic section 38.1, 38.2, 38.3, 40.1, 40.2, 40.3 to its neighbour (for example from section 38.1 to section 40.2 and from that to section 38.3) and as the north and south areas of the magnetic sections 38.1, 38.2, 38.3, 40.1, 40.2, 40.3 are nearly equal all the magnetic flux lines can link at one end. This will give short path lengths and so increases flux linkage (not shown). Consequently, less magnetic flux lines pass though the attracted object (bulk 168) in comparison to the potted magnet 34. This is represented by the faster fall off of the magnetic field of the magnet assembly 36 (graph C) in comparison to the potted magnet 34 (graph B).

(66) Hence, the magnet assembly 36 has a sufficient magnetic force to attract and bind the high permeability material at a low distance range from the surface 54 of the magnet assembly 36, but the range is sufficient narrow to not attract debris.

(67) On the basis of FIGS. 20 to 24 a method for establishing the connection between the male part 14 and the female part 16 of a connector unit 10 by the shuttle piston 18 as well as a method for releasing the connection between the male part 14 and the female part 16 of a connector unit 10 by the shuttle piston 18 will be explained. The female part 18 is merely represented by the shown assembly holder 108 of the backing latch 28. Moreover, for better presentability the male part 14 is shown without a hatching.

(68) FIG. 20 shows the unmated situation of the male part 14 and the shuttle piston 18. In this position the shuttle piston 18 is prevented from moving easily by the backing latch pins 68 being engaged in the shuttle piston groove 72. The front section 134 is prevented from moving easily by the shuttle piston spring 150 and, if it is depressed accidentally, the spring 150 will return it to the forwards resting position. The magnet assembly 36 is held in the rear position by the constant force springs 152, reducing the magnetic field at a surface of the shuttle piston 18. Extrusion beyond the female part 16 (in direction of the male part 14) would be impossible without shearing all of the backing latch pins 68.

(69) The tip 166 of the male part 14 is aligned with the front of the front section 134 of the shuttle piston 18 so that the protrusion 158 engages the recess 156 of the pin 46. By pushing the tip 166 with the magnetic connecting aid 22 in moving direction 100 against the front section 134 of the shuttle piston 18 the front section 134 is pushed back against the shuttle piston spring 150, which will be compressed. Due to the movement of the pin 46 the layer 154 out of high permeability material is removed from the hole 48 of the magnet assembly 36. This ensures the maximum possible binding force between the male part 14 and shuttle piston 18.

(70) The male part 14 is moved till the magnetic connection between the shuttle piston 18 and the male part 14 is established or the magnet assembly 36 is brought into contact with the high permeability bulk 168. Hence, a fixed connection between the shuttle piston 18 and the male part 14 is provided. To ensure a proper mating during the connection of the magnetic connecting aid 22 and the magnetic connecting device 20 the shuttle piston 18 is locally fixed in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner at the female part 16 by the latched backing latch pins 68 of the female part 16 in the latching structure 24 or groove 72, respectively, of the shuttle piston 18 (see FIG. 21).

(71) In general, it would be also possible that the magnet assembly 36 would be pulled forward (against moving direction 100) by the force of the high permeability material. This would be the cased when the magnetic force is stronger than the retaining force of the constant force spring 152 (not shown).

(72) After the connection of the magnetic connecting device 20 with the magnetic connecting aid 22 the male part 14 with the connected shuttle piston 18 is moved in moving direction 100 relative to the female part 16. A larger force will allow the backing latch pins 68 to dis-engage from the groove 72 and the male part 14 and the shuttle piston 18 can enter the female part 16 securely bound together.

(73) This is supported by the dis-engagement chamfer 76 of the pins 68 and a part of the contour 80 of the groove 72, which are embodied correspondingly in respect towards each other. Hence, the force-fitting and form-fitting connection between the female part 16 and the shuttle piston 18 unlatches. This is possible because the pins 68 are able to retreat into their channels 118 of the assembly holder 108 thereby compressing the spring 122. Consequently, the female part 16 or the rounded tip 86 of each pin 68 connects the planar surface 26 of the shuttle piston 18 in a force-fitting manner. This is also supported by an inclined surface continuing an inclination of the groove 72 of the front section 134 at the interface 132 between the front and rear sections 134, 136 (see FIGS. 10, 12 and 21).

(74) After the delatching of the shuttle piston 18 from the backing latch 28 there are two mating scenarios or configurations of the shuttle piston 18 possible. The difference between the scenarios, which are shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, comes from the balance of forces between the constant force springs 152 and the shuttle piston spring 150.

(75) In the first scenario (FIG. 22) the shuttle piston spring 150 is stronger than the constant force springs 152. Once the restrictive force of the backing latch 28 is removed and as the shuttle piston spring 150 is stronger than the constant force springs 152, the shuttle piston 18 will uncompress. As the shuttle piston 18 uncompresses, as the magnetic assembly 36 and tip 168 of the male part 14 are bound together, the magnet assembly 36 will move out of the shielding material of the shell 50 or will be no longer shielded by the shell 50 of the rear section 136. Due to the removed high permeability material the maximum possible binding force between the male part 14 and shuttle piston 18 is ensured. These actions lead to the situation with an extended shuttle piston 18 with the magnet assembly 36 in the forward position. The shuttle piston 18 will remain in this extended configuration until the shuttle piston 18 re-engages with the backing latch 28 during the demate process (see below).

(76) In the second scenario (FIG. 23) the shuttle piston spring 150 is weaker than the constant force springs 152. As the constant force springs 152 are stronger than the shuttle piston spring 150, the shuttle piston 18 will remain in the compressed, short, configuration. This will result in the magnet assembly 36 remaining within the shielding material of shell 50 while the shuttle piston 18 is in the fully mated compressed position. The shuttle piston 18 will remain compressed until the demate process.

(77) By pushing the male part 14 further into the bore 92 of the female part 16 the rounded tip 86 will cross the interface 132′ between the shuttle piston 18 and the male part 14, wherein the rounded tip 86 then connects the planar surface 26′ of the male part 14 in a force-fitting manner. Once fully mated there will be no impediment to the movement of the male part 14 and the shuttle piston 18 and so they will remain bound together. As a result of this mating sequence, a fixed connection between the male part 14 and the female part 16 is provided. This situation is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, which show the connector unit 10 after mating of the male part 14 with the shuttle piston 18 according the two above described mating scenarios and the dis-engagement from the female part 16. To secure the connection between the male part 14 and the female part 16 or lock them further in their fully mated state the connector unit 10 may include a securing device, for example a lock and/or a clamp, provided e.g. on external metalwork (not shown).

(78) To dis-connect the male part 14 from the female part 16 the male part 14 with the connected shuttle piston 18 is moved or pulled against the moving direction 100 relative to the female part 16. The movement of the shuttle piston 18 is stopped by the reengaged latch between the pins 68 of the backing latch 28 and the groove 72 of the shuttle piston 18. This is mediated by the loosening of the spring 122 that pushes the pin 68 back into the groove 72 radially. Further, the locking is supported by the locking chamfer 78 of the pins 68 and a part of the contour 80 of the groove 72, which are embodied correspondingly in respect towards each other. Thus, the force-fitting and form-fitting connection between the shuttle piston 18 and the female part 16 is re-established and thereby providing a fixed connection between the shuttle piston 18 and the female part 16.

(79) As stated above, the male part 14 is locally fixed in a magnetic manner with the shuttle piston 18 by a magnetic mechanism of the shuttle piston 18 during the movement of the male part 14 relative to the female part 16. As stated above the state of the shuttle piston 18 (extended or compressed) differs for the two above described scenarios. Thus, the demating sequence for both scenarios will differ slightly.

(80) In the second scenario the shuttle piston 18 is in its compressed configuration. After the re-engagement of the backing latch 28 the male part 14 is further moved or pulled against the moving direction 100 relative to the shuttle piston 18 and thus the female part 16. Consequently, the magnet assembly 36 will be pulled forwards out of the shielding material of shell 50. At the same time the shuttle piston spring 150 would decompress and therewith the shuttle piston 18. This stops when the front end stop 144 engages the rear section 136. This will also prevents the magnet assembly 36 from moving further against moving direction 100. This situation is shown in FIG. 24, which depicts the connector unit 10 after reengagement of the shuttle piston 18 with the female part 16 beforehand of the demating of the male part 14 from the shuttle piston 18. Since the shuttle piston 18 is moved in the first scenario in its uncompressed state, FIG. 24 also depicts the situation of the shuttle piston 18 after engagement with the backing latch 28 according to the first scenario.

(81) To dis-engage the connection between the male part 14 and the shuttle piston 18 the male part 14 is moved or pulled against the moving direction 100 relative to the shuttle piston 18 and thus the female part 16. This will be allowed, as stated above, when the front end stop 144 reaches the shuttle piston rear section 136. When a large force is applied the magnetic connection between the shuttle piston 18 and the male part 14 established by the magnetic mechanism of the shuttle piston 18 can be dis-connected and the male part 14 can be removed. As a result of this demating sequence the male part 14 is disconnected from the shuttle piston 18 or the female part 16, respectively (now shown in detail).

(82) Once the magnet assembly 36 and high permeability material of the male part 14 have been separated the shuttle piston 18 will then be locked into the forward position and the constant force springs 152 will pull the magnet assembly 36 back into the shielding (core pin 46, shell 50). This will return the system to the starting position (see FIG. 20).

(83) FIGS. 25 to 35 show alternative exemplary embodiment of the magnetic structure 30, the shuttle piston 18 and the male part 14. Identical components, features and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. However, to distinguish the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 25 to 35 over that of FIGS. 1 to 24 the letters ‘a’ to ‘c’ have been added to the reference numerals of the components that are designed differently in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 25 to 35. The description below is substantially limited to these differences compared to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 24, wherein reference is made to the description of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 24 with respect to identical components, features, and functions.

(84) FIG. 25 shows a first alternative embodiment of the magnetic structure 30. The magnetic structure 30a of FIG. 25 differs from the magnetic structure 30 of FIGS. 15 to 18 in that that the magnetic structure 30a includes a potted magnet 34.

(85) FIGS. 26 and 27 show a second alternative embodiment of the magnetic structure 30. The magnetic structure 30b of FIGS. 26 and 27 differs from the magnetic structure 30 of FIGS. 15 to 18 in that that the magnetic structure 30b includes an advanced magnet assembly 36b. The magnet assembly 36b includes an effective surface 54 that includes two magnetic areas 56, 58 providing equal amounts of magnetic force, wherein the magnetic forces have contrariwise magnetic orientations. In this exemplary embodiment magnetic area 56 includes the sections 38.1, 38.3 that have a north orientation and magnetic area 58 includes section 40.2 that has a south orientation. In other words, the effective surface 54 of the magnet assembly 36b is half north and half south.

(86) Even, when the magnet assembly 36b is exposed from a high permeability material pin and shell and radially inner and outer surfaces 172, 172′ of rings 163, 163′, 163″ will be exposed the effective surface 54 is unchanged. This is the case, because the magnets are magnetised in axial direction so that magnetic field lines within the magnet are all parallel to a magnet axis. A base 60 of the magnet assembly 36b is embodied without an axially extending flange. The base 60 includes holes 162 to connect constant force springs of a shuttle piston (not shown).

(87) As stated above, magnetic area 56 (magnetic sections 38.1, 38.3 of rings 163, 163″) represents north poles and magnetic area 58 (magnetic section 40.2 of ring 163′) is a south pole. If magnetic ring 163″ has a hole 48 through the middle with a diameter of 10 mm and magnetic ring 163 has an outer diameter of 54 mm then, in the simplest distribution of areas 56, 58, the magnetic rings 163, 163′, 163″ geometries are as follows:

(88) TABLE-US-00001 Magnetic Inner diameter Outer diameter Front face surface area ring (mm) (mm) (mm.sup.2) 163 47.8 54 494 163′ 29 45.8 988 163″ 10 27 494

(89) As can be seen, in this exemplary embodiment, magnetic rings 163 and 163″ will have an equal front surface area 174 and their areas summed give the surface area 174′ of magnet 163′.

(90) However, to reduce the fringe field of the magnetic rings 163, 163′, 163″ it is better if magnetic ring 163 has an area 174 which is twice that of magnetic ring 163″ but the areas 174 of magnetic rings 163 and 163″ must still sum to be equal to magnetic ring 163′. In this case the magnet geometries are:

(91) TABLE-US-00002 Magnetic Inner diameter Outer diameter Front face surface area ring (mm) (mm) (mm.sup.2) 163 45.5 54 666 163′ 24.9 43.5 999 163″ 10 22.9 333

(92) Whichever case is used the total surface area 56 of north poles and the total surface area 58 of south poles on the front effective surface 54 must be equal.

(93) In FIGS. 28 to 35 a first alternative embodiment of the male part 14 and the shuttle piston 18 is shown. The male part 14c of FIGS. 31 to 35 and the shuttle piston 18c of FIGS. 28 to 30 and 32 to 35 differ from the male part 14 of FIGS. 1, 2, 14 and 20 to 25 and the shuttle piston 18 of FIGS. 1, 2, 10 to 13 and 20 to 25 in that that they provide a higher attracting force for triggering a movement of a magnet assembly 36.

(94) FIG. 28 shows a section through the shuttle piston 18c along line XXVIII-XXVIII of FIG. 29 that shows a front view of the shuttle piston 18c, wherein FIG. 30 depicts a side view of the shuttle piston 18c. The shuttle piston 18c includes a front section 134c embodied as a cylinder barrel 140 and a rear section 136c featuring a groove 72 of a latching structure 24 to establish a releasable connection with a female part 16 of a connecting unit 10 (see FIG. 32). Moreover, the rear section 136c includes a central pin 46 axially extending into the cylinder barrel 140 and guiding a magnet assembly 36, which is connected to the rear section 136c by light constant force springs 152.

(95) The pin 46 includes region 42 out of a high permeability material, wherein this part 44 is an axially moveable core 176 of the pin 46. The core 176 is in a normal, unmated configuration of the shuttle piston 18c biased by a spring 150, 178 on either of its sides. Spring 150 is arranged between the core 176 and a stop of the pin 46 at the rear of the shuttle piston 18c. The spring 178 is a dirt seal spring and is arranged between a dirt seal 64 and the core 176. The dirt seal 64 is mounted in a central opening 66 at the front end of the pin 46 and is used to prevent entering of dirt or magnetic material into the shuttle piston 18c, where it could interact with the magnetic field and the high permeability core 176 to reduce the throw of the magnetic field when the connector unit 10 is unmated.

(96) FIG. 31 shows the corresponding male part 14c. A bulk 168 of a high permeability material at a tip 166 of the male part 14c includes a finger 180 out of a high permeability material. The finger 180 extends axially and is tapered. Moreover, to achieve a homogeneous thickness in vertical direction the tapered part of the finger 180 as well as a front includes a corrosion resistant shell 170. The purpose of the finger 180 is so that it can enter the opening 66 of the shuttle piston 18c and interact with the stronger magnetic field or to create a high magnetic pull drawing the magnet assembly 36 forwards, out of the shielding (shell 50, core 176), to bind with large mass or bulk 168 of high permeability material.

(97) On the basis of FIGS. 32 to 35 a mating and demating sequence of the male part 14c and the female part 16 of the connector unit 10 by the shuttle piston 18c will be explained. The female part 18 is merely represented by the shown assembly holder 108 of the backing latch 28. Moreover, for better presentability the male part 14 is shown without a hatching.

(98) FIG. 32 shows the unmated situation of the male part 14c and the shuttle piston 18c. In this position the shuttle piston 18c is prevented from moving easily by the backing latch pins 68 being engaged in the shuttle piston groove 72. The magnet assembly 36 is held in the rear position by the constant force springs 152, reducing the magnetic field at a surface of the shuttle piston 18. The dirt seal 64 is held in the forwards position preventing magnetic debris from entering the opening 66 of the shuttle piston 18c where it may interact with the stronger magnetic field. Extrusion beyond the female part 16 (in direction of the male part 14c) would be impossible without shearing all of the backing latch pins 68.

(99) As the male part 14c begins the mate the finger 180 enters the shuttle piston opening 66, pushing the dirt seal 64 and the high permeability core 176 backwards thereby compressing both springs 150, 178 (see FIG. 33). Here the finger 180 will interact with the magnetic field and the resulting force will pull the magnet assembly 36 forwards against the constant force springs 152 as well as against moving direction 100 and out of a shell 50 out of a high permeability material as well as away from the high permeability core 176. Once at the front of the shuttle piston 18c the magnet assembly 36 will pull to the large bulk 168 of high permeability material, binding the male part 14c and the shuttle piston 18c together (see magnet assembly 36 arrangement in FIG. 34).

(100) A larger force in moving direction 100 will allow the backing latch 28 to disengage and the male part 14c with the shuttle piston 18c can enter the female part 16 securely bound together. Once fully mated there will be no impediment to the movement of the male part 14c with the shuttle piston 18c and so they will remain bound together. This situation is shown in FIG. 34.

(101) During the demate process the backing latch 24 will reengage, stopping the forward movement of the shuttle piston 18c. A large force against moving direction 100 can then be applied to disengage the magnet assembly 36 and remove the male part 14c. The shuttle piston 18c will then be locked into the forward position and the magnet assembly 36 will move backwards, propelled by the constant force springs 152. The dirt seal 64 and high permeability core 176 will move forwards due to the decompression of springs 150, 178 returning the system to the starting position.

(102) It should be noted that the term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps and “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

(103) Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by the embodiments, the invention is not limited by the examples disclosed, and other variations may be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

(104) It is to be understood that the elements and features recited in the appended claims may be combined in different ways to produce new claims that likewise fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, whereas the dependent claims appended below depend from only a single independent or dependent claim, it is to be understood that these dependent claims can, alternatively, be made to depend in the alternative from any preceding or following claim, whether independent or dependent, and that such new combinations are to be understood as forming a part of the present specification.

(105) While the present invention has been described above by reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that many changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments. It is therefore intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that all equivalents and/or combinations of embodiments are intended to be included in this description.