| 摘要 |
A connector assembly (10) comprises a male assembly (100), including a plurality of male connectors (22) in functional communication with a first set of electric/hydraulic lines; a female assembly (200), including a plurality of female connectors (37) in functional communication with a second set of electric/hydraulic lines; a means for vertically aligning (400); and a means for horizontally aligning (500). Male assembly (100) is fixed in the appropriate underwater location, and female assembly (200) is transported, normally by an ROV, to such underwater location. Female assembly (200) is then positioned into a properly aligned position in relation to male assembly (100) in preparation for their coupling. Means for vertically aligning (400) first ensures that the male and female connecting elements are properly aligned in the vertical direction during their coupling. Thereafter, means for horizontally aligning (500) ensures that male and female connecting elements are properly aligned in the horizontal direction during their coupling. Once vertical and horizontal alignment means have properly aligned the assemblies, means for functionally engaging (258) couples the female connecting elements (37) to the male connecting elements (22). |
