Patent ID: 8025506

Claim:
A submersible or harsh environment multi-circuit connector, comprising: first and second releasably mateable connector units movable along a mating/de-mating axis between mated and unmated conditions, the first and second connector units having respective first and second contact modules, each contact module having a plurality of contacts configured for keyless mating engagement with corresponding contacts of the other connector unit when the units are fully mated, the engagement being independent of relative rotational alignment of the contact modules about the mating/de-mating axis; at least one of the connector units having a fluid-filled contact chamber in which the corresponding contact module is located and a sealing mechanism at the forward end of the chamber which seals the chamber when the units are unmated and forms a seal with the other connector unit both during and after mating of the units; and the first connector unit having a front shell, a rear shell, and a rotatable connection between the front and rear shells configured to permit relative rotation between the shells about the mating/de-mating axis, the first contact module being secured to one of the shells, wherein the first and second contact modules are relatively rotatable about the mating/de-mating axis in the mated condition of the units while maintaining mated engagement between corresponding contacts of the first and second contact modules.