Metal-to-metal seal structure

A connector apparatus for use in a hydraulic system that is employed in remote control of a subsea wellhead or the like, comprising:

• a first junction plate having at least one valve means thereon for normally closing the end of a hydraulic control line, said valve means having an outlet;
• a second junction plate having at least one valve means thereon for normally closing the end of another hydraulic control line, said last-mentioned valve means having an inlet;
• actuator means for automatically opening said valve means to communicate said outlet with said inlet when said junction plates and said valve means are moved relatively toward one another;
• and a seal structure on one of said valve means engageable with said other valve means when said valve means are open to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid, said seal structure including an annular body on one of said valve means having an inwardly directed flange and an outwardly directed flange on the outer end thereof, a first, circumferentially continuous seal foot on the inner margin of said inwardly directed flange, a second, circumferentially continuous seal foot on the outer margin of said outwardly directed flange, said first seal foot having a bottom surface that in the relaxed condition of said inwardly directed flange extends beyond the corresponding bottom surface of said second seal foot, whereby when said seal structure is engaged with a companion seal surface on the other of said valve means, said first seal foot engages said seal surface before said corresponding bottom surface engages said seal surface to induce elastic bending of said inwardly directed flange and rotatio of said annular body.