EP2260545B1 - Female connector element and connector including same - Google Patents

Female connector element and connector including same Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2260545B1
EP2260545B1 EP09728747A EP09728747A EP2260545B1 EP 2260545 B1 EP2260545 B1 EP 2260545B1 EP 09728747 A EP09728747 A EP 09728747A EP 09728747 A EP09728747 A EP 09728747A EP 2260545 B1 EP2260545 B1 EP 2260545B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
axis
connector
female
terminal
distal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP09728747A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2260545A2 (en
Inventor
Alain Tiberghien
Philippe Guin
Jean-Claude Corsetti
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Staubli Faverges SCA
Original Assignee
Staubli Faverges SCA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Staubli Faverges SCA filed Critical Staubli Faverges SCA
Publication of EP2260545A2 publication Critical patent/EP2260545A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2260545B1 publication Critical patent/EP2260545B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/631Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for engagement only
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/631Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for engagement only
    • H01R13/6315Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for engagement only allowing relative movement between coupling parts, e.g. floating connection
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/53Bases or cases for heavy duty; Bases or cases for high voltage with means for preventing corona or arcing
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/26Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a female connector element, which is intended to cooperate with a complementary connector male element to ensure the interconnection of electric power cables. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a connector comprising such a male element and such a female element for interconnecting electric power cables.
  • connection device implements a connector whose male and female elements are sized according to the electrical power to be transferred.
  • connection method includes the steps of mooring a towing cable from a ship to a connector member mounted on an electrical power cable from a port terminal, towing this power cable to the ship and interconnecting the connector element equipping this electric power cable with a complementary connector element equipping an electric power cable from the ship.
  • connection device uses electric power cables having large diameters, of the order of 100 mm, and therefore a linear density of about 15 mm. kg / m, especially in the case where the power line is three-phase. Consequently, the connection device uses particularly heavy and bulky connection means to handle.
  • connection operations and especially the disconnection of the power line must be able to be performed quickly.
  • weight and rigidity of the electric power cables make these connection operations delicate, so relatively slow to perform.
  • the correspondence of the phases of the electrical power cables of the ship and the terminal involves either the use of a connector indifferent to the relative angular orientation of its male and female elements, or the use of an auxiliary device performing the indexing of the phases at the end of the connection operations.
  • the connection system uses complex equipment, so expensive, to ensure the interconnection of the male and female elements respectively equipping the power cables.
  • US-A-4,610,564 discloses a female connector member which is adapted to cooperate with a male member for interconnecting electrical cables.
  • the female element has a receptacle for the body of the male element 1.
  • This receptacle comprises a guide chamber 4 of the body 3 in translation.
  • This female connector does not guide the male element in rotation in the female element.
  • the safety and reliability of the transmission of a high power electric current by the connector of US-A-4,610,564 are therefore relatively weak.
  • the invention aims in particular to remedy these drawbacks, by proposing a female connector element and a connector facilitating the connection operations of the electrical power cables and simplifying in particular the relative guidance of the male and female elements.
  • the subject of the invention is a female connector element intended to cooperate with a complementary connector male element for the interconnection of electric power cables, in particular between a ship and a terminal, the female element comprising at least one minus a terminal electrical conduction component and a receptacle which is intended to receive a body of said male element and which extends in a longitudinal direction, the female element having a proximal portion arranged to receive an electric power cable so as to feed electrically the or each terminal component, the receptacle comprising a guide chamber of said body in translation in said longitudinal direction, and at least one guide edge arranged to guide said body in revolution about a longitudinal axis of said body, the or each guide edge being disposed in said longitudinal direction between said guide chamber and the or each terminal component.
  • This female element is characterized in that the guide chamber has a cylindrical shape with a circular base, said circular base being defined by a circle substantially circumscribed to a triangular base of said body of the male element, which is substantially in the form of a prism equilateral triangular basis, and the or each guide edge extends in a plane parallel to the axis of said cylinder, intersecting said cylinder and which is separated from the axis of said cylinder by a distance corresponding substantially to the apothem of said triangular base, the or each guide edge further extending in a direction inclined relative to the axis of said cylinder by an angle between 30 ° and 80 °, preferably between 50 ° and 70 °.
  • the subject of the invention is a connector, for the interconnection of electrical power cables, in particular between a ship and a terminal, comprising a male element and a female element, characterized in that said female element is such as explained above, in that said male element comprises at least one terminal electrical conduction member and a body forming a housing for the or each terminal member, in that the male element has a proximal portion arranged to receive a electrical power cable, so as to electrically power the or each terminal member, in that said body is substantially in the form of an equilateral triangular base prism, and in that the or each terminal member and the or each terminal component respectively have complementary forms.
  • the figure 1 shows a connector C comprising a male element 1 and a female element 2 which are in the disconnected state, that is to say at the beginning of a connection operation or at the end of a disconnection operation.
  • the male element 1 has a proximal portion 110 arranged to receive a power cable C 1 connected to a port terminal.
  • the female element 2 has a proximal portion 210 arranged to receive a power cable C 2 connected to the electrical installation of a ship.
  • proximal and distal refer to the distance of a part relative to the electric power cable to which is connected the element, respectively male or female, to which this part belongs.
  • a proximal piece is relatively close to the electric cable C 1 or C 2 , while a distal piece is further away.
  • the male element 1 comprises a body 10 which extends generally along an axis X 1 -X ' 1 and the female element 2 comprises a receptacle 20 which extends generally along an axis X 2 -X' 2 .
  • the axes X 1 -X ' 1 and X 2 -X' 2 define respective longitudinal directions of the male 1 and female 2 elements.
  • a traction chain 240 is hooked to an attachment ring 140 provided at the distal end of the body 10, and an apparatus such as a winch tows the male element 1 into the female element 2.
  • the body 10 is substantially triangular equilateral base-shaped prism and axis X 1 -X ' 1 .
  • base is meant a section of the body 10 by a plane perpendicular to the axis X 1 -X ' 1
  • the body 10 has a distal face 120, forming a base of the prism, and longitudinal faces 121, 122 and 123 which are parallel to the axis X 1 -X ' 1 .
  • the body 10 has longitudinal edges 104, 105 and 106, corresponding to prism generatrices, which are rounded or “blunted", so as to reduce the contact pressures, thus to facilitate guiding the body 10 on the receptacle 20.
  • the longitudinal edges 104, 105 and 106 separate the longitudinal faces 121, 122 and 123 of the body 10. The latter share with the distal face 120 of the distal edges 124, 125 and 126.
  • the receptacle 20 comprises a generally cylinder-shaped guide chamber 205 with a circular base and an axis X 2 -X ' 2 .
  • base is meant here a section of the guide chamber by a plane perpendicular to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 .
  • the guide chamber 205 serves to guide the body 10 in translation along its longitudinal direction constituted here by the axis X 2 -X ' 2 .
  • the circular base of the guide chamber 205 is defined by a circle circumscribing the triangular base of the prismatic body.
  • the triangular base of the body 10 is adjusted, with a functional clearance, in the circular base of the guide chamber 205 of the receptacle 20.
  • the distal end of the receptacle 20 comprises a part frustoconical 204, outwardly flared, which forms a primary guide zone for the body 10.
  • the receptacle 20 further comprises three similar rollers 221, 222 and 223 which each have a cylindrical shape.
  • Each of the rollers 221, 222 and 223 is rotatably mounted relative to the receptacle 20 and about its respective axis Y 221 , Y 222 or Y 223 .
  • the ends of the rollers 221, 222 and 223 are each equipped with journals 221A, 221B, 222A, 222B and 223A, 223B inserted into respective orifices 221C, 221D, 222C, 222D and 223C, 223D machined in the receptacle 20.
  • the generatrices of the rollers 221, 222 and 223 which are turned towards the axis X 2 -X ' 2 define respective edges 231, 232 and 233 said internal, since oriented towards the axis X 2 -X' 2 .
  • the three inner edges 231, 232 and 233 respectively extend in three distinct planes P 231 , P 232 and P 233 parallel to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 .
  • the planes P 231 , P 232 and P 233 form, in section by a plane perpendicular to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 , a triangle which corresponds substantially to the triangular base of the body 10.
  • each plane P 231 , P 232 or P 233 is separated from the axis X 2 -X ' 2 by a respective distance d 231 , d 232 or d 233 which substantially corresponds to the apothem of the triangular base of the body 10.
  • Apothem means the distance separating the center of gravity from the equilateral triangle from one or the other of its sides, in orthogonal projection.
  • the distances d 231 , d 232 and d 233 are defined in projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 , such that the plane of the figure 3 .
  • Each inner edge 231, 232 or 233 extends in a direction inclined, with respect to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 of the guide chamber 205, of a respective angle ⁇ 231 , ⁇ 232 and ⁇ 233 , represented on the figure 2 which is about 60 °.
  • each angle ⁇ 231 , ⁇ 232 or ⁇ 233 can be between 30 ° and 80 °, preferably between 50 ° and 70 °.
  • Such an inclination of the edges 231, 232 and 233 makes it possible to print on the body 10 a revolution movement about the axis X 1 -X ' 1 .
  • the body 10 When introduced into the receptacle 20, the body 10 is first guided by the frustoconical portion 204, then by the guide chamber 205.
  • the X 1 -X ' 1 and X 2 -X' 2 axes coincide with the functional game near. However, the body 10 is not necessarily properly oriented about its axis X 1 -X ' 1 .
  • the edges 124, 125 and 126 then come into contact with the rollers 221, 222 and 223. Thanks to the inclination of the rollers 221, 222 and 223, the body 10 is rotated under the effect of the force exerted on the body 10 via the pull chain 240. This rotation combines with its translational movement along the axis X 1 -X ' 1 until the faces 121, 122 and 123 of the prism that form the body 10 arrive in angular coincidence with the triangular section defined by the planes P 231 , P 232 and P 233 .
  • the rollers 221, 222 and 223 make it possible to guide the body 10 in revolution about its axis X 1 -X ' 1 .
  • Each generatrix of each roller 221, 222 and 223 can form a guide edge of the body 10. Following this angular coincidence, the body 10 is guided in translation only, since the inner edges 231, 232 and 233 of the rollers respectively belong to the planes.
  • P 231 , P 232 and P 233 corresponding to the faces 121, 122 and 123 of the prism formed by the body 10.
  • the orthogonal projections I 231 , I 232 and I 233 of the respective inner edges 231, 232 and 233 of the rollers 221, 222 and 223 on a plane perpendicular to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 have lengths greater than those of the sides of the the triangular base of the prism, so that the distal edges 124, 125 and 126 come into contact with a generatrix of the rollers 221, 222 and 223 whatever the initial orientation of the body 10.
  • rollers 221, 222 and 223 rotate around their respective axes, which contributes to reducing the friction and thus to ensuring the durability of the device.
  • the male element 1 comprises end members 101, 102 and 103 conductors connected to the electrical cable C 1 .
  • the body 10 forms a housing for the end members 101, 102 and 103.
  • the end members 101, 102 and 103 are arranged successively along the axis X 1 -X ' 1 and around a column 107 which extends inside and in the center of the body 10 and along the axis X 1 -X ' 1 .
  • the female element 2 comprises terminal components 201, 202 and 203 conductors connected to the electrical cable C 2 .
  • the terminal components 201, 202 and 203 are housed inside a housing 206 of cylindrical shape and axis X 2 -X ' 2 .
  • the terminal components 201, 202 and 203 are arranged successively along the axis X 2 -X ' 2 .
  • the female element 2 comprises a tube 207 which extends inside the housing 206 and which is in this case coaxial with the axis X 2 -X ' 2 .
  • the tube 207 is adapted to pass, in its hollow part, the pull chain 240 which can be attached to the fixing ring 140 located at the distal end of the column 107.
  • the end members 101, 102 and 103 each have at least one surface for electrical contact with a respective complementary surface of the terminal components 201, 202 and 203.
  • the end members 101, 102 and 103 have an annular shape with an outer radial surface for the electrical contact of cylindrical shape and coaxial with the axis X 1 -X ' 1 .
  • the end components 201, 202 and 203 have an annular shape with an internal radial surface of cylindrical shape and coaxial with the axis X 2 -X ' 2 .
  • each end member 101, 102 or 103 substantially corresponds to the diameter of the inner radial surface of each terminal component 201, 202 or 203, so that the electrical contact is made at these internal radial surfaces and external, when connector C is in the connected state, as shown in figures 6 and 7 .
  • the electrical contact can be achieved by means of conductive strips whose flexibility in the radial direction allows adjustment to the game.
  • the three end members 101, 102 and 103 of the male element 1 and the three terminal components 201, 202 and 203 of the female element 2 are intended for the interconnection of the electrical cables C 1 and C 2 .
  • the terminal member 103 is for a three-phase electrical connection. As shown in figure 7 it is in fact composed of three annular sectors 103A, 103B and 103C, each of which corresponds to a phase of the three-phase cable C 1 . Similarly, the terminal component 203 is in fact composed of three annular sectors 203A, 203B and 203C, which each correspond to a phase of the three-phase cable C 2 .
  • the corresponding surfaces of the end member 103 and the terminal component 203 are brought into contact.
  • the end members 101, 102 and the components terminals 201 and 202 can in turn serve to transmit signals between the ship and the terminal of a port facility.
  • rollers 221, 222 and 223 guide the body 10 during the connection of the male 1 and female 2 elements
  • the rollers 221, 222 and 223 are mounted, in the receptacle 20, between the guide chamber 205 and the end components 201, 202 and 203, in the longitudinal direction X 2 -X ' 2 .
  • the rollers 221, 222 and 223 give the body 10 an angular orientation for interconnection of the end member 103 with the terminal component 203.
  • the housing 206 of cylindrical shape can fit with the corresponding central portion of the body 10.
  • the body 10 and the housing 206 each have a distal opening to allow, when mutually interlocking, electrical contacts respectively between the terminal members 101, 102 and 103 and the terminal components 201, 202 and 203.
  • the male element 1 comprises a washer 108 which is mounted around a neck distal of the column 107, so as to close the distal opening of the body 10.
  • the washer 108 is movable inside the body 10 against a helical spring 109 working in compression.
  • the spring 109 is mounted co-axially to the axis X 1 -X ' 1 , around the column 107 and within a cylindrical wall of the body 10.
  • the spring 109 constitutes a return means of the washer 108 in position as shown in figure 4 .
  • the distal face 120 of the body 10 is flat and smooth, which avoids the retention of liquid that can be introduced at the level of the electrical contacts during the connection.
  • smooth means a surface without relief or asperity, so without a liquid retention zone.
  • the distal collar of the column 107 occupies the central region of the distal opening of the body 10, thereby defining a generally circular annular opening.
  • the female element 2 comprises a shutter assembly of the distal opening of the housing 206, so as to keep the housing of the terminal components 201, 202 and 203 with respect to seawater and / or gas constituting an explosive atmosphere.
  • This closure assembly is formed by a distal collar of the tube 207 which coincides with an annular flange 211 forming the distal portion of the housing 206.
  • the tube 207 is mounted movably inside the housing 206, along the axis X 2 - X ' 2 and against a helical spring 209 working in compression.
  • the spring 209 is mounted co-axially to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 and around the tube 207, so as to return the tube 207, thus its distal collar, in the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. figure 4 .
  • the distal collar 111 of the column 107 comes into contact with the distal collar of the tube 207 ( figure 5 ), then pushes the tube 207 against the spring 209, until the end members 101, 102 and 103 come into contact with the terminal components 201, 202 and 203 ( figure 6 ).
  • the distal flange 211 of the housing 206 pushes the washer 108 inside the body 110 and against the spring 109.
  • the moving parts follow an opposite movement, until the sealing is closed. respective distal openings of the body 10 and the housing 206.
  • a connector according to the invention which comprises a male element and a female element according to the invention, thus allows a simple and effective guidance of the male element in the female element for the purpose of interconnecting power cables.
  • the connector elements are of relatively simple construction and inexpensive.
  • the revolution of the male element is limited to a maximum angle of 60 °, before this male element adopts a suitable angular orientation for the connection. Such a partial revolution limits the torsion experienced by the electric power cables to be connected, which increases their service life and that of the parts that connect them to the male and female elements.
  • the invention has been described herein with a male member body having straight distal edges 124, 125 and 126.
  • these distal edges may be convex when they result from the intersection of the longitudinal faces with a convex or curved distal face.
  • this distal face has a smooth surface, so without any roughness or relief capable of forming a liquid retention zone.
  • the present invention can also be applied to the interconnection of four-phase electrical cables.
  • the body of the male element has the shape of a square-based prism.
  • the male element of the connector may be connected to a ship, while the female element is connected to a port terminal.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a female element (2) that comprises at least one terminal conduction component and a receptacle (20) for receiving a body (10) of a male element (1) along a longitudinal direction (X2-X′2). The female element (2) has a proximal portion (210) fitted to receive an electric power cable (C2). The receptacle (20) includes a guiding chamber (205) for said body (10) in translation along said longitudinal direction (X2-X′2), and at least one guiding edge for guiding said body (10) revolving around an axis (X1-X′1) of said body (10), the one or each guiding edge being disposed, along said longitudinal direction (X2-X′2), between said guiding chamber (205) and the one or each terminal component. The guiding chamber (205) has a cylindrical form with a circular base circumscribed on a triangular base of the body (10) of the male element (1).

Description

La présente invention concerne un élément femelle de connecteur, qui est destiné à coopérer avec un élément mâle de connecteur complémentaire pour assurer l'interconnexion de câbles de puissance électrique. Par ailleurs, la présente invention concerne un connecteur comprenant un tel élément mâle et un tel élément femelle pour assurer l'interconnexion de câbles de puissance électrique.The present invention relates to a female connector element, which is intended to cooperate with a complementary connector male element to ensure the interconnection of electric power cables. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a connector comprising such a male element and such a female element for interconnecting electric power cables.

Dans le domaine du transfert d'énergie électrique à puissance élevée, notamment entre un navire et un terminal tel qu'une installation portuaire, on emploie généralement un dispositif et un procédé de connexion, tel que celui décrit par WO-2007/107673 , pour assurer l'interconnexion de câbles de puissance électrique. Un tel dispositif de connexion met en oeuvre un connecteur dont les éléments mâle et femelle sont dimensionnés en fonction de la puissance électrique à transférer.In the field of high power electrical energy transfer, particularly between a ship and a terminal such as a port facility, a device and a connection method, such as that described by WO-2007/107673 to provide interconnection of electric power cables. Such a connection device implements a connector whose male and female elements are sized according to the electrical power to be transferred.

Le procédé de connexion selon WO-2007/107673 comprend les étapes consistant à amarrer un câble de traction depuis un navire à un élément de connecteur monté sur un câble de puissance électrique provenant d'un terminal portuaire, à tracter ce câble de puissance électrique vers le navire et à assurer une interconnexion de l'élément de connecteur équipant ce câble de puissance électrique avec un élément de connecteur complémentaire équipant un câble de puissance électrique provenant du navire.The connection method according to WO-2007/107673 includes the steps of mooring a towing cable from a ship to a connector member mounted on an electrical power cable from a port terminal, towing this power cable to the ship and interconnecting the connector element equipping this electric power cable with a complementary connector element equipping an electric power cable from the ship.

Lorsque ces deux éléments de connecteur, mâle et femelle, sont accouplés, on peut opérer le transfert d'énergie électrique depuis le terminal vers le navire, ou inversement.When these two connector elements, male and female, are coupled, one can operate the transfer of electrical energy from the terminal to the ship, or vice versa.

Comme la puissance électrique est élevée, jusqu'à 30 méga-watt (MW), un tel dispositif de connexion emploie des câbles de puissance électrique ayant de gros diamètres, de l'ordre de 100 mm, donc une masse linéique d'environ 15 kg/m, notamment dans le cas où la ligne électrique est triphasée. Par conséquent, le dispositif de connexion met en oeuvre des moyens de connexion particulièrement lourds et encombrants à manipuler.As the electrical power is high, up to 30 megawatts (MW), such a connection device uses electric power cables having large diameters, of the order of 100 mm, and therefore a linear density of about 15 mm. kg / m, especially in the case where the power line is three-phase. Consequently, the connection device uses particularly heavy and bulky connection means to handle.

Or, les opérations de connexion et surtout de déconnexion de la ligne de puissance électrique doivent pouvoir être effectuées rapidement. Cependant, le poids et la rigidité des câbles de puissance électrique rendent ces opérations de connexion délicates, donc relativement lentes à effectuer. En effet, la correspondance des phases des câbles de puissance électrique du navire et du terminal implique soit l'utilisation d'un connecteur indifférent à l'orientation angulaire relative de ses éléments mâle et femelle, soit l'utilisation d'un dispositif auxiliaire réalisant l'indexation des phases à la fin des opérations de connexion. Dans les deux cas, le système de connexion utilise des équipements complexes, donc coûteux, pour assurer l'interconnexion des éléments mâle et femelle équipant respectivement les câbles de puissance électrique.However, the connection operations and especially the disconnection of the power line must be able to be performed quickly. However, the weight and rigidity of the electric power cables make these connection operations delicate, so relatively slow to perform. Indeed, the correspondence of the phases of the electrical power cables of the ship and the terminal involves either the use of a connector indifferent to the relative angular orientation of its male and female elements, or the use of an auxiliary device performing the indexing of the phases at the end of the connection operations. In both cases, the connection system uses complex equipment, so expensive, to ensure the interconnection of the male and female elements respectively equipping the power cables.

Le document US-A-4 610 564 décrit un élément femelle de connecteur qui est destiné à coopérer avec un élément mâle pour interconnecter des câbles électriques. L'élément femelle a un réceptacle pour le corps de l'élément mâle 1. Ce réceptacle comprend une chambre de guidage 4 du corps 3 en translation. Ce connecteur femelle ne permet pas de guider en rotation l'élément mâle dans l'élément femelle. La sécurité et la fiabilité de la transmission d'un courant électrique de forte puissance par le connecteur de US-A-4 610 564 sont donc relativement faibles.The document US-A-4,610,564 discloses a female connector member which is adapted to cooperate with a male member for interconnecting electrical cables. The female element has a receptacle for the body of the male element 1. This receptacle comprises a guide chamber 4 of the body 3 in translation. This female connector does not guide the male element in rotation in the female element. The safety and reliability of the transmission of a high power electric current by the connector of US-A-4,610,564 are therefore relatively weak.

L'invention vise notamment à remédier à ces inconvénients, en proposant un élément femelle de connecteur et un connecteur facilitant les opérations de connexion des câbles de puissance électrique et simplifiant en particulier le guidage relatif des éléments mâle et femelle.The invention aims in particular to remedy these drawbacks, by proposing a female connector element and a connector facilitating the connection operations of the electrical power cables and simplifying in particular the relative guidance of the male and female elements.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un élément femelle de connecteur, destiné à coopérer avec un élément mâle de connecteur complémentaire pour l'interconnexion de câbles de puissance électrique, notamment entre un navire et un terminal, l'élément femelle comportant au moins un composant terminal de conduction électrique et un réceptacle qui est destiné à recevoir un corps dudit élément mâle et qui s'étend suivant une direction longitudinale, l'élément femelle présentant une partie proximale agencée pour recevoir un câble de puissance électrique de façon à alimenter électriquement le ou chaque composant terminal, le réceptacle comprenant une chambre de guidage dudit corps en translation suivant ladite direction longitudinale, ainsi qu'au moins une arête de guidage agencée pour guider ledit corps en révolution autour d'un axe longitudinal dudit corps, la ou chaque arête de guidage étant disposée, suivant ladite direction longitudinale, entre ladite chambre de guidage et le ou chaque composant terminal. Cet élément femelle est caractérisé en ce que la chambre de guidage a une forme de cylindre à base circulaire, ladite base circulaire étant définie par un cercle sensiblement circonscrit à une base triangulaire dudit corps de l'élément mâle, lequel est sensiblement en forme de prisme à base triangulaire équilatérale, et la ou chaque arête de guidage s'étend dans un plan parallèle à l'axe dudit cylindre, sécant audit cylindre et qui est séparé de l'axe dudit cylindre par une distance correspondant sensiblement à l'apothème de ladite base triangulaire, la ou chaque arête de guidage s'étendant, en outre, suivant une direction inclinée par rapport à l'axe dudit cylindre d'un angle compris entre 30° et 80°, de préférence entre 50° et 70°.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a female connector element intended to cooperate with a complementary connector male element for the interconnection of electric power cables, in particular between a ship and a terminal, the female element comprising at least one minus a terminal electrical conduction component and a receptacle which is intended to receive a body of said male element and which extends in a longitudinal direction, the female element having a proximal portion arranged to receive an electric power cable so as to feed electrically the or each terminal component, the receptacle comprising a guide chamber of said body in translation in said longitudinal direction, and at least one guide edge arranged to guide said body in revolution about a longitudinal axis of said body, the or each guide edge being disposed in said longitudinal direction between said guide chamber and the or each terminal component. This female element is characterized in that the guide chamber has a cylindrical shape with a circular base, said circular base being defined by a circle substantially circumscribed to a triangular base of said body of the male element, which is substantially in the form of a prism equilateral triangular basis, and the or each guide edge extends in a plane parallel to the axis of said cylinder, intersecting said cylinder and which is separated from the axis of said cylinder by a distance corresponding substantially to the apothem of said triangular base, the or each guide edge further extending in a direction inclined relative to the axis of said cylinder by an angle between 30 ° and 80 °, preferably between 50 ° and 70 °.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques avantageuses mais non obligatoires de l'invention, prises isolément ou selon toutes les combinaisons techniquement admissibles :

  • l'élément femelle comporte, en outre, au moins un rouleau cylindrique, le ou chaque rouleau étant monté mobile en révolution par rapport audit réceptacle, la génératrice interne du ou de chaque rouleau étant apte à former la ou chaque arête de guidage ;
  • l'élément femelle comporte trois rouleaux définissant trois arêtes de guidage s'étendant dans trois plans distincts et parallèles à l'axe dudit cylindre, les trois plans formant, en section par un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe dudit cylindre, un triangle correspondant sensiblement à ladite base triangulaire ;
  • l'élément femelle comporte, en outre, un boîtier formant un logement pour le ou chaque composant terminal ;
  • l'élément femelle comporte, en outre, un tube s'étendant à l'intérieur du boîtier, ledit tube étant adapté pour recevoir un moyen de traction tel qu'une chaîne ou un câble, et au moins un composant terminal présente des surfaces en forme de secteurs annulaires, pour le contact électrique avec le ou chaque organe terminal ;
  • le boîtier présente une ouverture distale, l'extrémité distale du tube est équipée d'un collet d'obturation de ladite ouverture distale, ledit tube étant mobile en translation suivant l'axe dudit cylindre et l'élément femelle comporte un organe de rappel en position obturée dudit tube.
According to other advantageous but non-mandatory features of the invention, taken individually or in any technically permissible combination:
  • the female element further comprises at least one cylindrical roller, the or each roller being rotatably mounted relative to said receptacle, the internal generatrix of the or each roller being adapted to form the or each guide edge;
  • the female element comprises three rollers defining three guide edges extending in three distinct planes and parallel to the axis of said cylinder, the three planes forming, in section by a plane perpendicular to the axis of said cylinder, a substantially corresponding triangle; at said triangular base;
  • the female element further comprises a housing forming a housing for the or each terminal component;
  • the female element further comprises a tube extending inside the housing, said tube being adapted to receive a traction means such as a chain or a cable, and at least one terminal component has surfaces shaped annular sectors, for electrical contact with the or each terminal member;
  • the housing has a distal opening, the distal end of the tube is equipped with a closure collar of said distal opening, said tube being movable in translation along the axis of said cylinder and the female element comprises a return member in the closed position of said tube.

D'autre part, l'invention a pour objet un connecteur, pour l'interconnexion de câbles de puissance électrique, notamment entre un navire et un terminal, comprenant un élément mâle et un élément femelle, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément femelle est tel qu'exposé ci-dessus, en ce que ledit élément mâle comporte au moins un organe terminal de conduction électrique et un corps formant un logement pour le ou chaque organe terminal, en ce que l'élément mâle présente une partie proximale agencée pour recevoir un câble de puissance électrique, de façon à alimenter électriquement le ou chaque organe terminal , en ce que ledit corps est sensiblement en forme de prisme à base triangulaire équilatérale, et en ce que le ou chaque organe terminal et le ou chaque composant terminal présentent respectivement des formes complémentaires.On the other hand, the subject of the invention is a connector, for the interconnection of electrical power cables, in particular between a ship and a terminal, comprising a male element and a female element, characterized in that said female element is such as explained above, in that said male element comprises at least one terminal electrical conduction member and a body forming a housing for the or each terminal member, in that the male element has a proximal portion arranged to receive a electrical power cable, so as to electrically power the or each terminal member, in that said body is substantially in the form of an equilateral triangular base prism, and in that the or each terminal member and the or each terminal component respectively have complementary forms.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques avantageuses mais non obligatoires de l'invention, prises isolément ou selon toutes les combinaisons techniquement admissibles :

  • le corps de l'élément mâle présente une face distale globalement perpendiculaire à l'axe dudit prisme, ladite face définissant au moins une arête distale rectiligne ou convexe avec une face dudit prisme ;
  • l'élément mâle comporte, en outre, une colonne s'étendant à l'intérieur du corps et le long de l'axe du prisme, le ou chaque organe terminal étant monté sur ladite colonne et au moins un organe terminal présentant au moins une surface en forme de secteur annulaire pour le contact électrique avec le ou chaque composant terminal dudit élément femelle ;
  • le corps présente une ouverture distale et l'élément mâle comporte des moyens d'obturation de ladite ouverture distale, lesdits moyens d'obturation étant mobiles à l'intérieur du corps et l'élément mâle comportant des moyens de rappel desdits moyens d'obturation en position obturée ;
  • l'extrémité distale de la colonne se trouve dans la région centrale de ladite ouverture distale et définit une ouverture globalement annulaire, les moyens d'obturation comprennent une rondelle ayant la forme de ladite ouverture distale annulaire, ladite rondelle étant apte à coulisser le long de l'axe du prisme et lesdits moyens de rappel comprenant un ressort hélicoïdal travaillant en compression suivant la direction de l'axe ;
  • la face distale du corps présente une surface lisse de forme plane ou convexe ;
  • ladite colonne comporte un organe de fixation pour attacher un moyen de traction, tel qu'une chaîne ou un câble.
According to other advantageous but non-mandatory features of the invention, taken individually or in any technically permissible combination:
  • the body of the male element has a distal face generally perpendicular to the axis of said prism, said face defining at least one rectilinear or convex distal edge with a face of said prism;
  • the male element further comprises a column extending inside the body and along the axis of the prism, the or each end member being mounted on said column and at least one terminal member having at least one annular sector-shaped surface for electrical contact with the or each terminal component of said female element;
  • the body has a distal opening and the male element comprises means for closing said distal opening, said closure means being movable inside the body and the male element comprising means for returning said closure means in closed position;
  • the distal end of the column is in the central region of said distal opening and defines a generally annular opening, the closure means comprise a washer having the shape of said annular distal opening, said washer being able to slide along the axis of the prism and said biasing means comprising a helical spring operating in compression in the direction of the axis;
  • the distal face of the body has a smooth surface of flat or convex shape;
  • said column comprises a fixing member for attaching a traction means, such as a chain or a cable.

L'invention sera bien comprise et ses avantages ressortiront aussi à la lumière de la description qui va suivre, donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif et faite en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un connecteur conforme à l'invention, avec un élément mâle et un élément femelle conforme à l'invention, à l'état déconnecté ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en perspective et à plus grande échelle d'une partie du connecteur de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue de face et à plus grande échelle du connecteur de la figure 1, suivant la ligne IV à la figure 1 ;
  • les figures 4, 5 et 6 sont des coupes, selon le plan π à la figure 1, du connecteur des figures 1 à 3 respectivement dans les états déconnecté, en cours de connexion et connecté ; et
  • la figure 7 est une vue du connecteur de la figure 6, à plus grande échelle et en section suivant la ligne VIII-VIII à la figure 6.
The invention will be well understood and its advantages will also become apparent in the light of the following description given by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to the invention, with a male element and a female element according to the invention, in the disconnected state;
  • the figure 2 is a perspective view and on a larger scale of a part of the connector of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 3 is a front view and on a larger scale the connector of the figure 1 following line IV to figure 1 ;
  • the Figures 4, 5 and 6 are cuts, according to the plane π at the figure 1 , the connector of Figures 1 to 3 respectively in the disconnected, connected and connected states; and
  • the figure 7 is a view of the connector of the figure 6 on a larger scale and in section along line VIII-VIII to figure 6 .

La figure 1 montre un connecteur C comprenant un élément mâle 1 et un élément femelle 2 qui se trouvent à l'état déconnecté, c'est-à-dire au début d'une opération de connexion ou à la fin d'une opération de déconnexion.The figure 1 shows a connector C comprising a male element 1 and a female element 2 which are in the disconnected state, that is to say at the beginning of a connection operation or at the end of a disconnection operation.

L'élément mâle 1 présente une partie proximale 110 agencée pour recevoir un câble de puissance électrique C1 relié à un terminal portuaire. De même, l'élément femelle 2 présente une partie proximale 210 agencée pour recevoir un câble de puissance électrique C2 relié à l'installation électrique d'un navire. Les termes « proximal » et « distal » se rapportent à la distance d'une pièce relativement au câble de puissance électrique auquel est connecté l'élément, respectivement mâle ou femelle, auquel appartient cette pièce. Ainsi, une pièce proximale est relativement proche du câble électrique C1 ou C2, tandis qu'une pièce distale en est plus éloignée.The male element 1 has a proximal portion 110 arranged to receive a power cable C 1 connected to a port terminal. Similarly, the female element 2 has a proximal portion 210 arranged to receive a power cable C 2 connected to the electrical installation of a ship. The terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to the distance of a part relative to the electric power cable to which is connected the element, respectively male or female, to which this part belongs. Thus, a proximal piece is relatively close to the electric cable C 1 or C 2 , while a distal piece is further away.

L'élément mâle 1 comporte un corps 10 qui s'étend globalement selon un axe X1-X'1 et l'élément femelle 2 comporte un réceptacle 20 qui s'étend globalement selon un axe X2-X'2. Les axes X1-X'1 et X2-X'2 définissent des directions longitudinales respectives des éléments mâle 1 et femelle 2. Lorsque les éléments mâle 1 ou femelle 2 se trouvent dans l'état connecté, tel qu'illustré aux figures 6 et 7, l'axe X1-X'1 coïncide avec l'axe X2-X'2.The male element 1 comprises a body 10 which extends generally along an axis X 1 -X ' 1 and the female element 2 comprises a receptacle 20 which extends generally along an axis X 2 -X' 2 . The axes X 1 -X ' 1 and X 2 -X' 2 define respective longitudinal directions of the male 1 and female 2 elements. When the male 1 or female 2 elements are in the connected state, as illustrated in FIGS. figures 6 and 7 , the axis X 1 -X ' 1 coincides with the axis X 2 -X' 2 .

Au cours des opérations de connexion, pour rapprocher l'élément mâle 1 de l'élément femelle 2, comme le montrent les figures 2 et 4, on accroche une chaîne de traction 240 à un anneau de fixation 140 prévu à l'extrémité distale du corps 10, puis un appareil tel qu'un treuil tracte l'élément mâle 1 dans l'élément femelle 2.During the connection operations, to bring the male element 1 closer to the female element 2, as shown by the figures 2 and 4 a traction chain 240 is hooked to an attachment ring 140 provided at the distal end of the body 10, and an apparatus such as a winch tows the male element 1 into the female element 2.

Comme le montrent les figures 1 et 2, le corps 10 est sensiblement en forme de prisme à base triangulaire équilatéral et d'axe X1-X'1. Par base, on désigne une section du corps 10 par un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X1-X'1 Le corps 10 présente une face distale 120, formant une base du prisme, et des faces longitudinales 121, 122 et 123 qui sont parallèles à l'axe X1-X'1. Dans le mode de réalisation illustré par les figures, le corps 10 présente des arêtes longitudinales 104, 105 et 106, correspondant à des génératrices du prisme, qui sont arrondies ou « émoussées », de façon à réduire les pressions de contact, donc à faciliter le guidage, du corps 10 sur le réceptacle 20. Les arêtes longitudinales 104, 105 et 106 séparent les faces longitudinales 121, 122 et 123 du corps 10. Ces dernières partagent avec la face distale 120 des arêtes distales 124, 125 et 126.As shown by figures 1 and 2 , the body 10 is substantially triangular equilateral base-shaped prism and axis X 1 -X ' 1 . By base, is meant a section of the body 10 by a plane perpendicular to the axis X 1 -X ' 1 The body 10 has a distal face 120, forming a base of the prism, and longitudinal faces 121, 122 and 123 which are parallel to the axis X 1 -X ' 1 . In the embodiment illustrated by the figures, the body 10 has longitudinal edges 104, 105 and 106, corresponding to prism generatrices, which are rounded or "blunted", so as to reduce the contact pressures, thus to facilitate guiding the body 10 on the receptacle 20. The longitudinal edges 104, 105 and 106 separate the longitudinal faces 121, 122 and 123 of the body 10. The latter share with the distal face 120 of the distal edges 124, 125 and 126.

Comme le montrent les figures 1 et 3 à 6, le réceptacle 20 comprend une chambre de guidage 205 globalement en forme de cylindre à base circulaire et d'axe X2-X'2. Par base, on désigne ici une section de la chambre de guidage par un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X2-X'2. Lors de la connexion des éléments mâle 1 et femelle 2, la chambre de guidage 205 permet de guider le corps 10 en translation suivant sa direction longitudinale constituée ici par l'axe X2-X'2. Comme le montre plus précisément la figure 3, la base circulaire de la chambre de guidage 205 est définie par un cercle circonscrit à la base triangulaire du corps 10 prismatique. En d'autres termes, la base triangulaire du corps 10 est ajustée, avec un jeu fonctionnel, dans la base circulaire de la chambre de guidage 205 du réceptacle 20. L'extrémité distale du réceptacle 20 comporte une partie tronconique 204, évasée vers l'extérieur, qui forme une zone de guidage primaire pour le corps 10.As shown by figures 1 and 3 to 6 the receptacle 20 comprises a generally cylinder-shaped guide chamber 205 with a circular base and an axis X 2 -X ' 2 . By base, is meant here a section of the guide chamber by a plane perpendicular to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 . When the male 1 and female 2 elements are connected, the guide chamber 205 serves to guide the body 10 in translation along its longitudinal direction constituted here by the axis X 2 -X ' 2 . As shown more specifically figure 3 the circular base of the guide chamber 205 is defined by a circle circumscribing the triangular base of the prismatic body. In other words, the triangular base of the body 10 is adjusted, with a functional clearance, in the circular base of the guide chamber 205 of the receptacle 20. The distal end of the receptacle 20 comprises a part frustoconical 204, outwardly flared, which forms a primary guide zone for the body 10.

Le réceptacle 20 comprend en outre trois rouleaux semblables 221, 222 et 223 qui présentent chacun une forme cylindrique. Chacun des rouleaux 221, 222 et 223 est monté mobile en révolution par rapport au réceptacle 20 et autour de son axe respectif Y221, Y222 ou Y223. Pour cela, comme le montrent les figures 2 et 3, les extrémités des rouleaux 221, 222 et 223 sont équipées chacune de tourillons 221A, 221 B, 222A, 222B et 223A, 223B insérés dans des orifices respectifs 221C, 221 D, 222C, 222D et 223C, 223D usinés dans le réceptacle 20.The receptacle 20 further comprises three similar rollers 221, 222 and 223 which each have a cylindrical shape. Each of the rollers 221, 222 and 223 is rotatably mounted relative to the receptacle 20 and about its respective axis Y 221 , Y 222 or Y 223 . For this, as shown by the figures 2 and 3 , the ends of the rollers 221, 222 and 223 are each equipped with journals 221A, 221B, 222A, 222B and 223A, 223B inserted into respective orifices 221C, 221D, 222C, 222D and 223C, 223D machined in the receptacle 20.

Comme le montre la figure 3, les génératrices des rouleaux 221, 222 et 223 qui sont tournées vers l'axe X2-X'2 définissent des arêtes respectives 231, 232 et 233 dites internes, puisqu'orientées vers l'axe X2-X'2. Les trois arêtes internes 231, 232 et 233 s'étendent respectivement dans trois plans P231, P232 et P233 distincts et parallèles à l'axe X2-X'2. Les plans P231, P232 et P233 forment, en section par un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X2-X'2, un triangle qui correspond sensiblement à la base triangulaire du corps 10.As shown in figure 3 , the generatrices of the rollers 221, 222 and 223 which are turned towards the axis X 2 -X ' 2 define respective edges 231, 232 and 233 said internal, since oriented towards the axis X 2 -X' 2 . The three inner edges 231, 232 and 233 respectively extend in three distinct planes P 231 , P 232 and P 233 parallel to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 . The planes P 231 , P 232 and P 233 form, in section by a plane perpendicular to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 , a triangle which corresponds substantially to the triangular base of the body 10.

De plus, chaque plan P231, P232 ou P233 est séparé de l'axe X2-X'2 par une distance respective d231, d232 ou d233 qui correspond sensiblement à l'apothème de la base triangulaire du corps 10. Par apothème on désigne la distance séparant le centre de gravité du triangle équilatéral de l'un ou l'autre de ses côtés, en projection orthogonale. Les distances d231, d232 et d233 sont définies en projection dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X2-X'2, tel que le plan de la figure 3.In addition, each plane P 231 , P 232 or P 233 is separated from the axis X 2 -X ' 2 by a respective distance d 231 , d 232 or d 233 which substantially corresponds to the apothem of the triangular base of the body 10. Apothem means the distance separating the center of gravity from the equilateral triangle from one or the other of its sides, in orthogonal projection. The distances d 231 , d 232 and d 233 are defined in projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 , such that the plane of the figure 3 .

Chaque arête interne 231, 232 ou 233 s'étend suivant une direction inclinée, par rapport à l'axe X2-X'2 de la chambre de guidage 205, d'un angle respectif α231, α232 et α233, représenté sur la figure 2, qui vaut environ 60°. En pratique, chaque angle α231, α232 ou α233 peut être compris entre 30° et 80°, de préférence entre 50° et 70°. Une telle inclinaison des arêtes 231, 232 et 233 permet d'imprimer au corps 10 un mouvement de révolution autour de l'axe X1-X'1.Each inner edge 231, 232 or 233 extends in a direction inclined, with respect to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 of the guide chamber 205, of a respective angle α 231 , α 232 and α 233 , represented on the figure 2 which is about 60 °. In practice, each angle α 231 , α 232 or α 233 can be between 30 ° and 80 °, preferably between 50 ° and 70 °. Such an inclination of the edges 231, 232 and 233 makes it possible to print on the body 10 a revolution movement about the axis X 1 -X ' 1 .

Lors de son introduction dans le réceptacle 20, le corps 10 est d'abord guidé par la partie tronconique 204, puis par la chambre de guidage 205. Les axes X1-X'1 et X2-X'2 coïncident au jeu fonctionnel près. Cependant, le corps 10 n'est pas forcément orienté convenablement autour de son axe X1-X'1.When introduced into the receptacle 20, the body 10 is first guided by the frustoconical portion 204, then by the guide chamber 205. The X 1 -X ' 1 and X 2 -X' 2 axes coincide with the functional game near. However, the body 10 is not necessarily properly oriented about its axis X 1 -X ' 1 .

Comme illustré aux figures 2 et 3, les arêtes 124, 125 et 126 arrivent alors au contact des rouleaux 221, 222 et 223. Grâce à l'inclinaison des rouleaux 221, 222 et 223, le corps 10 est entraîné en rotation sous l'effet de l'effort exercé sur le corps 10 par l'intermédiaire de la chaîne de traction 240. Cette rotation se combine à son mouvement de translation le long de l'axe X1-X'1 jusqu'à ce que les faces 121, 122 et 123 du prisme que forme le corps 10 arrivent en coïncidence angulaire avec la section triangulaire définie par les plans P231, P232 et P233.As illustrated in figures 2 and 3 , the edges 124, 125 and 126 then come into contact with the rollers 221, 222 and 223. Thanks to the inclination of the rollers 221, 222 and 223, the body 10 is rotated under the effect of the force exerted on the body 10 via the pull chain 240. This rotation combines with its translational movement along the axis X 1 -X ' 1 until the faces 121, 122 and 123 of the prism that form the body 10 arrive in angular coincidence with the triangular section defined by the planes P 231 , P 232 and P 233 .

En coopérant avec les arêtes 124, 125 et 126, les rouleaux 221, 222 et 223 permettent de guider le corps 10 en révolution autour de son axe X1-X'1. Chaque génératrice de chaque rouleau 221, 222 et 223 peut former une arête de guidage du corps 10. Suite à cette coïncidence angulaire, le corps 10 est guidé en translation uniquement, car les arêtes internes 231, 232 et 233 des rouleaux appartiennent respectivement aux plans P231, P232 et P233 correspondants aux faces 121, 122 et 123 du prisme que forme le corps 10.By cooperating with the edges 124, 125 and 126, the rollers 221, 222 and 223 make it possible to guide the body 10 in revolution about its axis X 1 -X ' 1 . Each generatrix of each roller 221, 222 and 223 can form a guide edge of the body 10. Following this angular coincidence, the body 10 is guided in translation only, since the inner edges 231, 232 and 233 of the rollers respectively belong to the planes. P 231 , P 232 and P 233 corresponding to the faces 121, 122 and 123 of the prism formed by the body 10.

Les projection orthogonales I231, I232 et I233 des arêtes internes respectives 231, 232 et 233 des rouleaux 221, 222 et 223 sur un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X2-X'2 ont des longueurs supérieures à celles des côtés de la base triangulaire du prisme, afin que les arêtes distales 124, 125 et 126 arrivent au contact d'une génératrice des rouleaux 221, 222 et 223 quelque soit l'orientation initiale du corps 10.The orthogonal projections I 231 , I 232 and I 233 of the respective inner edges 231, 232 and 233 of the rollers 221, 222 and 223 on a plane perpendicular to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 have lengths greater than those of the sides of the the triangular base of the prism, so that the distal edges 124, 125 and 126 come into contact with a generatrix of the rollers 221, 222 and 223 whatever the initial orientation of the body 10.

Dès qu'ils coopèrent avec le corps 10, les rouleaux 221, 222 et 223 tournent autour de leurs axes respectifs ce qui contribue à diminuer les frottements et donc à assurer la durabilité du dispositif.As soon as they cooperate with the body 10, the rollers 221, 222 and 223 rotate around their respective axes, which contributes to reducing the friction and thus to ensuring the durability of the device.

Par ailleurs, comme le montrent les figures 4 à 7, l'élément mâle 1 comporte des organes terminaux 101, 102 et 103 conducteurs reliés au câble électrique C1. Le corps 10 forme un logement pour les organes terminaux 101, 102 et 103. Les organes terminaux 101, 102 et 103 sont disposés successivement le long de l'axe X1-X'1 et autour d'une colonne 107 qui s'étend à l'intérieur et au centre du corps 10 et le long de l'axe X1-X'1.Moreover, as shown by Figures 4 to 7 , the male element 1 comprises end members 101, 102 and 103 conductors connected to the electrical cable C 1 . The body 10 forms a housing for the end members 101, 102 and 103. The end members 101, 102 and 103 are arranged successively along the axis X 1 -X ' 1 and around a column 107 which extends inside and in the center of the body 10 and along the axis X 1 -X ' 1 .

De même, l'élément femelle 2 comporte des composants terminaux 201, 202 et 203 conducteurs reliés au câble électrique C2. Les composants terminaux 201, 202 et 203 sont logés à l'intérieur d'un boîtier 206 de forme cylindrique et d'axe X2-X'2. Les composants terminaux 201, 202 et 203 sont disposés successivement le long de l'axe X2-X'2. En outre, l'élément femelle 2 comporte un tube 207 qui s'étend à l'intérieur du boîtier 206 et qui est en l'occurrence co-axial à l'axe X2-X'2. Le tube 207 est adapté pour laisser passer, dans sa partie creuse, la chaîne de traction 240 laquelle peut être accrochée à l'anneau de fixation 140 situé à l'extrémité distale de la colonne 107.Similarly, the female element 2 comprises terminal components 201, 202 and 203 conductors connected to the electrical cable C 2 . The terminal components 201, 202 and 203 are housed inside a housing 206 of cylindrical shape and axis X 2 -X ' 2 . The terminal components 201, 202 and 203 are arranged successively along the axis X 2 -X ' 2 . In addition, the female element 2 comprises a tube 207 which extends inside the housing 206 and which is in this case coaxial with the axis X 2 -X ' 2 . The tube 207 is adapted to pass, in its hollow part, the pull chain 240 which can be attached to the fixing ring 140 located at the distal end of the column 107.

Les organes terminaux 101, 102 et 103 présentent chacun au moins une surface pour le contact électrique avec une surface complémentaire respective des composants terminaux 201, 202 et 203. En l'occurrence, comme le montrent les figures 4 à 7, les organes terminaux 101, 102 et 103 ont une forme annulaire avec une surface radiale externe pour le contact électrique de forme cylindrique et co-axiale à l'axe X1-X'1. De même, les composants terminaux 201, 202 et 203 ont une forme annulaire avec une surface radiale interne de forme cylindrique et coaxiale à l'axe X2-X'2.The end members 101, 102 and 103 each have at least one surface for electrical contact with a respective complementary surface of the terminal components 201, 202 and 203. In this case, as shown by the Figures 4 to 7 , the end members 101, 102 and 103 have an annular shape with an outer radial surface for the electrical contact of cylindrical shape and coaxial with the axis X 1 -X ' 1 . Likewise, the end components 201, 202 and 203 have an annular shape with an internal radial surface of cylindrical shape and coaxial with the axis X 2 -X ' 2 .

Le diamètre de la surface externe de chaque organe terminal 101, 102 ou 103 correspond sensiblement au diamètre de la surface radiale interne de chaque composant terminal 201, 202 ou 203, si bien que le contact électrique est réalisé au niveau de ces surfaces radiales interne et externe, lorsque le connecteur C est dans l'état connecté, tel que représenté aux figures 6 et 7.The diameter of the outer surface of each end member 101, 102 or 103 substantially corresponds to the diameter of the inner radial surface of each terminal component 201, 202 or 203, so that the electrical contact is made at these internal radial surfaces and external, when connector C is in the connected state, as shown in figures 6 and 7 .

D'une manière connue, le contact électrique peut être réalisé au moyen de lamelles conductrices dont la flexibilité suivant la direction radiale permet l'ajustement au jeu.In a known manner, the electrical contact can be achieved by means of conductive strips whose flexibility in the radial direction allows adjustment to the game.

Les trois organes terminaux 101, 102 et 103 de l'élément mâle 1 et les trois composants terminaux 201, 202 et 203 de l'élément femelle 2 sont destinés à l'interconnexion des câbles électriques C1 et C2.The three end members 101, 102 and 103 of the male element 1 and the three terminal components 201, 202 and 203 of the female element 2 are intended for the interconnection of the electrical cables C 1 and C 2 .

L'organe terminal 103 est destiné à une connexion électrique de type triphasé. Comme le montre la figure 7, il est en fait composé de trois secteurs annulaires 103A, 103B et 103C, lesquels correspondent chacun à une phase du câble triphasé C1. De même, le composant terminal 203 est en fait composé de trois secteurs annulaires 203A, 203B et 203C, lesquels correspondent chacun à une phase du câble triphasé C2.The terminal member 103 is for a three-phase electrical connection. As shown in figure 7 it is in fact composed of three annular sectors 103A, 103B and 103C, each of which corresponds to a phase of the three-phase cable C 1 . Similarly, the terminal component 203 is in fact composed of three annular sectors 203A, 203B and 203C, which each correspond to a phase of the three-phase cable C 2 .

Lorsque le corps 10 est correctement orienté autour de l'axe X2-X'2, les surfaces correspondantes de l'organe terminal 103 et du composant terminal 203 sont mises en contact. Les organes terminaux 101, 102 et les composants terminaux 201 et 202 peuvent quant à eux servir à transmettre des signaux entre le navire et le terminal d'une installation portuaire.When the body 10 is correctly oriented about the axis X 2 -X ' 2 , the corresponding surfaces of the end member 103 and the terminal component 203 are brought into contact. The end members 101, 102 and the components terminals 201 and 202 can in turn serve to transmit signals between the ship and the terminal of a port facility.

Dans la mesure où les rouleaux 221, 222 et 223 guident le corps 10 au cours de la connexion des éléments mâle 1 et femelle 2, les rouleaux 221, 222 et 223 sont montés, dans le réceptacle 20, entre la chambre de guidage 205 et les composants terminaux 201, 202 et 203, suivant la direction longitudinale X2-X'2. Ainsi, les rouleaux 221, 222 et 223 donnent au corps 10 une orientation angulaire en vue de l'interconnexion de l'organe terminal 103 avec le composant terminal 203.Insofar as the rollers 221, 222 and 223 guide the body 10 during the connection of the male 1 and female 2 elements, the rollers 221, 222 and 223 are mounted, in the receptacle 20, between the guide chamber 205 and the end components 201, 202 and 203, in the longitudinal direction X 2 -X ' 2 . Thus, the rollers 221, 222 and 223 give the body 10 an angular orientation for interconnection of the end member 103 with the terminal component 203.

Comme le montrent les figures 6 et 7, le boîtier 206, de forme cylindrique peut s'emboîter avec la partie centrale correspondante du corps 10. Le corps 10 et le boîtier 206 présentent chacun une ouverture distale pour permettre, lors de leur emboîtement mutuel, des contacts électriques respectivement entre les organes terminaux 101, 102 et 103 et les composants terminaux 201, 202 et 203.As shown by figures 6 and 7 , the housing 206, of cylindrical shape can fit with the corresponding central portion of the body 10. The body 10 and the housing 206 each have a distal opening to allow, when mutually interlocking, electrical contacts respectively between the terminal members 101, 102 and 103 and the terminal components 201, 202 and 203.

Pour assurer l'étanchéité du logement où se trouvent les organes terminaux 101, 102 et 103, vis-à-vis de l'eau de mer et/ou de gaz constituant une atmosphère explosible, l'élément mâle 1 comporte une rondelle 108 qui est montée autour d'un collet distal de la colonne 107, de façon à obturer l'ouverture distale du corps 10.To ensure the tightness of the housing where the end members 101, 102 and 103 are located, with respect to the seawater and / or gas constituting an explosive atmosphere, the male element 1 comprises a washer 108 which is mounted around a neck distal of the column 107, so as to close the distal opening of the body 10.

Au cours de la connexion illustrée par les figures 5 et 6, la rondelle 108 est mobile à l'intérieur du corps 10 à l'encontre d'un ressort hélicoïdal 109 travaillant en compression. Le ressort 109 est monté co-axial à l'axe X1-X'1, autour de la colonne 107 et au sein d'une paroi cylindrique du corps 10. Le ressort 109 constitue un moyen de rappel de la rondelle 108 en position obturée, telle qu'illustré à la figure 4. Dans cette position, la face distale 120 du corps 10 est plane et lisse, ce qui évite la rétention de liquide susceptible de s'introduire au niveau des contacts électriques au cours de la connexion. Par lisse on entend une surface sans relief ni aspérité, donc sans zone de rétention de liquide.During the connection illustrated by the Figures 5 and 6 , the washer 108 is movable inside the body 10 against a helical spring 109 working in compression. The spring 109 is mounted co-axially to the axis X 1 -X ' 1 , around the column 107 and within a cylindrical wall of the body 10. The spring 109 constitutes a return means of the washer 108 in position as shown in figure 4 . In this position, the distal face 120 of the body 10 is flat and smooth, which avoids the retention of liquid that can be introduced at the level of the electrical contacts during the connection. By smooth means a surface without relief or asperity, so without a liquid retention zone.

Le collet distal de la colonne 107 occupe la région centrale de l'ouverture distale du corps 10, définissant ainsi une ouverture globalement annulaire à section circulaire.The distal collar of the column 107 occupies the central region of the distal opening of the body 10, thereby defining a generally circular annular opening.

De même, l'élément femelle 2 comporte un ensemble d'obturation de l'ouverture distale du boîtier 206, de façon à maintenir étanche le logement des composants terminaux 201, 202 et 203 vis-à-vis de l'eau de mer et/ou de gaz constituant une atmosphère explosible. Cet ensemble d'obturation est formé par un collet distal du tube 207 qui coïncide avec une collerette annulaire 211 formant la partie distale du boîtier 206. Le tube 207 est monté mobile à l'intérieur du boîtier 206, suivant l'axe X2-X'2 et à l'encontre d'un ressort hélicoïdal 209 travaillant en compression. Le ressort 209 est monté co-axial à l'axe X2-X'2 et autour du tube 207, de façon à rappeler le tube 207, donc son collet distal, en position obturée, tel qu'illustré à la figure 4.Similarly, the female element 2 comprises a shutter assembly of the distal opening of the housing 206, so as to keep the housing of the terminal components 201, 202 and 203 with respect to seawater and / or gas constituting an explosive atmosphere. This closure assembly is formed by a distal collar of the tube 207 which coincides with an annular flange 211 forming the distal portion of the housing 206. The tube 207 is mounted movably inside the housing 206, along the axis X 2 - X ' 2 and against a helical spring 209 working in compression. The spring 209 is mounted co-axially to the axis X 2 -X ' 2 and around the tube 207, so as to return the tube 207, thus its distal collar, in the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. figure 4 .

Au cours de la connexion de l'élément mâle 1 dans l'élément femelle 2, le collet distal 111 de la colonne 107 arrive en contact avec le collet distal du tube 207 (figure 5), puis repousse le tube 207 à l'encontre du ressort 209, jusqu'à ce que les organes terminaux 101, 102 et 103 entrent en contact avec les composants terminaux 201, 202 et 203 (figure 6). Inversement, la collerette distale 211 du boîtier 206 repousse la rondelle 108 à l'intérieur du corps 110 et à l'encontre du ressort 109. Lors de la déconnexion, les pièces mobiles suivent un mouvement opposé, jusqu'à l'obturation étanche des ouvertures distales respectives du corps 10 et du boîtier 206.During the connection of the male element 1 in the female element 2, the distal collar 111 of the column 107 comes into contact with the distal collar of the tube 207 ( figure 5 ), then pushes the tube 207 against the spring 209, until the end members 101, 102 and 103 come into contact with the terminal components 201, 202 and 203 ( figure 6 ). Conversely, the distal flange 211 of the housing 206 pushes the washer 108 inside the body 110 and against the spring 109. During the disconnection, the moving parts follow an opposite movement, until the sealing is closed. respective distal openings of the body 10 and the housing 206.

Un connecteur conforme à l'invention, qui comprend un élément mâle et un élément femelle conforme à l'invention, permet donc un guidage simple et efficace de l'élément mâle dans l'élément femelle en vue de l'interconnexion de câbles de puissance électrique. Les éléments du connecteur sont de construction relativement simple et peu onéreuse. De plus, la révolution de l'élément mâle est limitée à un angle maximal de 60°, avant que cet élément mâle n'adopte une orientation angulaire convenable pour la connexion. Une telle révolution partielle limite la torsion que subissent les câbles de puissance électrique à relier, ce qui augmente leur durée de vie ainsi que celle des pièces qui les relient aux éléments mâle et femelle.A connector according to the invention, which comprises a male element and a female element according to the invention, thus allows a simple and effective guidance of the male element in the female element for the purpose of interconnecting power cables. electric. The connector elements are of relatively simple construction and inexpensive. In addition, the revolution of the male element is limited to a maximum angle of 60 °, before this male element adopts a suitable angular orientation for the connection. Such a partial revolution limits the torsion experienced by the electric power cables to be connected, which increases their service life and that of the parts that connect them to the male and female elements.

L'invention a été décrite ici avec un corps d'élément mâle présentant des arêtes distales 124, 125 et 126 rectilignes. Alternativement, ces arêtes distales peuvent être convexes lorsqu'elles résultent de l'intersection des faces longitudinales avec une face distale convexe ou bombée. Avantageusement, cette face distale présente une surface lisse, donc sans aspérité ni relief susceptible de former une zone de rétention de liquide. Par ailleurs, la présente invention peut également être appliquée à l'interconnexion de câbles électriques à quatre phases. Dans ce cas, le corps de l'élément mâle a la forme d'un prisme à base carrée.The invention has been described herein with a male member body having straight distal edges 124, 125 and 126. Alternatively, these distal edges may be convex when they result from the intersection of the longitudinal faces with a convex or curved distal face. Advantageously, this distal face has a smooth surface, so without any roughness or relief capable of forming a liquid retention zone. Moreover, the present invention can also be applied to the interconnection of four-phase electrical cables. In this case, the body of the male element has the shape of a square-based prism.

En variante, l'élément mâle du connecteur peut être relié à un navire, alors que l'élément femelle est relié à un terminal portuaire.Alternatively, the male element of the connector may be connected to a ship, while the female element is connected to a port terminal.

Claims (13)

  1. A female connector (C) element (2) intended to engage with a complementary male connector (C) element (1) for the interconnection of electrical power cables (C1, C2), in particular between a ship and a terminal, the female element (2) having at least one electrically conductive terminal component (201, 202, 203) and a receptacle (20) intended to receive a body (10) of said male element (1) and extending in a longitudinal direction (X2-X'2), the female element (2) having a proximal part (210) designed to receive an electrical power cable (C2) in order to electrically power the or each terminal component (201, 202, 203), the receptacle (20) including a chamber (205) for guiding said body (10) translationally in said longitudinal direction (X2-X'2), and also at least one guide edge (231, 232, 233) designed to guide said body (10) in rotation about a longitudinal axis (X1-X'1) of said body (10), the or each guide edge (231, 232, 233) being located, in said longitudinal direction (X2-X'2), between said guide chamber (205) and the or each terminal component (201, 202, 203), the female element (2) being characterized in that said guide chamber (205) is in the form of a cylinder having a circular base, said circular base being defined by a circle approximately circumscribed about a triangular base of said body (10) of the male element (1), which is approximately in the form of a prism having an equilateral triangular base, and in that the or each guide edge (231, 232, 233) extends in a plane (P231, P232, P233) parallel to the axis (X2-X'2) of said cylinder, intersecting said cylinder and spaced apart from the axis (X2-X'2) of said cylinder by a distance (d231, d232, d233) corresponding approximately to the apothem of said triangular base, the or each guide edge (231, 232, 233) extending, furthermore, in a direction (Y221, Y222, Y223) inclined with respect to the axis (X2-X'2) of said cylinder at an angle (α231, α232, α233) of between 30° and 80°, preferably between 50° and 70°.
  2. The female connector (C) element (2) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it furthermore comprises at least one cylindrical roller (221, 222, 223), the or each roller (221, 222, 223) being mounted such that it can rotate with respect to said receptacle (20), the inner generatrix (231, 232, 233) of the or each roller (221, 222, 223) being able to form the or each guide edge (231, 232, 233).
  3. The female connector (C) element (2) as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that it comprises three rollers (221, 222, 223) defining three guide edges (231, 232, 233) extending in three different planes (P231, P232, P233) parallel to the axis (X2-X'2) of said cylinder, the three planes (P231, P232, P233) forming, in section through a plane perpendicular to the axis (X2-X'2) of said cylinder, a triangle corresponding approximately to said triangular base.
  4. The female connector (C) element (2) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it furthermore comprises a case (206) forming a housing for the or each terminal component (201, 202, 203).
  5. The female connector (C) element (2) as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that it furthermore comprises a tube (207) extending inside the case (206), said tube (207) being suitable for holding a traction means such as a chain (240) or a cable, and in that at least one terminal component (201, 202, 203) has surfaces in the form of annular sectors (201A, 201B, 201C) for electrical contact with the or each terminal member (101, 102, 103).
  6. The female connector (C) element (2) as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the case (206) has a distal opening, in that the distal end of the tube (207) is equipped with a flange for closing off said distal opening, said tube (207) being able to move translationally along the axis (X2-X'2) of said cylinder, and in that the female element (2) has a member (209) for returning said tube (207) to the closed-off position.
  7. A connector (C) for the interconnection of electrical power cables, in particular between a ship and a terminal, including a male element (1) and a female element (2), characterized in that said female element (2) is as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, in that said male element (1) has at least one electrically conductive terminal member (101, 102, 103) and a body (10) forming a housing for the or each terminal member (101, 102, 103), in that the male element (1) has a proximal part (110) designed to take an electrical power cable (C1) in order to electrically power the or each terminal member (101, 102, 103), in that said body (10) is approximately in the form of a prism having an equilateral triangular base, and in that the or each terminal member (101, 102, 103) and the or each terminal component (201, 202, 203) have respectively complementary forms.
  8. The connector (C) as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the body (10) of the male element (1) has a distal face (120) which is generally perpendicular to the axis (X1-X'1) of said prism, said face (120) defining at least one rectilinear or convex distal edge (124, 125, 126) with a face (121, 122, 123) of said prism.
  9. The connector (C) as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the male element (1) furthermore comprises a column (107) extending inside the body (10) and along the axis (X1-X'1) of the prism, in that the or each terminal member (101, 102, 103) is mounted on said column (107), and in that at least one terminal member (101, 102, 103) has at least one surface in the form of an annular sector for electrical contact with the or each terminal component (201, 202, 203) of said female element (2).
  10. The connector (C) as claimed in one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the body (10) has a distal opening, in that the male element (1) has means (108) for closing off said distal opening, said closing-off means (108) being able to move inside the body (10), and in that the male element (1) has means (109) for returning said closing-off means (108) to the closed-off position.
  11. The connector (C) as claimed in claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the distal end (111) of the column (107) is located in the central region of said distal opening and defines a generally annular opening, in that the closing-off means comprise a washer (108) having the form of said annular distal opening, said washer (108) being able to slide along the axis (X1-X'1) of the prism, and in that said return means include a helical spring (109) worming in compression in the direction of the axis (X1-X'1).
  12. The connector (C) as claimed in one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the distal face (12) of the body (10) has a smooth surface having a planar or convex form.
  13. The connector (C) as claimed in one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that said column (107) comprises a fastening member (140) for attaching a traction means such as a chain (240) or a cable.
EP09728747A 2008-03-12 2009-03-11 Female connector element and connector including same Active EP2260545B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0851613A FR2928787B1 (en) 2008-03-12 2008-03-12 FEMALE CONNECTOR ELEMENT AND CONNECTOR COMPRISING SUCH A FEMALE ELEMENT
PCT/FR2009/050398 WO2009122055A2 (en) 2008-03-12 2009-03-11 Female connector element and connector including same

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2260545A2 EP2260545A2 (en) 2010-12-15
EP2260545B1 true EP2260545B1 (en) 2011-10-12

Family

ID=39820992

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09728747A Active EP2260545B1 (en) 2008-03-12 2009-03-11 Female connector element and connector including same

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US8210859B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2260545B1 (en)
KR (1) KR101587981B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101999196B (en)
AT (1) ATE528829T1 (en)
FR (1) FR2928787B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2009122055A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9549598B2 (en) 2010-10-12 2017-01-24 Treefrog Developments, Inc. Housing for encasing an electronic device
JP6171149B2 (en) 2010-12-01 2017-08-02 プレイザン カーボン コンポジティーズ,インコーポレイテッド Method and system for forming composite articles
KR20140053143A (en) 2011-07-28 2014-05-07 플라산 카본 컴포짓, 인코포레이티드 Thermal system and method for rapidly forming composite articles
US9175795B2 (en) 2012-05-29 2015-11-03 Parker-Hannifin Corporation Coupling with locking bars
US9398365B2 (en) 2013-03-22 2016-07-19 Otter Products, Llc Earphone assembly
US9300078B2 (en) 2013-08-23 2016-03-29 Otter Products, Llc Waterproof housing for mobile electronic device and waterproof adapter for accessory device
US9620886B1 (en) * 2013-10-15 2017-04-11 Google Inc. Electrical connector with recessed contact and socket for receiving electrical connector
US9577697B2 (en) 2015-05-27 2017-02-21 Otter Products, Llc Protective case with stylus access feature
US9960521B2 (en) 2016-02-24 2018-05-01 Otter Products, Llc Connector for fluidly sealing an aperture of a protective case
WO2018005508A1 (en) * 2016-06-27 2018-01-04 Ideas to Action, LLC Mounting assembly for an electrical fixture
WO2023097247A1 (en) * 2021-11-23 2023-06-01 Manly Joseph A Energy transmitting stud-and-socket releasable fastening system

Family Cites Families (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1137294A (en) 1966-04-07 1968-12-18 Int Standard Electric Corp Electrical connector having a bayonet type fastening
US4610564A (en) * 1984-10-03 1986-09-09 Compagnie Deutsch Device for guiding and locking the coupling of a connector
AT396761B (en) * 1991-03-11 1993-11-25 Voest Alpine Ind Anlagen PLANT WITH A RAILWAYED CABIN VEHICLE
KR970054461U (en) * 1996-03-26 1997-10-13 LCD Glass Carrying Manual Balance
US5718602A (en) * 1996-07-31 1998-02-17 Duraline, A Division Of J.B. Nottingham Co., Inc. Suspension connector assembly for multiple pin electrical connector
US6435903B1 (en) * 2000-10-19 2002-08-20 Eric L. Nelson Electrical outlet fixture recessible in a housing
US6716048B2 (en) * 2001-03-14 2004-04-06 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Coupling mechanism for electrical connectors
NL1021114C2 (en) * 2001-08-09 2003-04-18 Honda Motor Co Ltd Loading system for a motor-driven vehicle with small dimensions.
US6802730B2 (en) * 2002-08-13 2004-10-12 Rhine Electronic Co., Ltd. Separation device of an electronic stabilizer body and a fixing seat
FR2861159B1 (en) * 2003-10-17 2007-05-11 Staubli Sa Ets RAPID CONNECTION FOR REMOVABLE JOINING OF TWO PIPES AND USE OF SUCH A CONNECTION
FR2865259B1 (en) * 2004-01-20 2006-04-21 Staubli Sa Ets QUICK COUPLING AND METHOD OF DISINKING THE MALE AND FEMALE ELEMENTS OF SUCH A FITTING
US6884103B1 (en) * 2004-02-04 2005-04-26 Light Sources, Inc. Secure lamp base and socket
US7029303B2 (en) * 2004-05-27 2006-04-18 Amphenol Corporation Hermaphroditic handle socket assembly and pin assembly
TWM266609U (en) * 2004-07-16 2005-06-01 Hon Hai Prec Ind Co Ltd Electrical connector assembly
DE102005001515B4 (en) * 2005-01-13 2008-01-31 Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics Gmbh Electrical connector
FR2881279A1 (en) * 2005-01-25 2006-07-28 Legrand France Anti-pulling accessory for electrical wire, has housing receiving electrical wire loop comprising central part situated under rollers and ends maintained by rollers which present knurled surface
FR2899029B1 (en) * 2006-03-21 2008-06-27 Snecma Sa DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING AN ELECTRICAL POWER LINE BETWEEN A SHIP AND A TERMINAL
US7726999B2 (en) * 2007-12-21 2010-06-01 Van-System S.R.L. Electrical connector set

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2928787A1 (en) 2009-09-18
WO2009122055A2 (en) 2009-10-08
WO2009122055A3 (en) 2009-11-26
FR2928787B1 (en) 2012-06-22
ATE528829T1 (en) 2011-10-15
CN101999196A (en) 2011-03-30
KR101587981B1 (en) 2016-01-25
CN101999196B (en) 2013-11-06
KR20110015509A (en) 2011-02-16
US20110263144A1 (en) 2011-10-27
US8210859B2 (en) 2012-07-03
EP2260545A2 (en) 2010-12-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2260545B1 (en) Female connector element and connector including same
EP2048425B1 (en) Female connection element and connection including such a female element
EP0099805B1 (en) Assembly for an electrical connection through a conduit made up of several elements
EP2324534B1 (en) Connection device between an electrical cable and a conducting structure, especially for a current return circuit
FR2758662A1 (en) MOBILE CONTACT COAXIAL ELECTRIC CONNECTOR ELEMENT AND COAXIAL ELECTRIC CONNECTOR INCLUDING SUCH A CONNECTOR ELEMENT
EP2752946B1 (en) Electrical connector with automatic engagement
FR2580121A1 (en)
FR2820489A1 (en) SUPPLY CONNECTION DEVICE FOR A FLUID PRESSURE SYSTEM
FR2487478A1 (en) ORIENTABLE CONNECTOR
EP3217484B1 (en) Electric connector
EP2024219A1 (en) System for locking a first shaft with respect to a second shaft eliminating clearances between said shafts
EP2587109B1 (en) Connecting device
FR2510822A1 (en) COUPLING NUT FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
FR2950278A1 (en) GRIPPING TOOL
EP2486298B1 (en) Coupling device for transmitting torque
EP3670992A1 (en) Female connection element and fluid connector including a male connection element and said female connection element
FR2690569A1 (en) Mechanically interlocking push-pull electrical connector - has ball on sleeve of one connector moving radially into groove in second connector to be latched by spring-loaded locking ring.
EP1020677B1 (en) Connector assembly
EP0500466A2 (en) Shutting device for the contact cavity of an electrical or optical connector
EP0274948B1 (en) Insulation displacement connector for a monoconductor cable
FR2654798A1 (en) Tool for fitting an end-fitting at one end of a tube
EP0586359B1 (en) Automatic disengagement of plugs inserted in electrical sockets
FR2527015A1 (en) Demountable cylindrical connector for single-core cable - has male and female sections which join in snap-action push-fit which can be disconnected without special tool
EP0124430A1 (en) Remotely releasable coupling device
EP0058580B1 (en) Electrical connector with simple locking means

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20100916

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA RS

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602009003073

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20111215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NO

Ref legal event code: T2

Effective date: 20111012

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20111012

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20111012

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 528829

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20111012

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120212

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120213

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120113

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120112

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20120713

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: STAUBLI FAVERGES

Effective date: 20120331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120331

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602009003073

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20120713

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602009003073

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20121002

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120331

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120123

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130331

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111012

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120311

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090311

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121002

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Payment date: 20230329

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230327

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230327

Year of fee payment: 15