EP0945935A1 - Device for electrical supply as well as a marine propulsion and steering assembly containing above device - Google Patents

Abstract

Power supply device between two elements (1, 3) capable of being displaced relative to each other, a first element (3) comprising several conductive tracks (4) each track being electrically connected to a terminal (5 ) electrical carried by the second element (1), characterized in that the electrical connection between each track and the corresponding terminal is made by at least one clamp (20) formed by two blades (21, 22) arranged on the side and other of said terminal, said blades being provided with means (24-26) of elastic load (F) in the direction of said terminal and / or of said track. A propellant and steering assembly for a ship or a supply assembly for an electrode for an arc furnace incorporate such a power supply device. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a power supply device electric between elements able to be moved one by relation to the other, in particular a fixed chassis and a structure or a mobile crew.

Such a device is applicable in several technical fields, in particular to supply current to a load, such as an electric motor, supported by a structure mobile.

In particular, in the field of shipbuilding, there are assemblies installed under the hull of a ship and comprising a motor for rotating a propeller propulsion of a ship, this assembly being capable of pivot around a substantially vertical axis in order to orient the propeller so as to determine the direction of progression of the ship. This set contributes to propulsion and steering of the ship. Considering the tonnage of current vessels, a such an assembly must be capable of being supplied electrically with a high power, without misalignment of its component parts, which can be large, do not disturb the electrical connection. Otherwise, this connection must take place while the assembly located under the ship is likely to rotate more of a turn around its axis.

Another field of application of the invention is that of the production of electricity by wind turbine, because the whole constituted by the head of the wind turbine must be able to operate, in depending on the wind direction, a rotational movement around a substantially vertical axis.

The invention is also applicable to the field of armament, in particular for the electrical supply of a tank turret, to that of the production of metal sheets by electroplating on a rotating drum in an electrolyte, and that of the coating, zinc plating or lacquering, using electrostatic phenomena between two electrodes rotated.

Finally, the invention is applicable to the food sector electric of an electrode for an arc furnace, for example a plasma oven, used in particular for destruction thermal trash. Such a movable electrode must be supplied with current from a fixed chassis, while it is susceptible to large amplitude translational movements.

It is known to use graphite-based brushes for ensuring electrical contact between a fixed part and a part mobile. These brushes are effective over a range of temperatures relatively narrow operating, so they are only not necessarily suitable for severe outdoor conditions as they may exist in the fields of application mentioned above. The contact between these brushes and the or the parts with which they are in sliding contact is of a nature such as the density of the current, i.e. the amperage per unit of contact area is limited. The electrical power transmitted by this type of contact is therefore relatively small, except for space contacts important. In addition, in known systems comprising a contact with a graphite broom, the resistivity of the contact is such that it generates a large drop in voltage, i.e. parasitic consumption and risk of overheating.

In addition, graphite brushes can adhere in their cage and / or on the part of which they are not integral. This phenomenon, commonly called "bonding", occurs in particular when the moving parts are immobilized during a relatively long period of time, while a current electric goes through the contact made with the brush. This bonding has the effect of increasing the torque or thrust necessary for setting in motion, or even damaging the times the broom and the surface with which it must have a sliding contact, which causes an increase in contact resistivity and overheating detrimental to good functioning of the whole. To avoid these problems, we have could consider permanently animating the moving sets of a movement of small amplitude intended to avoid the sticking of broom. This movement consumes energy, requires the oversizing of the drive members and induces a degradation of the total energy efficiency of the system since a part of the energy should be spent on setting perpetual movement of the mobile part of the device.

Finally, known systems do not easily tolerate tolerances dimensions of the parts planned to carry out the electrical contacts. Now, these pieces can be large dimensions, in particular in the applications envisaged above, so they have to be done with a very high precision to avoid contact faults. This also increases the cost price of the device incorporating these parts.

It is to these disadvantages that we hear more particularly remedy the invention, by proposing a connection device electric of the aforementioned type in which tolerances normal dimensions are acceptable for parts constituting the electrical connection, while the risks bonding or heating are significantly reduced.

In this spirit, the invention relates to a device power supply between two elements capable of being moved relative to each other, a first element comprising several conductive tracks, each track being electrically connected to an electrical terminal carried by the second element, characterized in that the electrical connection between each track and the corresponding terminal is made by at least one clamp formed by two blades arranged on the side and on the other side of the terminal, these blades being provided with means for elastic load towards the bollard and / or the track.

The conductive clips of the invention advantageously replace known brushes and devices without presenting any the inconvenients. The fact that the blades are loaded elastically towards the track and the terminal allows you to stay in electrical contact with these elements, included in the event of misalignment.

• le second élément est un châssis fixe alors que le premier élément est une structure mobile en rotation autour d'un axe fixe par rapport au châssis, les pistes étant annulaires et centrées sur cet axe ;
• le premier élément est un châssis fixe et le second élément est un équipage mobile en translation parallèlement à la direction principale des pistes qui sont globalement rectilignes et parallèles entre elles ;
• chaque lame porte, sur sa face en regard de la piste, au moins un plot apte à exercer un contact glissant sur cette piste ;
• chaque lame porte, sur sa face en regard de ladite borne, au moins un plot apte à exercer un contact sur la borne, les contacts entre les plots des lames de la pince formant, en coupe perpendiculaire à la piste et à la borne, un quadrilatère articulé supportant les moyens de charge élastique ;
• la liaison électrique comprend plusieurs pinces juxtaposées, chaque pince étant pourvue de moyens individuels de charge élastique ;
• les plots destinés à coopérer avec la piste sont disposés en regard de circonférences distinctes sur la piste ;
• les lames des pinces d'une même liaison électrique ont sensiblement toutes la même impédance ;
• la piste est métallique, notamment en cuivre éventuellement revêtu d'argent, alors que le plot en contact avec la piste est également métallique, notamment en cuivre ou en argent ;
• chaque piste est reliée électriquement à une barre conductrice disposée, dans sa plus grande partie, selon une direction globale parallèle à l'axe fixe, chaque barre s'étendant jusqu'à proximité d'une extrémité de la structure mobile ;
• les extrémités des barres conductrices reliées aux pistes sont réparties selon une configuration globalement hélicoïdale centrée sur l'axe fixe ;
• la structure mobile, les pistes et les barres forment un ensemble rigide apte à être entraíné en rotation autour de l'axe fixe, par sa base et/ou sa partie supérieure ;
• les bornes associées aux pistes sont réparties alternativement en au moins deux colonnes fixes par rapport au châssis, ces bornes étant séparées par des entretoises isolantes.

According to advantageous aspects of the invention, the device incorporates one or more of the following characteristics:

• the second element is a fixed frame while the first element is a structure movable in rotation about an axis fixed relative to the frame, the tracks being annular and centered on this axis;
• the first element is a fixed frame and the second element is an assembly movable in translation parallel to the main direction of the tracks which are generally rectilinear and parallel to each other;
• each blade carries, on its face opposite the track, at least one stud capable of exerting sliding contact on this track;
• each blade carries, on its face opposite said terminal, at least one stud capable of exerting contact on the terminal, the contacts between the studs of the pliers of the clamp forming, in section perpendicular to the track and to the terminal, a articulated quadrilateral supporting the elastic load means;
• the electrical connection comprises several juxtaposed clamps, each clamp being provided with individual means of elastic load;
• the studs intended to cooperate with the track are arranged opposite distinct circumferences on the track;
• the blades of the clamps of the same electrical connection have substantially all the same impedance;
• the track is metallic, in particular copper possibly coated with silver, while the stud in contact with the track is also metallic, in particular copper or silver;
• each track is electrically connected to a conductive bar disposed, for the most part, in a global direction parallel to the fixed axis, each bar extending near to one end of the mobile structure;
• the ends of the busbars connected to the tracks are distributed in a generally helical configuration centered on the fixed axis;
• the mobile structure, the tracks and the bars form a rigid assembly able to be rotated about the fixed axis, by its base and / or its upper part;
• the terminals associated with the tracks are alternately distributed in at least two columns fixed relative to the chassis, these terminals being separated by insulating spacers.

The invention also relates to a propulsion unit and ship director including a supply device electric as previously described. This propellant assembly allows an efficient transfer of energy to a group of propulsion and steering of the ship while it should not be artificially rotated to avoid risk of sticking.

The invention finally relates to a power supply assembly an electrode for an electric arc furnace as previously described. Such a system allows a transfer energy efficient while the electrode moves can be of great amplitude.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un premier dispositif conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en élévation du dispositif de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une coupe selon la ligne III-III à la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 est une coupe longitudinale, à plus grande échelle, du détail IV à la figure 2 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de dessus du dispositif de la figure 4 ;
• la figure 6 est une représentation schématique du principe d'articulation d'une pince de l'invention ;
• la figure 7 est une représentation schématique en perspective de la répartition spatiale des barres conductrices associées aux pistes annulaires du dispositif des figures 1 à 5 ;
• la figure 8 est une vue de dessus d'un second dispositif conforme à l'invention et
• la figure 9 est une coupe partielle selon la ligne IX-IX à la figure 8.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of two embodiments of an electrical connection device in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first device according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is an elevational view of the device of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a section along line III-III in Figure 2;
• Figure 4 is a longitudinal section, on a larger scale, of detail IV in Figure 2;
• Figure 5 is a top view of the device of Figure 4;
• Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the principle of articulation of a clamp of the invention;
• Figure 7 is a schematic perspective representation of the spatial distribution of the conductive bars associated with the annular tracks of the device of Figures 1 to 5;
• FIG. 8 is a top view of a second device according to the invention and
• FIG. 9 is a partial section along the line IX-IX in FIG. 8.

The connection or electrical supply device shown in Figure 1 is intended for supplying current from a ship's powertrain located in a set of drive and orientation of the propeller of a ship.

This device comprises a chassis 1 intended to be fixed relative to the not shown hull of the ship. This frame is formed of several feet 1a supporting a base plate 1b. In the plate 1b is disposed a bearing 2 centered around an axis XX 'fixed relative to the frame 1. On the bearing 2 is mounted, free to rotate about the axis XX', a structure 3 intended to be rendered secured to an electric orientation motor which is not shown.

Structure 3 has several annular tracks electrically conductive 4 centered on the axis XX 'and arranged in planes generally perpendicular to this axis. The chassis 1, meanwhile, carries terminals 5 in the form of number of plates equal to that of tracks 4. Each terminal 5 is supplied with an electric current phase thanks to a cable 6. For clarity of the drawing, only a few cables 6 have have been represented in FIG. 1. The terminals 5 are distributed in two columns A and B and separated from each other by spacers insulators 7. Terminals 5 are arranged alternately in each column A or B, this provision allowing to obtain a satisfactory compactness of the chassis 1 while authorizing access to terminals 5 and to the elements they support or to which they are connected.

Tracks 4 are also separated by spacers insulating 8 while the lower part of the structure 3 is formed by a ring 9 on which is likely to come in engagement a device for driving in rotation of the structure 3 around the axis XX '. The training device could also be engaged with a ring similar to the ring 9 and disposed in the upper part of the structure 3.

As can be seen more particularly from FIGS. 4 and 5, the electrical connection between each track 4 and the corresponding terminal 5 is produced by clamps 20 formed by two blades 21 and 22 arranged on either side of terminal 5 and s' extending on either side of track 4. We denote e ₅ the thickness of terminal 5, we denote e ₄ the thickness of track 4. As the thickness e ₅ is less than the thickness e ₄ , the blades 21 and 22 are each provided with a curvature or camber 21 a , 22 a making it possible to compensate for this difference in thicknesses, so that each blade 21 or 22 is generally parallel to the track 4, at its first end 21 b or 22 b , and at terminal 5, at its second end 21 c or 22 c . Reverse curvatures of the blades 21 and 22 could be provided if the thickness e ₅ of the terminal 5 was greater than the thickness e ₄ of the track 4. The blades 21 and 22 are mounted on the terminal 5 by means of a pin 23 crossing a blade, then terminal 5, then the other blade.

A rod 24 also passes through the two blades and the terminal 5. This rod is provided, at each of its ends, with springs 25 and 26 bearing on flanges 24 a and exerting directed thrust forces F on the blades 21 and 22 towards terminal 5. Thus, the ends 21b and 22b of the blades 21 and 22 are folded down in the direction of track 4, which guarantees effective electrical contact.

The possible thickness defects of track 4 are naturally compensated thanks to the opening and closing of the clamp 20 which tends to close under the effect of the forces F exerted by the springs 25 and 26.

Each blade 21 and 22 carries, respectively in the vicinity of its end 21 b or 22 b and on the side of track 4, a metal stud 27 or 28, for example made of copper or silver, intended to constitute the sliding electrical contact between each blade 21 or 22 and track 4. It would also be possible to provide that each blade 21 or 22 carries several studs 27 or 28 in order to make several sliding contacts in parallel.

Track 4 is also made of metal, for example in copper, possibly coated with silver, silver or in a metal alloy. Contact between track 4 and studs 27 and 28 is thus a metal / metal contact which induces a very low voltage drop. Indeed, the resistivity of the contact metal / metal of the entire device of the invention can be estimated on the order of micro-ohms, while the resistivity an equivalent device fitted with graphite contacts would be of the order of a milli-ohm, which would cause falls of much greater tension and overheating.

Each blade 21 and 22 carries, respectively near its end 21 c or 22 c and on its face directed towards the terminal 5, at least two contact pads 29 or 30, pressing against the terminal 5. As before, the contact thus produced is of the metal / metal type, since the terminal 5 is made of copper, silver or a metal alloy.

The spatial distribution of plots 27 and 29 which are arranged in a triangle in a plane parallel to that of the Figure 5 prevents possible tilting of the blade 21 around its greatest axis. The same is true of the distribution of pads 28 and 30 for blade 22.

In view of the above, the contacts between the studs, the track and the terminal can be modeled in the plan of figure 4, like an isosceles trapezoid articulated T, slightly open, the bases of which formed between pads 27 and 28 of a hand, 29 and 30 on the other hand, remain permanently parallel. This makes it possible to compress, under the effect of the springs 26 and 27, possible misalignments of track 4 by in relation to terminal 5, as shown diagrammatically, in solid lines and dashed lines in Figure 5.

Note that the rod 24 is mounted floating in a port 31 of terminal 5, allowing the springs to charge elastic bars 21 and 22 steadily, whatever whatever the configuration of the isosceles trapezoid T mentioned above. In indeed, the rod 24 and the springs 25 and 26 are supported only by blades 21 and 22 which constitute physically the trapezoid T, the rod 24 being simply guided in the orifice 31. Thus, the contact force between the pads 27 and 30 and the parts 4 and 5 remain substantially constant.

Other forms of quadrilateral are also possible in place of the trapezoid T.

In fact, the electrical connection between terminal 5 and track 4 comprises five clamps 20 distributed over the width of terminal 5, as shown in FIG. 5. These five clamps are arranged in such a way that the studs 27 and 28 that they comprise are located on circumferences C ₁ , C ₂ , C ₃ , C ₄ and C ₅ distinct on runway 4. This makes it possible to distribute the risks of wear on the surface of runway 4 and to keep the majority contacts in the event of a fault located on one of these circumferences.

Each clamp 20 has its own charging means elastic, i.e. a rod 24 and a pair of springs 25 and 26, so that variations in thickness of track 4 or the relative height of runway 4 and terminal 5, on the width of the five clamps 20, are individually compensated by each of these clips.

The blades 21 and 22 belonging to the clamps 20 are produced in the same material and have dimensions substantially identical, so that they have the same impedance, that is to say mainly the same current resistance which crosses them. This allows the power to be distributed evenly electric passing between each terminal 5 and each track 4 between the different clamps, without creating a path privileged in which the constraints would be concentrated electrical or mechanical. electrical or mechanical.

The device shown comprises thirteen tracks 4 and thirteen terminals 5 allowing thirteen phases to pass through electric which can be used by different loads, such as the propeller drive motor, the device of orientation of the assembly located under the hull of the ship, the control systems, etc. Of course, the number of tracks 4 and terminals 5 can be modified according to the uses, it being understood that it is advantageously kept equal or multiple of the number of electrical phases to be transmitted. The dimensions of tracks 4, terminals 5 and spacers 7 and 8 mainly depend on voltages and currents of use.

Each track 4 is connected to a conductive bar 41 ₁ to 41 ₁₃ disposed generally parallel to the axis XX 'and extending as close as possible to the ring 9. These bars 41 can be connected to electrical terminals 46 of which only some have been shown in Figure 2 for clarity thereof. In its upper part 41a, each bar 41 is generally parallel to the plate 4 on which it is mounted. It is then bent at approximately 90 ° to form a rectilinear strip 41b which extends parallel to the axis XX 'up to a lower end 41c . The bars 41 have been numbered in ascending order, from the bar connected to track 4 closest to the ring 9 to the bar connected to track 4 most distant.

As is more clearly apparent from FIGS. 3 and 6, the upper parts 41 has bars 41 are distributed regularly around the axis XX ′, in a configuration avoiding the risks of electrical interference or overheating.

The eight bars 41 ₁ to 41 ₈ of the eight lower tracks 4 are angularly distributed with an angular difference α equal to approximately 45 °. The upper parts 41a of the four bars 41 ₉ to 41 ₁₂ situated above the previous ones are longer than the parts 41 a of the bars 41 ₁ to 41 ₈ , so that the vertical parts 41 b of the bars 41 ₉ to 41 ₁₂ are arranged closer to the axis XX ′, extending in the direction of the ring 9. The angular difference between the bars 41 ₉ to 41 ₁₂ is denoted β. This angular deviation is of the order of 90 °. Finally, two bars 41 ₁₃ connected to the upper track 4 ₁₃ extend as close as possible to the axis XX ′, so that their substantially vertical main parts 41 b are distant from the corresponding parts of the bars 41 ₁ and 41 ₁₂ .

The upper ends 41 a , bars 41 are distributed in a generally helical configuration centered on the axis XX '. Other configurations can be envisaged depending on the number of phases to be transmitted.

As structure 3 constitutes a rigid whole, it can be rotated through the ring 9 thanks to a gear motor not shown.

In the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 8 and 9, elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear identical references increased by 100. The electrical supply device shown in these figures is intended for current supply to an electrode of an arc furnace such as a plasma furnace used for the thermal destruction of detritus or sludge. It comprises a fixed frame 101 comprising uprights 101 a and 101b connected by a cross member 101 c and supporting several electrically conductive tracks 104 made of a material similar to that of tracks 4 of the first embodiment. These tracks 104 are rectilinear and arranged parallel to each other in a direction YY '.

In addition, a crew or mobile carriage 103 is formed of the succession of plates or terminals 105 separated by insulating spacers 107. On the side opposite tracks 104, each terminal or plate 105 carries several zones 105a of connection of electrical cables not shown allowing to supply the electrode of the arc furnace which is carried by the moving crew 103.

On the side of tracks 104, each terminal 105 carries a clamp 120 formed by two blades 121 and 122 arranged on either side of terminal 105 and extending on either side of track 104 arranged opposite. The blades 121 and 122 are each provided with a curvature or camber 121 a , 122 a making it possible to compensate for the difference in thickness of the terminals 105 and the tracks 104, so that each blade 121 or 122 is generally parallel to the track 104, at its first end 121 b or 122 b and at terminal 105 at its second end 121 c or 122 c . As before, the blades 121 and 122 are mounted on each terminal 105 by means of a pin 123 while a rod 124 also passes through the two blades and the terminal 105, this rod being provided, at each of its ends, with springs 125 and 126 bearing on the bodies and exerting on the blades 121 and 122 thrust forces F directed towards the terminal 5. Each blade 121 and 122 carries, respectively in the vicinity of its end 121 b and 122 b and on the side of track 4 , a metal pad 127 or 128 intended to constitute the sliding electrical contact between each blade 121 or 122 and the track 104.

Near its end 121 c or 122 c , each blade 121 or 122 carries on its face directed towards the terminal 5 at least two contact pads 129 or 130 bearing against this terminal.

As shown more clearly in Figure 8, each terminal 105 can carry several clamps 120, four in the example shown, which are offset from each other to the others, so that their respective pads 127 and 128 are arranged on parallel rectilinear paths and separate on each runway 104.

The device of the invention has been shown while the electric current flows from the fixed chassis to the mobile structure. It can also be used to power a chassis fixed from a mobile structure.

The device of the invention has been described with reference to a propellant and steering system for a ship or a furnace bow. It can however be used in other applications, in especially those mentioned above.

Claims (15)

Power supply device between two elements (1, 3; 101, 103) able to be moved one by one relative to the other, a first element (3; 101) comprising several conductive tracks (4; 104) each track being connected electrically to an electrical terminal (5; 105) carried by the second element (1; 103), characterized in that the connection between each track and the corresponding terminal is produced by at least one clamp (20; 120) formed by two blades (21, 22; 121, 122) arranged on either side of said terminal, said blades being provided with means (24-26; 124-126) elastic load (F) towards said terminal and / or of said track. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that that said second element is a fixed frame (1) and said first element is a structure (3) movable in rotation around an axis (XX ') fixed relative to said chassis, said tracks (4) being annular and centered on said axis. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that that said first element is a fixed frame (101) and said second element is a crew (103) movable in translation parallel to the main direction (YY ') of said tracks (104) which are generally rectilinear and parallel between they. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each blade (21, 22; 121, 122) carries, on its face opposite said track (4; 104), at least one stud (27, 28; 127, 128) capable of exerting sliding contact on said track. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that that each blade (21, 22; 121, 122) carries, on its face in look of said terminal (5; 105), at least one stud (29, 30; 129, 130) suitable for exerting contact on the terminal, the contacts between the studs (27-30; 127-130) of the blades (21, 22; 121-122) of said clamp (20; 120) forming, in section perpendicular to said track (4; 104) and at said terminal (5; 105), a quadrilateral articulated (T) supporting said means (24-26; 124-126) elastic load (F). Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said electrical connection comprises several clamps (20; 120) juxtaposed, each clamp being provided with individual means (25, 26; 125, 126) for charging elastic (F). Device according to claims 4 and 6, characterized in that the studs (27, 28; 127, 128) intended to cooperate with said track (4; 104) are arranged opposite paths (C ₁ -C ₅ ; T ₁ - T ₄ ) separate on said track. Device according to claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the blades (21, 22; 121, 122) of the pliers (20; 120) of the same electrical connection have substantially all the same impedance. Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that said track (4; 104) is metallic, in particular copper possibly coated with silver, while said pad (27, 28; 127, 128) in contact with said track is also metallic, in particular copper or silver. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each track (4) is electrically connected to a conductive bar (41) arranged in a direction generally parallel to said axis (XX '), each bar extending to near an end (9) of said mobile structure (3). Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the ends (41 a ) of said conductive bars (41) connected to said tracks (4) are distributed in a generally helical configuration centered on said axis (XX '). Device according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that said first element (3), said tracks (4) and said bars (41) form a rigid assembly able to be driven in rotation to said axis (XX ') by its base (9) and / or its upper part. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the terminals (5) associated with said tracks are alternately divided into at least two columns (A, B) fixed relative to said chassis, said terminals being separate by insulating spacers (7). Propeller and steering assembly for ship including an electrical supply device (1-46) according to one of the preceding claims. Supply assembly for an electrode for a arc including a power supply device (101-130) according to one of the preceding claims.

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