EP4054027A1 - Electric power cable connector arrangement - Google Patents

Electric power cable connector arrangement Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4054027A1
EP4054027A1 EP22159503.6A EP22159503A EP4054027A1 EP 4054027 A1 EP4054027 A1 EP 4054027A1 EP 22159503 A EP22159503 A EP 22159503A EP 4054027 A1 EP4054027 A1 EP 4054027A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electric power
connector
conductor
power cable
connection portion
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP22159503.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Simon Hussey
Darren Spiller
Jonathan Rawlinson
Stuart Cox
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.)
Prysmian SpA
Original Assignee
Prysmian SpA
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 Prysmian SpA filed Critical Prysmian SpA
Publication of EP4054027A1 publication Critical patent/EP4054027A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
    • H01R31/06—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/38—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/5213—Covers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
    • H01R13/6392—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap for extension cord
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2103/00—Two poles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2105/00—Three poles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of equipment and components for the connection of electric power cables.
  • the invention concerns a pluggable connection for multi core, low voltage, power cables.
  • a connector assembly for electric cables involves complex sockets in order to ensure a correct connection between the cables and to ensure a high safety level for the user.
  • the sockets have two parallel sleeve female arrangements configured to receive two parallel conductor pin male arrangements.
  • Electric power cables include electric power conductors, which typically have conductor cross sections between 16 mm 2 and 400 mm 2 .
  • the joints between the cables are traditionally made in situ.
  • the aluminium or copper conductors are mounted to each other by means of either soldering, crimping or by means of a bolted connection, and subsequently enclosed in a housing.
  • the housing is finally filled with a hardening resin to provide the insulation and to prevent ingress of water.
  • Another solution is to enclose the connection in a heat shrinkable enclosure. When the cables are reconfigured, the cables are cut off and the joints are disposed.
  • WO 2016/110748 A1 discloses a cable connector assembly comprising two electric power cables with multiple insulated electrical conductors and a connector assembly that forms a releasable joint between the ends of the electric power cables.
  • the cable connector assembly comprises two end connectors on the meeting ends of the power cables, an intermediate connector between the end connectors, and a housing that receives the connectors, wherein the end connectors are aligned with their couplings towards the couplings of the intermediate connector and the housing surrounds at least these interlocking couplings.
  • US 9935410 B2 discloses an electric connector including a female connector removably connectable with a male connector.
  • the female connector includes an outer ring shield, and first and second ring insulator.
  • the first ring insulator is spaced inwardly of the outer ring shield to define a first recess with a first female electric contact provided in the first recess.
  • the second ring insulator is spaced inwardly of the first ring insulator to define a second recess with a second female electric contact provided in the second recess.
  • An outer ground electrode could be present.
  • WO2009134379 A1 discloses an electric connection system including a trivial socket and a trivial plug, each having three concentric contacts: an inner, an intermediate and an outer contact.
  • the outer contacts connect first
  • the inner contacts connect second
  • the intermediate contacts connect third. All contacts except the plug inner contact are connected to an insulator that covers one radial side of the contact and extends past and over the end of the contact. Two of the insulators isolate the inner contacts from the intermediate contacts prior to either of their connections being made.
  • CN 101841113 A discloses a high-voltage lead wire connector for microwave heater, has two double-core connecting plug sleeves and single-core connecting plug sleeve that are inserted on connecting module, and clamping slot arranged on baffle plate.
  • the applicant has tackled the problem of providing an electric power cable connector arrangement able to connect electric cables in a simple and safe way avoiding commonly employed jointing systems, which require relevant process time and technical skills.
  • the Applicant has found that providing connectable connectors having concentric conductors surrounded by a ground conductor which extends beyond the respective concentric conductors improves the coupling between the phases by improving the axial alignment of the conductors and removing the need to align the cable conductors.
  • the present invention relates to an electric power cable connector arrangement comprising a first electric power cable comprising a first connector having first concentric electrical conductors mutually insulated, the first concentric electrical conductors having a first power electric connection portion, a second electric power cable comprising a second connector having second concentric electrical conductors mutually insulated, the second concentric electrical conductors having a second power electric connection portion, a connecting element releasably connecting the first connector and the second connector along a coupling direction to connect the first electric power cable with the second electric power cable, the first connector comprises a first ground conductor surrounding the first concentric electrical conductors and extending beyond the first power electric connection portion towards the connecting element along the coupling direction, the second connector comprises a second ground conductor surrounding the second concentric electrical conductors and extending beyond the second power electric connection portion towards the connecting element along the coupling direction.
  • the first ground conductor comprises a first ground connection portion extending beyond the first power electric connection portion towards the connecting element along the coupling direction
  • the second ground conductor comprises a second ground connection portion extending beyond the second power electric connection portion towards the connecting element along the coupling direction
  • the first electric power cable includes first electric power conductors, each first electric power conductor being electrically connected to a respective first concentric electrical conductors
  • the second electric power cable includes second electric power conductors, each second electric power conductor being electrically connected to a respective second concentric electrical conductors.
  • the first concentric electrical conductors and the second concentric electrical conductors comprise respectively an inner conductor having an inner power electric connection portion, a middle conductor surrounding the inner conductor and having a middle power electric connection portion, an outer conductor surrounding the middle conductor and having an outer power electric connection portion.
  • the inner power electric connection portion, the middle power electric connection portion and the outer power electric connection portion define the first power electric connection portion and the second power electric connection portion.
  • the first ground connection portion and the second ground connection portion extend beyond the inner power electric connection portion, the middle power electric connection portion and the outer power electric connection portion.
  • the first connector and the second connector comprise first insulating members and second insulating members respectively interposed between each first concentric electrical conductor and each second concentric electrical conductor.
  • the connecting element comprises first receiving concentric electrical conductors and second receiving concentric electrical conductors spaced apart along the coupling direction and configured to respectively connect the first concentric electrical conductors and the second concentric electrical conductors.
  • the connecting element comprises a first receiving ground conductor and a second receiving ground conductor spaced apart along the coupling direction and surrounding respectively the first receiving concentric electrical conductors and the second receiving concentric electrical conductors, the first receiving ground conductor and the second receiving ground conductor being configured to respectively connect the first ground conductor and the second ground conductor.
  • the first connector comprises a first sealing sleeve covering the first connector
  • the second connector comprises a second sealing sleeve covering the second connector
  • the connecting element comprises a third sealing sleeve covering the connecting element
  • each sealing sleeve has one or more gripping grooves configured to engage a clamping member of a clamping device for connecting and disconnecting the first connector and the second connector.
  • the electric power cable connector arrangement further comprises a protective cover provided to protect the electric power cable connector arrangement and installed on the first connector, the second connector and the connecting element upon connection of the first connector and second connector to the connecting element.
  • the electric power cable connector arrangement comprises a clamping device having a clamping member configured to engage with the first connector and the second connector for connecting and disconnecting the first connector and the second connector.
  • FIGS 1-10 show an electric power cable connector arrangement 1 for connecting electric power cables.
  • an electric power cable is deemed to be any electric cable which has one or more electric power conductors enclosed in a sheath.
  • the invention concerns electric power cables having a plurality of electric power conductors enclosed in the cable sheath, preferably a three-phase or multi-phase electric power cable.
  • the electric power cable includes a plurality of insulated electric power conductors which may be helically wound each other. At least one of the plurality of insulated electric power conductors is a ground conductor.
  • the insulated electric power conductors are configured to sustain an electric current, either AC current or DC current, of at least 60 A for several hours without interruption.
  • an electric connection is deemed to be a direct connection and/or a connection through an electrically high conductive path.
  • cables suitable to be employed in the present invention are a multi-phase electric power cable including 3 or 4 cable cores, wherein each core presents an electric power conductor with nominal conductor cross-sectional area ranging from 16 mm 2 to 400 mm 2 and, preferably, maximum operating voltage of 1 kV.
  • the electric power cable connector arrangement 1 comprises a first electric power cable 100, a second electric power cable 200 and a connecting element 300 connecting the first electric power cable 100 with the second electric power cable 200.
  • the first electric power cable 100 and the second electric power cable 200 extend between a first end, connected and/or connectable to an electric power system (not shown in the figures) to receive or supply electric power, and an opposed second end configured to be connected respectively to the second electric power cable 200 and the first electric power cable 100.
  • first electric power cable 100 and the second electric power cable 200 have the same technical features. For this reason, in the following specification, only the first electric power cable 100 has been described in detail.
  • the references for the second electric power cable 200 have been increased by one hundred with respect to the first electric power cable 100 and tagged with "second" instead of "first” when related to the second electric power cable 200.
  • the first electric power cable 100 comprises a first connector 110.
  • the first connector is attached to the second end of the first electric power cable 100 and with the respective electric power conductors of the first electric power cable 100.
  • the connecting element 300 releasably connects the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 along a coupling direction X-X to connect the first electric power cable 100 with the second electric power cable 200.
  • the first connector 110 has first concentric electrical conductors 120 mutually insulated.
  • each concentric electrical conductor 120 can be associated to a phase defined by a multi-phase electric power cable.
  • first concentric electrical conductors 120 extends along a central axis A-A which is aligned with the coupling direction X-X during the coupling of the first connector 110 with the connecting element 300.
  • first concentric electrical conductors 120 are mutually arranged in a coaxial arrangement.
  • the first concentric electrical conductors have circular shape.
  • the first concentric electrical conductors 120 have a first power electric connection portion 130 connectable to the connecting element 300. Specifically, the first concentric electrical conductors 120 extend between the first power electric connection portion 130 and an opposed second power electric connection portion 170 connected to the conductors of the first electric power cable 100 at the second end.
  • the first concentric electrical conductors 120 comprise an inner conductor 121, a middle conductor 122 surrounding the inner conductor 121 and an outer conductor 123 surrounding the middle conductor 122.
  • the first concentric electrical conductors 120 can have a cylindrical shape as shown in figures.
  • the inner conductor 121 is arranged substantially along the central axis A-A of the concentric arrangement and it has an outer surface 124.
  • the middle conductor 122 is interposed between the inner conductor 121 and outer conductor 123.
  • the middle conductor 122 can have a hollow cylindrical shape such that an inner surface 125 of the middle conductor 122 faces the outer surface 124 of the inner conductor 121 and an outer surface 126 of the middle conductor 122 faces the outer conductor 123.
  • the outer conductor can have a hollow cylindrical shape such that an inner surface 127 of the outer conductor 122 faces the outer surface 126 of the middle conductor 122.
  • the inner conductor 121 has an inner power electric connection portion 121a
  • the middle conductor 122 has a middle power electric connection portion 122a
  • the outer conductor 123 has an outer power electric connection portion 123a.
  • the inner conductor 121, the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123 are connected to the conductors of the first electric power cable 100 by means of a portion 121b, 122b, 123b opposed respectively to the inner power electric connection portion 121a, the middle power electric connection portion 122a and the outer power electric connection portion 123a along the central axis A-A.
  • the inner conductor 121 has an inner electric power cable connection portion 121b
  • the middle conductor 122 has a middle electric power cable connection portion 122b
  • the outer conductor 123 has an outer electric power cable connection portion 123b.
  • the inner electric power cable connection portion 121b, the middle electric power cable connection portion 122b and the outer electric power cable connection portion 123b connect to the conductors of the first electric power cable 100 respectively to the inner conductor 121, the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123.
  • a first phase can be associated to the inner conductor 121
  • a second phase can be associated to the middle conductor 122
  • a third phase can be associated to the outer conductor 123.
  • the assembly of the inner power electric connection portion 121a, the middle power electric connection portion 122a and the outer power electric connection portion 123a defines the first power electric connection portion 130.
  • the first connector 110 comprises first insulating members 150 interposed between each first concentric element conductor 120.
  • a first insulating member 150 is arranged between the inner conductor 121 and the middle conductor 122 and between the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123.
  • the first insulating members 150 can be provided respectively on the inner surface 125 of the middle conductor 122 and on the inner surface 127 of the outer conductor 123.
  • the first connector 110 further comprises a first ground conductor 140 surrounding the first concentric electrical conductors 120. Specifically, the first ground conductor 140 extends beyond the first power electric connection portion 130 towards the connecting element 300 along the coupling direction X-X.
  • the first ground conductor 140 connected to a ground conductor of the first electric power cable 100, has an inner surface 140a faced at least to an outer surface 128 of the outer conductor 123 opposed to the relative inner surface 127. It is to be noted the inner surface 140a of the first ground conductor 140 can be partially faced to outer surface 124 of the inner conductor 121 and/or to the outer surface 126 of the middle conductor 122.
  • inner conductor 121, the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123 can have different extensions along the central axis A-A.
  • the extension of the conductors 120, 140 can be measured from the second end of the first electric power cable 100.
  • the inner connector 121 has an extension along the central axis A-A greater than the extension of the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123, while the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123 have the same extension. Therefore, in this example, the inner surface 140a of the first ground conductor 140 faces the outer surface 128 of the outer conductor 123 and at least partially the outer surface 124 of the inner conductor 121.
  • the extension of the first ground conductor 140 is always greater than the greatest extension of the inner conductor 121, the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123, along the coupling direction X-X.
  • the extension along the central axis A-A of the inner conductor 121, the extension along the central axis A-A of the middle conductor 122 and the extension along the central axis A-A of the outer conductor 123 can have all the same value, or different values or just two of them can have the same value as in figures 6 and 8 .
  • the first ground conductor 140 comprises a first ground connection portion 141 extending beyond the first power electric connection portion 130 towards the connecting element 300 along the coupling direction X-X.
  • the first ground conductor 140 further comprises a second ground connection portion 142 opposed with respect to the first ground connection portion 141 along the central axis A-A and connected to the ground conductor of the first electric power cable 100.
  • the first ground connection portion 141 extends beyond the inner power electric connection portion 121a, the middle power electric connection portion 122a and the outer power electric connection portion 123a.
  • the first connector 140 further comprises a first ground insulating member 151 interposed between the outer conductor 123 and the first ground conductor 140, namely arranged on the inner surface 140a of the first connector 140.
  • the connecting element 300 comprises first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 and second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320 spaced apart along the coupling direction X-X.
  • the first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 and the second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320 are configured to respectively connect the first concentric electrical conductors 120 and the second concentric electrical conductors 220.
  • the first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 and the second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320 electrically connect the first electric power cable 100 and the second electric power cable 200.
  • the first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 comprises an inner receiving conductor 311, a middle receiving conductor 312 and an outer receiving conductor 312.
  • the middle receiving conductor 312 surrounds the inner receiving conductor 311 and the outer receiving conductor 313 surrounds the middle receiving conductor 312.
  • the second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320 have the same conductor arrangements comprising an inner receiving conductor 321, a middle receiving conductor 322 and outer receiving conductor 323.
  • the connecting element 300 comprises a first receiving ground conductor 330 and a second receiving ground conductor 340 spaced apart along the coupling direction X-X and surrounding respectively the first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 and the second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320.
  • the first receiving ground conductor 330 and the second receiving ground conductor 340 are configured to respectively connect the first ground conductor 140 and the second ground conductor 240.
  • the first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310, the second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320, the first receiving ground conductor 330 and the second receiving ground conductor 330 340 can have cylindrical shape such that the outer surface of surrounded conductor faces the inner surface of the surrounding conductor.
  • the connecting element 300 comprises first receiving insulating members 360 associated with the first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 and the first receiving ground conductor 330.
  • first receiving insulating members 360 are provided between the inner receiving conductor 311 and the middle receiving conductor 312 and between the middle receiving conductor 312 and the outer receiving conductor 313 and between the outer receiving conductor 313 and the first receiving ground conductor 330.
  • the first receiving insulating members 360 can be arranged on the respective outer surface of the inner receiving conductor 311, of the middle receiving conductor 312 and of the outer receiving conductor 313.
  • the connecting element 300 further comprises second receiving insulating members 370 associated with the second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320 and the second receiving ground conductor 340.
  • the second receiving insulating members 370 are provided between the inner receiving conductor 321 and the middle receiving conductor 322 and between the middle receiving conductor 322 and the outer receiving conductor 323 and between the outer receiving conductor 323 and the second receiving ground conductor 340.
  • the second receiving insulating members 370 can be arranged on the respective outer surface the inner receiving conductor 311, of the middle receiving conductor 322 and of the outer receiving conductor 323.
  • the connecting element 300 comprises a first retaining element 380 and a second retaining element 390 firmly retaining the first connector 110 and the second connector 220 upon connection with the connecting element 300.
  • the first retaining element 380 and the second retaining element 390 can be a spring element providing a proper electric contact.
  • the second retaining element 390 can be a multi-lam spring element.
  • the coupling of the first electric power cable 100 with the first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 and the first receiving ground conductor 330 is disclosed hereinafter.
  • the first receiving ground conductor 330 and the outer receiving conductor 313 define a ground receiving area 300a therebetween for receiving the first ground connection portion 141 and for establishing a ground connection between an outer surface 141b of the first ground connection portion 141 and an inner surface of the first receiving ground conductor 330.
  • the outer conductor receiving conductor 313 and the middle receiving conductor 312 define an outer receiving area 300b therebetween for receiving the outer power electric connection portion 123a and for establishing an electric power connection between the outer surface 128 of the outer conductor 123 and an inner surface of the outer receiving conductor 313.
  • the middle receiving conductor 312 and the inner receiving conductor 311 define a middle receiving area 300c therebetween for receiving the middle power electric connection portion 122a and for establishing an electric power connection between the outer surface 126 of the middle conductor 122 and an inner surface of the middle receiving conductor 312.
  • the inner conductor receiving conductor 311 has an inner receiving area 300d for receiving the inner power electric connection portion 121a and for establishing an electric power connection between an outer surface 124 of the inner conductor 121 and an inner surface of the inner receiving conductor 311.
  • sealing sleeves 160, 260, 350 are provided for covering the first connector 110, the second connector 210 and the connecting element 300.
  • the first connector 110 comprises a first sealing sleeve 160 covering the first connector 110
  • the second connector 210 comprises a second sealing sleeve 260 covering the second connector 210
  • the connecting element 300 comprises a third sealing sleeve 350 covering the connecting element 300.
  • the first sealing sleeve 160 surrounds the outer surface 141b of the first ground conductor 140 and defines a first receiving sealing area 160a between the outer surface 140b of the first ground conductor 140 and the first sealing sleeve 160 itself.
  • the first receiving sealing area 160a receives the first receiving ground conductor 330.
  • the second sealing sleeve 260 surrounds the outer surface 241b of the second ground conductor 240 and defines a second receiving sealing area 260a between the outer surface 240b of the second ground conductor 240 and the second sealing sleeve 260 itself.
  • the first receiving sealing area 260a receives the second receiving ground conductor 340.
  • the third sealing sleeve 350 surrounds the outer surface of the first receiving the grounds conductor 330 and the second receiving ground conductor 340 and defines a third receiving sealing area 350a and a fourth receiving area 350b respectively between the outer surface of the first receiving grounds conductor 330 and the third sealing sleeve 350 and between the outer surface of the second receiving ground conductor 340 and the third sealing sleeve 350.
  • the third receiving sealing area 350a receives at least a portion of the first sealing sleeve 160
  • the fourth receiving area 350b receive at least a portion of the second sealing sleeve 260.
  • each sealing sleeve 160, 260, 350 has one or more gripping grooves 161, 261, 361 configured to be engaged by a clamping member 601 of a clamping device 600 for connecting and disconnecting the first connector 110 and second connector 210.
  • a clamping member 601 of a clamping device 600 for connecting and disconnecting the first connector 110 and second connector 210.
  • An example of clamping device 600 is shown in figure 10 .
  • the clamping device 600 is required to engage the sealing mechanism and potentially to compress O-ring type seals 362.
  • the electric power cable connector arrangement 1 further comprises a protective cover 400 provided to protect the electric power cable connector arrangement 1 and installed on the first connector 110, the second connector 210 and the connecting element 300 upon connection of the first connector 110 and second connector 210 to the connecting element 300.
  • the protective cover 400 comprises attaching elements 410 configured to attach the protective cover 400 on the electric power cable connector arrangement 1.
  • the protective cover 400 can comprise two half body portions 402, 403 mutually couplable to surround the electric power cable connector arrangement 1 upon connection.
  • the protective cover 400 has an inner surface 400a configured to engage the outer surface of the sealing sleeves 160, 260, 350 and an outer surface 400b configured to engage the attaching elements 410 to attach the protective cover 400 on the electric power cable connector arrangement 1.
  • the protective cover 400 can have recesses 401 configured to match with the gripping grooves 161, 261, 361 retaining the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 attached to the connecting element 300 along the connecting direction X-X.
  • the clamping member 601 of the clamping device 600 engages with one or more of the gripping grooves 161, 261, 361 for connecting the first connector 110 and the second connector 210.
  • the protecting cover 400 is arranged to protect the electric power cable connector arrangement 1.
  • the coupling element 300 is additionally provided with a branch socket 500 or coupling having conductor contacts that are electrically connected with the first receiving concentric conductor 310, the second receiving concentric conductor 320, the first receiving ground conductor 330 and the second receiving ground 340.
  • the third sleeve 350 has a first opening for receiving the branch socket 500 and the protective cover 400 has a corresponding second opening for receiving the branch socket 500.
  • the branch socket 500 comprises a connectable plug configured to extract power for external uses such as performance testing, street lighting, powering domestic buildings, electric vehicle charging points etc.
  • the branch socket can be electrically connected to the first receiving ground conductor 330 or the second receiving ground conductor 340 and one other electrical conductor, either the inner receiving conductor 311, the middle receiving conductor 312 or the outer receiving conductor 313.

Landscapes

  • Insulated Conductors (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Cable Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

Electric power cable connector arrangement (1) comprising a first electric power cable (100) comprising a first connector (110) having first concentric electrical conductors (120) mutually insulated, the first concentric electrical conductors (120) having a first power electric connection portion (130); a second electric power cable (200) comprising a second connector (210) having second concentric electrical conductors (220) mutually insulated, the second concentric electrical conductors (220) having a second power electric connection portion (230); a connecting element (300) releasably connecting the first connector (110) and the second connector (210) along a coupling direction (X-X) to connect the first electric power cable (100) with the second electric power cable (200); the first connector (110) comprises a first ground conductor (140) surrounding the first concentric electrical conductors (120) and extending beyond the first power electric connection portion (130) towards the connecting element (300) along the coupling direction (X-X); the second connector (210) comprises a second ground conductor (240) surrounding the second concentric electrical conductors (220) and extending beyond the second power electric connection portion (230) towards the connecting element (300) along the coupling direction (X-X).

Description

    Field of the invention
  • The present invention relates to the field of equipment and components for the connection of electric power cables. In particular, the invention concerns a pluggable connection for multi core, low voltage, power cables.
    • Background of the invention
  • A connector assembly for electric cables involves complex sockets in order to ensure a correct connection between the cables and to ensure a high safety level for the user. Typically, the sockets have two parallel sleeve female arrangements configured to receive two parallel conductor pin male arrangements.
  • Electric power cables include electric power conductors, which typically have conductor cross sections between 16 mm2 and 400 mm2. In these infrastructures, the joints between the cables are traditionally made in situ. In this process, the aluminium or copper conductors are mounted to each other by means of either soldering, crimping or by means of a bolted connection, and subsequently enclosed in a housing. The housing is finally filled with a hardening resin to provide the insulation and to prevent ingress of water. Another solution is to enclose the connection in a heat shrinkable enclosure. When the cables are reconfigured, the cables are cut off and the joints are disposed.
  • WO 2016/110748 A1 discloses a cable connector assembly comprising two electric power cables with multiple insulated electrical conductors and a connector assembly that forms a releasable joint between the ends of the electric power cables. The cable connector assembly comprises two end connectors on the meeting ends of the power cables, an intermediate connector between the end connectors, and a housing that receives the connectors, wherein the end connectors are aligned with their couplings towards the couplings of the intermediate connector and the housing surrounds at least these interlocking couplings.
  • US 9935410 B2 discloses an electric connector including a female connector removably connectable with a male connector. The female connector includes an outer ring shield, and first and second ring insulator. The first ring insulator is spaced inwardly of the outer ring shield to define a first recess with a first female electric contact provided in the first recess. The second ring insulator is spaced inwardly of the first ring insulator to define a second recess with a second female electric contact provided in the second recess. An outer ground electrode could be present.
  • WO2009134379 A1 discloses an electric connection system including a trivial socket and a trivial plug, each having three concentric contacts: an inner, an intermediate and an outer contact. In the process of connecting, the outer contacts connect first, the inner contacts connect second, and the intermediate contacts connect third. All contacts except the plug inner contact are connected to an insulator that covers one radial side of the contact and extends past and over the end of the contact. Two of the insulators isolate the inner contacts from the intermediate contacts prior to either of their connections being made.
  • CN 101841113 A discloses a high-voltage lead wire connector for microwave heater, has two double-core connecting plug sleeves and single-core connecting plug sleeve that are inserted on connecting module, and clamping slot arranged on baffle plate.
    • Summary of the invention
  • The applicant has tackled the problem of providing an electric power cable connector arrangement able to connect electric cables in a simple and safe way avoiding commonly employed jointing systems, which require relevant process time and technical skills.
  • The Applicant has found that providing connectable connectors having concentric conductors surrounded by a ground conductor which extends beyond the respective concentric conductors improves the coupling between the phases by improving the axial alignment of the conductors and removing the need to align the cable conductors.
  • Therefore, the present invention relates to an electric power cable connector arrangement comprising a first electric power cable comprising a first connector having first concentric electrical conductors mutually insulated, the first concentric electrical conductors having a first power electric connection portion, a second electric power cable comprising a second connector having second concentric electrical conductors mutually insulated, the second concentric electrical conductors having a second power electric connection portion, a connecting element releasably connecting the first connector and the second connector along a coupling direction to connect the first electric power cable with the second electric power cable, the first connector comprises a first ground conductor surrounding the first concentric electrical conductors and extending beyond the first power electric connection portion towards the connecting element along the coupling direction, the second connector comprises a second ground conductor surrounding the second concentric electrical conductors and extending beyond the second power electric connection portion towards the connecting element along the coupling direction.
  • According to one embodiment, the first ground conductor comprises a first ground connection portion extending beyond the first power electric connection portion towards the connecting element along the coupling direction, the second ground conductor comprises a second ground connection portion extending beyond the second power electric connection portion towards the connecting element along the coupling direction.
  • According to one embodiment, the first electric power cable includes first electric power conductors, each first electric power conductor being electrically connected to a respective first concentric electrical conductors, and the second electric power cable includes second electric power conductors, each second electric power conductor being electrically connected to a respective second concentric electrical conductors.
  • According to one embodiment, the first concentric electrical conductors and the second concentric electrical conductors comprise respectively an inner conductor having an inner power electric connection portion, a middle conductor surrounding the inner conductor and having a middle power electric connection portion, an outer conductor surrounding the middle conductor and having an outer power electric connection portion.
  • According to one embodiment, the inner power electric connection portion, the middle power electric connection portion and the outer power electric connection portion define the first power electric connection portion and the second power electric connection portion.
  • According to one embodiment, the first ground connection portion and the second ground connection portion extend beyond the inner power electric connection portion, the middle power electric connection portion and the outer power electric connection portion.
  • According to one embodiment, the first connector and the second connector comprise first insulating members and second insulating members respectively interposed between each first concentric electrical conductor and each second concentric electrical conductor.
  • According to one embodiment, the connecting element comprises first receiving concentric electrical conductors and second receiving concentric electrical conductors spaced apart along the coupling direction and configured to respectively connect the first concentric electrical conductors and the second concentric electrical conductors.
  • According to one embodiment, the connecting element comprises a first receiving ground conductor and a second receiving ground conductor spaced apart along the coupling direction and surrounding respectively the first receiving concentric electrical conductors and the second receiving concentric electrical conductors, the first receiving ground conductor and the second receiving ground conductor being configured to respectively connect the first ground conductor and the second ground conductor.
  • According to one embodiment, the first connector comprises a first sealing sleeve covering the first connector, the second connector comprises a second sealing sleeve covering the second connector, the connecting element comprises a third sealing sleeve covering the connecting element.
  • According to one embodiment, each sealing sleeve has one or more gripping grooves configured to engage a clamping member of a clamping device for connecting and disconnecting the first connector and the second connector.
  • According to one embodiment, the electric power cable connector arrangement further comprises a protective cover provided to protect the electric power cable connector arrangement and installed on the first connector, the second connector and the connecting element upon connection of the first connector and second connector to the connecting element.
  • According to one embodiment, the electric power cable connector arrangement comprises a clamping device having a clamping member configured to engage with the first connector and the second connector for connecting and disconnecting the first connector and the second connector.
    • Brief description of the drawings
  • The present invention will now be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments of the invention are shown.
    • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric power cable connector arrangement according to one embodiment of the present invention in a disassembled configuration;
    • FIG. 2 a perspective view of the electric power cable connector arrangement of the
    • FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration;
    • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electric power cable connector arrangement of FIG. 1 in a disassembled configuration with a protective cover;
    • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electric power cable connector arrangement of FIG. 3 in an assembled configuration;
    • FIG. 5 is a sectioned side view of the electric power cable connector arrangement of FIG. 1;
    • FIG. 6 is a section view of a first part of the electric power cable connector arrangement of FIG. 1;
    • FIG. 7 is a section view of a second part of the electric power cable connector arrangement of FIG. 1;
    • FIG. 8 is a section view of a third part of the electric power cable connector arrangement of FIG. 1;
    • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an electric power cable connector arrangement according to another embodiment of the present invention;
    • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a clamping device cooperating with the electric power cable connector arrangement for connecting and disconnecting the connectors thereof.
    Detailed description
  • Figures 1-10 show an electric power cable connector arrangement 1 for connecting electric power cables.
  • For the purpose of the present invention, an electric power cable is deemed to be any electric cable which has one or more electric power conductors enclosed in a sheath. In particular, the invention concerns electric power cables having a plurality of electric power conductors enclosed in the cable sheath, preferably a three-phase or multi-phase electric power cable. The electric power cable includes a plurality of insulated electric power conductors which may be helically wound each other. At least one of the plurality of insulated electric power conductors is a ground conductor.
  • It is worthwhile to note that, for the purposes and meaning of present invention, the insulated electric power conductors are configured to sustain an electric current, either AC current or DC current, of at least 60 A for several hours without interruption.
  • Furthermore, for the purpose of the present invention, an electric connection is deemed to be a direct connection and/or a connection through an electrically high conductive path.
  • An example of cables suitable to be employed in the present invention are a multi-phase electric power cable including 3 or 4 cable cores, wherein each core presents an electric power conductor with nominal conductor cross-sectional area ranging from 16 mm2 to 400 mm2 and, preferably, maximum operating voltage of 1 kV.
  • The electric power cable connector arrangement 1 comprises a first electric power cable 100, a second electric power cable 200 and a connecting element 300 connecting the first electric power cable 100 with the second electric power cable 200.
  • The first electric power cable 100 and the second electric power cable 200 extend between a first end, connected and/or connectable to an electric power system (not shown in the figures) to receive or supply electric power, and an opposed second end configured to be connected respectively to the second electric power cable 200 and the first electric power cable 100.
  • It is to be noted that, for the purpose of the present invention, the first electric power cable 100 and the second electric power cable 200 have the same technical features. For this reason, in the following specification, only the first electric power cable 100 has been described in detail. The references for the second electric power cable 200 have been increased by one hundred with respect to the first electric power cable 100 and tagged with "second" instead of "first" when related to the second electric power cable 200.
  • The first electric power cable 100 comprises a first connector 110. The first connector is attached to the second end of the first electric power cable 100 and with the respective electric power conductors of the first electric power cable 100.
  • The connecting element 300 releasably connects the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 along a coupling direction X-X to connect the first electric power cable 100 with the second electric power cable 200.
  • The first connector 110 has first concentric electrical conductors 120 mutually insulated. For the purpose of the present invention, each concentric electrical conductor 120 can be associated to a phase defined by a multi-phase electric power cable. According to the concentric arrangement, first concentric electrical conductors 120 extends along a central axis A-A which is aligned with the coupling direction X-X during the coupling of the first connector 110 with the connecting element 300. By this arrangement, first concentric electrical conductors 120 are mutually arranged in a coaxial arrangement. In particular, the first concentric electrical conductors have circular shape.
  • The first concentric electrical conductors 120 have a first power electric connection portion 130 connectable to the connecting element 300. Specifically, the first concentric electrical conductors 120 extend between the first power electric connection portion 130 and an opposed second power electric connection portion 170 connected to the conductors of the first electric power cable 100 at the second end.
  • According to one embodiment, the first concentric electrical conductors 120 comprise an inner conductor 121, a middle conductor 122 surrounding the inner conductor 121 and an outer conductor 123 surrounding the middle conductor 122. The first concentric electrical conductors 120 can have a cylindrical shape as shown in figures.
  • According to the concentric arrangement, the inner conductor 121 is arranged substantially along the central axis A-A of the concentric arrangement and it has an outer surface 124. The middle conductor 122 is interposed between the inner conductor 121 and outer conductor 123. The middle conductor 122 can have a hollow cylindrical shape such that an inner surface 125 of the middle conductor 122 faces the outer surface 124 of the inner conductor 121 and an outer surface 126 of the middle conductor 122 faces the outer conductor 123. The outer conductor can have a hollow cylindrical shape such that an inner surface 127 of the outer conductor 122 faces the outer surface 126 of the middle conductor 122.
  • In detail, the inner conductor 121 has an inner power electric connection portion 121a, the middle conductor 122 has a middle power electric connection portion 122a and the outer conductor 123 has an outer power electric connection portion 123a. It is to be noted that the inner conductor 121, the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123 are connected to the conductors of the first electric power cable 100 by means of a portion 121b, 122b, 123b opposed respectively to the inner power electric connection portion 121a, the middle power electric connection portion 122a and the outer power electric connection portion 123a along the central axis A-A. Specifically, the inner conductor 121 has an inner electric power cable connection portion 121b, the middle conductor 122 has a middle electric power cable connection portion 122b and the outer conductor 123 has an outer electric power cable connection portion 123b. By this arrangement, the inner electric power cable connection portion 121b, the middle electric power cable connection portion 122b and the outer electric power cable connection portion 123b connect to the conductors of the first electric power cable 100 respectively to the inner conductor 121, the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123.
  • According to one embodiment, a first phase can be associated to the inner conductor 121, a second phase can be associated to the middle conductor 122 and a third phase can be associated to the outer conductor 123.
  • It is to be noted that the assembly of the inner power electric connection portion 121a, the middle power electric connection portion 122a and the outer power electric connection portion 123a defines the first power electric connection portion 130.
  • According to one embodiment, the first connector 110 comprises first insulating members 150 interposed between each first concentric element conductor 120. Namely, a first insulating member 150 is arranged between the inner conductor 121 and the middle conductor 122 and between the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123. The first insulating members 150 can be provided respectively on the inner surface 125 of the middle conductor 122 and on the inner surface 127 of the outer conductor 123.
  • The first connector 110 further comprises a first ground conductor 140 surrounding the first concentric electrical conductors 120. Specifically, the first ground conductor 140 extends beyond the first power electric connection portion 130 towards the connecting element 300 along the coupling direction X-X.
  • Thanks to this extension of the first ground conductor 140, a ground connection with the connecting element 300 is achieved before any electric power connection is established with the first concentric electrical conductors 120.
  • Specifically, the first ground conductor 140, connected to a ground conductor of the first electric power cable 100, has an inner surface 140a faced at least to an outer surface 128 of the outer conductor 123 opposed to the relative inner surface 127. It is to be noted the inner surface 140a of the first ground conductor 140 can be partially faced to outer surface 124 of the inner conductor 121 and/or to the outer surface 126 of the middle conductor 122.
  • The reasons lie in the fact that inner conductor 121, the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123 can have different extensions along the central axis A-A.
  • The extension of the conductors 120, 140 can be measured from the second end of the first electric power cable 100.
  • For example, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the inner connector 121 has an extension along the central axis A-A greater than the extension of the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123, while the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123 have the same extension. Therefore, in this example, the inner surface 140a of the first ground conductor 140 faces the outer surface 128 of the outer conductor 123 and at least partially the outer surface 124 of the inner conductor 121.
  • However, the extension of the first ground conductor 140 is always greater than the greatest extension of the inner conductor 121, the middle conductor 122 and the outer conductor 123, along the coupling direction X-X.
  • According to various embodiments, the extension along the central axis A-A of the inner conductor 121, the extension along the central axis A-A of the middle conductor 122 and the extension along the central axis A-A of the outer conductor 123 can have all the same value, or different values or just two of them can have the same value as in figures 6 and 8.
  • According to one embodiment, the first ground conductor 140 comprises a first ground connection portion 141 extending beyond the first power electric connection portion 130 towards the connecting element 300 along the coupling direction X-X. The first ground conductor 140 further comprises a second ground connection portion 142 opposed with respect to the first ground connection portion 141 along the central axis A-A and connected to the ground conductor of the first electric power cable 100.
  • Specifically, the first ground connection portion 141 extends beyond the inner power electric connection portion 121a, the middle power electric connection portion 122a and the outer power electric connection portion 123a.
  • According to one embodiment, the first connector 140 further comprises a first ground insulating member 151 interposed between the outer conductor 123 and the first ground conductor 140, namely arranged on the inner surface 140a of the first connector 140.
  • According to one embodiment, the connecting element 300 comprises first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 and second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320 spaced apart along the coupling direction X-X. The first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 and the second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320 are configured to respectively connect the first concentric electrical conductors 120 and the second concentric electrical conductors 220.
  • The first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 and the second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320 electrically connect the first electric power cable 100 and the second electric power cable 200.
  • Specifically, the first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 comprises an inner receiving conductor 311, a middle receiving conductor 312 and an outer receiving conductor 312. The middle receiving conductor 312 surrounds the inner receiving conductor 311 and the outer receiving conductor 313 surrounds the middle receiving conductor 312. The second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320 have the same conductor arrangements comprising an inner receiving conductor 321, a middle receiving conductor 322 and outer receiving conductor 323.
  • Furthermore, the connecting element 300 comprises a first receiving ground conductor 330 and a second receiving ground conductor 340 spaced apart along the coupling direction X-X and surrounding respectively the first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 and the second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320. The first receiving ground conductor 330 and the second receiving ground conductor 340 are configured to respectively connect the first ground conductor 140 and the second ground conductor 240.
  • As described above, the first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310, the second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320, the first receiving ground conductor 330 and the second receiving ground conductor 330 340 can have cylindrical shape such that the outer surface of surrounded conductor faces the inner surface of the surrounding conductor.
  • According to one embodiment, the connecting element 300 comprises first receiving insulating members 360 associated with the first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 and the first receiving ground conductor 330. Specifically, first receiving insulating members 360 are provided between the inner receiving conductor 311 and the middle receiving conductor 312 and between the middle receiving conductor 312 and the outer receiving conductor 313 and between the outer receiving conductor 313 and the first receiving ground conductor 330. In detail, the first receiving insulating members 360 can be arranged on the respective outer surface of the inner receiving conductor 311, of the middle receiving conductor 312 and of the outer receiving conductor 313. The connecting element 300 further comprises second receiving insulating members 370 associated with the second receiving concentric electrical conductors 320 and the second receiving ground conductor 340. Specifically, the second receiving insulating members 370 are provided between the inner receiving conductor 321 and the middle receiving conductor 322 and between the middle receiving conductor 322 and the outer receiving conductor 323 and between the outer receiving conductor 323 and the second receiving ground conductor 340. In detail, the second receiving insulating members 370 can be arranged on the respective outer surface the inner receiving conductor 311, of the middle receiving conductor 322 and of the outer receiving conductor 323.
  • According to one embodiment, the connecting element 300 comprises a first retaining element 380 and a second retaining element 390 firmly retaining the first connector 110 and the second connector 220 upon connection with the connecting element 300. The first retaining element 380 and the second retaining element 390 can be a spring element providing a proper electric contact. For example, the second retaining element 390 can be a multi-lam spring element.
  • For the symmetric features of the connecting element 300, the coupling of the first electric power cable 100 with the first receiving concentric electrical conductors 310 and the first receiving ground conductor 330 is disclosed hereinafter.
  • The first receiving ground conductor 330 and the outer receiving conductor 313 define a ground receiving area 300a therebetween for receiving the first ground connection portion 141 and for establishing a ground connection between an outer surface 141b of the first ground connection portion 141 and an inner surface of the first receiving ground conductor 330.
  • The outer conductor receiving conductor 313 and the middle receiving conductor 312 define an outer receiving area 300b therebetween for receiving the outer power electric connection portion 123a and for establishing an electric power connection between the outer surface 128 of the outer conductor 123 and an inner surface of the outer receiving conductor 313.
  • The middle receiving conductor 312 and the inner receiving conductor 311 define a middle receiving area 300c therebetween for receiving the middle power electric connection portion 122a and for establishing an electric power connection between the outer surface 126 of the middle conductor 122 and an inner surface of the middle receiving conductor 312.
  • The inner conductor receiving conductor 311 has an inner receiving area 300d for receiving the inner power electric connection portion 121a and for establishing an electric power connection between an outer surface 124 of the inner conductor 121 and an inner surface of the inner receiving conductor 311.
  • According to one embodiment, sealing sleeves 160, 260, 350 are provided for covering the first connector 110, the second connector 210 and the connecting element 300.
  • Specifically, the first connector 110 comprises a first sealing sleeve 160 covering the first connector 110, the second connector 210 comprises a second sealing sleeve 260 covering the second connector 210 and the connecting element 300 comprises a third sealing sleeve 350 covering the connecting element 300.
  • In detail, the first sealing sleeve 160 surrounds the outer surface 141b of the first ground conductor 140 and defines a first receiving sealing area 160a between the outer surface 140b of the first ground conductor 140 and the first sealing sleeve 160 itself. The first receiving sealing area 160a receives the first receiving ground conductor 330. In the same way, the second sealing sleeve 260 surrounds the outer surface 241b of the second ground conductor 240 and defines a second receiving sealing area 260a between the outer surface 240b of the second ground conductor 240 and the second sealing sleeve 260 itself. The first receiving sealing area 260a receives the second receiving ground conductor 340.
  • More in detail, the third sealing sleeve 350 surrounds the outer surface of the first receiving the grounds conductor 330 and the second receiving ground conductor 340 and defines a third receiving sealing area 350a and a fourth receiving area 350b respectively between the outer surface of the first receiving grounds conductor 330 and the third sealing sleeve 350 and between the outer surface of the second receiving ground conductor 340 and the third sealing sleeve 350. In this case, the third receiving sealing area 350a receives at least a portion of the first sealing sleeve 160, while the fourth receiving area 350b receive at least a portion of the second sealing sleeve 260.
  • According to one embodiment, each sealing sleeve 160, 260, 350 has one or more gripping grooves 161, 261, 361 configured to be engaged by a clamping member 601 of a clamping device 600 for connecting and disconnecting the first connector 110 and second connector 210. An example of clamping device 600 is shown in figure 10. The clamping device 600 is required to engage the sealing mechanism and potentially to compress O-ring type seals 362.
  • According to one embodiment, the electric power cable connector arrangement 1 further comprises a protective cover 400 provided to protect the electric power cable connector arrangement 1 and installed on the first connector 110, the second connector 210 and the connecting element 300 upon connection of the first connector 110 and second connector 210 to the connecting element 300. Specifically, the protective cover 400 comprises attaching elements 410 configured to attach the protective cover 400 on the electric power cable connector arrangement 1. The protective cover 400 can comprise two half body portions 402, 403 mutually couplable to surround the electric power cable connector arrangement 1 upon connection.
  • The protective cover 400 has an inner surface 400a configured to engage the outer surface of the sealing sleeves 160, 260, 350 and an outer surface 400b configured to engage the attaching elements 410 to attach the protective cover 400 on the electric power cable connector arrangement 1.
  • The protective cover 400 can have recesses 401 configured to match with the gripping grooves 161, 261, 361 retaining the first connector 110 and the second connector 210 attached to the connecting element 300 along the connecting direction X-X.
  • In the embodiment with the protective cover 400, in a first step the clamping member 601 of the clamping device 600 engages with one or more of the gripping grooves 161, 261, 361 for connecting the first connector 110 and the second connector 210. In a second step, the protecting cover 400 is arranged to protect the electric power cable connector arrangement 1.
  • According to the alternative embodiment shown in figure 9, the coupling element 300 is additionally provided with a branch socket 500 or coupling having conductor contacts that are electrically connected with the first receiving concentric conductor 310, the second receiving concentric conductor 320, the first receiving ground conductor 330 and the second receiving ground 340. The third sleeve 350 has a first opening for receiving the branch socket 500 and the protective cover 400 has a corresponding second opening for receiving the branch socket 500.
  • The branch socket 500 comprises a connectable plug configured to extract power for external uses such as performance testing, street lighting, powering domestic buildings, electric vehicle charging points etc. The branch socket can be electrically connected to the first receiving ground conductor 330 or the second receiving ground conductor 340 and one other electrical conductor, either the inner receiving conductor 311, the middle receiving conductor 312 or the outer receiving conductor 313.

Claims (15)

  1. An electric power cable connector arrangement (1) comprising:
    - a first electric power cable (100) comprising a first connector (110) having first concentric electrical conductors (120) mutually insulated, the first concentric electrical conductors (120) having a first power electric connection portion (130);
    - a second electric power cable (200) comprising a second connector (210) having second concentric electrical conductors (220) mutually insulated, the second concentric electrical conductors (220) having a second power electric connection portion (230);
    - a connecting element (300) releasably connecting the first connector (110) and the second connector (210) along a coupling direction (X-X) to connect the first electric power cable (100) with the second electric power cable (200);
    wherein:
    - the first connector (110) comprises a first ground conductor (140) surrounding the first concentric electrical conductors (120) and extending beyond the first power electric connection portion (130) towards the connecting element (300) along the coupling direction (X-X);
    - the second connector (210) comprises a second ground conductor (240) surrounding the second concentric electrical conductors (220) and extending beyond the second power electric connection portion (230) towards the connecting element (300) along the coupling direction (X-X).
  2. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein:
    - the first ground conductor (140) comprises a first ground connection portion (141) extending beyond the first power electric connection portion (130) towards the connecting element (300) along the coupling direction (X-X);
    - the second ground conductor (240) comprises a second ground connection portion (241) extending beyond the second power electric connection portion (230) towards the connecting element (300) along the coupling direction (X-X).
  3. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:
    - the first electric power cable (100) includes first electric power conductors, each first electric power conductor being electrically connected to a respective first concentric electrical conductors (121, 122, 123), and
    - the second electric power cable (200) includes second electric power conductors, each second electric power conductor being electrically connected to a respective second concentric electrical conductors (221, 222, 223).
  4. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first concentric electrical conductors (120) and the second concentric electrical conductors (220) comprise respectively:
    - an inner conductor (121, 221) having an inner power electric connection portion (121a, 221a);
    - a middle conductor (122, 222) surrounding the inner conductor (121, 221) and having a middle power electric connection portion (122a, 222a);
    - an outer conductor (123, 223) surrounding the middle conductor (122, 222) and having an outer power electric connection portion (123a, 223a).
  5. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to claim 4, wherein the inner power electric connection portion (121a, 221a), the middle power electric connection portion (122a, 222a) and the outer power electric connection portion (123a, 223a) define the first power electric connection portion (130) and the second power electric connection portion (230).
  6. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first ground connection portion (140) and the second ground connection portion (240) extend beyond the inner power electric connection portion (121a, 221a), the middle power electric connection portion (122a, 222a) and the outer power electric connection portion (123a, 223a).
  7. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to any claims 1 to 6, wherein the first connector (110) and the second connector (210) comprise first insulating members (150) and second insulating members (250) respectively interposed between each first concentric electrical conductor (120) and each second concentric electrical conductor (220).
  8. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to any claims 1 to 7, wherein the connecting element (300) comprises first receiving concentric electrical conductors (310) and second receiving concentric electrical conductors (320) spaced apart along the coupling direction (X-X) and configured to respectively connect the first concentric electrical conductors (120) and the second concentric electrical conductors (220).
  9. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to claim 8, wherein the connecting element (300) comprises a first receiving ground conductor (330) and a second receiving ground conductor (340) spaced apart along the coupling direction (X-X) and surrounding respectively the first receiving concentric electrical conductors (310) and the second receiving concentric electrical conductors (320), the first receiving ground conductor (330) and the second receiving ground conductor (340) being configured to respectively connect with the first ground conductor (110) and the second ground conductor (210).
  10. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to any claims 1 to 9, wherein:
    - the first connector (110) comprises a first sealing sleeve (160) covering the first connector (110);
    - the second connector (210) comprises a second sealing sleeve (260) covering the second connector (210);
    - the connecting element (300) comprises a third sealing sleeve (350) covering the connecting element (300).
  11. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to claim 10, wherein each sealing sleeve (160, 260, 360) has one or more gripping grooves (161, 261, 361) configured to engage a clamping member (601) of a clamping device (600) for connecting and disconnecting the first connector (110) and the second connector (210).
  12. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to any claims 1 to 11, further comprising a protective cover (400) provided to protect the electric power cable connector arrangement (1) installed on the first connector (110), second connector (210) and the connecting element (300) upon connection of the first connector (110) and second connector (210) to the connecting element (300).
  13. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to any claims 1 to 12, comprising a clamping device (600) having a clamping member (601) configured to engage with the first connector (110) and the second connector (210) for connecting and disconnecting the first connector (110) and the second connector (210).
  14. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to any claims 1 to 13, wherein the first electrical conductors (120) and the second electrical conductors (220) are configured to sustain an electric current of at least 60 A.
  15. The electric power cable connector arrangement (1) according to any claims 1 to 14, wherein the first electric power cable (100) and the second electric power cable (200) comprise electric power conductors with nominal conductor cross-sectional area ranging from 16 mm2 to 400 mm2.
EP22159503.6A 2021-03-05 2022-03-01 Electric power cable connector arrangement Pending EP4054027A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102021000005204A IT202100005204A1 (en) 2021-03-05 2021-03-05 CABLE CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY

Publications (1)

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EP4054027A1 true EP4054027A1 (en) 2022-09-07

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EP22159503.6A Pending EP4054027A1 (en) 2021-03-05 2022-03-01 Electric power cable connector arrangement

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EP (1) EP4054027A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2022201485A1 (en)
IT (1) IT202100005204A1 (en)

Citations (9)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH520418A (en) * 1969-08-05 1972-03-15 Hoesterr Rundfunk Coupling piece for coaxial lines and use of such a coupling piece in a coupling arrangement
US3930705A (en) * 1974-03-08 1976-01-06 Bunker Ramo Corporation Electrical connector assembly
WO2009134379A1 (en) 2008-04-28 2009-11-05 Aerovironment Inc. Concentric connector for electric vehicles
CN101841113A (en) 2009-11-20 2010-09-22 江苏淮安威拓公路养护设备有限公司 High voltage wire connector
WO2016110748A1 (en) 2015-01-09 2016-07-14 Prysmian S.P.A. Cable connector assembly with releasable connectors
US9431778B1 (en) * 2013-03-12 2016-08-30 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Dust tolerant connectors
US20170187145A1 (en) * 2012-08-29 2017-06-29 Midwest Innovative Products, Llc Electrical cord connection covering techniques
US9935410B2 (en) 2016-08-26 2018-04-03 Sterling Innovation Inc. Electrical connector having male and female connectors
US20200076119A1 (en) * 2017-05-22 2020-03-05 Smiths Interconnect Americas, Inc. Dry mate rotatable connector

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH520418A (en) * 1969-08-05 1972-03-15 Hoesterr Rundfunk Coupling piece for coaxial lines and use of such a coupling piece in a coupling arrangement
US3930705A (en) * 1974-03-08 1976-01-06 Bunker Ramo Corporation Electrical connector assembly
WO2009134379A1 (en) 2008-04-28 2009-11-05 Aerovironment Inc. Concentric connector for electric vehicles
CN101841113A (en) 2009-11-20 2010-09-22 江苏淮安威拓公路养护设备有限公司 High voltage wire connector
US20170187145A1 (en) * 2012-08-29 2017-06-29 Midwest Innovative Products, Llc Electrical cord connection covering techniques
US9431778B1 (en) * 2013-03-12 2016-08-30 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Dust tolerant connectors
WO2016110748A1 (en) 2015-01-09 2016-07-14 Prysmian S.P.A. Cable connector assembly with releasable connectors
US9935410B2 (en) 2016-08-26 2018-04-03 Sterling Innovation Inc. Electrical connector having male and female connectors
US20200076119A1 (en) * 2017-05-22 2020-03-05 Smiths Interconnect Americas, Inc. Dry mate rotatable connector

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IT202100005204A1 (en) 2022-09-05
AU2022201485A1 (en) 2022-09-22

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Designated state(s): AL 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 RS SE SI SK SM TR