WO2023186962A1

WO2023186962A1 - Electromagnetic induction interconnector of polyphase electrical systems with each other

Info

Publication number: WO2023186962A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/058106
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lauric GARBUIO; Vincent Debusschere; Kathleen MALLARD; Hervé CHAZAL
Original assignee: Institut Polytechnique De Grenoble; Universite Grenoble Alpes; Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique
Priority date: 2022-03-29
Filing date: 2023-03-29
Publication date: 2023-10-05
Also published as: FR3134251A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an induction interconnector (1) of polyphase electrical systems (2, 3), comprising at least one male connector (11) and one female connector (12): - each connector comprising an electromagnetic portion (111, 121) comprising a coil intended to be connected by electrical contact to one of said polyphase electrical systems; - the electromagnetic portion (111) of each male connector being adapted to the electromagnetic portion (121) of each female connector, to allow the male and female connectors to engage mechanically with each other by a sliding pivot link, so that the interconnector performs, for each connection, a transfer of electrical power between a first polyphase electrical system and a second polyphase electrical system, by induction of a rotating magnetic field between the electromagnetic portions of the male connector and of the female connector of the connection in question.

Description

“Interconnector by electromagnetic induction of polyphase electrical systems between them”

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of interconnection devices between polyphase electrical systems. The present invention relates more particularly to a device for interconnecting at least two polyphase electrical systems together. Its particularly advantageous applications are the interfacing of offshore electrical power networks such as wind or tidal power, but also the interfacing of electrical power networks in the oil and gas industry sector (Oil&Gas) or the mining sector. It is in fact applicable in particular, but not only, in humid, submersible, even submerged, and/or explosive environments. For example, we encounter submerged environments, particularly high pressure, and explosive environments on deep underwater construction sites. It can still be applied on-board in objects subject to vibrations, for the interconnection of electrical distribution networks between them, and/or for the charging of electric vehicles.

STATE OF THE ART

Connectors are known, for example from the patent document referenced EP 3376605 A1, which allow, with electrical contact, to connect and disconnect two electrical systems with the same number of phases. Among the many disadvantages that these solutions with electrical contact present, let us cite one of the most significant: the connections and disconnections of this type of connectors between electrical systems require complex operations, which leads to high intervention times. Furthermore, solving the problem of this type of connectors in relation to the strong mechanical stresses that they must withstand today involves the mechanical reinforcement of the cable-connector connections and between connectors to prevent any movement between the different parts.

Furthermore, power transfer between polyphase electrical systems can be done by transformers, passive electromagnetic devices, or converters using active power electronics components.

A clear advantage of transformers is the ability to transfer electrical power without direct electrical contact between the polyphase systems they interconnect, while allowing the voltage and current levels to be changed, if desired. The transfer is done thanks to magnetic induction.

The majority of power transformers interface without electrical contact two three-phase (or multiples of three phases) electrical networks using a classic three-column structure. By retaining the classic three-column structure, rare transformers make it possible to go from three to five, or even seven, phases by making connections between windings.

Other transformers can interface two polyphase electrical systems not specifically multiples of three phases using a round electrical machine type structure, with different numbers of phases between primary and secondary networks.

It is thus known from document WO 2012/128930 A2, a so-called modular device for interconnecting polyphase systems between them. However, the modularity of the device is fixed in its design, that is to say that its modularity does not allow adaptation to different uses. Furthermore, this device does not allow continuous control and under load of the hourly index between primary and secondary windings.

Transformers are still known for interfacing a primary network with several secondary networks. For example, document US 2019/0184839 A1 relates to a vehicle charging application. According to this document, a primary and at least three secondaries can be interconnected with each other, in particular in parallel. The modularity of this device is provided by a matrix of connections which follows the secondary networks. The transformer itself is frozen. Thus, this device does not provide a transformer structure that is both suitable for the interconnection of a plurality of secondary networks to the same primary network and modular in use.

An object of the present invention is therefore to propose an interconnector by induction of polyphase electrical systems between them which makes it possible to overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

An object of the present invention is more particularly to propose such an interconnector which is modular in use, with a connection/disconnection action forming part of the use phase of the device.

Another object of the present invention is to propose such an interconnector which makes it possible to reduce the influence of the mechanical constraints which it is required to withstand in use. The other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that other benefits may be incorporated.

SUMMARY

To achieve at least one of the objectives stated above, according to one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, there is provided an interconnector by electromagnetic induction of polyphase electrical systems between them, the interconnector comprising at least one male connector and a female connector.

Each connector comprises an electromagnetic part comprising, or even consisting of, a magnetic core, preferably ferromagnetic, and a winding wound around the core. Each winding can be intended to be connected by electrical contact to one of said polyphase electrical systems. And at least the winding of each electromagnetic part is preferably electrically isolated from its environment.

The electromagnetic part of each male connector is of shape and/or dimensions adapted to the shape and/or dimensions of the electromagnetic part of each female connector, to allow each male connector to cooperate mechanically with each female connector by a pivot connection sliding. Said sliding pivot connection has an axis along which the male and female connectors can be intended to be alternately connected and disconnected between them.

Thus, the interconnector operates, for each connection between a male connector and a female connector stationary between them, a transfer of electrical power between a first polyphase electrical system and a second polyphase electrical system, by induction of a magnetic field rotating between the electromagnetic parts of the male connector and the female connector of the connection considered.

Therefore, the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention brings modularity of use to the “alternating current power transformer between polyphase systems” function and offers the “connector-aggregator without direct electrical contact” function. The invention indeed makes it possible to meet the needs of being able to connect in constrained environments (humid, underwater, explosive) at least two polyphase electrical networks together easily, quickly and without direct electrical contact, but via rotating magnetic induction. The number of phases of one of the interconnected electrical networks may be different from the number of phases of one of the other electrical networks. The invention can enable power transfer by induction between one or more primary electrical networks to one or more secondary electrical networks in a reversible manner.

Therefore, the invention has at least one of the following advantages:

- it makes it possible to reduce intervention times, by simplifying maintenance operations linked to the connection/disconnection of electrical networks between them thanks to a simple geometry, - it constitutes a totally passive and robust interfacing solution between polyphase electrical networks, in particular because it makes it possible to avoid the use of electronic components, and in particular electronic power and/or control components,

- its maintenance can be carried out by non-expert personnel,

- it avoids the use of a waterproof box and/or the use of lubricating oil, which facilitates its transport and handling,

- it provides a solution adapted to great depths and/or mobile sites,

- it reduces maintenance costs linked to biological fouling (or “biofouling”), particularly in the context of underwater use, and

- it facilitates the regulation of electrical networks in difficult environments, such as the management of the time index between networks.

The connection/disconnection of electrical networks between them is facilitated in particular due to the simple geometry of the invention, and by the natural centering of the inductive transfer interfaces between them. Connection and disconnection operations between electrical networks are simplified and accelerated. Indeed, the number of connection elements is advantageously minimized, in particular because the use of mechanical connection accessories is avoided, because the electrical connectors are also mechanical connectors.

For the transfer of electrical network connection power in a humid and/or explosive atmosphere, the first aspect of the invention meets the need for a high protection index against liquids and/or explosive atmospheres, in particular by producing of the transfer function without direct electrical contact, by increasing the reliability of the interconnection and by simplifying the structures implemented.

Thanks to the invention, the high power transfer function is achieved in a compact manner. The overall size of the transmission chain is effectively reduced, which can be particularly advantageous in particular in the context of an application to the charging of electric cars. An increase in the number of phases combines two advantages:

- reduce the size of the power electronics equipment (interleaving effect) which will be upstream and downstream of the interconnector and

- improve the quality and availability of energy (current ripple, robustness to failure, etc.).

The interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention is advantageously modular, even standard (or at least 'standardizable'). It allows the connection of different primary (or secondary) electrical systems, particularly in terms of number of phases, to the same secondary (or primary) system. The invention makes it possible to achieve natural standardization of connection terminals between polyphase electrical networks. The power transfer function is thus carried out in an entirely modular manner, leading to significant economic and environmental advantages. Furthermore, by authorizing the addition of at least one degree of freedom (translation and/or rotation) between its interconnection elements, the invention makes it possible to manage the mechanical constraints to which the interconnector is subjected, without requiring reinforcement. mechanical, in particular cables, around the interconnector.

According to a first example, at least one among the male and female connectors comprises at least one device for adjusting its angular position relative to another, or even to each other, among the male and female connectors, said adjustment device being configured to adjust a time index between said polyphase electrical systems connected together by the interconnector, by rotation, for example around the axis of said sliding pivot connection, of at least one among the male and female connectors relative to a other, or even each other, among the male and female connectors. The rotation of at least one of the male and female connectors relative to another to adjust the time index between the polyphase electrical systems interconnected by the interconnector is preferably coaxial with the sliding pivot connection by which each connector male cooperates mechanically with each female connector.

Thus, the first aspect of the invention according to this first example also has the advantage of allowing the adjustment of the time index between electrical networks connected to each other. It avoids the known use of an on-load adjuster for adjusting the phase shift on power transformers (phase shift regulation transformers or quadrature amplifier types) with electrical contact which can cause breakdowns; this type of adjuster also only allows adjustment in stages, and not continuous adjustment. Furthermore, if there are power electronics converters which make it possible to manage the hourly index continuously and under load for certain transformers, such converters necessarily contain active components, less reliable than the passive components of the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention. The interconnector according to the first example makes it possible to carry out the function of adjusting the time index continuously, and without a power electronics component, for increased reliability.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method of connecting an interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention. Said connection method includes, or even only includes:

- bringing one of a male connector and a female connector, opposite the other of a male connector and a female connector, so that a subsequent translation movement of one by relative to the other can follow an axis along which the male and female connectors are intended to be alternately connected and disconnected to each other, then

- said translation movement of one relative to the other along said axis, until reaching a connection position in which the male and female connectors cooperate mechanically with each other by a sliding pivot connection. Preferably, the axis of the translation movement is an axis of the sliding pivot connection by which the male and female connectors are configured to cooperate mechanically with each other.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a method of disconnecting at least one interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention. The disconnection process includes, or even only includes:

- the translational movement of one of a male connector and a female connector relative to the other of a male connector and a female connector from a connection position in which the male and female connectors cooperate mechanically with each other by a connection sliding pivot and along an axis along which the male and female connectors are intended to be alternately connected and disconnected from each other, and

- bringing one relative to the other out of a position of mechanical cooperation between them via said sliding pivot connection, to reach a position of disconnection of one from the other.

Preferably, the axis of the translation movement is an axis of the sliding pivot connection by which the male and female connectors are configured to cooperate mechanically with each other.

According to an example of the second and third aspects of the invention, they can include the implementation of a lifting device which of the male connector and the female connector is brought and moved.

According to the previous example, the lifting device may comprise at least one of:

- a cable winch(s), and

- a cabled ascent balloon, at least one cable being attached to whichever of the male connector and the female connector is brought and moved.

According to another example of the second and third aspects of the invention, the method further comprises, at least before the translation movement of one of at least one male connector and one female connector relative to the other of at least a male connector and a female connector, a step of interrupting the flow of electric current in at least one of a winding of the male connector and a winding of the female connector. The interruption can, if necessary, be controlled by a switch arranged on at least one of said polyphase electrical systems.

According to another example of the second and third aspects of the invention, the axis of the sliding pivot connection is preferably substantially parallel to a direction defined by the ambient gravity field.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a use of at least one interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention, in an offshore wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines each connected to a secondary polyphase electrical system connected in turn by contact electrical to a winding of one of a male connector and a female connector for alternatively allow, by manipulation of said at least one interconnector, the connection and disconnection of each secondary polyphase electrical system to a primary polyphase electrical system connected by electrical contact to a winding of another among the male connector and the female connector.

A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a use of at least one interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention, in an offshore wind turbine comprising a first secondary polyphase electrical system and a second secondary polyphase electrical system each connected by electrical contact to a winding of a respective one of a male connector and a female connector, for interconnecting the first and second secondary polyphase electrical systems with each other, with a degree of freedom, from one of the male connector and the female connector to the other , said degree of freedom comprising at least one degree of freedom in rotation around an axis of a sliding pivot connection by which the male and female connectors are configured to cooperate mechanically with each other.

A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a use of at least one interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention, in an infrastructure for charging electric and/or hybrid electric vehicles comprising a plurality of secondary polyphase electrical systems each connected by contact electrical to a winding of one of a male connector and a female connector to allow alternately, by manipulation of said at least one interconnector, the connection and disconnection of each secondary polyphase electrical system to a primary polyphase electrical system connected by electrical contact to one winding of another among the male connector and the female connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge better from the detailed description of embodiments of the latter which are illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a male connector of an embodiment of an interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention.

Figure 2 represents a perspective view of a female connector of an embodiment of an interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention.

Figure 3 represents a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of an interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention.

Figure 4 represents a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of an interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention.

Figure 5 represents a diagram illustrating the use of an embodiment of the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention in an offshore wind farm.

Figure 6 represents a transparent view of an example of the base of an offshore wind turbine integrating an embodiment of the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention.

Figure 7 schematically represents an embodiment of the connection and/or disconnection method according to different aspects of the invention. Figure 8 schematically represents an alternative, or complement, to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7.

Figure 9 represents a diagram illustrating the use of an embodiment of the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention in an infrastructure for charging electric and/or hybrid electric vehicles.

Figures 10A to 10C represent schematic sectional views of three typologies of transfer by rotating magnetic field authorized by the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention.

The drawings are given as examples and are not limiting to the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications. In particular, the dimensions of the different male and female connectors illustrated relative to the other elements illustrated are not necessarily representative of reality.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional characteristics are set out below which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively.

More particularly, the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention may also have at least one of the following characteristics which can be taken separately or in combination.

According to one example, the adjustment device comprises:

- a drive axis secured, at least in rotation, to the male connector and extending beyond the electromagnetic part of the male connector, and

- an actuator configured to rotate, in a controlled manner, the drive shaft around its axis, at least when the male connector is in the connection position with at least one female connector, preferably without varying the angular position of said at least one female connector.

According to another example, the adjustment device is preferably mechanical, or even purely mechanical.

According to another example, the adjustment device is supported by at least one female connector and comprises, for each female connector, a module for adjusting the angular position of the female connector relative to the angular position of the other female connectors, at least when said female connectors are in the connection position.

According to another example, the electromagnetic part of a male connector has substantially a cylindrical, hollow or solid shape, the axis of symmetry of which defines the axis of said sliding pivot connection by which the male and female connectors are intended to cooperate mechanically. between them and the electromagnetic part of at least one female connector has substantially a cylindrical shape, hollow or solid, the axis of symmetry of which is substantially coincident with the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical shape of the part electromagnetic of the male connector, when the male and female connectors cooperate mechanically with each other via said sliding pivot connection.

According to a first variant of the previous example, the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of at least one female connector, preferably of each female connector, has a central opening configured to closely accommodate the outer periphery of the cylindrical shape of the part electromagnetic of the male connector.

According to a second variant of the previous example, the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of the male connector has a central opening configured to closely accommodate the outer periphery of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of at least one female connector.

According to another example, alternative to the previous example, the electromagnetic parts of the male and female connectors each have substantially the shape of a cylinder, hollow or solid, whose axes of symmetry are substantially coincident with each other when the male and female connectors are in the connection position between them according to said sliding pivot connection, and the interconnector comprises a male connector and two female connectors distributed on either side of the male connector when the male and female connectors are in the connection position, said axes of symmetry then being parallel, or even merged, with the axis of the sliding pivot connection, the male and female connectors being intended to be alternately connected and disconnected to each other by a translation movement of the male connector relative to the female connectors along an axis perpendicular to at least one of said axes of symmetry.

According to another example, the electromagnetic part of a male connector is of shape and dimensions adapted so that several female connectors are intended to be alternately connected and disconnected relative to the male connector by the same pivot connection sliding between each female connector and the connector male.

According to the preceding example, the electromagnetic part of a male connector has substantially a cylindrical, hollow or solid shape, the axial extent of which is sufficient for a plurality of female connectors to be distributed along said axial extent. .

According to another example, the electromagnetic part of a female connector is of shape and dimensions adapted so that several male connectors are intended to be alternately connected and disconnected relative to the female connector by the same pivot connection sliding between each male connector and the connector female.

According to another example, at least one connector among the male and female connectors further comprises at least one mechanical part configured to cooperate mechanically with at least one other connector, or with at least one mechanical part of another connector, so as to control the position of the connectors between them, at least when they are in the connection position, and/or to guide a movement of connection or disconnection of the connectors between them. At least one mechanical part of said at least one connector can extend integrally from its electromagnetic part. Said at least one connector comprising a mechanical part may comprise a female connector. In this case, the mechanical part of the female connector, or of each female connector, can extend from an exterior or interior periphery of its electromagnetic part and have a shape, for example frustoconical, hollow or solid, extending from the part electromagnetic of the female connector by forming at least one non-flat angle therewith. Furthermore, each female connector among a plurality of female connectors may have a mechanical part identical in shape and/or dimensions to the mechanical part of the other female connectors of the plurality, so that the mechanical parts of the female connectors of the plurality cooperate mechanically between them to control their relative arrangement, and in particular to ensure their centering relative to each other along the axis of the sliding pivot connection, at least when these are in the connection position. Said at least one connector comprising a mechanical part may comprise a male connector. In this case, the electromagnetic part of the male connector having substantially a cylindrical, hollow or solid shape, the male connector may comprise at least a first mechanical part:

- extending from a first end of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of the male connector,

- extending from an exterior or interior periphery of the electromagnetic part of the male connector and

- having a shape, for example frustoconical, hollow or solid, extending from the electromagnetic part of the male connector forming at least one non-flat angle with the electromagnetic part of the male connector.

According to another example, at least one female connector may comprise at least one mechanical part extending from an exterior or interior periphery of the electromagnetic part of the female connector and having a shape, for example frustoconical, hollow or solid, extending from the electromagnetic part of the female connector by forming at least one non-flat angle therewith. The male connector may comprise at least a first mechanical part extending from a first end and an outer periphery of the electromagnetic part of the male connector, said at least one first mechanical part having a shape, for example frustoconical, hollow or solid, extending from the electromagnetic part of the male connector forming at least one non-flat angle therewith. Each of the mechanical part of a female connector and the first mechanical part of the male connector can extend respectively from the electromagnetic part of the female connector and from the first end of the electromagnetic part of the male connector, so as to form the same angle non-flat with their respective electromagnetic part, for at least one given angular position, or even for any angular position, of the male connector relative to the female connector, or even to each female connector, around the axis of said sliding pivot connection, and at least when these are in the connection position between them. According to another example, the electromagnetic part of the male connector having substantially a cylindrical shape, the male connector may comprise a second mechanical part extending from a second end of the cylindrical shape of its electromagnetic part, the male connector being intended to be connected with at least one female connector from its second mechanical part, the latter having a shape, for example substantially conical, not extending beyond the radial extent of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of the male connector and being configured , by its shape and/or its dimensions, to allow guidance of one of:

- the male connector relative to at least one female connector and

- a female connector relative to the male connector, and at least until the male connector and said at least one female connector cooperate mechanically with each other via said sliding pivot connection.

According to another example, the interconnector may further comprise a base mechanically secured to one of said at least one male connector and a female connector, said base being intended to ensure the maintenance in position of the connector which is mechanically secured to it relatively at an installation site of the interconnector. The connector mechanically secured to the base can be mounted to rotate freely on the base. The connector mechanically secured to the base may include a male connector. Furthermore, when at least one of the male and female connectors comprises at least one device for adjusting its angular position relative to another, or even to each other, among the male and female connectors, the base can be configured to accommodate within it at least part of the adjustment device.

According to another example, when the adjustment device comprises:

- an actuator configured to rotate, in a controlled manner, the drive shaft around its axis, at least when the male connector is in the connection position with at least one female connector, preferably without varying the angular position of said at least one female connector, the actuator of the adjustment device can be mounted in the base, so as to engage the drive shaft of the adjustment device, at least when the male connector is in the connection position.

According to another example, at least two of said polyphase electrical systems have a different number of phases between them. Alternatively, at least two of said polyphase electrical systems have an identical number of phases between them.

It is specified that in the context of the present invention, the term “rotating magnetic field” designates a magnetic field varying temporally and spatially in amplitude. As such, a rotating magnetic field is distinguished from a “pulling magnetic field”, the latter varying only temporally in amplitude. By a “sliding pivot connection” is meant the connection obtained by contact of two coaxial cylinders; this connection is also called cylinder/cylinder connection. A sliding pivot connection between a male connector and a female connector can thus model a cylindrical contact of revolution between male and female connectors. The contact surface between the male and female connectors is a cylinder. A sliding pivot connection can offer, to each connector, a rotational and translational movement along the same axis relative to the other element.

Two particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 4.

More particularly, if Figures 1 and 2 substantially concern the two aforementioned embodiments, Figure 3 illustrates a first of the two aforementioned modes and Figure 4 illustrates the second of the two aforementioned modes. If the embodiments illustrated in Figs 3 and 4 are different from each other, note that they still correspond to the same configuration illustrated schematically in Figure 10A in which female connectors 12 are threaded around the same male connector 11.

But prior to the description of each of the two aforementioned embodiments, let us note here that the first aspect of the invention relates generically to an interconnector 1 by electromagnetic induction of polyphase electrical systems 2, 3 between them (Cf. Figures 5 and 7 to 9), the interconnector comprising at least one male connector 11 and one female connector 12:

- each connector 11, 12 comprising an electromagnetic part 1 11, 121 comprising a magnetic core and a winding wound around the core, each winding being intended to be connected by electrical contact 114, 124 to one of said polyphase electrical systems 2, 3, and at least the winding of each electromagnetic part 111, 121 being electrically isolated from its environment,

- the electromagnetic part 111 of each male connector 11 being of shape and/or dimensions adapted to the shape and/or dimensions of the electromagnetic part 121 of each female connector 12, to allow each male connector to cooperate mechanically with each connector female by a sliding pivot connection, so that the interconnector 1 operates, for each connection between a male connector 11 and a female connector 12 stationary between them, a transfer of electrical power between a first polyphase electrical system 2 and a second electrical system polyphase 3, by induction of a rotating magnetic field between the electromagnetic parts 111, 121 of the male connector 11 and the female connector 12 of the connection considered.

The winding of each electromagnetic part 111, 121 may more particularly comprise at least one of an enameled cable or wire, for example copper/aluminum, and a coating electrically insulating it from its environment. Alternatively, the winding of each electromagnetic part 111, 121 may comprise a cable or a sheathed wire, the sheath of which ensures its electrical insulation from its environment. Note that it is not necessary, but everything It is also possible for the magnetic core of each electromagnetic part 111, 121 to be electrically isolated from its environment.

More particularly, the electromagnetic part 11 1, 121 of each connector 11, 12 can consist of said magnetic core and the winding associated with it. Furthermore, the magnetic core is preferably a ferromagnetic core.

The connection by electrical contact 1 14, 124 between each winding and one of the polyphase electrical systems to be interconnected can advantageously be only a simple electrical connection whose function is preferably only to ensure electrical conduction between the winding and the polyphase electrical system to which the winding is connected by said electrical contact 114, 124. In other words, there is no need for any of the electrical contact connections 114, 124 to have any influence on the properties of the circulating current between the winding and the polyphase electrical system to which the winding is connected. More specifically, none of the electrical contact connections 114, 124 necessarily include electrical components, and in particular electrical power components. It appears from the above that each connection by electrical contact 114, 124 preferably consists of a simple electrical connection, for example by splicing, which is in particular particularly easy to make waterproof.

The term “stationary” is used here to specify that, according to their normally intended use, the male and female connectors 11 and 12 once connected to each other can remain in the same connection position relative to each other; in particular, one does not necessarily rotate relative to the other, whether around the axis of the sliding pivot connection or around another axis. We will see later that it is still possible for one of the male and female connectors, once connected together, to be moved relative to the other, and in particular around the axis of the sliding pivot connection ; however, this rotation does not have the function of allowing the realization of the transformer function of the interconnector, but has the function of allowing the adjustment of a time index between the polyphase electrical systems interconnected with each other.

The term “rotating magnetic field” makes it possible to distinguish the magnetic field considered here from a so-called strong magnetic field. More particularly, if the amplitude of a rotating magnetic field can vary temporally and spatially, the amplitude of a strong magnetic field only varies temporally.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, respectively, a male connector 11 and a female connector 12 substantially invariant between each of the two aforementioned modes are described below. The illustrations provided describe a possible arrangement in shape and/or dimensions of the male and female connectors 11 and 12 between them, this arrangement being in accordance with what is stated above, but is given for illustrative purposes only, and not for purposes of limiting.

In view of Figure 1, it appears that a male connector 11 of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention can take the form of a cylinder 111 extending, through a first 101 of its ends, by a first mechanical part 112 taking a shape substantially frustoconical extending radially beyond the radial extent of the cylinder 111, and, by a second 102 of its ends, by a second mechanical part 113 taking a substantially conical shape not extending radially beyond the radial extent of the cylinder 111. For example, the cylindrical part 111 houses, or even constitutes, the electromagnetic part of the male connector 11. In this regard, note that the electrical contact recovery 114 as illustrated in Figure 1 extends from the electromagnetic part 1 11 of the male connector 11 through the first mechanical part 112 of the male connector 11. Depending on the configurations, it is possible that the contact recovery 114 does not have to pass through a mechanical part of the male connector 11 or has to pass through another mechanical part of the male connector 11. Note that the male connector 11 as illustrated in Figure 1 further extends, beyond its second mechanical part 113, by an appendix 10a which we describe below after having introduced the adjustment device 10 of a time index between the interconnected polyphase electrical systems, device with which the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention can advantageously be equipped.

In view of Figure 2, it appears that a female connector 12 of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention can take the general shape of a plate or a cup with a hole in its center. More particularly, the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12 as illustrated can take the form of a hollow cylinder, or a hollow roller, from the outer periphery of which extends a mechanical part 122 of the female interconnector 12 , this mechanical part 122 giving, to the whole, the capacity of the plate or the cup.

Looking at Figures 1 and 2, it appears that:

- the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11 is of a cylindrical shape suitable for allowing its insertion into the hollow of the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12. Preferably, the dimensions of one and the other of said electromagnetic parts 111 and 121 are such that the closest possible clearance is allowed between them, so as to minimize the spacing, or more particularly the air gap, between said electromagnetic parts 111 and 121; and or

- the first mechanical part 112 of the male connector 11 can take a shape and dimensions suitable to allow it to occupy at least partly the capacity of the plate formed by the female connector 12; and or

- the second mechanical part 113 of the male connector 11 advantageously takes a conical shape allowing it to guide the insertion of the male connector 11 into the hollow of the female connector 12, or conversely, the threading of the female connector 12, through its hollow, around of the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 1 1.

Note that the minimization of the spacing or air gap between the electromagnetic parts 111 and 121 of the male 1 1 and female 12 connectors advantageously influences the quantity of electrical energy transferable via the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.

As for the contact recovery 114 of the male connector 11, the contact recovery 124 of the female connector 12 may or not pass through the mechanical part 122 of the female connector 12. Figure 3 illustrates a first particularly advantageous embodiment of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.

In this first embodiment, a base 13 is provided which has a part for receiving the male connector 11 and a part for receiving at least one female connector 12, said male connector 11 and said at least one female connector 12 realizing, when received by the base 13, the interconnection between a first polyphase electrical system 2, for example a primary polyphase electrical system, and at least a second polyphase electrical system 3, for example a secondary polyphase electrical system, via the connections electrical contact 114 and 124, respectively.

We observe, in Figure 3, that three female connectors 12 are arranged along the electromagnetic part 111 of the same male connector 11. Advantageously, as illustrated by the superimposed points, the axial extent of the cylindrical shape that takes in the illustrated example the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11 can be configured so as to allow the threading around this cylindrical shape of a certain number of female connectors 12. We also observe, in Figure 3, that the mechanical part 122 of one of the female connectors 12 illustrated makes it possible to ensure the centering of this female connector 12 relatively:

- to the part of the base 13 which is intended to receive at least one first female connector 12, and

- to the other female connectors 12.

We also observe, in Figure 3, that the conical shape of the second mechanical part 113 of the male connector 11 can make it possible to guide the insertion of the male connector into the part of the base 13 which is intended to receive the male connector 11.

The method of connecting each pair formed by the male connector 11 and one of the female connectors 12 can be deduced intuitively in view of Figure 3. It is for example possible to bring a stack of the female connectors 12 onto the part of the base 13 intended to receive them, then to then bring the male connector 11 into the stack of female connectors 12 until the mechanical part 113 of the male connector 12 is received by the part of the base 13 provided for this purpose . Note here that the introduction of the male connector 11, into the stack of female connectors 12, is then carried out following the axis of the sliding pivot connection by which the female connectors 12 and the male connector 11 cooperate with each other.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 is the opposite of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, in the sense that the male and female connectors 11 and 12 take an opposite orientation relative to the gravitational field. But it appears from the illustrations in Figures 3 and 4 that the two embodiments that these figures illustrate have a certain number of similarities. In particular, the mechanical parts 122 of the female connectors 12 again allow them to be centered with respect to the base 13 and between the female connectors 12; and/or the second mechanical part 113 of the male connector 11 makes it possible to guide the threading of the connectors female 12 around the male connector 11. In addition, in the same way as in Figure 3, the points superimposed between them illustrate the possibility of dimensioning the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11, so as to be able to distribute along the part electromagnetic 111 of the male connector 11, a plurality of female connectors 12 of a determined cardinality.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the base 13 can be confused with the first mechanical part 112 of the male connector 11. This first mechanical part 112 in fact has a shape described above giving it the possibility of playing the role of base 13, this role being to ensure that the male connector 11 is maintained in position at an installation site 0 of the interconnector 1 (See for example figure 5).

As mentioned above, the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention may comprise a device 10 for adjusting the angular position of one of the male and female connectors 11 and 12 relative to at least one other of the male connectors and female 11 and 12. The adjustment device 10 can vary depending on the considered embodiment of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention. However, the different variations of the adjustment device 10 all make it possible to adjust the time index between the polyphase electrical systems interconnected between them, by rotation, around the axis of the sliding pivot connection by which each pair of a male connector 11 and a female connector 12 cooperates mechanically.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the adjustment device 10 has a first variant in which:

- a drive axis 10a (or the aforementioned appendix 10a) is integral, at least in rotation, with the male connector 11, and in particular with its electromagnetic part 111, and extends beyond this electromagnetic part 111 , or even beyond the second mechanical part 113 of the male connector 11, and

- an actuator 10b configured to rotate, in a controlled manner, the drive shaft 10a around its axis, at least when the male connector 11 is in the connection position with at least one female connector 12, and preferably without making vary the angular position of said at least one female connector 12.

The actuator 10b can advantageously be integrated into the base 13. It is arranged so as to engage the drive shaft 10a when the second mechanical part 113 of the male connector 11 is inserted into the part of the base 13 intended to receive it .

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the adjustment device 10 has a second variant in which it is supported by each of the female connectors 12 and comprises, for each female connector 12, an adjustment module 10c of the angular position of the female connector 12 relative to the angular position of the other female connectors, at least when said female connectors are stacked together.

It should be noted here that these two variants can possibly be combined with each other, nothing preventing us from providing that the female connectors 12, as illustrated in Figure 3, each include an adjustment module 10c, or that the male connector 11 as illustrated in Figure 4 can be configured to rotate around its axis.

The interconnector 1, according to the first aspect of the invention, thus makes it possible to adjust a time index between the different polyphase electrical systems that the interconnector 1 interconnects with each other, and this in a simple and robust manner because essentially, if not is completely, mechanically.

Note here that the female connectors 12 do not necessarily take the general shape of a plate or a cup, including when they include a mechanical part 122. Alternatively, the mechanical part 122 of each female connector 12 can, for example example, be asymmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry of the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12. More particularly, by extending from the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12, the mechanical part 122 of the female connector 12 can form with an axis of symmetry of the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12 different angles for angular portions distinct from each other of the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12. It is understood that the mechanical part 122 of each female connector 12 can thus be used, not only as a centering device with respect to the base 13 or another female connector 12, but also as a key imposing a certain angular arrangement in particular with each other female connector 12 of the stack. The keying that then forms the mechanical part 122 of each female connector 12 can even be configured so that a plurality of relative angular arrangements are permitted. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the different adjustment modules 10c can be designed to vary the relative angular arrangement of each female connector 12 relative to an adjacent female connector 12 in the stack and thus authorize the relative angular arrangements permitted.

Note again here that the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is not limited to one of the configurations illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 where the male connector 11 is intended to occupy the hollow made in each female connector 12 .

An alternative configuration is indeed entirely possible in which the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11 has a central opening configured to closely accommodate the outer periphery of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part 121 of at least one female connector. 12. Such an alternative configuration is illustrated schematically in Figure 10B.

In this alternative configuration, the male connector 11 could be considered as a female connector and the female connectors 12 as male connectors since a certain number of connectors of the second type are intended to be housed in a connector of the first type; we have retained here the previously used genres, so as to continue to consider the interconnection between a male connector and a plurality of female connectors.

It should be noted that a disadvantage of this alternative configuration, relative to that illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, concerns the management of electrical contact connections 124 of the connectors female 12. This disadvantage is induced when more than two female connectors 12 are to be inserted into the male connector 11.

Furthermore, in such an alternative configuration, it is preferable that the female connectors 12 do not include a mechanical part extending beyond the radial extent of their electromagnetic part 121, so as to minimize the play (or the air gap) between the electromagnetic parts 121 of the female connectors and the electromagnetic part 11 1 of the male connector 11. However, it is not excluded that each female connector 12 includes at least one mechanical part. For example, when the electromagnetic part 121 of each female connector 12 is hollow, a mechanical part can extend from the inner periphery of the electromagnetic part 121 of each female connector 12, so as to cooperate with an equivalent mechanical part of a another female connector 12, to ensure their centering between them when they are stacked, or even their guiding relative to each other until they are stacked.

In the same way as before, the mechanical part of each female connector may, again in this case, not present a symmetry of revolution with respect to the axis of symmetry of the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12, but can present for example a certain rotational symmetry(s). Furthermore, in the alternative configuration considered here, the male connector 11 can also have a mechanical part. The latter can, for example, take a frustoconical shape extending from the outer periphery and one end of the electromagnetic part 1 11 of the male connector 11 to constitute a sort of funnel facilitating the feeding of each female connector 12 or a stack of female connectors 12 in the hollow of its electromagnetic part 1 11.

Note here that each of the configurations described above allows a transfer of electrical energy by radial electromagnetic induction between male and female connectors 11 and 12. In addition, it appears from Figures 3 and 4 that, as already mentioned above, the first mechanical part 112 of the male connector 11 and the mechanical part 122 of the female connector 12 can cooperate mechanically with each other; however, as already mentioned above, this cooperation can be extended beyond the illustrations provided by the figures in the case where said mechanical parts 1 12 and 122 do not present a symmetry of revolution around the electromagnetic parts 111 and 121 from which they are 'extend. From then on, we understand that one or more angular arrangements of the male connector 11 relative to at least one female conductor 12 (more particularly at least the female connector 12 at the top of the stack in Figure 3 and at least the female connector 12 at the bottom of the stack in Figure 4) can be defined by the mechanical cooperation between the mechanical parts 112 and 122 of the male and female connectors.

Note here that it emerges from the above that the device 10 for adjusting the time index between polyphase electrical systems connected to each other via the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention can, in addition or as an alternative to the different variants of the adjustment device 10 already described above, include, or even be composed of, mechanical parts belonging to one and/or the other of the male and female connectors, cooperating with each other in the manner of a key, to define angular positions of the electromagnetic parts relative to each other.

The method of connecting each pair formed by the male connector 11 and one of the female connectors 12 can be deduced intuitively in view of Figure 4. It is for example possible to bring a first female connector 12 above the second mechanical part

113 of the male connector 11, then thread it around the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11 until it rests on the base 13; and so on with the other female connectors 12. Note here that the threading of each female connector 12 around the male connector 1 1 is then carried out by a translation movement along the axis of the sliding pivot connection by which the female connectors 12 and the male connector 11 cooperate with each other.

Before describing the connection method and the disconnection method of an interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention in a more general context than that considered above, let us note that, with regard to polyphase electrical systems, those -these can either have the same number of phases or different numbers of phases between them. This is a certain advantage of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention to be able to manage, in a transparent manner, any observable configuration in terms of number of phases of the polyphase electrical systems that it allows to interconnect between them. With reference to Figure 7, the method of connecting an interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is described below. Note here that the connector illustrated in Figure 7 conforms to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, with the exception of the fact that the adjustment device, and more particularly its components 10a and 10b, as well as the contact connections

114 and 124, are not shown for the sake of simplification.

More particularly, Figure 7 illustrates the result of a step of the connection process by which the male connector 11 was brought opposite the female connector 12. Once this feeding step has been carried out, a translation movement subsequent, represented by the arrow illustrated in Figure 7, of the male connector 11 makes it possible to reach a connection position between the male connector 11 and the female connector 12. Note that the translation movement follows in this case the axis of the sliding pivot connection by which the male and female connectors cooperate mechanically with each other. Note also that the axis of the sliding pivot connection is then coincident with the direction of the gravitational field, so that the connection process exploits gravity without it being necessary to adapt to it.

We also observe in Figure 7 that the interconnector 1 shown is intended to connect together the so-called secondary polyphase electrical system 2 extending from the base of an offshore wind turbine and the so-called primary polyphase electrical system 3 joining for example a network electrical distribution. The connection operation is therefore carried out offshore and completely submerged. A boat, for example equipped with a cable winch, as lifting device 4, can be used to carry out the connection process. The disconnection process associated with the connection process described above with reference to Figure 7 can be deduced intuitively from Figure 7 and the description given above. Briefly, said disconnection process follows a reverse process of the connection process described above with reference to Figure 7.

With reference to Figure 8, the connection method of another embodiment of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is described below. Note here that the connector illustrated in Figure 8 conforms to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, with the exception of the fact that the adjustment device, and more particularly its components 10c, as well as the contact connections 114 and 124 , are not represented there for the sake of simplification. Note here that the same is true of the illustration provided in Figure 9.

With reference to Figure 8, the method of connecting and disconnecting the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention can involve, in addition or as an alternative to the lifting device 4 introduced above, a balloon cabled riser attached to a female connector 12 in the example illustrated. By “ascent balloon” we mean a balloon which can be used both to raise a submerged object to the surface and to allow its descent towards the depths in a controlled manner by compensating and possibly stabilizing the weight of the submerged object.

In operation, the male and female connectors of an interconnector, according to the first aspect of the invention, exert a suction effect on each other linked to the transfer of electrical energy by electromagnetic induction. This is why, before each connection and each disconnection, it is advantageous, if not necessary, to interrupt the circulation of electric current in at least one of the windings of a given type making the interconnection. This current interruption may, if necessary, involve a switch arranged on at least one of the polyphase electrical systems interconnected between them.

It therefore appears, in view of the above, that the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention can be applied in a particularly advantageous manner in submerged environments, therefore a fortiori in humid environments.

Thus, several uses of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention can be envisaged in such environments. Two of these uses are illustrated respectively in Figures 5 and 9.

Figure 5 illustrates the use of three interconnectors 1 according to the first aspect of the invention in an offshore wind farm 5. The park 5 considered comprises five wind turbines each connected to a secondary polyphase electrical system 3, each secondary polyphase electrical system 3 being connected in turn by electrical contact to a winding of a female connector 12. Thus, five female connectors 12 are implemented. These five female connectors 12 are, in the example illustrated in Figure 5, connectable, due to their relative proximity, to at least one among the three male connectors 11 illustrated. More particularly, in the example illustrated, two of the three male connectors 11 are each connected to two of the five female connectors 12, while the third male connector 11 is connected to the remaining female connector 12. Furthermore, the three male connectors 11 illustrated are connected to the same primary polyphase 2 electrical system. Obviously, other distributions can be considered. Note also that, the two wind turbines shown on the left of Figure 5 not having the same size, will not generate the same quantity of electrical energy; therefore, it appears from the representation of the interconnector 1 located on the left in Figure 5 that the connector associated with a given wind turbine, or more generally with an electrical energy generator, can be sized to the production capacity of electrical energy from the wind turbine, or more generally from said generator. This is how the female connector 12 connected to the smaller of the two aforementioned wind turbines has an electromagnetic part 121 of reduced size relative to the electromagnetic part 121 of the larger of the two aforementioned wind turbines.

Figure 9 illustrates the use of two interconnectors 1 according to the first aspect of the invention in a charging infrastructure 6 for electric or hybrid electric boats 61. A lifting device 4, comprising in the example illustrated two cables, where appropriate connected to a winch of each boat, is provided to allow the descent of a female connector 12, for example from a hatch of a boat, towards a male connector 1 1 placed on the installation site 0 associated with the charging infrastructure 6. Thus, the polyphase electrical system of each boat 61 constitutes a secondary polyphase electrical system 3. Furthermore, the two male connectors 11 illustrated are connected to the same primary polyphase electrical system 2. In this example, the boat 61 shown on the right is larger than the boat shown on the left; therefore, the polyphase electrical system associated with each boat may not include the same number of phases. In particular, the boat on the right (larger) may require a six-phase electrical system, while the boat on the left (smaller) may be associated with a polyphase electrical system comprising only three phases. The interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously allows the management of these different types of configuration (in terms of different number of phases from one polyphase electrical system to another, whether primary or secondary) in a manner completely transparent.

In this example, it seems quite difficult to envisage that several female connectors 12 associated with different boats 61 could be connected to the same male connector 11. However, this in no way limits the use currently described, particularly to the extent that this use naturally extends to a charging infrastructure 6 for electric or hybrid electric cars. Indeed, in the latter case, it is much easier to envisage that several female connectors 12 associated with different cars can be connected to the same male connector 11.

Figure 6 aims to illustrate a subsidiary advantage of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention. This subsidiary advantage consists of taking advantage of the degree of freedom in rotation around the axis of the sliding pivot connection of one of the male and female connectors 11 and 12 relative to the other of the male and female connectors 11 and 12. In addition , this subsidiary advantage may consist of taking advantage of the degree of freedom in translation along the axis of said sliding pivot connection, while being limited, however, to the extent of this axis which coincides with the axial extent of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of the male connector 1 1. More particularly, Figure 6 is an enlargement of the area referenced A in Figure 5. This is an enlargement on the base 51 a floating from an offshore wind turbine. We only observe one of the male and female connectors 11 and 12 illustrated being fixed to the base 51 a, the other of the male and female connectors 11 and 12 illustrated can rotate around the axis of the pivot connection sliding by which it cooperates with the fixed connector, and/or can be 'translated' in a limited manner along the axis of said pivot connection, thus offering the interconnection at least one degree of freedom capable of accommodating the movements in particular of swell to which the wind turbine may be subjected.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all the embodiments covered by the claims.

In particular, as illustrated in Figure 10C, the scope of the appended claims covers the case not yet described above of an interconnection configuration by axial electromagnetic induction, presenting a connector connected by electrical contact to a primary polyphase electrical system located between two connectors of an opposite type each connected to a secondary polyphase electrical system. In this configuration, the feeding of the central connector 11 between the two other connectors 12 can be carried out following an axis perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of revolution, or rotation(s), of said two other connectors 12. It is constant that these connectors cooperate with each other by a sliding pivot connection conforming to that by which the connectors of an interconnector 1 cooperate according to one of the embodiments described above. However, in the case illustrated in Figure 10C, the translation movement by which the central connector 11 is alternately connected and disconnected follows an axis perpendicular to the axis of the sliding pivot connection by which the central connector 11 cooperates with the other connectors 12 when connected to each other.

Another broadening covered by the appended claims consists of considering that the shape of the different electromagnetic parts in play is not cylindrical, but deviates from this shape for example by presenting a section of hexagonal shape, or even pentagonal, along its length. axis of symmetry by rotation.

Furthermore, in absolute terms, the role of the different mechanical parts described above can, at least to a large extent, be played by the different electromagnetic parts themselves. In particular, when the shape of the different electromagnetic parts presents not a symmetry of revolution, but a symmetry of rotation(s), these different electromagnetic parts can contribute to their self-centering, or even to the adjustment of the time index between the different systems polyphase electrics that they interconnect.

Claims

1. Interconnector (1) by electromagnetic induction of polyphase electrical systems (2, 3) between them, the interconnector comprising at least one male connector (11) and one female connector (12):

• each connector (11, 12) comprising an electromagnetic part (111, 121) comprising a magnetic core and a winding wound around the core, each winding being intended to be connected by electrical contact (114, 124) to one of said polyphase electrical systems (2, 3), and at least the winding of each electromagnetic part (11 1, 121) being electrically isolated from its environment,

• the electromagnetic part (111) of each male connector (11) being of shape and/or dimensions adapted to the shape and/or dimensions of the electromagnetic part (121) of each female connector (12), to allow each male connector to cooperate mechanically with each female connector by a sliding pivot connection, so that the interconnector (1) operates, for each connection between a male connector (11) and a female connector (12) stationary between them, a transfer of electrical power between a first polyphase electrical system (2) and a second polyphase electrical system (3), by induction of a rotating magnetic field between the electromagnetic parts (111, 121) of the male connector (11) and the female connector (12 ) of the connection considered.

2. Interconnector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said pivot-sliding connection has an axis along which the male and female connectors are intended to be alternately connected and disconnected between them.

3. Interconnector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the male and female connectors (11, 12) comprises at least one device (10) for adjusting its angular position relative to a other, or even each other, among the male and female connectors (11, 12), said adjustment device (10) being configured to adjust a time index between said polyphase electrical systems (2, 3) connected together by the interconnector (1), by rotation of at least one of the male and female connectors (11, 12) relative to another, or even to each other, of the male and female connectors (11, 12).

4. Interconnector (1) according to claim 3, in which the adjustment device (10) comprises:

• a drive axis (10a) secured, at least in rotation, to the male connector (11) and extending beyond the electromagnetic part (11 1) of the male connector (11), and

• an actuator (10b) configured to rotate, in a controlled manner, the drive shaft (10a) around its axis, at least when the male connector (11) is in the connection position with at least one female connector (12), preferably without varying the angular position of said at least one female connector (12).

5. Interconnector (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims, in which the adjustment device (10) is supported by at least one female connector (12) and comprises, for each female connector (12), a module of adjustment (10c) of the angular position of the female connector (12) relative to the angular position of the other female connectors, at least when said female connectors are in the connection position.

6. Interconnector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the electromagnetic part (111) of a male connector (11) is of shape and dimensions adapted so that several female connectors (12) are intended to be alternately connected and disconnected relative to the male connector (11) by the same pivot connection sliding between each female connector (12) and the male connector (11).

7. Interconnector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one connector among the male and female connectors (11, 12) further comprises at least one mechanical part (112, 113, 122) configured to cooperate mechanically with at least one other connector, or with at least one mechanical part of another connector, so as to control the position of the connectors between them, at least when they are in the connection position, and/or to guide a movement of connecting or disconnecting the connectors from each other, and in which said at least one connector (11, 12) comprising a mechanical part (112, 113, 122) comprises a female connector (12).

8. Interconnector (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the mechanical part (122) of the female connector (12), or of each female connector (12), extends from an exterior or interior periphery of its electromagnetic part (121). ) and has a shape extending from the electromagnetic part (121) of the female connector (12) forming at least one non-flat angle therewith.

9. Interconnector (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims, in which each female connector (12) among a plurality of female connectors has a mechanical part (122) identical in shape and/or dimensions to the mechanical part of the other female connectors of the plurality, so that the mechanical parts of the female connectors of the plurality cooperate mechanically with each other to control their relative arrangement, and in particular to ensure their centering relative to each other along the axis of the sliding pivot connection, at least when these are in the connection position.

10. Method of connecting an interconnector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: • bringing one of a male connector (11) and a female connector (12), opposite the other of a male connector (11) and a female connector (12), so as to that a subsequent translation movement of one relative to the other can follow an axis along which the male and female connectors are intended to be alternately connected and disconnected between them, then

• said translation movement of one relative to the other along said axis, until reaching a connection position in which the male and female connectors cooperate mechanically with each other by a sliding pivot connection.

11. Method according to claim 10, further comprising, at least before the translational movement of one of at least one male connector (11) and one female connector (12) relative to the other of at least one connector male (11) and a female connector (12), a step of interrupting the circulation of electric current in at least one of a winding of the male connector (11) and a winding of the female connector (12).

12. Method according to any one of claims 10 and 11, in which the axis of the sliding pivot connection is substantially parallel to a direction defined by the ambient gravity field.

13. Use of at least one interconnector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in an offshore wind farm (5) comprising a plurality of wind turbines (51) each connected to a secondary polyphase electrical system (3 ) connected in turn by electrical contact (124) to a winding of one of a male connector (11) and a female connector (12) to allow alternatively, by manipulation of said at least one interconnector (1), the connection and disconnecting each secondary polyphase electrical system (3) from a primary polyphase electrical system (2) connected by electrical contact (114) to a winding of another among the male connector (11) and the female connector (12).

14. Use of at least one interconnector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in an offshore wind turbine (51) comprising a first secondary polyphase electrical system (3a) and a second secondary polyphase electrical system (3b) each connected by electrical contact (114, 124) to a winding of a respective one of a male connector (11) and a female connector (12), for interconnecting the first and second secondary polyphase electrical systems with each other, with a degree of freedom, of one of the male connector (11) and the female connector (12) relative to the other, said degree of freedom comprising at least one degree of freedom in rotation around an axis of a sliding pivot connection by which the male and female connectors are configured to cooperate mechanically with each other.

15. Use of at least one interconnector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in a charging infrastructure (6) for electric and/or hybrid electric vehicles (61) comprising a plurality of polyphase electrical systems secondary (3) each connected by electrical contact (124) to a winding of one of a male connector (11) and a female connector (12) to allow alternatively, by manipulation of said at least one interconnector (1), the connection and disconnecting each secondary polyphase electrical system (3) from a primary polyphase electrical system (2) connected by electrical contact (114) to a winding of another of the male connector (11) and the female connector (12).