WO2005124944A1

WO2005124944A1 - Pivoting electrical connection device comprising a ball joint

Info

Publication number: WO2005124944A1
Application number: PCT/FR2005/050311
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lionel Julliand; Etienne Masse
Original assignee: Converteam Sas
Priority date: 2004-06-03
Filing date: 2005-05-10
Publication date: 2005-12-29
Also published as: EP1774626A1; FR2871304B1; EP1774626B1; FR2871304A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device comprising a male connector (1) and a female connector (2), each comprising at least two current conductors (2, 1B, 1C; 2A, 2B, 2C). The male connector comprises a spherical head (10) provided with first contact elements (10A, 10B, 10C), and the female connector (2) comprises an open cavity (20) which is used to receive said spherical head and is provided with second contact elements (20A, 20B, 20C). Said first and second contact elements are arranged in such a way as to enable the pivoting electrical connection, maintaining the spherical head (10) in the cavity (20) with an appropriate contact pressure between the first and second contact elements. The dimensions of the opening of the cavity (20) are selected in such a way as to enable the introduction of the spherical head (10), and the holding means (3) are adapted in such a way as to generate a force (FR1, FR2; FR) for bringing the connectors (1, 2) closer to each other in order to establish the contact pressure.

Description

Swivel electrical connection device with ball joint.

The invention relates to a pivoting electrical connection device with a ball joint, comprising a male connector and a female connector each comprising at least two conductors for power current. The male connector has a spherical head which has first contact elements associated with the conductors. The female connector has an open cavity intended to receive the spherical head and which has second contact elements associated with the conductors. Holding means are arranged to allow the pivoting electrical connection by maintaining the spherical head in the cavity with an appropriate contact pressure between the first and second contact elements. Such a device is known from patent document GB 381354. The holding means consist of the part of the female connector located at the opening of the cavity. The diameter of the opening of the cavity is in fact less than the diameter of the spherical head, and the female connector consists of two symmetrical parts intended to be assembled and held one against the other by screws once the ball head is in place. The contact elements of the female connector are metal balls associated with springs. The spherical head is kept close enough to the wall of the cavity to compress the springs with an appropriate contact pressure between the balls and the contact elements of the male connector.

This ball-and-socket connection device is obviously not intended for power currents of the order of a hundred kW or much more. Indeed, the balls do not allow a sufficient contact surface to support power currents.

The device is also not intended to operate under a voltage typically in the range of standardized medium voltage and which may range, for example, from 3.3 kV to 11 kV.

On the other hand, it does not allow a quick connection since the two-part female connector must be assembled and tightened around the male connector to ensure the connection. In the same way, it does not allow rapid disconnection since it is necessary to disassemble the two parts of the female connector by moving them apart to allow the spherical head to exit the cavity.

The invention proposes to provide a swivel connection device with a ball joint which allows rapid connection and disconnection between the two connectors and which is suitable for passing currents with a power typically greater than a hundred kW, more particularly on average. or normalized high voltage but also in low voltage. In particular, the invention provides a pivoting connection device which can be used in an electrical connection assembly to connect to a supply start of a consumption assembly the output of a production plant in a context where this output and the start are likely to be in relative motion with respect to each other. This is for example the case if we plan to connect to a gas terminal or tanker the power plant of a ship to provide a source of electrical power for the terminal. Since a dockside ship is generally subject to relative movement relative to the dock in three directions, a pivoting connection device according to the invention makes it possible to maintain a reliable connection despite the movement of the ship, while reducing the number of connectors required relative to conventional solutions consisting of multiplying connectors pivoting along a single axis as shown for example in patent document GB 1526900.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a pivoting electrical connection device as defined in the preamble, characterized in that the opening of the cavity is dimensioned to allow the introduction of the spherical head until mutual contact of the first and second contact elements, and in that the holding means are adapted to generate a closing force tending towards mutual approximation of the connectors in order to establish the contact pressure.

The invention, its characteristics and its advantages are specified in the description which follows in relation to the twenty-six appended figures.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 schematically represent a first embodiment of a pivoting electrical connection device according to the invention.

In FIG. 1, the swivel electrical connection device with a ball joint according to the invention comprises a male connector 1 which comprises three phase conductors 2, IB, and IC, and comprises a female connector 2 comprising three conductors 2 A, 2B, 2C corresponding to the same phases of the electrical power source. Of course, it is possible to provide additional phase conductors, or a neutral, on each connector. The phase conductors are dimensioned to pass currents with powers of the order of a hundred kW or significantly more, and are isolated from neighboring conductors and the metal parts of the connectors, for example by sheaths in order to prevent any short -circuit or arcing The male connector 1 comprises a spherical head 10 which has first contact elements 10A, 10B, and 10C associated with the phase conductors 1A, IB, and IC. These first contact elements may each have a surface in portion of a sphere. The female connector 2 comprises an open cavity 20 intended to receive the spherical head 10 and which has second contact elements 20A, 20B, and 20C associated with the conductors 2 of phases 2A, 2B, and 2C. These second contact elements can be constituted by contact pads flush with the wall of the cavity. However, in order to allow the passage of high power currents, it is advantageous to provide the second contact elements in the form of contact strips with flexible lamellae, for example of the type described in patent document EP0716474 or another type. Preferably, the shape of the strips is provided to limit or even prevent the phenomena of abrasion of the strips against the surface of the first contact elements in all directions of pivoting of the connection device.

Holding means 3 are mounted on the female connector and are arranged to be able to present two support elements 31 and 32 in mechanical contact with the rear part of the spherical head 10 as shown in FIG. 3. These support elements are each mounted on a rod 5 capable of being moved in translation by being pushed by a spring 8 to generate a closing force F _R1 or F ^ directed towards the center of the spherical head 10 and tending to the mutual approach of the two connectors. In the embodiment shown, two symmetrical assemblies are provided for the holding means 3, but it is understood that these means can comprise three or more bearing assemblies in order, for example, to use smaller springs and less motors. powerful for the same result.

The control of the holding means 3 is ensured here by two motors 9, for example identical and arranged symmetrically. The rotor 9A of a motor is connected to the corresponding spring 8 by means of a toothed wheel 9B and a rack. The motors can be controlled by an operator participating in the process of connecting the two connectors 1 and 2. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3, each rotor 9 A is also connected by a belt to a device 12 for actuating the an arch 12 ′ to which partition means 6 are fixed, consisting for example of a lip of elastomeric material, as visible more precisely in FIG. 2.

To allow the introduction of the connector 1 into the cavity 20, a command is sent to the motors 9 in order to drive each rod 5 to retract it in the body of the connector 2, which has the effect of compressing each spring 8. In this position, the arch 12 ′ is also retracted in the body of the connector 2, and the spherical head 10 can thus be introduced into the cavity 20 without coming into contact with the lip 6 fixed to the arch. This arch 12 ′ is for example in the form of a semicircle, and it is then necessary to provide another symmetrical arch which can be actuated in the same way by the second symmetrical control assembly, in order to effect complete partitioning of the space 4 between the spherical head 10 and the wall of the cavity 20, as produced by the lips 6 and 6 'visible in FIG. 3. Once the spherical head 10 is introduced into the cavity 20, a command is sent to each motor 9 to gradually decrease the torque of the rotor 9A so as to enable the means 3 for holding the spherical head in the cavity to be activated by progressive relaxation of the spring 8. This has the effect of translating the two rods 5 so that the two elements d 'support 31 and 32 press on the rear part of the spherical head 10. Each rod 5 can be limited in its travel by a stop element 13 whose positioning is provided to correspond to the crushing maximum admissible for the second contact elements, in particular in the case of lamella contacts so as not to exceed the elastic limit of the slats. The two approximation forces F _R1 and Vm being symmetrical with respect to the axis X of the connector 2, the result is a force oriented along this axis and which allows the two connectors to approach each other until a contact pressure is obtained between the first and second contact elements. The rotation of each rotor 9A in braking mode also has the effect of causing a translation of the associated arch 12 'so that the lip 6 or 6' comes into contact with the spherical head 10 and obtain the partitioning of the space 4 Inert gas can thus be introduced into the space 4, for example via a channel 15 formed in the body of the connector 2. At the other non-visible end of the connector, the channel 15 is connected to a reservoir of inert gas. An initial circulation of the gas in the space 4 can be carried out in order to expel the air and thus guarantee a completely inert gas in the vicinity of the first and second contact elements, which provides a connection device which can operate safely in a atmosphere classified as explosive, for example in the vicinity of a liquefied gas unloading dock in a gas terminal. To ensure this initial circulation of the gas, a gas return channel 16 can be provided in the body of the connector 2 to evacuate the air.

The two support elements 31 and 32 preferably have a support surface made of an anti-friction and abrasion-resistant material, such as PTFE, so as not to oppose significant resistance to the relative pivoting of the two connectors. Advantageously, a flange 14 is provided fixed on the connector 1 and is arranged so as to limit the angular movement of the pivoting by pressing against the entry edge of the opening 20 of the connector 2, which ensures contact permanent between the first and second contact elements in all the positions authorized for pivoting. To disconnect the two connectors 1 and 2, the transfer of power current to the connection device must first be interrupted. Then, it is possible to carry out either a so-called normal disconnection or a so-called emergency disconnection. Normal disconnection consists in activating the two motors 9 to retract each rod 5 to the position shown in FIG. 1, then to release the connector 1. The emergency disconnection does not involve the motor and consists in removing the connector 1 with a sufficient tensile force to compress the two springs 8 by sufficiently retracting the two rods 5 in order to allow the release of the spherical head 10. In general, in a pivoting electrical connection device according to the invention, it is desirable to be able to disconnect the two connectors 1 and 2 even if the holding means remain activated.

Figure 4 corresponds to the device of Figures 1 and 3, in which the partitioning means provided for the inert gas space have been simplified. These means of partitions are now fixed and consist of a seal 7 retractable in a groove so as not to be damaged by the introduction of the spherical head 10. The seal 7 may for example be a conventional spring seal . It has the shape of a torus whose internal diameter is substantially equal to the diameter of the spherical head 10. Preferably, a gas sensor 25 is arranged in the partitioned space 4 in order to detect any pollution of the inert gas by the outdoor atmosphere. It is for example important to detect a possible introduction of oxygen into the space 4 which could occur in the event of deterioration of the seal 7 or of an air inlet at a channel 15 or 16 of circulation of inert gas. The signal from the gas sensor 25 can thus be transmitted to a computer 23 which determines the percentage of oxygen and sends a signal to a control device 24 of a cut-off system 22 if this percentage exceeds a certain threshold. The breaking system 22 comprises breaking devices such as circuit breakers 26 capable of interrupting the transfer of power current to the connection device on the order of the control device 24. Figures 5 and 6 correspond to the device of Figure 4, in which the holding means 3 use an arm 5 ′ which can be displaced in rotation and whose rotation is integral with a pivoting cam 17 which can be actuated indirectly by the rotor 9A of the motor, for example by means of a belt connected to the rotor output shaft and mounted on a roller integral with the cam. A spring 8 'disposed in the body of the connector 2 is provided to cooperate with the cam 17 by means of a rolling element 18 integral in movement with one end of the spring 8'. In FIG. 5, the arm 5 ′ is retracted into the body of the connector 2 so as not to risk being in contact with the spherical head 10 when approaching the connector 1 towards the cavity 20, approach during which the head spherical 10 can be made to slide against a frustoconical guide surface 21 to be centered towards the opening of the cavity 20. The profile of the cam 17 is provided so that in the retracted position of the arm 5 ′, the thrust of the spring 8 'tends to rotate the cam to further retract the arm 5'. Thus, it is not necessary to activate the motor to keep the arm 5 'retracted. The activation of the motor intervenes only to allow the deployment of the arm 5 ′ by the rotation of the cam 17, and thus the activation of the holding means 3 as soon as the rolling element 18 exceeds the neutral point of the cam. In the corresponding position shown in FIG. 6, the thrust of the spring 8 'makes it possible to exert a torque on the cam 17 in order to allow the holding means 3 to generate a closing force F _R1 .

In the above embodiments, the holding means 3 are means of a mechanical nature in the sense that they are designed to transmit the thrust of a spring to at least one bearing element intended to come into contact with the rear of the male connector ball head. However, it is possible to obtain a similar approach force by using holding means which are not mechanical in nature. The connection device shown schematically in the connected position in Figures 7 and 8 uses pneumatic holding means. Two seals 7 and 7 ′ are provided to ensure complete and efficient partitioning of the space 4 between the spherical head 10 and the wall of the cavity 20. The retractable seal 7 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. The seal 7 'may on the contrary have no elasticity and ensure, in addition to its gas tightness function, a stop function to limit the sinking of the spherical head 10. The second contact elements 20A, 20B, and 20C are similar to those described above. Here, a spring has been shown behind each contact to symbolize the elasticity of these second elements in the case where contact strips with flexible lamellae are used. The stop function of the seal 7 'makes it possible not to exceed the limits of elasticity of the strips, by limiting the sinking of the spherical head 10. Of course, other stops can be provided for this purpose.

The connector 1 holding means are here arranged to create a gas depression in the space 4 in order to generate a mutual attraction force F _R between the two connectors 1 and 2. The control means provided for activating these means maintenance include a suction pump not shown connected by at least one channel 19 to space 4. This pump is designed to be able to create a vacuum of inert gas in space 4 by sucking this gas through channel 19. An initial circulation of inert gas for expelling air can be provided by opening an inert gas inlet through a channel 29 directly connected to a tank. Advantageously, another gas inlet channel 28, this time supplied by a pump, can be provided to maintain a slight gas overpressure relative to atmospheric pressure P _a tm in a space between the two seals 7 and T.

Since there are no more mechanical elements for the holding means, in particular at the opening of the cavity 20, this opening can be perfectly circular with a flared shape so that it is possible to close the cavity by a cover 27 substantially in the shape of a sphere trunk and fixed to the male connector 1. This sealing makes it possible to avoid the introduction of a foreign body, such as spray or even a bird, during the connection.

In FIG. 8, it can be seen that the mutual attraction force F _R is directed along the axis X of symmetry of the connector 2. The slight overpressure of inert gas in the space between the two seals 7 and 7 'allows avoid the passage of atmospheric air into space 4 even in the case of a small deterioration of the gasket T. Optionally, a non-return valve 19A can be provided on the channel 19 in the event of rupture of this channel at outside the body of the connector 2. A pressure sensor 30 is provided for monitoring the pressure P _D of inert gas in space 4 and verifying that it remains below a certain critical threshold, for example equal to 0.25 bars, above which the contact pressure between the first and second contact elements would become insufficient. The suction pump can be controlled by this sensor 30, and a system similar to the system 22 of Figure 4 can be actuated if the critical pressure threshold is exceeded.

It is advantageous to provide a sealing of the cavity 20 of the connector 2 not only during the connection but also when the two connectors 1 and 2 are separated. For example, if the female connector 2 is installed at the stern of a ship, it will most often be single because the two connectors of the connection device will often be separated geographically. It is then generally necessary to protect the interior of the cavity of the connector 2 from foreign bodies, which can be achieved by a cover-shaped flap 37 fixed to an arm 36 pivotally mounted on a base 35 disposed next to the connector 2. as shown in figure 9.

In FIG. 10, in order to clear the opening of the cavity 20, the arm 36 is pivoted to remove the cover 37 and fold it back towards the rear of the figure. The connection device according to the invention, for example produced according to the mode of FIG. 7, can then be connected by inserting the connector 1 into the cavity 20 in the direction represented by the arrows. In FIG. 11, another system for closing the cavity 20 consists of an extensible sleeve 33 fixed in leaktight manner to the circular edge of the opening of the cavity and capable of being traversed by the spherical head 10 of the male connector 1 during connecting and disconnecting the two connectors. This sleeve 33 is preferably twisted so as to be practically closed at its orifice 33 A, while allowing this orifice to function as a diaphragm which is sufficiently openable to allow passage of the spherical head 10 to the connection position shown on Figure 12. The sleeve is more flexible towards the diaphragm 33 A, to allow the exit of the spherical head 10 following a disconnection. A flange 34 acts as a pivot limiter for the ball joint device.

In FIG. 13, the spherical head 10 of the male connector of a connection device according to the invention is shown in perspective seen from the front and comprises four first contact elements 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D each consisting of a portion surface sphere of a conductive material. The four surfaces are electrically insulated from each other, in order to allow the passage of three phases and a neutral in the connection device, and are of the same dimension. Each surface actually has a substantially circular periphery, which allows the ball joint device to pivot with an angular movement in the horizontal direction xx 'equal to the angular movement in the vertical direction yy'.

In Figure 14, the shape of the periphery of each surface is at least approximately oval. In general, this shape can be studied to allow a relative movement of the connectors 1 and 2 with a greater amplitude in a preferred direction, for example the vertical direction yy ', compared to the other possible directions of movement and in particular the horizontal direction xx. It should be noted that the first contact elements are not necessarily attached to the male connector. On the contrary, they could be arranged on the wall of the cavity of the female connector, in which case the second contact elements such as strip contact strips would be fixed on the spherical head of the male connector. In FIG. 15, a set 50 of electrical connection between an outlet of an electricity production plant and a feeder start of a set of electricity consumption is shown very schematically. The power plant is here constituted by the power plant 45A on board a ship 45, this ship being shown docked at a quay 46 of a gas terminal at a level suitable for discharging into the terminal the contents of a tank 48 of liquefied gas by means of pipes with orientable arms 47. The output of the central unit 45A is connected to the female connector 2 of a swivel electrical connection device with a ball joint according to the invention which makes part of the electrical connection assembly 50. Such an assembly 50 according to the invention is shown in detail in FIG. 19. The connector 2 is installed at the stern of the ship not far from the central unit 45 A, and the assembly 50 is connected as soon as the connector male of the pivoting electrical connection device is inserted into the connector 2 and the holding means are activated. This male connector, not shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, is integral with one end of a telescopic electrical connection device 55 as visible in FIG. 19. This telescopic connection device 55 is mounted on a movable support 49 which can be moved for example on rails along the quay 46 to be brought to the level of the connector 2. A secure connection with inert gas can be made between the telescopic device 55 and cables not shown buried along the quay, cables which constitute the supply start of the electricity consumption assembly constituted by the terminal's electrical equipment. As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 16, the connector 2 and the output of the power plant 45A are capable of moving relative to the supply feed on the quay. Indeed, during the duration of connection of the assembly 50 of electrical connection, the sea level can vary between the heights yi and y ₂ , and the roll can cause the ship 45 to pivot along its longitudinal axis with an angular amplitude. α. In addition, the vessel 45 can move forward or backward along the quay. It follows that to ensure continuity of electrical connection for several hours, the electrical connection assembly 50 must be able to pivot in all directions with a certain angular clearance in each direction. For this application, the angular travel required in the vertical direction is in practice greater than that required in the horizontal direction parallel to the platform. Contact surfaces as shown in Figure 14 are then well suited for the swivel connection device with ball joint according to the invention. The connection between the telescopic device 55 and the connections mounted on the movable support 49 for the supply feed cables must also be pivoting, and can be carried out by a pivoting connection device 65 with a spherical ball joint visible in detail in FIG. 19 Such a device 65 is not necessarily produced according to the invention, since the connection at this level can be permanent without requiring control means to be able to quickly activate or deactivate the means for holding the spherical head.

The connection device shown schematically in Figures 7 and 8, and which uses pneumatic holding means, has undoubtedly the advantage of limiting the elements of mechanical nature. However, it may however prove difficult to maintain a sufficiently strong and relatively stable depression in space 4 to provide a relatively constant contact pressure for the duration of the connection.

According to the invention, it is possible to provide a relatively stable mutual attraction force between the two connectors by means of holding means arranged to generate electromagnetic fields oriented in an appropriate manner. More particularly, according to the embodiment shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 17 and 18, the holding means comprise an electromagnet 40, and the control means comprise a current generator 41 able to activate this electromagnet by supplying a coil 42 with direct current. wrapped around the body of a core 43 in the form of a cylindrical bar. Except for the nature of the holding means, the connection device thus produced is similar to that of FIGS. 7 and 8. It is not necessary here to provide a double seal for the inert gas in space 4. A single retractable seal may be sufficient as for the connection device of Figures 4 to 6, and the arrival of the inert gas as well as the control of the purity of this gas can be ensured in the same way.

The incorporation of an electromagnet 40 in the female connector is particularly suitable for a connection device comprising four conductors and in which the four second contact elements 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D associated with the conductors are arranged at equal distance from the axis of the connector as shown schematically in Figure 17a. There is thus room to arrange the electromagnet 40 along the axis of the female connector, which makes it possible to obtain a magnetic field and a force of attraction oriented along this axis. The diameter of the electromagnet 40 is somewhat exaggerated in FIG. 17a, for better visibility. But it should be noted that in practice, a first contact element 10A, 10B, 10C or 10D of the male connector will not come opposite the peripheral part of the core 43 surrounding the coil 42, and there will be no risk of arcing A single electromagnet 40 may be sufficient to generate a sufficient attraction force between the two connectors and establish an appropriate contact pressure between the first and second contact elements. As shown in FIG. 17b, it is then preferable for the axial zone of the spherical head 10 facing the electromagnet 40 to comprise a cylinder linked to the end surface in a cap and made of a ferromagnetic material such as steel. .

As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 18, the spherical head 10 can be metallic on condition of ensuring electrical insulation 61 with the first contact elements as well as the associated conductors which are for example made of copper. However, it is a priori more advantageous to provide the spherical head 10 mainly consisting of an insulating material molded around the first contact elements and their conductors, and to have a ferromagnetic cylinder 11 as drawn in dotted lines, leaving a small thickness of insulating material between the cap end surface and the surface of the spherical head 10. This cylinder 11 made of ferromagnetic material has the function of closing the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnet 40. This can make it possible to obtain a force of significant magnetic attraction for a reduced bulk of the connection device with its holding means, in comparison with another embodiment of a connection device according to the invention in which the holding means are mechanical in nature.

At least the end portion of the body of the female connector, on the right of FIG. 18, is preferably made of an insulating material 63 molded around the second contact elements 20A to 20D and their conductors 2A to 2D. This end part can be fixed coaxially to a tube 62 which guides in particular the conductors 2A to 2D to the power plant. In the figure, the zone of the electromagnet 40 which is opposite the spherical head 10 is not completely covered with insulating material, but it is possible to provide a total covering of this zone in order to avoid any possible creepage problem between the second contact elements 20A to 20D and the peripheral part of the core 43 of the electromagnet.

It is also possible to provide a second electromagnet disposed in the spherical head 10. However, this solution increases the cost of the device, and a sufficient contact pressure force can generally be obtained with a single electromagnet. It is also possible, in the case for example of a configuration of the contact elements as shown in FIG. 13, to provide several electromagnets in the insulating body of the female conductor. It is possible, for example, to have three electromagnets arranged in an equilateral triangle and the axes of the coils of which are directed towards the center of the cavity 20.

The current generator 41 may consist of a rectifier transformer supplied by the power plant on board a ship to supply a preferably continuous current. For safety, low-voltage battery type accumulators can be provided to compensate for any interruption in the supply of current by the generator 41. Advantageously, one end of the body of the core 43 of the electromagnet 40 is coated with an anti-friction material 44 such as PTFE, and has a function of end-of-travel stop for the mutual approximation of the male and female connectors in order to limit the contact pressure between the first and second contact elements provided by the activation of the electromagnet. The peripheral part of the core 43 can optionally be covered with the same insulating material 63 as for the body of the female connector, in order to be able to be lengthened by bare conductors 2A to 2D held by insulators in the tube 62.

Optionally, it is possible to provide at least one optical distance meter such as 39 or 39 ′ arranged to locally measure the thickness of the interstitial space between the spherical head 10 and the wall of the cavity of the female connector. This distance meter is associated with means for establishing a correlation between this thickness and the contact pressure. If this thickness becomes greater than a certain value, for example of the order of a few tenths of a millimeter, this implies a small distance from the head 10 relative to the wall and therefore an at least local decrease in the contact pressure between a first and second contact element. There is therefore an indirect measurement system of the contact pressure, which is preferably connected to a cut-off system such as a system 22 described above and capable of interrupting the transfer of the power current to the connection device. It is understood that it is also possible to provide a system for direct measurement of the contact pressure, for example using piezoelectric elements. One could in particular interpose a piezoelectric element between each second contact element 20A to 20D and the insulating body of the female connector.

The mechanical, pneumatic and electromagnetic embodiments for the means for holding a pivoting electrical connection device according to the invention are not necessarily mutually exclusive. It is for example possible to provide holding means which are both pneumatic and electromagnetic. In this case, one or more permanent magnets could be suitable for ensuring a part, for example of the order of 20% of the mutual attraction force, making it possible to ensure an appropriate contact pressure, the greater part being ensured by vacuum. created by pumping. The control means then activate only the pneumatic part of the overall holding means to generate the closing force between the connectors.

In FIG. 19, the assembly 50 of electrical connection between an outlet of a power generation plant of a ship 45 and a feed start of an assembly of electricity consumption, represented very schematically on the Figures 15 and 16, is shown here in detail. This assembly 50 is shown in condensed view, and it should be understood that the length of the assembly is in fact greater relative to the dimensions shown for the two ball joints. The telescopic electrical connection device 55 comprises two rectilinear arms 51 and 52 substantially coaxial able to slide one inside the other, and includes sliding contacts 53 capable of ensuring a permanent electrical connection between the conductors of the two arms.

The male connector 1 with a spherical head 10 of the pivoting electrical connection device according to the invention is integral with the right end of the telescopic electrical connection device 55. A system of jacks 54 is arranged to cause an extension of the telescopic device 55 during a connection operation of the male 1 and female 2 connectors of the pivoting connection device. To carry out this connection operation, the assembly 50 comprises a rolling assembly comprising the movable support 49 as well as a pivoting plate 59 mounted on casters and able to pivot around a hinge assembly 57 fixed to the movable support 49. L 'assembly 50 is brought substantially to the level of connector 2 mounted at the stern of the ship 45 at the quay, and the support 49 is fixed to the ground. The height of the spherical head 10 relative to the platform is adjusted by means of a jack system 56, and the pivoting plate 59 is adjusted so that the direction of the telescopic device 55 points towards the cavity of the female connector 2. The jack system 54 is then activated to allow an extension of the telescopic connection device until the introduction of the spherical head 10, and the means for holding the pivoting connection device according to the invention are then activated. These means are not shown in the figure, and may be as described above. The actuator systems are then deactivated to allow sliding and free pivoting of the telescopic device 55. The pivoting connection between the telescopic device 55 and connections, not shown, mounted on the mobile support 49 for the feed feed cables is here performed by a swivel connection device 65 with a spherical ball joint. The dimensions of the device 65 have been exaggerated in the figure for a sufficient vision of the details. The connection at this level can be permanent or almost permanent, and the means for holding the spherical head are not produced according to the invention because they do not allow rapid connection and disconnection. These holding means are here provided by tightening by screwing at least two threaded rods 64 guided in translation in the body of the female connector 66 of the device 65. To establish or undo the connection at this level, an operator must come to screw or unscrew the threaded rods 64. The female connector 66 is shown fixed in a horizontal position to the movable support 49, but it is possible to provide a fixing adjustable in inclination. The male connector 70 of the ball-joint connection device 65 is fixed to the telescopic device 55, the latter being prevented from rotating on its axis thanks to a system 58 with sliding arms which connects it to the swivel plate 59.

As described above, a space 4 of inert gas, airtight, is provided in the pivoting connection device according to the invention in order to fill the environment of the first and second contact elements of the device with inert gas. Other spaces

4 'of inert gas are provided in the two arms 52 and 53 of the connection device telescopic in order to fill the gaseous environment with inert gas of the sliding contacts 53 with inert gas. In addition, another space 4 "of inert gas is provided in the pivoting connection device 65. These spaces of inert gas communicate with each other by sealed channels, and a gas circulation system symbolized by arrows is provided for supplying inert gas by expelling the air into said spaces. The gas circulation here takes place from a tank not shown for the supply of inert gas which is installed at the stern of the ship 45, to pass over the entire length of the electrical connection assembly 50 and lead to a gas outlet not shown at the female connector 66 of the device 65. This gas circulation is activated just after the connection of the assembly 50 and the activation of the means for holding the pivoting connection device according to the invention, and before the connector 2 is electrically connected to the production unit ction of electricity from the vessel 45. It can take a certain time given the overall volume of air to be expelled from the assembly 50. Once the filling of inert gas has been carried out, the gas outlet is blocked to stop the circulation of the gas and a slight overpressure with respect to atmospheric pressure is created in all of the inert gas spaces in order to prevent the introduction of air.

In the above embodiments for a pivoting electrical connection device according to the invention, the holding means require electrical energy to activate a motor, a pump or an electromagnet. It is however possible to have entirely mechanical holding means which use the energy of introduction of the spherical head of the male connector to activate the holding means.

Figures 20 and 21 describe a first device of this type according to the invention, which has similarities to that of Figures 5 and 6. We do without the use of a motor here, since the energy required for rotation of each cam 17 is provided by a pivoting pusher element 67 of the control means. This pusher 67 is connected to the cam 17 and is therefore capable of driving a support element 31 in solidary rotation. As for the device in FIGS. 5 and 6, the holding means comprise at least one spring 8 ', one end of which is provided with a rolling element capable of cooperating with the cam. Recesses 69 are provided in the spherical head 10 to facilitate the pushing of the head on each pusher 67. FIGS. 22 and 23 describe a second device of this type according to the invention, allowing a higher contact pressure than with the first. The energy required for the rotation of each cam 17 ′ is supplied by a pivoting pusher element 68 connected to the cam 17 ′ by a movement return system comprising three arms 71, 72 and 73 articulated at two points. Each pusher 68 is therefore capable of driving a support element 31 or 32 in rotation. The holding means comprise at least one spring 8 ", one end of which is provided with a rolling element capable of cooperating with the cam. In FIG. 23a, it can be seen that the rod 1A of the male connector has an H-shaped section in order to allow the support elements 31 or 32 of the pivoting arms 5 "to produce thrusts which are slightly inclined relative to the axis of the female connector.

Claims

1 / swivel electrical connection device with spherical ball joint, comprising a male connector (1) and a female connector (2) each comprising at least two conductors (1A, IB, IC; 2 A, 2B, 2C) for power current, the male connector comprising a spherical head (10) which has first contact elements (10A, 10B, 10C) associated with said conductors, the female connector (2) comprising an open cavity (20) intended to receive said spherical head and which has second contact elements (20A, 20B, 20C) associated with said conductors, holding means (3) being arranged to allow the pivoting electrical connection while maintaining the spherical head in the cavity with an appropriate contact pressure between said first and second contact elements, characterized in that the opening of said cavity is dimensioned to allow the introduction of said spherical head (10) until mutual contact of said p first and second contact elements, and in that said holding means (3) are adapted to generate a closing force (F _R1 , F ^; F _R ) tending to the mutual approach of said connectors (1, 2) in order to establish said contact pressure.

2 / swivel electrical connection device according to claim 1, wherein said holding means (3) are arranged to generate oriented electromagnetic fields to provide a mutual attraction force (F _R ) between said connectors.

3 / swivel electrical connection device according to the preceding claim, wherein said holding means (3) comprise at least one electromagnet (40).

4 / swivel electrical connection device according to claim 1, wherein said holding means are arranged to create a gas depression in a space (4) between said spherical head (10) and the wall of said cavity (20) in order to providing a mutual attraction force (F _R ) between said connectors. 5 / swivel electrical connection device according to claim 1, wherein said holding means (3) are mounted on the female connector and are arranged to be able to present at least one support element (31, 32) in mechanical contact with the rear part of the spherical head (10) of the male connector (1).

6 / swivel electrical connection device according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one motor (9) is adapted to act on a spring (8, 8 ') to activate or deactivate said holding means (3).

Il Swivel electrical connection device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the female connector (2) comprises partitioning means (6, 7, 7 ') arranged to delimit a partitioned space (4) in which said first are arranged. and second contact elements and designed to contain inert gas. 8 / swivel electrical connection device according to the preceding claim, wherein the male connector (1) and / or the female connector (2) comprise gas circulation channels (15, 16) arranged to allow the replacement of air initially contained in said partitioned space (4) by inert gas. 9 / swivel electrical connection device according to the preceding claim, wherein a gas sensor (25) is disposed in said partitioned space (4) in order to detect possible pollution of the inert gas by the external atmosphere, and wherein said sensor is connected to a cut-off system (22) capable of interrupting the transfer of power current to the connection device. 10 / swivel electrical connection device according to one of the preceding claims, in which a direct or indirect measurement system of said contact pressure is connected to a cut-off system (22) capable of interrupting the transfer of power current to the device of connection.

11 / swivel electrical connection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (10A, 10B, 10C) or the second (20A, 20B, 20C) contact elements have a portion of a sphere whose shape is studied to allow a relative movement of the male (1) and female (2) connectors once connected with a greater amplitude in a preferred direction compared to the other possible directions of movement. 12 / swivel electrical connection device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the opening of said cavity is capable of being closed, once the connection of the male (1) and female (2) connectors has been made, by a cover ( 27) substantially in the form of a sphere trunk fixed to the male connector.

13 / swivel electrical connection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said cavity (20) of the female connector (2) is closed by a sleeve (33) extendable capable of being traversed by said spherical head (10) of the connector male (1) when connecting and disconnecting the male (1) and female (2) connectors.

14 / swivel electrical connection device according to claim 3 taken in combination with any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electromagnet (40) comprises a core (43), one end of which is coated with an anti-friction material (44) and has a limit stop function to stop mutual reconciliation of the male (1) and female (2) connectors in order to limit the contact pressure provided by the activation of said electromagnet.

15 / swivel electrical connection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said second contact elements (20A, 20B, 20C) are constituted by strips of contact strips. 16 / Set (50) of electrical connection between an outlet (45 A) of an electricity production plant and a supply start of a set of electricity consumption, said outlet being capable of being in motion with respect to said supply feeder, characterized in that it comprises at least one pivoting electrical connection device according to one of the preceding claims, and in that it further comprises a telescopic electrical connection device (55) connected to said pivoting electrical connection device.

17 / electrical connection assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein said telescopic electrical connection device (55) comprises two straight arms (51, 52) substantially coaxial capable of sliding one inside the other and comprises sliding contacts (53 ) capable of ensuring a permanent electrical connection between the conductors of the two arms.

18 / electrical connection assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the male connector (1) with a spherical head of the pivoting electrical connection device is integral with one end of the telescopic electrical connection device (55), and in which a system with cylinders (54) is arranged to cause an elongation of the telescopic connection device during a connection operation of the male (1) and female (2) connectors of the pivoting connection device.

19 / electrical connection assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein a space (4) of inert gas sealed to the atmosphere is formed in the pivoting connection device in order to fill the environment of the first and second contact elements with inert gas , and other tight inert gas spaces (4 ') are provided in the two arms of the telescopic connection device in order to fill the gaseous environment with the sliding contacts (53) with inert gas. 20 / electrical connection assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein said inert gas spaces communicate with each other, and in which a gas circulation system is provided for supplying inert gas by expelling air from said spaces.

21 / electrical connection assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the female connector (2) of the pivoting connection device and a tank for the supply of inert gas are installed at the stern of a ship (45).