Electrical connector, electrical system comprising such a connector and rail vehicle comprising such a system

Abstract

The electrical connector (10) includes a pair of plates (20) having a first conductive plate (12) and a second conductive plate (14), each plate having a central portion (24) and two connecting lugs (32, 34). The connecting lugs of each plate extend longitudinally from opposite edges (28, 30) of the central portion and are laterally offset from each other. The first and second plates are stacked on top of each other, with the central portions overlapping and separated by a gap (36). The connecting lugs of the first and second plates on each of the opposite edge sides are laterally offset from each other. The electrical connector further includes an insulating structure comprising a sandwich of electrically insulating material accommodated in the gap (36) between the central portions of the first and second plates.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical connector configured to connect two electrical devices to each other using at least two connection terminals. The invention also relates to an electrical system including such an electrical connector and a railway vehicle including such an electrical system. [Background Technology]

[0002] In the field of power converters, particularly in the field of onboard power converters for rail vehicles, it is known to interconnect several electrical devices to ensure that electrical energy received from external sources (such as the catenary) is converted into energy usable by other equipment within the rail vehicle. Some electrical devices (e.g., on the roof of the rail vehicle) can be exposed to the weather without special protection, while other, more sensitive devices require special protection against water and / or dust. More generally, such electrical devices may be subject to various waterproof and / or dustproof protection measures. For ease of access to these electrical devices (especially during maintenance operations), a modular structure of the power converter is preferred. Thus, these electrical devices are housed in different compartments, each providing a level of protection suitable for the devices housed within. These devices are separated by waterproof partitions while sharing a reversible electrical connection with each other.

[0003] It is known that the connectors used consist of a conductive rod embedded in a block of rigid insulating material (such as polymer plastic). The conductive rod connects to electrical equipment on both sides of the partition and has a cross-section adapted to the current it carries. The insulating material block is securely mounted to the wall by means of sealing elements.

[0004] However, modern electrical converters operate at higher frequencies (e.g., above 10 kHz) to limit energy loss during conversion. In this so-called "mid-frequency" range between 10 kHz and 150 kHz, the conductor is affected by the so-called "skin effect," where electrons pass only through the surface layer of the conductor. This reduces the effective cross-section of the conductor, leading to heating and degrading the performance of the power converter. Furthermore, when two separate conductors are placed close to each other and carry the same current in the same direction, an effect called the "proximity effect" is added to the skin effect, further limiting the usable cross-section of the conductor.

[0005] To limit the skin effect, cables with several small-section twisted wires that are mutually insulated are known to be used. These cables are sometimes called "Litz cables." To pass through a waterproof barrier, both ends of the Litz cable are crimped to specific end caps, and the waterproofness of the barrier passage is ensured by another end cap mounted on the cable crimp. These end caps are complex and relatively fragile, and the assembly and disassembly of this system (e.g., during maintenance) is time-consuming. Furthermore, Litz cables are heavier and more fragile than conventional cables.

[0006] For example, FR-1 423 398-A describes a welding machine electrode comprising conductive strips arranged in pairs, each strip including a central portion and connection lugs distributed on opposite sides of the central portion. The central portions overlap and are separated by insulating sheets. The electrodes are exposed and no special sealing device is provided. [Summary of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention specifically addresses these problems by providing a robust electrical connector that allows for easy connection and disconnection of sealed wall channels to terminals of electrical devices, while limiting skin and proximity effects when operating at certain frequencies.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention relates to an electrical system including a first electrical device and a second electrical device, the first and second electrical devices being separated by a partition parallel to a transverse plane, each of the first and second devices including at least two connection terminals, the first electrical device being electrically connected to the second electrical device via an electrical connector, wherein the electrical connector includes a pair of plates, the pair of plates including a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate, each plate having a central portion and two connection lugs. The connection lugs of each plate extend longitudinally from opposite edges of the central portion, the opposite edges being part of the contour of the central portion, the portion of the contour located on either side of the transverse plane, the connection lugs of each plate being laterally offset from each other. The first and second plates are stacked on top of each other, the central portions overlapping and separated by a gap. The connection lugs of the first and second plates on each opposite edge side are laterally offset from each other. The electrical connector further includes an insulating structure comprising an interlayer of electrically insulating material accommodated in the gap between the central portions of the first and second plates.

[0009] According to the invention, the electrical connector is configured to mate with a sealing member to pass through the partition in a sealed manner, wherein two terminals of the first device are connected to two connection terminals of the electrical connector located on one side of the respective partition, and two terminals of the second device are connected to two connection terminals of the electrical connector located on the other side of the partition.

[0010] Through this invention, the skin effect is reduced due to the conductive elements in the board. The connecting lugs can be connected to any type of cable or connecting rod, not limited to Litz cables. Assembly and disassembly are easy. The cross-configuration of the connecting lugs of the conductor elements, combined with the alternating configuration of the connecting lugs of two consecutive conductor elements, minimizes the proximity effect, reduces the inductance of the connection, and thus reduces electrical losses.

[0011] Several pairs of conductive elements are provided based on the electrical power flowing through the electrical connector.

[0012] According to an advantageous but non-mandatory aspect of the invention, such an electrical system may include one or more of the following features in any technically feasible combination:

[0013] The electrical connector includes at least a second pair of plates, the second pair of plates including a conductive third plate and a fourth plate, each plate of the second pair of plates having a central portion and two connecting lugs. The connecting lugs of each plate extend longitudinally from opposite edges of the central portion and are laterally offset from each other. The third plate and the fourth plate are stacked on top of each other, the central portions overlapping and separated by gaps. The connecting lugs of the third and fourth plates on each opposite edge side are laterally offset from each other. All the plates of the electrical connector are stacked on top of each other, all the central portions are overlapping, and the insulation structure includes a sandwich of electrically insulating material accommodated in each gap between two adjacent central portions, and for two adjacent plates, the connecting lugs on one side of the opposite edge are laterally offset from each other.

[0014] - All the connecting lugs located on one side of the opposite edge and belonging to the plates that are spaced an odd number of plates apart from each other are stacked and electrically connected to each other by connecting members.

[0015] The insulating structure includes a body that receives the central portion of each plate at one point. The body is made by encasing the central portion of the plate in an electrically insulating material, with only the connecting lugs protruding from the body.

[0016] - The insulating structure is made of polymer material in one piece.

[0017] - The insulating structure is configured to mate with the sealing member to seal the connecting lugs on the opposite edge sides apart.

[0018] The plates have the same structure as each other.

[0019] - The plate is made of metal with a thickness between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, and the metal is preferably selected from copper and its alloys or aluminum and its alloys.

[0020] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a rail vehicle comprising the electrical system described above. [Attached Image Description]

[0021] The invention will be better understood from the following description, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of an embodiment of an electrical connector, an electrical processing subassembly, and a rail vehicle including such an electrical processing subassembly, and further advantages will become more apparent, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an apparatus including an electrical system having an electrical connector according to the invention;

[0023] Figure 2 It belongs to the present invention Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of electrical connectors in an electrical system, with some components omitted for ease of reading; and

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Detailed schematic diagram of the device, these details are as follows: Figure 1 The frame III markers in the text include Figure 2 Electrical connectors.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0025] Figure 1 An electrical system 1 is shown. This electrical system 1 can be integrated into a rail vehicle. The electrical system 1 includes an electrical converter 2, which is one embodiment of the electrical system. The electrical converter 2 is designed to convert electrical energy collected from an external source (e.g., an overhead contact line) into electrical energy for use by other electrical equipment in system 1.

[0026] Converter 2 includes a first circuit 4, a second circuit 6, and a transformer 8. The first circuit 4, the second circuit 6, and the transformer 8 are... Figure 1 It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0027] The first circuit 4 and the second circuit 6 each have two connection terminals, while the transformer 8 includes two coils located around a ferromagnetic core, each coil including two connection terminals. One of the two coils of the transformer 8 is connected to the first circuit 4 via an electrical connector 10, and the other coil of the transformer 8 is connected to the second circuit 6 via another electrical connector 10.

[0028] Understandably, each connector 10 is connected on one hand to two terminals of either the first circuit 4 or the second circuit 6, and on the other hand to two terminals of one of the coils of the transformer 8. Figure 1 In the diagram, electrical connector 10 is schematically shown. Specifically, Figure 1 The details of the connection between the terminals of the first circuit 4 and the second circuit 6 are not shown. The connection between the terminals of the first circuit 4 and the second circuit 6 can be inferred from the structure of the electrical connector 10, which will be described in detail later, particularly with the aid of… Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0029] The first circuit 4 or the second circuit 6 is an embodiment of a first electrical device including at least two terminals, while the transformer 8 is an embodiment of a second electrical device including at least two terminals.

[0030] The first circuit 4, transformer 8, and the second circuit 6 are all subject to different environmental protection requirements. These protection requirements may relate to water and / or dust, and are usually expressed in the form of standardized protection indices called "IP codes," such as those defined by the IEC 60529 standard. An IP code typically consists of two numbers, one for protection against solids and one for protection against water.

[0031] Therefore, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, for illustrative purposes, the protection code for the first circuit 4 and the second circuit 6 is IP65, while the protection code for the transformer 8 is IP20.

[0032] To ensure the required level of protection for the IP code, the first circuit 4, the second circuit 6, and the transformer 8 are located in their respective regions Z1, Z3, and Z2, which are defined by external means not described in detail to maintain the volume of the corresponding IP code.

[0033] To maintain an adequate level of protection in each of zones Z1 to Z3, zones Z1, Z2, and Z3 are separated by leak-proof partitions. Zones Z2 and Z3 are separated by partition 56, while zones Z1 and Z2 are separated by partition 57. Partitions 56 and 57 are... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The line is schematically shown as a mixed line.

[0034] Each connector 10 is designed to connect to two corresponding electrical devices via one of partitions 56 or 57, each electrical device having at least two corresponding terminals. Therefore, each connector 10 includes an insulating structure 58 that cooperates with sealing and / or securing members to ensure mechanical retention of the electrical connector 10 relative to the respective partitions 56 or 57. The sealing and / or securing members are not shown in the figures.

[0035] For example, at least two terminals of the electrical device correspond to polarity, or in the case of an AC signal, to phase, the polarity depending on the design and operation of the electrical device.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, located Figure 1 A connector 10 on the left connects the first circuit 4 located in region Z1 to the primary winding of the transformer 8 located in region Z2, while the circuit located in region Z2... Figure 1 Another connector 10 on the right connects the secondary winding of the transformer 8 located in region Z2 to the second circuit 6 located in region Z3. Thus, in this embodiment, one connector 10 connects the two terminals of the first circuit 4 to the two corresponding polarities of the primary winding of the transformer 8, while the other connector 10 connects the two terminals of the second circuit 6 to the two corresponding polarities of the secondary winding of the transformer 8.

[0037] Each connector 10 includes four connection terminals, labeled 46, 48, 50 and 52 respectively, which are integrated with the insulating structure 58.

[0038] The internal structure of the electrical connector 10 is described in detail below.

[0039] Figure 1 The two electrical connectors 10 shown have the same structure and function in the same manner. See below for reference. Figure 1 The connector 10 on the right side of the middle section is described.

[0040] Terminals 46 and 48 are connected to the corresponding terminals of the second circuit 6, while terminals 50 and 52 are connected to the corresponding terminals of the secondary winding of the transformer 8.

[0041] In other words, the two terminals of the second circuit 6 are connected to the two connection terminals 46 and 48 of the connector 10, which are located on the same first side of the partition 56, while the two terminals of the transformer 8 are connected to the two connection terminals 50 and 52 of the connector 10, which are located on the same second side of the partition 56.

[0042] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connector 10 according to some embodiments is shown in more detail.

[0043] The connector 10 includes at least two conductive plates. Advantageously, the connector 10 includes at least four conductive plates that are "crossed," meaning that another plate connected to other terminals is inserted between two plates connected to the same terminal. The crossed plates reduce the proximity effect between the plates, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the connector 10, the reasons for which will be explained in detail later.

[0044] In this illustrative embodiment, the electrical connector 10 has four conductive plates, labeled 12, 14, 16, and 18, respectively. However, alternatively, the number of plates may vary. Therefore, it can be understood that everything described herein applies to these embodiments.

[0045] Plates 12 to 18 are parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal geometric plane P1.

[0046] Plates 12 and 14 are adjacent to each other, i.e., continuous, and define the first pair of plates 20. Therefore, plate 12 is the first plate of the first pair of plates 20, and plate 14 is the second plate of the first pair of plates 20. Similarly, plates 16 and 18 are continuous, and define the second pair of plates 22. Therefore, plate 16 is the first plate of the second pair of plates 22, and plate 18 is the second plate of the second pair of plates 22.

[0047] Plates 12 to 18 are made of conductive material.

[0048] Advantageously, plates 12 to 18 are made of metal, such as copper or aluminum, or alloys thereof, or any other suitable material.

[0049] Advantageously, plates 12 to 18 have the same structure as each other.

[0050] Each plate 12 to 18 has a central portion 24, which is flat and defines a center 26. For each central portion 24, an axis A24 is defined as an axis orthogonal to the central portion 24 and passing through the center 26. Therefore, axis A24 is orthogonal to the longitudinal plane P1.

[0051] Each central portion 24 has a first edge 28 and a second edge 30, the second edge 30 being opposite to the first edge 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the central portion 24 is rectangular in shape and also has side edges 31. The side edges 31 are opposite to each other and parallel to each other, as are the first edges 28 and the second edges 30.

[0052] The geometric intermediate plane P2 is defined as a plane that is orthogonal to the longitudinal plane P1, passes through the center 26, and is orthogonal to the edges 28 and 30.

[0053] The transverse geometric plane P3 is also defined as a plane that passes through the center 26 and is orthogonal to both planes P1 and P2. Therefore, plane P3 is orthogonal to the side edge 31.

[0054] Alternatively (not shown), the shape of the central portion 24 of each plate 12 to 18 may be circular or elliptical. In this case, the relative edge as defined above refers to the portion of the central portion whose outline lies on either side of the transverse plane P3 and is cut off by the intermediate plane P2. In a similar manner, the side edge refers to the portion of the central portion whose outline lies on either side of the intermediate plane P2 and is cut off by the transverse plane P3.

[0055] As described below, plates 12, 14, 16, and 18 are stacked in pairs with spacers 36 between them. In other words, none of plates 12 to 18 have electrical contact with the adjacent plate.

[0056] For example, the central portions 24 of each plate 12 to 18 are superimposed, the axes A24 of each plate 12 to 18 are coincident, and the edges 28 and 30 of each plate 12 to 18 are parallel to each other.

[0057] Advantageously, all edges 28 of plates 12 to 18 lie in the same geometric plane parallel to axis A24. Similarly, all edges 30 also lie in the same geometric plane parallel to axis A24. Similarly, all side edges 31 located on the same side of the intermediate plane P2 also lie in the same geometric plane parallel to axis A24. Therefore, as Figure 2 As shown, all the central portions 24 of plates 12 to 18 are contained in cylinders with rectangular cross-sections and generating lines parallel to axis A24, which gives connector 10 a compact structure while reducing the proximity effect between plates.

[0058] Therefore, the first pair of plates 20 and the second pair of plates 22 are superimposed parallel to axis A24.

[0059] Each plate 12 to 18 further includes a first connecting lug 32 and a second connecting lug 34. The connecting lugs 32 and 34 are designed to connect to the terminals of an electrical device connected by the connector 10.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting lugs 32 and 34 have a rectangular shape, the width of which is less than the width of the central portion 24. Lug 34 is longer than lug 32.

[0061] For each plate 12 to 18, a connecting lug 32 extends longitudinally from the first edge 28, coincides with the central portion 24 and one of the side edges 31, while a connecting lug 34 extends longitudinally from the second edge 30, coincides with the central portion 24 and one of the side edges 31 therein.

[0062] That is, the connecting lugs 32 and 34 of each plate 12 to 18 extend longitudinally from opposite edges 28 and 30 in accordance with the corresponding central portion 24 in the plates 12 to 18.

[0063] In other words, connecting lugs 32 and 34 are located on either side of the transverse plane P3.

[0064] For each plate 12 to 18, lugs 32 and 34 are located on either side of the intermediate plane P2. In other words, lugs 32 and 34 are laterally offset from each other in a direction orthogonal to the intermediate plane P2.

[0065] For any two of the consecutive plates 12 to 18, i.e., for adjacent plates 12 and 14, or 14 and 16, or 16 and 18, the connecting lug 34 is located on either side of the intermediate plane P2. In other words, the lugs 34 are laterally offset from each other in a direction orthogonal to the intermediate plane P2.

[0066] Similarly, the connecting lugs 32 of the two adjacent plates 12 to 18 are also located on either side of the intermediate plane P2. In other words, the lugs 32 are laterally offset from each other in a direction orthogonal to the intermediate plane P2.

[0067] More generally, for two of the adjacent plates 12 to 18, the connecting lugs 32 and 34 located on the side of one of the corresponding opposite edges 28 and 30 are laterally offset from each other in a direction orthogonal to plane P2.

[0068] It is understood that the lugs 32 and 34 of plate 12, which is the first plate of the first pair of plates 20, and the lugs 32 and 34 of plate 16, which is the first plate of the second pair of plates 22, are superimposed parallel to axis A24. In other words, the first plate 16 of the second pair of plates 22 is obtained by translation parallel to axis A24 of the first plate 12 of the first pair of plates 20, and the first plates 12 and 16 of the first pair of plates 20 and the second pair of plates 22 are separated from each other by the second plate 14 of the first pair of plates 20.

[0069] Similarly, the lugs 32 and 34 of plate 14, which is the second plate of the first pair of plates 20, and the lugs 32 and 34 of plate 18, which is the second plate of the second pair of plates 22, are superimposed parallel to axis A24. In other words, the second plate 18 of the second pair of plates 22 is obtained by translation parallel to axis A24 of the second plate 14 of the first pair of plates 20, and the second plates 14 and 18 of the first pair of plates 20 and the second pair of plates 22 are separated from each other by the first plate 16 of the second pair of plates 20.

[0070] Two adjacent central portions 24 define a gap 36 between them. Each gap 36 has a flat parallelogram shape that extends parallel to the longitudinal plane P1.

[0071] Advantageously, the insulating structure 58 includes interlayers of electrically insulating material, which are accommodated in each gap 36 between two adjacent central portions 24. The interlayers of the insulating structure 58 enable the adjacent central portions 24 to be electrically insulated from each other. The interlayers are not shown for ease of reading the figures.

[0072] Advantageously, the interlayer housed in space 36 can mechanically hold adjacent central portions 24 together.

[0073] Lugs 32, located on the same side of the intermediate plane P2, are superimposed in a direction parallel to axis A24.

[0074] Similarly, the lugs 34 located on the same side of the intermediate plane P2 are superimposed in a direction parallel to the axis A24.

[0075] The overlapping lugs 32 and 34 are also mechanically and electrically interconnected by the connecting member 38.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, each connecting member 38 includes a first outer plate 40, an intermediate plate 42, and a second outer plate 44. The outer plates 40, 44, and the intermediate plate 42 are rectangular in shape and are attached to corresponding lugs 32 or 34 by means of fasteners 45 located at the four corners of the plates 40 to 44. In a non-limiting sense, the fasteners 45 may be screws or rivets, preferably made of metal or at least a conductive material.

[0077] Advantageously, plates 40 to 44 are made of conductive materials (such as metals) and are compatible with the materials of plates 12 to 18.

[0078] Lugs 32 and 34, connected by corresponding connecting members 38, form four terminals 46, 48, 50, and 52. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the four terminals 46 to 52 are all parallelograms in shape.

[0079] Advantageously, terminals 46 to 52 can have different or even specific shapes to facilitate identification of the terminals when connecting connector 10 to an electrical device.

[0080] It is understandable that terminal 48 is electrically connected to terminal 52, while terminal 46 is electrically connected to terminal 50.

[0081] Terminals 48 and 52 are located on either side of the intermediate plane P2 in a so-called cross configuration. Terminals 46 and 50 are also located on either side of the intermediate plane P2 in a cross configuration.

[0082] Alternatively (not shown), terminals 48 and 52 may be located on the same side of plane P2, in which case lugs 32 and 34 of each plate 12 to 18 are also located on the same side of plane P2, in a so-called linear configuration.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, lugs 32 and 34 are arranged parallel to the intermediate plane P2 along their length.

[0084] Alternatively (not shown), one or more lugs 32 or 34 may be offset from the plane P2 away from the central portion 24, while maintaining the stacking of lugs 32 or 34 parallel to axis A24.

[0085] Each terminal 46 to 52 further includes a retaining hole 54. The hole 54 is configured to receive a connecting member of an electrical device to which the connector 10 is connected. These connecting members (not shown) may be cables or conductor rods, which mate with the terminals 46 to 52 in a manner that reversibly connects the electrical device to the terminals 46 to 52 while ensuring good electrical contact and mechanical strength.

[0086] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A bottom view of connector 10, shown as being connected to transformer 8. One coil of transformer 8 (partially and schematically shown) is connected herein to terminals 52 and 50 of connector 10. Transformer 8 is an embodiment of an electrical device constrained by a first specific IP protection, and transformer 8 is contained herein in region Z2.

[0087] Terminals 46 and 48 of connector 10 are connected to the second electrical device ( Figure 3 (Not shown in the text), the second electrical device is subject to the second IP protection requirement and is contained in area Z3 herein.

[0088] Regions Z2 and Z3 are separated by partition 56.

[0089] In addition to the interlayer housed in the gap 36, the insulating structure 58 also includes a main body 60, an outer tongue 62, and a positioning protrusion 64.

[0090] The insulating structure 58 is made of an electrically insulating material. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating structure 58 is made of polymeric plastic. The body 60 completely covers the central portion 24 of the plates 12 to 18, thereby ensuring the electrical insulation of the central portion 24 and the spatial relative fixation of the plates 12 to 18. In other words, the body 60 receives the central portion 24 of each plate 12 to 18 in one location.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the overlapping central portions 24 are all rectangular in shape, while the main body 60 has a parallelogram shape.

[0092] Advantageously, the main body 60 ensures electrical and mechanical continuity with the interlayer housed in each gap 36.

[0093] Advantageously, the main body 60 and the interlayer housed in each space 36 are made of the same material. More advantageously, the main body 60 and the interlayer are manufactured by overmolding the central portion 24, with only lugs 32 and 34 protruding from the main body 60. During the overmolding process, the insulating material of the main body 60 is in a viscous state and is formed around the central portion 40 by molding (preferably under pressure). The insulating material of the main body 60 is preferably a thermoplastic material, and the overmolding is carried out under heating. During cooling, the insulating material solidifies.

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown, due to the overmolding process, the central portion 24 of plates 12 to 18 is embedded in the main body 60 of the insulating structure 58, with only the connecting lugs protruding from the main body 60 of the insulating structure 58.

[0095] Preferably, the insulation structure 58 is integral. For this purpose, during overmolding manufacturing, the plates 12 to 18 remain spaced apart, while the viscous insulating material of the insulation structure permeates between the central portions 24 of the plates 12 to 18 to form an insulating interlayer after the insulating material cools and solidifies. In other words, the main body 60 and the interlayer housed in one of the respective spaces 36 together form an integral component.

[0096] The outer boss 62 extends from the periphery of the main body 60 in a plane parallel to the transverse plane P3.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the boss 62 spans the leak-proof partition 56.

[0098] The boss 62 has a closed and continuous profile and is configured to mate with a sealing and / or retaining member to secure the connector 10 to the wall 56 in a tight and reversible manner. The sealing and / or retaining member is not shown.

[0099] Terminals 46 and 48, located on one side of the transverse plane P2 and also on one side of the partition 56, and terminals 50 and 52, located on the other side of the transverse plane P2 and also on the other side of the partition 56, are thus separated in a sealed manner by an insulating structure 58 that mates with a sealing member. In other words, the connecting lugs 32 or 34 on the opposite edge sides 28 or 30 are separated from each other in a sealed manner.

[0100] The positioning protrusion 64, which is connected to the body 60 and the tongue 62, advantageously has an asymmetrical shape relative to the transverse plane P3, allowing the sealing member to be well positioned relative to the insulating structure 58.

[0101] Understandably, connector 10 allows connection of two electrical devices located on either side of the leak-proof partition 56. Of course, connector 10 can also be installed on a non-leak-proof partition.

[0102] More generally, the shape of the insulating structure 58 can be freely chosen, as long as the central portion 24 is completely covered by the body 60 and only the lugs 32 and 34 protrude from the body 60, especially for the integration of the connector 10 with other parts of the rail vehicle 1.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, each connector 10 includes two pairs of plates 20 and 22, which are stacked parallel to axis A24 and arranged as described above.

[0104] In a variant not shown, only the first pair of plates 20 exists, i.e., only plates 12 and 14 exist.

[0105] Thus, the connecting members 38 only include outer plates 40 and 44, and the terminals 46 to 52 are interconnected only through one of the corresponding plates 12 or 14.

[0106] In another implementation, three pairs of boards, similar to a pair of boards 20 or 22, are stacked together.

[0107] The first plates of each pair (especially lugs 32 or 34 of the first plate of each pair) are stacked on top of each other parallel to axis A24, while the second plates of each pair (especially lugs 32 or 34 of the second plate of each pair) are stacked on top of each other parallel to axis A24.

[0108] Lug 32 or 34 of each first plate is laterally offset from lug 32 or 34 of each second plate.

[0109] Thus, the connecting member 38 includes two spacers of type 42, and the terminals 46 to 52 each include three lugs 32 or 34.

[0110] Understandably, the power carrying capacity of connector 10 varies depending on the number of board pairs of types 20 and 22. This makes it easy to design and manufacture connectors 10 suitable for different power ranges.

[0111] Within the considered power range, i.e., for power exceeding tens of kilowatts (e.g., exceeding 50 kilowatts), the skin effect begins to become particularly pronounced at frequencies of 10 kHz and above. Since the lugs 32 or 34 of terminals 46 to 52 are respectively disposed in the plate, each lug 32 or 34 has a cross-section with a high perimeter-to-area ratio. In other words, the lugs 32 or 34 have a large surface area relative to their volume, which is advantageous for conveying current under conditions where the skin effect tends to be significant.

[0112] Understandably, the thinner the boards 12 to 18, the less the connector 10 is affected by the skin effect. On the other hand, boards 12 to 18 that are too thin are mechanically fragile and unsuitable for use in industrial environments such as rail vehicles.

[0113] In practice, the thickness of the plates 12 to 18 is, for example, between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0114] Therefore, it can be understood that the geometry of boards 12 to 18 (especially the thickness of boards 12 to 18) can be selected to reduce the skin effect at the frequencies and power envisioned in the specific application, and the total number of boards of type 12 to 18 (especially the number of board pairs of type 20 and 22) is selected based on the total electrical power to be transmitted through connector 10.

[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, terminals 46 to 52 are connected to the terminals of the electrical device in a crisscross manner. Terminals 46 and 50 are connected together, while terminals 48 and 52 are connected together. It is understood that when connector 10 is connected to the electrical device during operation, the current line passes through the central portion 24 of each of plates 12 to 18 along the diagonal line connecting the respective lugs 32 and 34.

[0116] Therefore, the current lines passing through the two adjacent central portions 24 intersect in a plane parallel to the longitudinal plane P1, reducing proximity effects (such as inductive effects), which advantageously reduces the impedance of the connection, thereby reducing energy loss.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment, the central portions 24 of boards 12 to 18 each have a rectangular shape. This rectangular shape is chosen to reduce proximity effects, decrease connection inductance, and thus reduce heating of connector 10. Alternatively, the central portions 24 may have other shapes, for example, shapes chosen to reduce leakage.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiment, connector 10 connects the first circuit 4 and the second circuit 6 to the transformer 8. These circuits 4 and 6, along with the transformer 8, operate at AC frequencies where the skin effect becomes pronounced, i.e., frequencies above 10 kHz. Of course, connector 10 can also be used to connect electrical devices that operate at lower frequencies (particularly low frequencies, or even DC).

[0119] The above-described operating modes and variations can be combined to produce new operating modes of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrical system (1) comprising a first electrical device (4, 6) and a second electrical device (8), the first electrical device (4, 6) and the second electrical device (8) being separated by a partition (56, 57) parallel to a transverse plane (P3), each of the first electrical device and the second electrical device including at least two connection terminals, the first electrical device being electrically connected to the second electrical device via an electrical connector (10), wherein: - The electrical connector includes a pair of plates (20), the pair of plates including a first conductive plate (12) and a second conductive plate (14), each of the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate (12, 14) having a central portion (24) and two connecting lugs (32, 34). - The connecting lugs of each of the first and second conductive plates (12, 14) extend longitudinally from opposite edges (28, 30) of the central portion (24) in accordance with the central portion, the opposite edges being part of the outline of the central portion, the portion of the outline being located on either side of the transverse plane (P3), and the connecting lugs (32, 34) of each of the first and second conductive plates (12, 14) are laterally offset from each other; - The first conductive plate and the second conductive plate (12, 14) are stacked on top of each other, and the central portions are superimposed and separated by gaps (36); - The connecting lugs (32, 34) of the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate on each of the opposite edge sides are laterally offset from each other; - The electrical connector (10) further includes an insulating structure (58) comprising a layer of electrically insulating material accommodated in a gap (36) between the central portions (24) of the first and second conductive plates. The electrical connector (10) is characterized in that it is configured to cooperate with a sealing member to pass through the partition (56, 57) in a sealed manner, wherein two of the connection terminals of the first electrical device (4, 6) are connected to two connection terminals (46, 48, 50, 52) of the electrical connector (10) located on one side of the respective partition, and two of the connection terminals of the second electrical device are connected to two connection terminals of the electrical connector (10) located on the other side of the partition.

2. The electrical system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connector (10) comprises at least a second pair of plates (22), the second pair of plates comprising a conductive third plate (16) and a fourth plate (18), each of the third plate and the fourth plate (16, 18) of the second pair of plates (22) comprising a central portion (24) and two connecting lugs (32, 34): - The connecting lugs of each of the third and fourth plates (16, 18) extend longitudinally from the opposite edges (28, 30) of the central portion and are offset from each other laterally; - The third plate and the fourth plate are stacked on top of each other, and the central portions are superimposed and separated by gaps (36); - The connecting lugs (32, 34) of the third plate and the fourth plate (16, 18) on each of the opposite edge sides are laterally offset from each other. The first conductive plate, second conductive plate, third plate, and fourth plate (12, 14, 16, 18) of the electrical connector (10) are all stacked on top of each other, and all the central portions (24) are superimposed. in, The insulation structure (58) includes a sandwich of electrically insulating material housed in each gap (36) between two adjacent central portions, and In particular, for two adjacent plates, the connecting lugs (32, 34) on one side of the opposite edges (28, 30) are offset from each other laterally.

3. The electrical system (1) according to claim 2, wherein, All the connecting lugs (32, 34) located on one side of the opposite edges (28, 30) and belonging to the first, second, third and fourth plates (12, 14, 16, 18) that are spaced apart by an odd number of plates are stacked and electrically connected to each other by connecting member (38).

4. The electrical system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insulating structure (58) comprises a body (60) receiving, at one point, the central portion (24) of each of the first conductive plate, the second conductive plate, the third plate and the fourth plate (12, 14, 16, 18), the body being made by covering the central portion of the plate in an electrically insulating material, with only the connecting lugs (32, 34) protruding from the body.

5. The electrical system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insulation structure (58) is integrally made of a polymer material.

6. The electrical system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insulating structure (58) is configured to cooperate with the sealing member to seal the connecting lugs (32, 34) located on the opposite edges (28, 30) side apart.

7. The electrical system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first conductive plate, the second conductive plate, the third plate, and the fourth plate (12, 14, 16, 18) have the same structure as each other.

8. The electrical system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first conductive plate, the second conductive plate, the third plate and the fourth plate (12, 14, 16, 18) are made of metal with a thickness between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, wherein the metal is preferably selected from copper and its alloys or aluminum and its alloys.

9. A rail vehicle comprising at least one electrical system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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