Insulating protector intended to be mounted on electrical connector and assembly comprising such protector
By installing insulating protective parts on the aircraft electrical connector, local discharge and short circuit problems caused by insufficient insulation distance in high altitude and high voltage environments are solved, and the effect of reducing risks and increasing creepage distance is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380057525.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-07-29
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-15
AI Technical Summary
On aircraft using high voltages in high altitude environments, the insulating distance of traditional connectors is insufficient, resulting in increased risk of partial discharge and short circuits.
An insulating protection member, including an attachment device and an insulating separation device, is designed to secure to the electrical connector, ensuring at least partially covering the connector and completely separating the terminals when fixed, thereby increasing creepage distance.
It effectively reduces the risks of short circuit and local discharge between electrical connector terminals, and increases creepage distance to adapt to the needs of high altitude and high voltage environments.
Smart Images
Figure CN119836669A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The technical field of the present invention is the technical field of electrical connections on aircraft.
[0002] The present invention relates to an insulating protection component, in particular to an insulating protection component used for increasing the length of a creepage distance to limit the risk of a short circuit or partial discharge. Background Art
[0003] Electric or hybrid aircraft represent a very promising market with huge prospects and demand for intra- and inter-city cargo and people transport. Many projects are being launched regularly by established players or new entrants. Propulsion is performed by one or more electric motors, the number of which varies depending on the aircraft architecture, and these electric propulsion systems use increasingly higher voltage levels, which raises the issue of partial discharges at high altitudes.
[0004] In fact, traditionally, connectors did not require protection because their characteristics dictated limitations in terms of insulation distances. However, the use of smaller and smaller connectors carrying higher and higher voltages at higher altitudes introduces limitations that need to be considered in terms of partial discharge. In particular, the use of very high voltage levels (up to 1000V) at high altitudes causes partial discharge phenomena to occur more quickly than with conventional alternating current (AC) voltages or direct current (DC) voltages (115Vac / 230Vac / 28Vdc), which are mainly used in the aviation field.
[0005] In view of these high voltages, the insulation distances (potential / potential and potential / ground) must be increased. The same applies to the creepage distances between the High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) potential and the High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) potential. In addition, systems with connectors with male or female pins connected to high voltages (AC or DC) may face problems with insulation distances that are too short or creepage distances (the path between two potentials along the connector material) that are too short, causing partial discharge to occur.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need to be able to adapt connectors currently used in the aerospace field to applications requiring high voltages. Summary of the invention
[0007] The present invention provides a solution to the previously discussed problems by providing an insulating protector which significantly reduces the risk of electrical discharges and increases the length of the creepage distances between the various connection terminals.
[0008] To this end, one aspect of the present invention relates to an insulating protector to be fixed to an electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising: a plug (l'embase), at least a first terminal and a second terminal; the insulating protector comprises an attachment device and an insulating separation device, the attachment device is configured to be fixed to the electrical connector so as to at least partially cover the plug, and the insulating separation device is arranged to completely separate the first terminal from the second terminal when the insulating protector is fixed to the electrical connector. When any part of the first electrode does not face any part of the second electrode, the first electrode is said to be separated from the second electrode.
[0009] By means of the invention, the risk of short circuits (or partial discharges) between the terminals of an electrical connector or between a terminal of the electrical connector and its plug connector is reduced or even eliminated. In addition, the length of the creepage distance between the terminals or between each terminal and the plug connector is increased, especially in view of the presence of the separation device.
[0010] In addition to the characteristics just discussed in the previous paragraph, the insulating protector according to the first aspect of the present invention may have one or more of the following complementary characteristics, which may be considered individually or in any technically possible combination.
[0011] According to one embodiment, the attaching means and the detaching means are distinct from each other.
[0012] According to one embodiment, the separation device comprises only at least one plate (i.e. only a plate) extending from an outer surface of the top end of the hollow body to the outside of the hollow body. The outer surface is radial relative to the opening in the hollow body (i.e., in the case of a cylindrical hollow body, perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical wall).
[0013] According to one example, the plate comprises at least one radial free edge connecting two free surfaces and a free edge forming the top end of the plate.
[0014] In one embodiment:
[0015] - the attachment device comprises a hollow body of insulating material, the hollow body comprising a first top end and a second top end opposite the first top end,
[0016] as well as:
[0017] - comprising a first surface, a first opening and a second opening at the first top end;
[0018] - comprising a main opening at the second top end;
[0019] The separating device comprises a plate of insulating material, which is in contact with the first top end and is arranged on the first top end perpendicular to the surface of the first top end.
[0020] opening and the second opening.
[0021] According to one example, the plate of insulating material extends outwardly from a surface of the first top end in an opposite direction to the second top end.
[0022] In one embodiment, the attachment device includes a third opening and a fourth opening at the first top end; and the separation device includes: a second plate of insulating material, the second plate is in contact with the first top end, and the second plate is perpendicular to the surface of the first top end and is arranged between the first opening and the fourth opening on the one hand, and between the second opening and the third opening on the other hand; the first plate of insulating material is arranged between the first opening and the second opening on the one hand, and between the fourth opening and the third opening on the other hand.
[0023] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a component, which includes an insulating protector according to the first aspect of the present invention and an electrical connector, the electrical connector including a plug, at least a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal being associated with a first polarity, and the second terminal being associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity; the first terminal and the second terminal protrude from the plug, the attachment device of the insulating protector is fixed to the electrical connector so as to at least partially cover the plug, and the separation device of the insulating protector is arranged to completely separate the first terminal from the second terminal.
[0024] In addition to the characteristics just discussed in the previous paragraph, the component according to the second aspect of the invention may have one or more of the following complementary characteristics, which may be considered individually or in any technically possible combination.
[0025] In one embodiment, the electrical connector comprises a third terminal associated with a third polarity different from the first polarity and the second polarity and a fourth terminal associated with a fourth polarity different from the first polarity, the second polarity and the third polarity, and the separation device is arranged to completely separate the terminals from each other.
[0026] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] These drawings are set forth in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way.
[0028] [ Figure 1A ]to[ Figure 1E ] shows an insulating protection member according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.
[0029] [ Figure 2A ]to[ Figure 2D ]and[ Figure 3 ] shows an insulating protection member according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention.
[0030] [ Figure 4 ] shows components of an embodiment according to the second aspect of the present invention.
[0031] [ Figure 5 ] shows components of an embodiment according to the second aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Unless otherwise stated, identical elements appearing in different drawings have a single reference number.
[0033] [ Figure 1A ]to[ Figure 1E ] A first aspect of the invention shown in FIG. 1 relates to an insulating protection member PI to be fixed to an electrical connector CE. In general, as shown in FIG. Figure 1A ](side view) and [ Figure 1B ] (top view), the electrical connector CE comprises: a plug connector EM, at least a first terminal BR1 (associated with a first polarity), and a second terminal BR2 (associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity), the first terminal BR1 and the second terminal BR2 preferably protrude from the plug connector EM. Of course, as will be described in detail below, the electrical connector CE may include additional terminals BR3, BR4 (see [ Figure 2A ]and[ Figure 2B ]). In such an electrical connector CE, when an excessively high voltage is applied between the first terminal BR1 and the second terminal BR2, there is a risk of a DC short circuit (or partial discharge), which risk is even greater at high altitudes. The insulating protection member PI according to the present invention is particularly designed to reduce or even eliminate this risk.
[0034] For this reason, Figure 1C ](side view) and [ Figure 1D] (top view), the insulating protection piece PI according to the present invention comprises an attachment device MF, which is configured so that it can be fixed to the electrical connector CE so as to at least partially cover the plug EM. By covering the plug in this way, the insulating protection piece PI according to the present invention makes it possible to reduce or even eliminate the risk of a short circuit between the terminals BR1 / BR2 of the electrical connector CE and the plug EM, which is usually at ground potential. The insulating protection piece PI according to the present invention also includes an insulating separation device MS, which is arranged to completely separate the first terminal BR1 from the second terminal BR2 when the insulating protection piece PI is fixed to the electrical connector CE. It is this separation device MS that will reduce or even eliminate the risk of a DC short circuit between the terminals BR1 / BR2 discussed previously. In one embodiment, at least part of the insulating protection piece PI (for example, the separation device MS and / or the attachment device MF) is made of an insulating material selected from polyarylamide (also referred to as the abbreviation PAA), polyamide (also referred to as the abbreviation PA66), polysulfone (also referred to as the abbreviation PSU), PEEK GLx. The attachment device MF and the separation device MS are different from each other.
[0035] More specifically, in [ Figure 1C ]and[ Figure 1D] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the attachment device MF includes a hollow body CR (preferably a hollow cylinder CR of insulating material (for example, a round straight cylinder as shown in the figure)), which includes a first top end S1 and a second top end S2 opposite to the first top end. Therefore, the hollow body CR includes a cylindrical wall, which includes a cylindrical inner surface defining the hollow and a cylindrical outer surface. Finally, the hollow body CR includes an outer surface that is radial relative to the first top end S1. The insulating separation device MS extends outward from the outer surface (that is, in a direction opposite to the second top end S2 of the hollow body). In addition, the hollow body CR includes a first opening O1 and a second opening O2 at the first top end S1, the first opening O1 is used to accommodate the first terminal BR1, and the second opening O2 is used to accommodate the second terminal BR2. The hollow body also includes a main opening OP at the second top end S2, which is used to accommodate the plug EM, so that when the insulating protector PI is fixed to the electrical connector CE, the plug EM is at least partially inserted into the hollow body CR. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the separation device MS comprises a plate P1 of insulating material, which is in contact with the first top S1 and is arranged between the first opening O1 and the second opening O2 perpendicular to the surface of the first top S1 (in other words, the protrusion of the plate P1 on the first top S1 forms a boundary between the first opening O1 and the second opening O2, and completely separates the two openings O1 / O2). This embodiment is particularly suitable for electrical connectors CE for single-phase applications, for which the first terminal BR1 corresponds to the phase line and the second terminal BR2 corresponds to the neutral line. In one embodiment, the thickness of the plate P1 is greater than or equal to 1 mm, so as to ensure good mechanical strength (especially in terms of vibration). In one embodiment, the hollow body CR comprises a thread at the main opening OP so that the insulating protection piece PI can be screwed onto the plug EM of the electrical connector CE. The plate P1 of insulating material extends outwardly from the surface of the first top S1 in a direction opposite to the second top. Therefore, the separation device MS only comprises at least one plate P1 (i.e., only a plate) extending from the outer surface of the top of the hollow body to the outside of the hollow body. These plates comprise at least one radial free edge connecting two free surfaces and a free edge forming the top end of the plate.
[0036] like[ Figure 1E ] As shown in the figure, once the insulating protection part PI has been installed on the electrical connector CE, in addition to limiting the risk of DC short circuit, the separation device MS makes it possible to increase the length of the creepage distance LF between the first terminal BR1 and the second terminal BR2, and the length of the creepage distance LF can be adjusted using the separation device MS (in particular by changing its size).
[0037] exist[ Figure 2A ]and[ Figure 2D] In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the electrical connector CE comprises a plug connector EM, a first terminal BR1 (to be associated with a first polarity), a second terminal BR2 (to be associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity), a third terminal BR3 (to be associated with a third polarity different from the first polarity and the second polarity) and a fourth terminal BR4 (to be associated with a fourth polarity different from the first polarity, the second polarity and the third polarity), the terminals BR1-BR4 protrude from the plug connector EM. In this embodiment, the insulating protection PI is configured to limit or even eliminate the risk of DC short circuits between the four terminals BR1-BR4 or between the terminals BR1-BR4 and the plug connector EM of the electrical connector CE, the plug connector EM being usually connected to the mechanical ground of the chassis supporting it.
[0038] To this end, in this embodiment, as [ Figure 2C ]and[ Figure 2D ], the attachment device MF includes a hollow body CR (preferably a hollow cylinder CR including a first top S1 and a second top S2 opposite to the first top S1 (for example, a round straight cylinder as shown in the figure)). In addition, the hollow body CR includes a first opening O1, a second opening O2, a third opening O3 and a fourth opening O4 at the first top S1, the first opening O1 is used to accommodate the first terminal BR1, the second opening O2 is used to accommodate the second terminal BR2, the third opening O3 is used to accommodate the third terminal BR3, and the fourth opening O4 is used to accommodate the fourth terminal BR4. The hollow body also includes a main opening OP at the second top S2, which is used to accommodate the plug connector EM, so that when the insulating protector is fixed to the electrical connector CE, the plug connector EM is at least partially inserted into the hollow body CR. In addition, in the present embodiment, the separation device MS includes a first plate P1 of insulating material, the first plate P1 is in contact with the first top S1, and the first plate is perpendicular to the surface of the first top S1 and is arranged between the first opening O1 and the second opening O2 on the one hand, and between the fourth opening O4 and the third opening O3 on the other hand. The separating means MS also comprises a second plate P2 of insulating material, said second plate P2 being in contact with the first top S1 and having a surface perpendicular to said first top S1 arranged between the first opening O1 and the fourth opening O4 on the one hand and between the second opening O2 and the third opening O3 on the other hand. This embodiment is particularly suitable for electrical connectors CE intended for three-phase applications, in which the three terminals are each associated with a phase conductor and the fourth terminal is associated with the neutral conductor. In [ Figure 3 ] shows an illustration of the insulating protection part PI manufactured by additive manufacturing according to this embodiment.
[0039] exist[ Figure 4 ]and[ Figure 5A second aspect of the invention shown in [ ] relates to an assembly EN comprising an insulating protection member PI and an electrical connector CE according to the first aspect of the invention. Figure 4 ] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the electrical connector CE includes a plug connector EM, a first terminal BR1 associated with a first polarity, and a second terminal BR2 associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity. A first electrical trace (conductive strip) is connected to the first terminal BR1, and a second electrical trace is connected to the second terminal BR2. Therefore, each of the two traces can extend perpendicular to the board and extend radially outward in parallel from the outer surface. In addition, the first terminal BR1 and the second terminal BR2 protrude from the plug connector EM. In addition, the insulating protector PI according to the first aspect of the present invention is mounted to the electrical connector CE so that the separation device MS completely separates the first terminal BR1 and the second terminal BR2 (in other words, no part of the first terminal BR1 faces any part of the second terminal BR2). Preferably, the separation device MS includes a plate P1 that separates the first terminal BR1 from the second terminal BR2 as previously described. Preferably, the size of the separation device MS is set so that the creepage distance between the first terminal BR1 and the second terminal BR2 is greater than a threshold length selected based on the usage restrictions (particularly the usage altitude) (for example, a threshold length greater than or equal to 5 cm, or even a threshold length greater than or equal to 10 cm).
[0040] exist[ Figure 5 ] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the electrical connector CE further comprises a third terminal BR3 associated with a third polarity different from the first polarity and the second polarity, and a fourth terminal BR4 associated with a fourth polarity different from the first polarity, the second polarity and the third polarity. A third electrical trace (conductive strip) is connected to the third terminal BR, and a fourth electrical trace is connected to the fourth terminal BR4. It can be seen that these traces are accessible, and each trace comprises a portion extending perpendicular to the plate forming the separation device MS. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the insulating protection member PI is mounted to the electrical connector CE so that the separation device MS completely separates the terminals BR1-BR4 from each other. Preferably, the separation device MS comprises a first plate P1 and a second plate P2 as previously described for separating the terminals BR1-BR4 from each other. Preferably, the separation device MS is dimensioned so that the creepage distance and / or insulation distance between the two terminals BR1-BR4 is greater than a threshold length (e.g., a threshold length greater than or equal to 5 mm, or even a threshold length greater than or equal to 10 mm) selected based on usage restrictions (particularly usage altitude or voltage level).
Claims
1. An insulating protection member (PI), comprising an attachment device (MF) and a separation device (MS), wherein: - said attachment means (MF) comprises a hollow body (CR) of insulating material, said hollow body comprising a first top end (S1) and a second top end (S2) opposite said first top end (S1), and: o comprising a first surface at the first top end (S1), a first opening (O1) and a second opening (O2); o comprising a main opening (OP) at said second top end (S2); - said separation means (MS) comprises a plate (P1) of insulating material, said plate being in contact with said first top end (S1) and being arranged perpendicularly to said surface of said first top end (S1) between said first opening (O1) and said second opening (O2).
2. Insulation protection (PI) according to the preceding claim, wherein: - said attachment means (MF) comprises a third opening (O3) and a fourth opening (O4) at said first top end (S1); - the separation device (MS) comprises: a second plate (P2) of insulating material, the second plate (P2) is in contact with the first top (S1), and the second plate (P2) is arranged perpendicular to the surface of the first top (S1) between the first opening (O1) and the fourth opening (O4) on the one hand, and between the second opening (O2) and the third opening (O3) on the other hand, and the first plate (P1) of insulating material is arranged between the first opening (O1) and the second opening (O2) on the one hand, and between the fourth opening (O4) and the third opening (O3) on the other hand.
3. Insulation protection element (PI) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The insulating protection element (PI) is made of a material selected from polyarylamide, polyamide, polysulfone, and PEEK GLx.
4. A component, comprising an insulating protector (PI) according to one of the preceding claims and an electrical connector (CE), the electrical connector (CE) comprising a plug (EM), at least a first terminal (BR1) and a second terminal (BR2), the first terminal being associated with a first polarity and the second terminal being associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity; the first terminal (BR1) and the second terminal (BR2) protrude from the plug (EM), the attachment device (MF) of the insulating protector (PI) is fixed to the electrical connector (CE) so as to at least partially cover the plug (EM), and the separation device (MS) of the insulating protector (PI) is arranged to completely separate the first terminal (BR1) from the second terminal (BR2).
5. Assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein The insulating protector is a protector according to claim 2, or a protector according to claim 3 which is dependent on claim 2; and wherein the electrical connector (CE) includes a third terminal (BR3) associated with a third polarity different from the first polarity and the second polarity, and a fourth terminal (BR4) associated with a fourth polarity different from the first polarity, the second polarity and the third polarity, and the separation device (MS) is arranged to completely separate the terminals (BR1-BR4) from each other.
6. Assembly according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein: The separation means (MS) of the insulating protection (PI) is dimensioned so that a creepage distance and an insulation distance between any two terminals of the electrical connector (CE) are greater than a threshold length.
7. Assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein The threshold length is greater than or equal to 5 mm.