Electromagnetic induction interconnector of polyphase electrical systems between them

Abstract

Title: Interconnector by electromagnetic induction of polyphase electrical systems with each other The invention relates to an interconnector (1) by induction of polyphase electrical systems (2, 3), comprising at least one male connector (11) and one female connector (12): each connector comprising an electromagnetic part (111, 121) comprising a winding intended to be connected by electrical contact to one of said polyphase electrical systems, the electromagnetic part (111) of each male connector being adapted to the electromagnetic part (121) of each female connector, to allow the male and female connectors to cooperate mechanically with each other by a sliding pivot connection, so that the interconnector operates, for each connection, a transfer of electrical power between a first polyphase electrical system and a second polyphase electrical system,by induction of a rotating magnetic field between the electromagnetic parts of the male connector and the female connector of the connection considered. Figure for abstract: Fig. 5,

Description

Title of the invention: Electromagnetic induction interconnector of polyphase electrical systems between them Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of interconnection devices between polyphase electrical systems. The present invention relates more particularly to a device for interconnecting at least two polyphase electrical systems with each other. It finds particularly advantageous applications in the interfacing of offshore electrical power networks such as wind or tidal power, but also in the interfacing of electrical power networks in the oil and gas industry (Oil&Gas) or the mining sector. It is indeed applicable in particular, but not exclusively, in humid, submersible, even immersed, and / or explosive environments. For example, immersed environments, and in particular high pressure, and explosive environments are encountered on deep-sea construction sites.It also finds application in embedded objects subject to vibrations, for the interconnection of electrical distribution networks, and / or for recharging electric vehicles. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Connectors are known, for example from the patent document referenced EP 3376605 A1, which allow, with electrical contact, to connect and disconnect two electrical systems with the same number of phases. Among the numerous disadvantages that these solutions with electrical contact present, let us mention one of the most significant: the connections and disconnections of this type of connector between electrical systems require complex operations, which leads to long intervention times. In addition, the resolution of the problem of this type of connector in relation to the high mechanical stresses that they must withstand currently involves the mechanical reinforcement of the cable-connector connections and between connectors to prevent any movement between the different parts.

[0003] Furthermore, the transfer of power between polyphase electrical systems can be done by transformers, passive electromagnetic devices, or converters using active components of power electronics.

[0004] A definite advantage of transformers is the ability to transfer electrical power without direct electrical contact between the polyphase systems they interconnect, while allowing the voltage and current levels to be changed if desired. The transfer is done through magnetic induction.

[0005] The majority of power transformers interface without electrical contact two three-phase (or multiple of three-phase) electrical networks using a classic three-column structure. While retaining the classic three-column structure, rare transformers allow the transition from three to five, or even seven, phases by making connections between windings.

[0006] Other transformers may interface two polyphase electrical systems not specifically multiples of three phases using a round electrical machine type structure, with different numbers of phases between primary and secondary networks.

[0007] Thus, document WO 2012 / 128930 A2 discloses a so-called modular device for interconnecting polyphase systems with each other. However, the modularity of the device is fixed to its design, i.e. its modularity does not allow adaptation to different uses. Furthermore, this device does not allow continuous and load monitoring of the hourly index between primary and secondary windings.

[0008] Transformers are also known for interfacing a primary network with several secondary networks. For example, document US 2019 / 0184839 A1 relates to a vehicle charging application. According to this document, a primary and at least three secondaries can be interconnected with each other, in particular in parallel. The modularity of this device is provided by a connection matrix which follows the secondary networks. The transformer itself is fixed. Thus, this device does not provide a transformer structure which is both suitable for interconnecting a plurality of secondary networks to the same primary network and modular in use.

[0009] An object of the present invention is therefore to propose an induction interconnector of polyphase electrical systems between them which makes it possible to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0010] An object of the present invention is more particularly to propose such an interconnector which is modular in use, with a connection / disconnection action forming part of the usage phase of the device.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to propose such an interconnector which makes it possible to reduce the influence of the mechanical stresses which it is required to withstand in use.

[0012] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated. SUMMARY

[0013] To achieve at least one of the objectives stated above, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, an interconnector by electromagnetic induction of polyphase electrical systems between them is provided, the interconnector comprising at least one male connector and one female connector.

[0014] Each connector comprises an electromagnetic part comprising, or even consisting of, a magnetic core, preferably ferromagnetic, and a winding wound around the core. Each winding may be intended to be connected by electrical contact to one of said polyphase electrical systems. And at least the winding of each electromagnetic part is preferably electrically isolated from its environment.

[0015] The electromagnetic part of each male connector is of a shape and / or dimensions adapted to the shape and / or dimensions of the electromagnetic part of each female connector, to allow each male connector to cooperate mechanically with each female connector by a sliding pivot connection. Said sliding pivot connection has an axis along which the male and female connectors can be intended to be alternately connected and disconnected from each other.

[0016] Thus, the interconnector operates, for each connection between a male connector and a female connector stationary between them, a transfer of electrical power between a first polyphase electrical system and a second polyphase electrical system, by induction of a rotating magnetic field between the electromagnetic parts of the male connector and the female connector of the connection in question.

[0017] Therefore, the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention provides modularity of use to the “alternating current power transformer between polyphase systems” function and offers the “connector-aggregator without direct electrical contact” function. The invention in fact makes it possible to meet the needs of being able to connect in constrained environments (humid, underwater, explosive) at least two polyphase electrical networks to each other easily, quickly and without direct electrical contact, but via rotating magnetic induction. The number of phases of one of the electrical networks interconnected with each other may be different from the number of phases of one of the other electrical networks. The invention may allow a transfer of power by induction between one or more primary electrical networks to one or more secondary electrical networks in a reversible manner.

[0018] Therefore, the invention has at least one of the following advantages: - it allows to reduce intervention times, by simplifying maintenance operations linked to the connection / disconnection of electrical networks between them thanks to a simple geometry, - it constitutes a totally passive and robust interfacing solution between polyphase electrical networks, in particular because it makes it possible to avoid the implementation of electronic components, and in particular electronic power and / or control components, - its maintenance can be carried out by non-expert personnel, - it avoids the use of a waterproof case and / or the use of oil lubrication, which facilitates its transport and handling, - it provides a solution adapted to great depths and / or mobile construction sites, - it helps reduce maintenance costs linked to biological fouling (or “biofouling”), particularly in the context of underwater use, and - it facilitates the regulation of electrical networks in difficult environments, such as the management of the hourly index between networks.

[0019] The connection / disconnection of electrical networks between them is facilitated in particular due to the simple geometry of the invention, and by the natural centering of the induction transfer interfaces between them. The connection and disconnection operations between electrical networks are thereby simplified and accelerated. Indeed, the number of connection elements is advantageously minimized, in particular due to the fact that the use of mechanical connection accessories is avoided, because the electrical connectors are also mechanical connectors.

[0020] For the transfer of power from an electrical network connection in a humid and / or explosive environment, the first aspect of the invention meets the need for a high protection index against liquids and / or explosive atmospheres, in particular by performing the transfer function without direct electrical contact, by increasing the reliability of the interconnection and by simplifying the structures implemented.

[0021] Thanks to the invention, the high power transfer function is carried out in a compact manner. The overall size of the transmission chain is effectively reduced, which can be particularly advantageous in particular in the context of an application for recharging electric cars. An increase in the number of phases makes it possible to combine two advantages: - reduce the size of the power electronics equipment (interleaving effect) which will be upstream and downstream of the interconnector and - improve the quality and availability of energy (current ripple, robustness to failure, etc.).

[0022] The interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention is advantageously modular, or even standard (or at least 'standardizable'). It allows the connection of different primary (or secondary) electrical systems, in particular in number of phases, to the same secondary (or primary) system. The invention makes it possible to achieve a natural standardization of the connection terminals between polyphase electrical networks. The power transfer function is thus carried out in a completely modular manner, inducing economic and environmental advantages si- significant.

[0023] Furthermore, by allowing the addition of at least one degree of freedom (translation and / or rotation) between its interconnection elements, the invention makes it possible to manage the mechanical constraints to which the interconnector is subjected, without requiring mechanical reinforcement, in particular of the cables, around the interconnector.

[0024] According to a first example, at least one of the male and female connectors comprises at least one device for adjusting its angular position relative to another, or even to each other, of the male and female connectors, said adjustment device being configured to adjust a time index between said polyphase electrical systems connected to each other by the interconnector, by rotation, for example around the axis of said sliding pivot connection, of at least one of the male and female connectors relative to another, or even to each other, of the male and female connectors. The rotation of at least one of the male and female connectors relative to another to adjust the time index between the polyphase electrical systems interconnected to each other by the interconnector is preferably coaxial with the sliding pivot connection by which each male connector mechanically cooperates with each female connector.

[0025] Thus, the first aspect of the invention according to this first example also has the advantage of allowing the adjustment of the hourly index between electrical networks connected to each other. It makes it possible to avoid the known use of an on-load regulator for adjusting the phase shift on power transformers (phase shift regulation transformer or quadrature amplifier types) with electrical contact which can cause breakdowns; this type of regulator also only allows adjustment in stages, and not continuous adjustment. Furthermore, if there are power electronics converters which make it possible to manage the hourly index continuously and on-load for certain transformers, such converters necessarily contain active components, which are less reliable than the passive components of the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention.The interconnector according to the first example in fact makes it possible to carry out the function of adjusting the time index continuously, and without power electronic components, for increased reliability.

[0026] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method of connecting an interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention. Said connection method comprises, or even comprises only: - bringing one of a male connector and a female connector opposite the other of a male connector and a female connector, so that a subsequent translational movement of one relative to the other can follow an axis along which the male and female connectors are intended to be alternately connected and disconnected between them, then - said translational movement of one relative to the other along said axis, until reaching a connection position in which the male and female connectors mechanically cooperate with each other by a sliding pivot connection.

[0027] Preferably, the axis of the translational movement is an axis of the sliding pivot connection by which the male and female connectors are configured to mechanically cooperate with each other.

[0028] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for disconnecting at least one interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention. The disconnection method comprises, or even only comprises: - the translational movement of one of a male connector and a female connector relative to the other of a male connector and a female connector from a connection position in which the male and female connectors mechanically cooperate with each other by a sliding pivot connection and along an axis along which the male and female connectors are intended to be alternately connected and disconnected from each other, and - bringing one relative to the other out of a position of mechanical cooperation between them via said sliding pivot connection, to reach a position of disconnection from one another.

[0029] Preferably, the axis of the translational movement is an axis of the sliding pivot connection by which the male and female connectors are configured to mechanically cooperate with each other.

[0030] According to an example of the second and third aspects of the invention, they may comprise the implementation of a lifting apparatus of which of the male connector and the female connector is brought and moved.

[0031] According to the preceding example, the lifting apparatus may comprise at least one of: - a cable winch(s), and - a cabled ascent balloon, at least one cable being attached to whichever of the male connector and the female connector is brought and moved.

[0032] According to another example of the second and third aspects of the invention, the method further comprises, at least before the translational movement of one of at least one male connector and one female connector relative to the other of at least one male connector and one female connector, a step of interrupting the flow of electric current in at least one of a winding of the male connector and a winding of the female connector. The interruption may, if appropriate, be controlled by a switch arranged on at least one of said polyphase electrical systems.

[0033] According to another example of the second and third aspects of the invention, the axis of the sliding pivot connection is preferably substantially parallel to a direction defined by the ambient gravitational field.

[0034] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a use of at least one interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention, in an offshore wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines each connected to a secondary polyphase electrical system connected in turn by electrical contact to a winding of one of a male connector and a female connector to allow alternately, by manipulation of said at least one interconnector, the connection and disconnection of each secondary polyphase electrical system to a primary polyphase electrical system connected by electrical contact to a winding of another of the male connector and the female connector.

[0035] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a use of at least one interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention, in an offshore wind turbine comprising a first secondary polyphase electrical system and a second secondary polyphase electrical system each connected by electrical contact to a winding of a respective one of a male connector and a female connector, for interconnecting the first and second secondary polyphase electrical systems with each other, with a degree of freedom, from one of the male connector and the female connector to the other, said degree of freedom comprising at least one degree of freedom in rotation about an axis of a sliding pivot connection by which the male and female connectors are configured to mechanically cooperate with each other.

[0036] A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a use of at least one interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention, in an infrastructure for recharging electric and / or hybrid electric vehicles comprising a plurality of secondary polyphase electrical systems each connected by electrical contact to a winding of one of a male connector and a female connector to allow alternately, by manipulation of said at least one interconnector, the connection and disconnection of each secondary polyphase electrical system to a primary polyphase electrical system connected by electrical contact to a winding of another of the male connector and the female connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0037] The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of embodiments thereof which are illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0038] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] shows a perspective view of a male connector of an embodiment of an interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0039] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows a perspective view of a female connector of an embodiment of an interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0040] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of an interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0041] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of an interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0042] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a diagram illustrating the use of an embodiment of the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention in an offshore wind farm.

[0043] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents a transparent view of an example of a base of an offshore wind turbine integrating an embodiment of the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0044] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] schematically represents an embodiment of the connection and / or disconnection method according to different aspects of the invention.

[0045] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] schematically represents an alternative, or a complement, to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0046] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents a diagram illustrating the use of an embodiment of the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention in an infrastructure for recharging electric and / or hybrid electric vehicles.

[0047] [Fig. 10A] Figures 10A to 10C represent schematic sectional views of three typologies of transfer by rotating magnetic field authorized by the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0048] [Fig.lOB]

[0049] [Fig.lOC]

[0050] The drawings are given as examples and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to the scale of practical applications. In particular, the dimensions of the various male and female connectors illustrated relative to the other elements illustrated are not necessarily representative of reality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively are set out below.

[0052] More particularly, the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention may in addition to having at least one of the following characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination.

[0053] According to one example, the adjustment device comprises: - a drive shaft secured, at least in rotation, to the male connector and extending beyond the electromagnetic part of the male connector, and - an actuator configured to rotate, in a controlled manner, the drive shaft around its axis, at least when the male connector is in the connection position with at least one female connector, preferably without varying the angular position of said at least one female connector.

[0054] According to another example, the adjustment device is preferably mechanical, or even purely mechanical.

[0055] According to another example, the adjustment device is supported by at least one female connector and comprises, for each female connector, a module for adjusting the angular position of the female connector relative to the angular position of the other female connectors, at least when said female connectors are in the connection position.

[0056] According to another example, the electromagnetic part of a male connector has a substantially cylindrical, hollow or solid shape, the axis of symmetry of which defines the axis of said sliding pivot connection by which the male and female connectors are intended to cooperate mechanically with each other and the electromagnetic part of at least one female connector has a substantially cylindrical, hollow or solid shape, the axis of symmetry of which is substantially coincident with the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of the male connector, when the male and female connectors cooperate mechanically with each other via said sliding pivot connection.

[0057] According to a first variant of the previous example, the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of at least one female connector, preferably of each female connector, has a central opening configured to closely accommodate the outer periphery of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of the male connector.

[0058] According to a second variant of the previous example, the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of the male connector has a central opening configured to closely accommodate the outer periphery of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of at least one female connector.

[0059] According to another example, alternative to the previous example, the electromagnetic parts of the male and female connectors each have substantially the shape of a cylinder, hollow or solid, the axes of symmetry of which are substantially coincident with each other when the male and female connectors are in the connection position between them according to said sliding pivot connection, and the interconnector comprises a male connector and two female connectors distributed on either side of the male connector when the male and female connectors are in the connection position, said axes of symmetry then being parallel, or even merged, with the axis of the sliding pivot connection, the male and female connectors being intended to be alternately connected and disconnected from each other by a translational movement of the male connector relative to the female connectors along an axis perpendicular to at least one of said axes of symmetry.

[0060] According to another example, the electromagnetic part of a male connector is of a shape and dimensions adapted so that several female connectors are intended to be alternately connected and disconnected relative to the male connector by the same sliding pivot connection between each female connector and the male connector.

[0061] According to the preceding example, the electromagnetic part of a male connector has a substantially cylindrical, hollow or solid shape, the axial extent of which is sufficient for a plurality of female connectors to be distributed along said axial extent.

[0062] According to another example, the electromagnetic part of a female connector is of a shape and dimensions adapted so that several male connectors are intended to be alternately connected and disconnected relative to the female connector by the same sliding pivot connection between each male connector and the female connector.

[0063] According to another example, at least one connector among the male and female connectors further comprises at least one mechanical part configured to cooperate mechanically with at least one other connector, or with at least one mechanical part of another connector, so as to control the position of the connectors with respect to each other, at least when the latter are in the connection position, and / or to guide a connection or disconnection movement of the connectors with respect to each other. At least one mechanical part of said at least one connector may extend integrally from its electromagnetic part.

[0064] Said at least one connector comprising a mechanical part may comprise a female connector. In this case, the mechanical part of the female connector, or of each female connector, may extend from an outer or inner periphery of its electromagnetic part and have a shape, for example frustoconical, hollow or solid, extending from the electromagnetic part of the female connector by forming at least one non-flat angle therewith. Furthermore, each female connector among a plurality of female connectors may have a mechanical part identical in shape and / or dimensions to the mechanical part of the other female connectors of the plurality, so that the mechanical parts of the female connectors of the plurality cooperate mechanically with each other to control their relative arrangement, and in particular to ensure their centering relative to each other along the axis of the sliding pivot connection, at least when they are in the connection position.

[0065] Said at least one connector comprising a mechanical part may comprise a male connector. In this case, the electromagnetic part of the male connector having a substantially cylindrical, hollow or solid shape, the male connector may comprise at least a first mechanical part: - extending from a first end of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of the male connector, - extending from an outer or inner periphery of the electromagnetic part of the male connector and - having a shape, for example truncated, hollow or solid, extending from the electromagnetic part of the male connector forming at least one non-flat angle with the electromagnetic part of the male connector.

[0066] According to another example, at least one female connector may comprise at least one mechanical part extending from an outer or inner periphery of the electromagnetic part of the female connector and having a shape, for example frustoconical, hollow or solid, extending from the electromagnetic part of the female connector while forming at least one non-flat angle therewith. The male connector may comprise at least one first mechanical part extending from a first end and an outer periphery of the electromagnetic part of the male connector, said at least one first mechanical part having a shape, for example frustoconical, hollow or solid, extending from the electromagnetic part of the male connector while forming at least one non-flat angle therewith.Each of the mechanical part of a female connector and the first mechanical part of the male connector may extend respectively from the electromagnetic part of the female connector and from the first end of the electromagnetic part of the male connector, so as to form the same non-flat angle with their respective electromagnetic part, for at least one given angular position, or even for any angular position, of the male connector relative to the female connector, or even to each female connector, around the axis of said sliding pivot connection, and at least when these are in the position of connection between them.

[0067] According to another example, the electromagnetic part of the male connector having a substantially cylindrical shape, the male connector may comprise a second mechanical part extending from a second end of the cylindrical shape of its electromagnetic part, the male connector being intended to be connected with at least one female connector from its second mechanical part, the latter having a shape, for example substantially conical, extending not beyond the radial extent of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of the male connector and being configured, by its shape and / or its dimensions, to allow guidance of one of: - the male connector relative to at least one female connector and - a female connector relative to the male connector, and at least until the male connector and said at least one female connector mechanically cooperate with each other via said sliding pivot connection.

[0068] According to another example, the interconnector may further comprise a mechanical base only integral with one of said at least one male connector and one female connector, said base being intended to ensure the maintenance in position of the connector which is mechanically integral with it relative to an installation site of the interconnector. The connector mechanically integral with the base can be mounted freely rotatable on the base. The connector mechanically integral with the base can comprise a male connector. Furthermore, when at least one of the male and female connectors comprises at least one device for adjusting its angular position relative to another, or even to each other, of the male and female connectors, the base can be configured to accommodate within it at least part of the adjustment device.

[0069] According to another example, when the adjustment device comprises: - a drive shaft secured, at least in rotation, to the male connector and extending beyond the electromagnetic part of the male connector, and - an actuator configured to rotate, in a controlled manner, the drive shaft around its axis, at least when the male connector is in the connection position with at least one female connector, preferably without varying the angular position of said at least one female connector, the actuator of the adjustment device can be mounted in the base, so as to engage the drive shaft of the adjustment device, at least when the male connector is in the connection position.

[0070] According to another example, at least two of said polyphase electrical systems have a different number of phases between them. Alternatively, at least two of said polyphase electrical systems have an identical number of phases between them.

[0071] It is specified that in the context of the present invention, the term “rotating magnetic field” designates a magnetic field varying temporally and spatially in amplitude. As such, a rotating magnetic field is distinguished from a “pulsing magnetic field”, the latter varying only temporally in amplitude.

[0072] A “sliding pivot connection” means the connection obtained by contact of two coaxial cylinders; this connection is also called a cylinder / cylinder connection. A sliding pivot connection between a male connector and a female connector can thus model a cylindrical contact of revolution between male and female connectors. The contact surface between the male and female connectors is a cylinder. A sliding pivot connection can offer, to each connector, a rotational and translational movement along the same axis relative to the other element.

[0073] Two particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the attached figures 1 to 4.

[0074] More particularly, if figures 1 and 2 relate substantially to the two aforementioned embodiments, [Fig. 3] illustrates a first of the two aforementioned embodiments and [Fig. 4] illustrates the second of the two aforementioned embodiments. If the embodiments illustrated in figures 3 and 4 are different from each other, note that they still correspond to the same configuration illustrated schematically in [Fig. 10A] in which female connectors 12 are threaded around the same male connector 11.

[0075] But prior to the description of each of the two aforementioned embodiments, let us note here that the first aspect of the invention relates generically to an interconnector 1 by electromagnetic induction of polyphase electrical systems 2, 3 between them (Cf. figures 5 and 7 to 9), the interconnector comprising at least one male connector 11 and one female connector 12: - each connector 11, 12 comprising an electromagnetic part 111, 121 comprising a magnetic core and a winding wound around the core, each winding being intended to be connected by electrical contact 114, 124 to one of said polyphase electrical systems 2, 3, and at least the winding of each electromagnetic part 111, 121 being electrically isolated from its environment, - the electromagnetic part 111 of each male connector 11 being of a shape and / or dimensions adapted to the shape and / or dimensions of the electromagnetic part 121 of each female connector 12, to allow each male connector to cooperate mechanically with each female connector by a sliding pivot connection, so that the interconnector 1 operates, for each connection between a male connector 11 and a female connector 12 stationary between them, a transfer of electrical power between a first polyphase electrical system 2 and a second polyphase electrical system 3, by induction of a rotating magnetic field between the electromagnetic parts 111, 121 of the male connector 11 and the female connector 12 of the connection considered.

[0076] The winding of each electromagnetic part 111, 121 can more particularly comprise at least one of an enamelled cable or wire, for example copper / aluminium, and a coating electrically insulating it from its environment. Alternatively, the winding of each electromagnetic part 111, 121 may comprise a sheathed cable or wire, the sheath of which ensures its electrical insulation from its environment. Note that it is not necessary, but still conceivable, for the magnetic core of each electromagnetic part 111, 121 to be electrically isolated from its environment.

[0077] More particularly, the electromagnetic part 111, 121 of each connector 11, 12 may consist of said magnetic core and the winding associated therewith. Furthermore, the magnetic core is preferably a ferromagnetic core.

[0078] The electrical contact connection 114, 124 between each winding and one of the polyphase electrical systems to be interconnected with each other may advantageously be only a simple electrical connection whose function is preferably only to ensure electrical conduction between the winding and the polyphase electrical system to which the winding is connected by said electrical contact 114, 124. In other words, there is no need for any of the electrical contact connections 114, 124 to have any influence on the properties of the current flowing between the winding and the polyphase electrical system to which the winding is connected. More specifically, none of the electrical contact connections 114, 124 necessarily comprises electrical components, and in particular electrical power components.It is clear from the above that each electrical contact connection 114, 124 preferably consists of a simple electrical connection, for example by splicing, which is particularly easy to make watertight.

[0079] The term "stationary" is used here to specify that, according to their normally intended use, the male and female connectors 11 and 12 once connected together can remain in the same connection position relative to each other; in particular, one does not necessarily rotate relative to the other, whether around the axis of the sliding pivot connection or around another axis. We will see later that it is still possible for one of the male and female connectors, once connected together, to be moved relative to the other, and in particular around the axis of the sliding pivot connection; however, this rotation does not have the function of allowing the transformer function of the interconnector to be performed, but has the function of allowing the adjustment of a time index between the polyphase electrical systems interconnected together.

[0080] The term "rotating magnetic field" makes it possible to distinguish the magnetic field considered here from a so-called pulsating magnetic field. More particularly, if the amplitude of a rotating magnetic field can vary temporally and spatially, the amplitude of a pulsating magnetic field only varies temporally.

[0081] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, respectively, a male connector 11 and a female connector 12 substantially invariant between each of the two aforementioned modes are described below. The illustrations provided describe a possible arrangement in shape and / or dimensions of the male and female connectors 11 and 12 with respect to each other, this arrangement being in accordance with what is stated above, but is given solely for illustrative purposes, and not for limiting purposes.

[0082] In view of [Fig. 1], it appears that a male connector 11 of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention may take the form of a cylinder 111 extending, by a first 101 of its ends, by a first mechanical part 112 taking a substantially frustoconical shape extending radially beyond the radial extent of the cylinder 111, and, by a second 102 of its ends, by a second mechanical part 113 taking a substantially conical shape not extending radially beyond the radial extent of the cylinder 111. For example, the cylindrical part 111 houses, or even constitutes, the electromagnetic part of the male connector 11. In this respect, note that the electrical contact connection 114 as illustrated in [Fig. 1] extends from the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11 through the first mechanical part 112 of the male connector 11.Depending on the configurations, it is possible that the contact connection 114 does not have to pass through a mechanical part of the male connector 11 or has to pass through another mechanical part of the male connector 11. Note that the male connector 11 as illustrated in [Fig.l] further extends, beyond its second mechanical part 113, by an appendage 10a which we describe below after having introduced the device 10 for adjusting a time index between the interconnected polyphase electrical systems, a device with which the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention can advantageously be equipped.

[0083] In view of [Fig. 2], it appears that a female connector 12 of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention may take the general form of a plate or a cup with a hole in its center. More particularly, the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12 as illustrated may take the form of a hollow cylinder, or a hollow roller, from the outer periphery of which extends a mechanical part 122 of the female interconnector 12, this mechanical part 122 giving, to the assembly, the capacity of the plate or the cup.

[0084] In view of figures 1 and 2, it appears that: - the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11 is of a cylindrical shape suitable for allowing its insertion into the hollow of the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12. Preferably, the dimensions of one and the other of said electromagnetic parts 111 and 121 are such that the narrowest possible clearance is allowed between them, so as to minimize the spacing, or more particularly the air gap, between said electromagnetic parts 111 and 121; and / or - the first mechanical part 112 of the male connector 11 can take a shape and dimensions suitable for enabling it to occupy at least part of the capacity of the plate formed by the female connector 12; and / or - the second mechanical part 113 of the male connector 11 advantageously takes a conical shape enabling it to guide the insertion of the male connector 11 into the hollow of the female connector 12, or conversely, the threading of the female connector 12, by its hollow, around the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11.

[0085] Note that minimizing the spacing or air gap between the electromagnetic parts 111 and 121 of the male 11 and female 12 connectors advantageously influences the quantity of electrical energy transferable via the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0086] As for the contact connection 114 of the male connector 11, the contact connection 124 of the female connector 12 may or may not pass through the mechanical part 122 of the female connector 12.

[0087] [Fig. 3] illustrates a first particularly advantageous embodiment of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0088] In this first embodiment, a base 13 is provided which has a part for receiving the male connector 11 and a part for receiving at least one female connector 12, said male connector 11 and said at least one female connector 12 providing, when received by the base 13, the interconnection between a first polyphase electrical system 2, for example a primary polyphase electrical system, and at least one second polyphase electrical system 3, for example a secondary polyphase electrical system, via the electrical contact connections 114 and 124, respectively.

[0089] It can be seen in [Fig. 3] that three female connectors 12 are arranged along the electromagnetic part 111 of the same male connector 11. Advantageously, as illustrated by the superimposed points, the axial extent of the cylindrical shape that the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11 takes in the illustrated example can be configured so as to allow a certain number of female connectors 12 to be threaded around this cylindrical shape. It can also be seen in [Fig. 3] that the mechanical part 122 of one of the female connectors 12 illustrated makes it possible to ensure the centering of this female connector 12 relative to: - the part of the base 13 which is intended to receive at least one first female connector 12, and - the other female connectors 12.

[0090] It can also be seen in [Fig. 3] that the conical shape of the second mechanical part 113 of the male connector 11 can guide the insertion of the male connector into the part of the base 13 which is designed to receive the male connector 11.

[0091] The method of connecting each pair formed by the male connector 11 and one of the female connectors 12 can be deduced intuitively in view of [Fig. 3]. It is for example possible to bring a stack of the female connectors 12 onto the part of the base 13 provided to receive them, then to bring the male connector 11 into the stack of the female connectors 12 until the mechanical part 113 of the male connector 12 is received by the part of the base 13 provided for this purpose. Note here that the bringing of the male connector 11, into the stack of the female connectors 12, is then carried out by following the axis of the sliding pivot connection by which the female connectors 12 and the male connector 11 cooperate with each other.

[0092] The embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4] is the opposite of the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], in that the male and female connectors 11 and 12 take an opposite orientation relative to the gravitational field. But it is clear from the illustrations in Figures 3 and 4 that the two embodiments illustrated in these figures have a certain number of similarities. In particular, the mechanical parts 122 of the female connectors 12 again allow them to be centered with respect to the base 13 and between the female connectors 12; and / or the second mechanical part 113 of the male connector 11 allows the threading of the female connectors 12 around the male connector 11 to be guided. Furthermore, in the same way as in [Fig.3], the points superimposed on each other illustrate the possibility of dimensioning the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11, so as to be able to distribute along the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11, a plurality of female connectors 12 of a determined cardinal.

[0093] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4], the base 13 can be confused with the first mechanical part 112 of the male connector 11. This first mechanical part 112 in fact has a shape described above giving it the possibility of playing the role of base 13, this role being to ensure that the male connector 11 is held in position at an installation site 0 of the interconnector 1 (see for example [Fig.5]).

[0094] As mentioned above, the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention may comprise a device 10 for adjusting the angular position of one of the male and female connectors 11 and 12 relative to at least one other of the male and female connectors 11 and 12. The adjustment device 10 may vary depending on the embodiment considered of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention. However, the different variations of the adjustment device 10 allow all of adjusting the time index between the polyphase electrical systems interconnected with each other, by rotation, around the axis of the sliding pivot connection by which each pair of a male connector 11 and a female connector 12 cooperates mechanically.

[0095] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.3], the adjustment device 10 has a first variant in which: - a drive shaft 10a (or the aforementioned appendage 10a) is integral, at least in rotation, with the male connector 11, and in particular with its electromagnetic part 111, and extends beyond this electromagnetic part 111, or even beyond the second mechanical part 113 of the male connector 11, and - an actuator 10b configured to rotate, in a controlled manner, the drive shaft 10a around its axis, at least when the male connector 11 is in the connection position with at least one female connector 12, and preferably without varying the angular position of said at least one female connector 12.

[0096] The actuator 10b can advantageously be integrated into the base 13. It is arranged in so as to engage the drive shaft 10a when the second mechanical part 113 of the male connector 11 is inserted into the part of the base 13 intended to receive it.

[0097] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4], the adjustment device 10 has a second variant in which it is supported by each of the female connectors 12 and comprises, for each female connector 12, a module 10c for adjusting the angular position of the female connector 12 relative to the angular position of the other female connectors, at least when said female connectors are stacked together.

[0098] It should be noted here that these two variants can possibly be combined with each other, nothing preventing the provision that the female connectors 12, as illustrated in [Fig.3], each comprise an adjustment module 10c, or that the male connector 11 as illustrated in [Fig.4] can be configured to rotate around its axis.

[0099] The interconnector 1, according to the first aspect of the invention, thus makes it possible to adjust a time index between the different polyphase electrical systems that the interconnector 1 interconnects with each other, and this in a simple and robust manner because essentially, if not completely, mechanically.

[0100] Note here that the female connectors 12 do not necessarily take the general shape of a plate or a cup, including when they comprise a mechanical part 122. Alternatively, the mechanical part 122 of each female connector 12 may, for example, be asymmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry of the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12. More particularly, by extending from the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12, the mechanical part 122 of the female connector 12 can form with an axis of symmetry of the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12 different angles for angular portions distinct from each other of the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12. It is understood that the mechanical part 122 of each female connector 12 can thus serve, not only as a centering device with respect to the base 13 or another female connector 12, but also as a keying device imposing a certain angular arrangement in particular with each other female connector 12 of the stack. The keying device then formed by the mechanical part 122 of each female connector 12 can even be configured so that a plurality of relative angular arrangements are permitted. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4], the different adjustment modules 10c can be designed to vary the relative angular arrangement of each female connector 12 relative to an adjacent female connector 12 in the stack and thus allow the permitted relative angular arrangements.

[0101] Let us also note here that the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is not limited to one of the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 where the male connector 11 is intended to occupy the hollow provided in each female connector 12.

[0102] An alternative configuration is indeed entirely conceivable in which the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11 has a central opening configured to closely accommodate the outer periphery of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part 121 of at least one female connector 12. Such an alternative configuration is illustrated schematically in [Fig.10B].

[0103] In this alternative configuration, the male connector 11 could be considered as a female connector and the female connectors 12 as male connectors since a certain number of connectors of the second type are intended to be housed in a connector of the first type; we have retained here the genres previously used, so as to continue to consider the interconnection between a male connector and a plurality of female connectors.

[0104] It should be noted that a disadvantage of this alternative configuration, relative to that illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, concerns the management of the electrical contact connections 124 of the female connectors 12. This disadvantage is induced when more than two female connectors 12 are to be inserted into the male connector 11.

[0105] Furthermore, in such an alternative configuration, it is preferable that the female connectors 12 do not include a mechanical portion extending beyond the radial extent of their electromagnetic portion 121, so as to minimize the play (or the air gap) between the electromagnetic parts 121 of the female connectors and the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11. However, it is not excluded that each female connector 12 comprises at least one mechanical part. For example, when the electromagnetic part 121 of each female connector 12 is hollow, a mechanical part can extend from the inner periphery of the electromagnetic part 121 of each female connector 12, so as to cooperate with an equivalent mechanical part of another female connector 12, to ensure their centering between them when they are stacked, or even their guidance relative to each other until they are stacked.

[0106] In the same way as before, the mechanical part of each female connector may, again in this case, not have a symmetry of revolution with respect to the axis of symmetry of the electromagnetic part 121 of the female connector 12, but may have, for example, a certain symmetry of rotation(s). Furthermore, in the alternative configuration considered here, the male connector 11 may also have a mechanical part. The latter may, for example, take a truncated cone shape extending from the outer periphery and one end of the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11 to constitute a sort of funnel facilitating the bringing of each female connector 12 or a stack of female connectors 12 into the hollow of its electromagnetic part 111.

[0107] Note here that each of the configurations described above allows a transfer of electrical energy by radial electromagnetic induction between male and female connectors 11 and 12.

[0108] Furthermore, it is apparent from Figures 3 and 4 that, as already mentioned above, the first mechanical part 112 of the male connector 11 and the mechanical part 122 of the female connector 12 can mechanically cooperate with each other; however, as already mentioned above, this cooperation can be extended beyond the illustrations provided by the figures in the case where said mechanical parts 112 and 122 do not have a symmetry of revolution around the electromagnetic parts 111 and 121 from which they extend. Therefore, it is understood that one or more angular arrangements of the male connector 11 with respect to at least one female conductor 12 (more particularly at least the female connector 12 at the top of the stack in [Fig. 3] and at least the female connector 12 at the bottom of the stack in [Fig. 4]) can be defined by the mechanical cooperation between the mechanical parts 112 and 122 of the male and female connectors.

[0109] Let us note here that it is clear from the above that the device 10 for adjusting the hourly index between polyphase electrical systems connected to each other via the interconnector according to the first aspect of the invention may, in addition to or as an alternative to the different variants of the adjustment device 10 already described above, comprise, or even be composed of mechanical parts belonging to one and / or the other of the male and female connectors, cooperating with each other in the manner of a key, to define angular positions of the electromagnetic parts relative to each other.

[0110] The method of connecting each pair formed by the male connector 11 and one of the female connectors 12 can be deduced intuitively in view of [Fig.4]. It is for example possible to bring a first female connector 12 above the second mechanical part 113 of the male connector 11, then to thread it around the electromagnetic part 111 of the male connector 11 until it comes to rest on the base 13; and so on with the other female connectors 12.Let us note here that the threading of each female connector 12 around the male connector 11 is then carried out by a translational movement along the axis of the sliding pivot connection by which the female connectors 12 and the male connector 11 cooperate with each other.

[0111] Before describing the method of connecting and the method of disconnecting an interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention in a more general context than that considered above, let us note that, with regard to polyphase electrical systems, these can indifferently have the same number of phases or different numbers of phases between them. This is a certain advantage of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention to be able to manage, in a transparent manner, any observable configuration in terms of the number of phases of the polyphase electrical systems that it allows to be interconnected between them.

[0112] With reference to [Fig.7], the method of connecting an interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is described below. Note here that the connector illustrated in [Fig.7] is in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.3], except that the adjustment device, and more particularly its components 10a and 10b, as well as the contact connections 114 and 124, are not shown therein for the sake of simplification.

[0113] More particularly, [Fig. 7] illustrates the result of a step of the connection method by which the male connector 11 has been brought opposite the female connector 12. Once this bringing step has been carried out, a subsequent translational movement, represented by the arrow illustrated in [Fig. 7], of the male connector 11 makes it possible to reach a connection position between the male connector 11 and the female connector 12. Note that the translational movement in this case follows the axis of the sliding pivot connection by which the male and female connectors mechanically cooperate with each other. Note furthermore that the axis of the sliding pivot connection is then coincident with the direction of the gravity field, so that the connection method exploits gravity without it being necessary to adapt to it.

[0114] It can also be seen in [Fig.7] that the interconnector 1 shown is intended to connect together the polyphase electrical system 2 called secondary extending from the base of an offshore wind turbine and the polyphase electrical system 3 called primary joining for example an electrical distribution network. The connection operation is therefore carried out offshore and completely submerged. A boat, for example equipped with a cable winch, as lifting device 4, can be used to carry out the connection process.

[0115] The disconnection method associated with the connection method described above with reference to [Fig.7] is intuitively deducible from [Fig.7] and from the description given above. Briefly, said disconnection method follows a reverse procedure of the connection method described above with reference to [Fig.7].

[0116] With reference to [Fig. 8], the method of connecting another embodiment of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is described below. Note here that the connector illustrated in [Fig. 8] is in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 4], except that the adjustment device, and more particularly its components 10c, as well as the contact connections 114 and 124, are not shown therein for the sake of simplification. Note here that the same applies to the illustration provided by [Fig. 9].

[0117] With reference to [Fig.8], the method of connecting and disconnecting the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention may involve, in addition to or as an alternative to the lifting apparatus 4 introduced above, a cabled lifting balloon attached to a female connector 12 in the example illustrated. By "lifting balloon" is meant a balloon which may be used both to raise a submerged object to the surface and to allow its descent to the depths in a controlled manner by compensating for and possibly stabilizing the weight of the submerged object.

[0118] In operation, the male and female connectors of an interconnector, according to the first aspect of the invention, exert on each other a suction effect linked to the transfer of electrical energy by electromagnetic induction. This is why, before each connection and each disconnection, it is advantageous, if not necessary, to interrupt the flow of electric current in at least one of the windings of a given type making the interconnection. This current interruption may, if necessary, involve a switch arranged on at least one of the polyphase electrical systems interconnected with each other.

[0119] It therefore appears, in view of the above, that the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention finds application in a particularly advantageous manner in submerged environments, and therefore a fortiori in humid environments.

[0120] Thus, several uses of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention can be envisaged in such environments. Two of these uses are illustrated respectively in Figures 5 and 9.

[0121] [Fig.5] illustrates the use of three interconnectors 1 according to the first aspect of the invention in an offshore wind farm 5. The farm 5 considered comprises five wind turbines each connected to a secondary polyphase electrical system 3, each secondary polyphase electrical system 3 being connected in turn by electrical contact to a winding of a female connector 12. Thus, five female connectors 12 are implemented. These five female connectors 12 are, in the example illustrated in [Fig. 5], connectable, due to their relative proximity, to at least one of the three male connectors 11 illustrated. More particularly, in the illustrated example, two of the three male connectors 11 are each connected to two of the five female connectors 12, while the third male connector 11 is connected to the remaining female connector 12. Furthermore, the three male connectors 11 illustrated are connected to the same primary polyphase electrical system 2. Obviously, other distributions can be envisaged.It should also be noted that, since the two wind turbines shown on the left of [Fig. 5] do not have the same size, they will not generate the same amount of electrical energy; therefore, it is clear from the representation of the interconnector 1 located on the left in [Fig. 5] that the connector associated with a given wind turbine, or more generally with an electrical energy generator, can be sized to the electrical energy production capacity of the wind turbine, or more generally of said generator. Thus, the female connector 12 connected to the smaller of the two aforementioned wind turbines has an electromagnetic part 121 of reduced size relative to the electromagnetic part 121 of the larger of the two aforementioned wind turbines.

[0122] [Fig.9] illustrates the use of two interconnectors 1 according to the first aspect of the invention in a recharging infrastructure 6 for electric or hybrid electric boats 61. A lifting device 4, comprising in the illustrated example two cables, where appropriate connected to a winch of each boat, is provided to allow the descent of a female connector 12, for example from a hatch of a boat, towards a male connector 11 arranged on the installation site 0 associated with the recharging infrastructure 6. Thus, the polyphase electrical system of each boat 61 constitutes a secondary polyphase electrical system 3. Furthermore, the two male connectors 11 illustrated are connected to the same primary polyphase electrical system 2.

[0123] In this example, the boat 61 shown on the right is larger than the boat shown on the left; therefore, the polyphase electrical system associated with each boat may not include the same number of phases. More particularly, the boat on the right (the larger one) may require a six-phase electrical system, while the boat on the left (the smaller one) may be associated with a polyphase electrical system comprising only three phases. The interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously allows the management of these different types of configuration (in terms of the number of phases different from one polyphase electrical system to another, whether primary or secondary) in a completely transparent manner.

[0124] In this example, it seems quite difficult to envisage that several female connectors 12 associated with different boats 61 could be connected to the same male connector 11. However, this does not in any way limit the use currently described, in particular to the extent that this use naturally extends to a charging infrastructure 6 for electric or hybrid electric cars. Indeed, in the latter case, it is much easier to envisage that several female connectors 12 associated with different cars could be connected to the same male connector 11.

[0125] [Fig. 6] aims to illustrate a subsidiary advantage of the interconnector 1 according to the first aspect of the invention. This subsidiary advantage consists in taking advantage of the degree of freedom in rotation around the axis of the sliding pivot connection of one of the male and female connectors 11 and 12 relative to the other of the male and female connectors 11 and 12. In addition, this subsidiary advantage may consist in taking advantage of the degree of freedom in translation along the axis of said sliding pivot connection, while being limited, however, to the extent of this axis which coincides with the axial extent of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part of the male connector 11. More particularly, [Fig. 6] is an enlargement of the area referenced A in [Fig. 5]. This is an enlargement on the floating base 51a of an offshore wind turbine.It is observed that one of the illustrated male and female connectors 11 and 12 is fixed to the base 51a, the other of the illustrated male and female connectors 11 and 12 can rotate around the axis of the sliding pivot connection by which it cooperates with the fixed connector, and / or can be 'translated' in a limited manner along the axis of said pivot connection, thus offering the interconnection at least one degree of freedom capable of accommodating the movements, in particular swell movements, to which the wind turbine may be subject.

[0126] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all the embodiments covered by the claims.

[0127] In particular, as illustrated in [Fig. 10C], the scope of the appended claims covers the case not yet described above of an axial electromagnetic induction interconnection configuration, having a connector connected by electrical contact to a primary polyphase electrical system located between two connectors of an opposite kind each connected to a secondary polyphase electrical system. In this configuration, the central connector 11 can be brought between the other two connectors 12 by following an axis perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of revolution, or of rotation(s), of said other two connectors 12. It is constant that these connectors cooperate with each other by a sliding pivot connection conforming to that by which cooperate between the connectors of an interconnector 1 according to one of the embodiments described above. However, in the case illustrated in [Fig.10], the translational movement by which the central connector 11 is alternately connected and disconnected follows an axis perpendicular to the axis of the sliding pivot connection by which the central connector 11 cooperates with the other connectors 12 when they are connected together.

[0128] Another broadening covered by the appended claims consists in considering that the shape of the different electromagnetic parts involved is not cylindrical, but deviates from this shape for example by having a section of hexagonal, or even pentagonal, shape along its axis of rotational symmetry.

[0129] Furthermore, in absolute terms, the role of the various mechanical parts described above can, at least to a large extent, be played by the various electromagnetic parts themselves. In particular, when the shape of the various electromagnetic parts does not have a symmetry of revolution, but a symmetry of rotation(s), these various electromagnetic parts can contribute to their self-centering, or even to the adjustment of the time index between the various polyphase electrical systems that they interconnect.

Claims

Claims

1. Interconnector (1) by electromagnetic induction of polyphase electrical systems (2, 3) between them, the interconnector comprising at least one male connector (11) and one female connector (12): • each connector (11, 12) comprising an electromagnetic part (111, 121) comprising a magnetic core and a winding wound around the core, each winding being intended to be connected by electrical contact (114, 124) to one of said polyphase electrical systems (2, 3), and at least the winding of each electromagnetic part (111, 121) being electrically isolated from its environment, • the electromagnetic part (111) of each male connector (11) being of shape and / or dimensions adapted to the shape and / or dimensions of the electromagnetic part (121) of each female connector (12), to allow each male connector to cooperate mechanically with each female connector by a sliding pivot connection,so that the interconnector (1) operates, for each connection between a male connector (11) and a female connector (12) stationary between them, a transfer of electrical power between a first polyphase electrical system (2) and a second polyphase electrical system (3), the interconnector (1) being characterized in that the transfer of electrical power is operated by induction of a rotating magnetic field between the electromagnetic parts (111, 121) of the male connector (11) and the female connector (12) of the connection in question.,

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

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

4. Interconnector (1) according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment device (10) comprises: • a drive shaft (10a) integral, at least in rotation, with the male connector (11) and extending beyond the electromagnetic part (111) of the male connector (11), and • an actuator (10b) configured to rotate, in a controlled manner, the drive shaft (10a) around its axis, at least when the male connector (11) is in the connection position with at least one female connector (12), preferably without varying the angular position of said at least one female connector (12).

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

6. Interconnector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the electromagnetic part (111) of a male connector (11) has a substantially cylindrical shape whose axis of symmetry defines the axis of said sliding pivot connection and the electromagnetic part (121) of at least one female connector (12) has a substantially cylindrical shape whose axis of symmetry is substantially coincident with the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part (111) of the male connector (11), when the male (11) and female (12) connectors cooperate mechanically with each other via said sliding pivot connection.

7. An interconnector (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the electromagnetic portion (111) of a male connector (11) is of a shape and dimensions adapted so that several female connectors (12) are intended to be alternately connected and disconnected relative to the male connector (11) by the same sliding pivot connection between each female connector (12) and the male connector (11).

8. Interconnector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connector among the male and female connectors (11, 12) further comprises at least one mechanical part (112, 113, 122) configured to cooperate mechanically with at least one other connector, or with at least one mechanical part of another connector, so as to control the position of the connectors with respect to each other, at least when the latter are in the connection position, and / or to guide a movement of connection or disconnection of the connectors with respect to each other.

9. Interconnector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one mechanical part (112, 113, 122) of said at least one connector (11, 12) extends integrally from its electromagnetic part (111, 121).

10. Interconnector (1) according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein said at least one connector (11, 12) comprising a mechanical part (112, 113, 122) comprises a female connector (12).

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

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

13. Interconnector (1) according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein said at least one connector (11, 12) comprising a mechanical part (112, 113, 122) comprises a male connector (11).

14. Interconnector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, the electromagnetic part (111) of the male connector (11) having a substantially cylindrical shape, the male connector (11) comprises at least a first mechanical part (112): • extending from a first end (101) of the cylindrical shape of the electromagnetic part (111) of the male connector (11), • extending from an outer or inner periphery of the electromagnetic part (111) of the male connector (11) and • having a shape extending from the electromagnetic part (111) of the male connector (11) forming at least one non-flat angle with the electromagnetic part (111) of the male connector (11).

15. Interconnector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a base (13) mechanically secured to one of said at least one male connector (11) and one female connector (12), said base being intended to ensure the maintenance in position of the connector which is mechanically secured to it relative to an installation site (0) of the interconnector (1).

16. Interconnector (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the connector mechanically secured to the base (13) is mounted to rotate freely on the base.

17. Interconnector (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims, in which the connector mechanically secured to the base (13) comprises a male connector (11).

18. A method of connecting an interconnector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising: • bringing one of a male connector (11) and a female connector (12) opposite the other of a male connector (11) and a female connector (12), so that a subsequent translational movement of one relative to the other can follow an axis along which the male and female connectors are intended to be alternately connected and disconnected from each other, then • said translational movement of one relative to the other along said axis, until reaching a connection position in which the male and female connectors mechanically cooperate with each other by a sliding pivot connection.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising, at least before the translational movement of one of at least one male connector (11) and one female connector (12) relative to the other of at least one male connector (11) and one female connector (12), a step of interrupting the flow of electric current in at least one of a winding of the male connector (11) and a winding of the female connector (12).

20. A method according to any one of claims 18 and 19, wherein the axis of the sliding pivot link is substantially parallel to a direction defined by the ambient gravitational field.

21. Use of at least one interconnector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, in an offshore wind farm (5) comprising a plurality of wind turbines (51) each connected to a secondary polyphase electrical system (3) connected in turn by electrical contact (124) to a winding of one of a male connector (11) and a female connector (12) to allow alternately, by manipulation of said at least one interconnector (1), the connection and disconnection of each secondary polyphase electrical system (3) to a primary polyphase electrical system (2) connected by electrical contact (114) to a winding of another of the male connector (11) and the female connector (12).

22. Use of at least one interconnector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, in an offshore wind turbine (51) comprising a first secondary polyphase electrical system (3a) and a second secondary polyphase electrical system (3b) each connected by electrical contact (114, 124) to a winding of a respective one of a male connector (11) and a female connector (12), for interconnecting the first and second secondary polyphase electrical systems with each other, with a degree of freedom, of one of the male connector (11) and the female connector (12) relative to the other, said degree of freedom comprising at least one degree of freedom in rotation about an axis of a sliding pivot connection by which the male and female connectors are configured to mechanically cooperate with each other.

23. Use of at least one interconnector according to any one of the claims 1 to 17, in a charging infrastructure (6) for electric and / or hybrid electric vehicles (61) comprising a plurality of secondary polyphase electrical systems (3) each connected by electrical contact (124) to a winding of one of a male connector (11) and a female connector (12) to allow alternately, by manipulation of said at least one interconnector (1), the connection and disconnection of each secondary polyphase electrical system (3) to a primary polyphase electrical system (2) connected by electrical contact (114) to a winding of another of the male connector (11) and the female connector (12).

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