High-voltage electrical rotary joint device configured to equip a power generation installation

Abstract

"High-voltage electrical rotating joint device configured to equip a power operation installation" The invention relates to an electrical rotating joint device comprising an electrical interconnection mechanism (50) having a first interconnection member forming a support arm (51) housed in a closed internal chamber (22) and mechanically and electrically secured to a first connector (41), a second interconnection member (52) located at one end of the support arm which is opposite to the first connector and forming at least partially a first electrical track (42), and electrical contact members (70) which are at least partially disposed between the first electrical track and a second electrical track (32) and which are stressed by at least one of the first interconnection member and the second interconnection member so as to form rolling contacts between the first electrical track and the second electrical track.Abbreviated figure: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: High-voltage electrical rotating joint device configured for use in a power generation installation TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to electric rotary joint devices configured to equip energy exploitation installations, of the fluidic and / or electrical type, in particular on offshore or subsea type platforms.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a high voltage electric rotating joint device.

[0003] The invention also relates to an energy exploitation installation, particularly fluidic and / or electrical, and for example located on an offshore or subsea platform, comprising at least one such electrical rotary joint device. PRIOR TECHNOLOGY

[0004] Rotating joint devices that are configured to equip energy exploitation installations in the maritime field can be installed on ships, structures enabling the production and / or distribution of fluid and / or electrical energy, and / or structures enabling a fluid and / or electrical connection between equipment.

[0005] An example of such an installation is aimed at oil production and allows in particular the exploitation of offshore hydrocarbon fields.

[0006] Floating production, storage, processing, and unloading units can be formed by a vessel that is mobile, due to its environment, around a geostationary mooring tower. The vessel can be temporarily secured to the tower.

[0007] The installations may include conduits and cables which form an underwater network and which allow energy, fluidic and / or electrical communication for energy transfer between the seabed and the ship.

[0008] Such electric swivel joint devices may be part of a swivel joint assembly further comprising a stack of sealing swivel joint devices ("swivel stack device" in Anglo-Saxon terminology), the electric swivel joint device being able to be interposed between the sealing swivel joint devices.

[0009] Such electrical swivel joint devices, also called electrical swivel collectors or, in Anglo-Saxon terminology, "electrical swivel devices", are electromechanical devices configured to transfer electrical energy, for example, between the floating unit, in particular the ship, which is mobile, and the mooring turret, which is fixed.

[0010] To ensure watertightness and the transfer of electrical energy between the floating unit and the turret, the electrical rotary joint devices are provided with a first part, called the fixed part, which is attached to the turret, and a second part, called the movable part, which is attached to the vessel. In this example, the second part of the electrical rotary joint devices is therefore movable relative to the first part of the electrical rotary joint devices.

[0011] The electric rotating joint devices have an internal chamber delimited by the first part and the second part. This internal chamber is generally closed and fluid-tight.

[0012] For example, electric rotary joint devices can be provided with several dynamic sealing elements, called dynamic seals, which are arranged in spaces between the first fixed part and the second moving part of the electric rotary joint devices.

[0013] Such dynamic sealing elements may include, for example, lips whose function is to ensure sealing against the fluid.

[0014] In particular, patents EP 3 379 660 and EP 3 736 919 are known of electrical rotating joint devices which operate with circular conductive tracks which are mounted on at least one of the first fixed part and second moving part, in the internal chamber, and which cooperate with friction blocks which are mounted on at least the other of the second moving part and first fixed part, in the internal chamber, in order to establish electrical connections, in particular according to several electrical phases.

[0015] In such applications, electrically rotating joint devices known as high voltage can, for example, be configured to transmit voltages of the order of or greater than 1,500 V in direct current or 1,000 V in alternating current, allowing the transfer of significant electrical power between a fixed structure connected to the seabed (submarine equipment) and a mobile part such as a floating production, storage and offloading vessel (or FPSO, acronym for "Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel" in Anglo-Saxon terminology).

[0016] Electrically operated rotary joint devices used in such applications must meet predetermined quality requirements to provide a certain level of safety, particularly in a potentially explosive atmosphere.

[0017] For these purposes, the internal chamber of the electric rotating joint devices may contain, in particular, a dielectric fluid.

[0018] In document EP 3 379 660, it is specified that the dielectric fluid is a dielectric insulating gas having a dielectric stiffness greater than that of the air surrounding the electrical rotating joint device.

[0019] Document EP 3 736 919 specifies a system for generating and injecting a dielectric fluid mist into the internal chamber, and a system for recovery and reinjection of the dielectric medium formed from the dielectric fluid and the dielectric fluid mist into the internal chamber.

[0020] These solutions make it possible in particular to isolate the conductive tracks in order for example to avoid the formation of electric arcs with neighboring conductive parts (generally metallic parts), possibly to reduce the distance between the conductive tracks, or even to clean the internal chamber. Description of the invention

[0021] The invention aims to provide an electrical rotating joint device, in particular high voltage, configured to equip an energy exploitation installation, in particular fluidic and / or electrical, exhibiting even improved performance compared to the aforementioned prior art devices, while being simple, convenient and economical.

[0022] The invention thus relates, according to a first aspect, to an electrical rotating joint device configured to equip a power supply installation, comprising a first part having at least one first electrical connector and at least one first electrical track electrically connected to the first electrical connector, a second part having at least one second electrical connector and at least one second electrical track electrically connected to the second electrical connector, and an electrical interconnection mechanism configured to electrically interconnect the first electrical track and the second electrical track, with the first part and the second part being movable relative to each other and defining between them a closed internal chamber in which at least the first electrical track and the second electrical track are housed;the electrical interconnection mechanism comprising a first interconnection member forming a support arm housed at least partially in the closed internal chamber and mechanically and electrically secured to the first electrical connector, a second interconnection member located at one end of the support arm which is opposite the first electrical connector and forming at least partially at least one first electrical track, and a plurality of electrical contact members which are at least partially disposed between the first electrical track and the second electrical track and which are activated by at least one of the first interconnection member and the second interconnection member so as to form rolling contacts between the first electrical track and the second electrical track.

[0023] In the electrically rotating joint device according to the invention, the electrical interconnection between the first electrical track and the second electrical track is achieved by means of the rolling electrical contact members, in combination with the first member forming the support arm and the second protruding interconnecting element of the support arm.

[0024] Thus, in the electric rotating joint device, it is possible to do away with the friction blocks of prior art solutions, while ensuring a particularly efficient electrical contact.

[0025] In particular, the configuration of the electrical interconnection mechanism allows for a constrained mounting of the electrical contact members, which ensures permanent mechanical contact between the first electrical track, the second electrical track and the electrical contact members.

[0026] In addition, the fact that the electrical contact members are rolling ensures permanent mechanical contact despite the rotation of the first part and the second part relative to each other and therefore of the first electrical track and the second electrical track.

[0027] In other words, electrical continuity between the first electrical track and the second electrical track is also ensured through the electrical contact members, while avoiding their wear by friction and thus promoting the longevity of the electrical interconnection mechanism.

[0028] Moreover, in the electrical rotating joint device according to the invention, the fact that the first electrical track is formed at least in part by the second interconnecting member and therefore partially integrated into the electrical interconnecting mechanism can simplify the device and its maintenance.

[0029] Particularly simple, convenient and economical preferred features of the device according to the invention are presented below.

[0030] The electrical contact members can be formed by deformable tubular portions each having an inner face and an internal housing delimited by the inner face.

[0031] The at least one first electrical track may be partially circular and coaxial with the at least one second electrical track, and the second interconnecting member may be provided with a movable pad arranged so as to close the at least one first electrical track.

[0032] The second interconnecting member may be provided with a head projecting from the support arm and having a receiving housing configured to receive the electrical contact members in a closed chain arrangement, a portion of which is opposite and in contact with at least one second electrical track.

[0033] The head of the second interconnecting member may be provided with a rigid rolling member disposed against at least one second electrical track and configured to form a contact stop between the electrical contact members and at least one second electrical track.

[0034] The rigid rolling member can be housed inside the closed chain, or in a cavity of the head adjacent to the receiving housing configured to receive the electrical contact members.

[0035] The electrical interconnection mechanism may include a plurality of reinforcing members arranged in the respective internal housings of the electrical contact members.

[0036] The electrical contact elements can be formed by solid tubular portions.

[0037] At least one first electrical track may be partially circular and coaxial with at least one second electrical track, and the second interconnecting member may be provided with at least one metallic elastic blade configured to bear against the electrical contact members.

[0038] At least one metallic elastic blade may be circular and closed.

[0039] At least one first electrical track may be partially circular and coaxial with at least one second electrical track, the electrical contact members may be arranged in a chain-like arrangement between at least one first electrical track and at least one second electrical track, and the second interconnecting member may be provided with at least one connecting rod mechanically and electrically secured to at least a portion of the chain.

[0040] The electrical interconnection mechanism can be configured so that at least one connecting rod applies compression or tension to the chain of electrical contact elements.

[0041] It should be noted that the electrical contact elements in contact with the second electrical track, whether they are deformable tubular portions, tubular portions provided with reinforcing elements, or elastic blades, may have an external surface provided with grooves and / or slots to generate respectively a continuous or discontinuous contact.

[0042] The first part may have an access opening in which at least one first electrical connector and the support arm are housed at least partially.

[0043] The device may include a fixing flange housed in the first part at least partially through the access opening, and configured to mechanically secure the support arm with at least one first electrical connector.

[0044] The second part may include at least one electrical conduit extending from at least one second electrical connector into the internal chamber.

[0045] The second part may include at least one electrical conduit extending from at least one second electrical connector in an electrically insulated routing conduit.

[0046] It should be noted that both the electrical contact elements in contact with the second electrical track, and the first electrical track itself, for example if they are elastic blades, may have an external surface with grooves and / or slots to generate discontinuous contact.

[0047] The electrical contact members in contact with the second electrical track, whether they are deformable tubular portions or tubular portions provided with reinforcing members, can also be formed of flexible and laminated metallic portions, for example provided with grooves or slots, which are configured to rub against the second electrical track and thus generate a so-called multipoint and / or discontinuous contact.

[0048] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to an energy exploitation installation, in particular fluidic and / or electrical, comprising at least one electrical rotating joint device as described above, with one of the first part and the second part of the rotating joint device being subjected to a fixed unit of the installation and the other of the second part and the first part of the rotating joint device being subjected to a mobile unit of the installation.

[0049] The fixed unit can be, for example, a mooring turret and the floating unit can, for example, be a ship, a wind turbine, or a hub-type concentrator in Anglo-Saxon terminology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0050] The invention, according to an exemplary embodiment, will be well understood and its advantages will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, given by way of example and not limiting in any way, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 schematically and partially represents an operating installation energy on an offshore platform, equipped with a vessel, a mooring turret, a network of underwater pipes and cables enabling communication for the transfer of fluids and / or energy between the turret and the vessel, and a rotary joint assembly comprising a stack of at least one sealing rotary joint device intended to ensure sealing between the vessel and the turret and the integrity of the fluid transfer, and at least one electrical rotary joint device intended to ensure the delivery of electrical energy between the vessel and the turret.

[0052] Figure 2 is a median sectional view partially showing the jointed device turning point of the installation illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0053] Fig. 3 is a view similar to the figure, but taken in radial section with a view to above.

[0054] Fig. 4 is a detail view of Fig. 3, showing in particular an electrical interconnection mechanism configured to electrically interconnect a first electrical track and a second electrical track of the electrical rotating joint device.

[0055] Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 show several variant embodiments of the electrical interconnection mechanism, taken in section as in Fig. 3 or in more detail as in Fig. 4.

[0056] Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 schematically and partially represent variant embodiments of the electric rotating joint device, taken according to two partial sections, as in Figures 2 and 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] Fig. 1 illustrates an energy exploitation installation 1, in particular here of fluids, on an offshore platform, allowing for example the exploitation of offshore hydrocarbon fields 2.

[0058] Alternatively, it could, for example, be an electrical power generation installation enabling the operation of wind farms.

[0059] The installation 1, also called a floating production, storage and unloading unit, can be provided with a mobile unit such as a ship 3 which is mobile due to its environment formed by the sea 2, and a fixed unit such as a mooring turret 4 which is geostationary and around which the ship 3 is mobile.

[0060] The mooring turret 4 can for example be mechanically secured to the seabed 2 via underwater anchors 5.

[0061] The ship 3 can be mobile relative to the mooring turret 4 by means of a bearing mechanism 7.

[0062] The installation 1 can be provided with conduits 6 which form a network of underwater pipes allowing fluidic communication for the transfer of fluid between the mooring turret 4 and the ship 3.

[0063] The installation 1 includes a rotating joint assembly ensuring the seal between the ship 3 and the mooring turret 4 and therefore the integrity of the fluid transfer, via a stack in particular of rotating sealing joint devices.

[0064] This rotating joint assembly also ensures the transfer of electrical energy between the ship 3 and the mooring turret 4, via at least one electrical rotating joint device 10 installed in the stack of sealing rotating joint devices.

[0065] At least one electrical rotary joint device 10 can be interposed between sealing rotary joint devices, or superimposed on them, or even arranged concentrically with at least one of these sealing rotary joint devices and / or with at least one other electrical rotary joint device.

[0066] Figures 2 and 3 partially represent such an electrical rotating joint device 10, which is globally cylindrical and comprises a first part 12, here movable, which is configured to be attached to the ship 3, and a second part 11, here fixed, which is configured to be attached to the mooring turret 4.

[0067] In the illustrated example, the first part 12 can be mobile in rotation relative to the second part 11, around an axis of rotation X, by means of a bearing or bushing (not shown) at least partially interposed between the first part 12 and the second part 11.

[0068] The first part 12 and the second part 11 are arranged here in a substantially concentric manner.

[0069] The second part 11 is here provided with an internal cylindrical wall 20, the first part is provided with an external cylindrical wall 21.

[0070] In the illustrated example, the second part 11 is further provided with an additional cylindrical wall 23 delimiting, with the internal cylindrical wall 20, an internal space 24.

[0071] The cylindrical inner wall 20 is therefore interposed here between the cylindrical outer wall 21 and the complementary cylindrical wall 23.

[0072] The electric rotating joint device 10 has an internal chamber 22 delimited either by the cylindrical outer wall 20 and the cylindrical inner wall 21, or by the cylindrical outer wall 20 and the complementary cylindrical wall 23.

[0073] The internal space 24 can thus be part of the internal chamber 22 or be adjacent to the internal chamber 22.

[0074] The rotating joint device 10 further has a central shaft 25 delimited by the complementary cylindrical wall 23.

[0075] The complementary cylindrical wall 23 is therefore located here between the central shaft 25 and the internal space 24.

[0076] The electric rotating joint device 10 is provided with sealing elements (not shown) which are housed between the first part 12 and the second part 11 and which ensure a dynamic seal between them, so that at least the internal chamber 22 is closed and sealed.

[0077] The electrical rotating joint device 10 is configured here so that the internal space 24 adjacent to the internal chamber 22 is also sealed.

[0078] In one embodiment, the internal chamber 22 and / or the internal space 24 may comprise a dielectric medium, which may be under pressure.

[0079] Such a dielectric medium may comprise a mixture of dielectric liquid and / or dielectric gas, optionally with a dielectric fluid mist.

[0080] The internal chamber 22 and / or the internal space 24 may further include an inert gas.

[0081] In one embodiment, the internal chamber 22 and / or the internal space 24 are devoid of such a dielectric medium.

[0082] The electrical rotating joint device 10 further includes electrical connection elements 30 which are here mounted through the cylindrical outer wall 21 and which extend into the internal space 24 along the central shaft 25.

[0083] In particular, in the illustrated example, the first part 12 has several first electrical connectors 41 and several first electrical tracks 42 electrically connected to the respective first electrical connectors 41, and the second part 11 has several second electrical connectors 31 and several second electrical tracks 32 electrically connected to the respective second electrical connectors 31.

[0084] The first electrical tracks 42 and the second electrical tracks 32 are housed in the internal chamber 22.

[0085] On [Fig.2], the first electrical tracks 42 are arranged superimposed and the second electrical tracks 32 are arranged superimposed.

[0086] In an unillustrated variant, the first electrical tracks and / or the second electrical tracks are arranged in a juxtaposed manner.

[0087] The first electrical connectors 41 pass through the cylindrical outer wall 21 via an access opening 28 which provides access to the internal chamber 22 into which the first electrical connectors 4L open

[0088] The first electrical connectors 41 are configured to be interconnected with first electrical cables (not shown) coming for example from the ship.

[0089] The second electrical connectors 31 pass through the cylindrical inner wall 20 and open into the internal space 24 by means of insulators 33 which are mechanically secured to the second part 11 and which are mounted here in projection in the internal chamber 22.

[0090] The second electrical connectors 31 are interconnected with second electrical cables 34 which run along the internal space 24 until they exit the electrical rotating joint device 10 at a lower wall (not shown).

[0091] The insulators 33 can also carry the first electrical tracks 32.

[0092] The electrical rotating joint device 10 further comprises several electrical interconnection mechanisms 50 each configured to electrically interconnect one of the first electrical tracks 42 with one of the second electrical tracks 32, and thus to electrically interconnect one of the first electrical connectors 41 with one of the second electrical connectors 31.

[0093] As illustrated with reference to [Fig. 4], each electrical interconnection mechanism 50 comprises a first interconnection member forming a support arm 51 housed at least partially in the closed internal chamber 22 and mechanically and electrically secured to the first electrical connector 41.

[0094] Each electrical interconnection mechanism 50 further comprises a second interconnection member 52 located at one end of the support arm 51 which is opposite the first electrical connector 41 and forming at least partially one of the first electrical tracks 42.

[0095] The electrical rotating joint device 10 here comprises a fixing flange 60 mechanically and hermetically secured to the cylindrical outer wall 21 of the first part 12 by means of a locking mechanism 61.

[0096] The fixing flange 60 passes through the access opening 28 and is provided with a central housing 62 in which the support arm 51 is movablely mounted.

[0097] The fixing flange 60 further includes here an elastic return member 63 under stress between a bottom wall 64 and the support arm 51 movable under the action of the elastic return member 63.

[0098] The first electrical connector 41 is mechanically and electrically secured to the fixing flange 60 to ensure electrical interconnection with the support arm 51, which is made of an electrically conductive material.

[0099] The second interconnecting member 52 is here provided with a head 53 projecting from the support arm 51, opposite the bottom wall 64 of the fixing flange 60, and forming at least partially the first electrical track 42.

[0100] The head 53 is thus stressed by the support arm 51 in the direction of the second electrical track 32, which is here circular.

[0101] Each electrical interconnection mechanism 50 further comprises a plurality of electrical contact members 70 which are at least partially disposed between the first electrical track 42 and the second electrical track 32.

[0102] The head 53 is provided with a receiving housing 54 configured to receive the electrical contact members 70 in a closed chain arrangement 71, a portion of which 72 is opposite and in contact with the second electrical track 32.

[0103] The electrical contact members 70 are thus stressed by the head 53 of the second interconnecting member 52, itself stressed by the support arm 51, against the second electrical track 32.

[0104] The head 53 of the second interconnecting member 52 is further provided with a rigid rolling member 73 disposed against the second electrical track 32 and configured to form a contact stop between the electrical contact members 70 and the second electrical track 32.

[0105] The rigid rolling element 73 is here housed inside the closed chain 71.

[0106] The electrical contact members 70 are formed by deformable tubular portions, also called rollers.

[0107] The roller-shaped electrical contact members 70 each have an inner face and an inner housing delimited by the inner face.

[0108] The electrical contact members 70 thus form rolling contacts between the first electrical track 42 and the second electrical track 32.

[0109] In the illustrated example, the housing for each roller-shaped electrical contact member 70 is empty.

[0110] Alternatively, the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 comprises a plurality of conductive elastic members (not shown) which are arranged in the respective internal housing and pressed against the respective internal face of the respective electrical contact members 70.

[0111] The conductive elastic elements can be formed for example by spiral springs, in particular of the clacking type, having a contact face for example flat which comes to apply itself on the respective internal face of the electrical contact elements 70.

[0112] Thus, the electrical contact members 70 form rolling contacts which are deformable under the combined action of a stress and the relative movement of the first electrical track 42 and the second electrical track 32.

[0113] For example, the electrical contact members 70 have a circular section in the absence of stress, this section being able to become substantially elliptical once the electrical contact members 70 are deformed between the first electrical track 42 and the second electrical track 32.

[0114] Where appropriate, the spiral springs wind or unwind to remain in close contact with the respective inner face of the electrical contact members 70.

[0115] In the illustrated example, the electrical contact members 70 are arranged at a distance from each other at least along the portion of chain 72.

[0116] It is at the level of the portion of chain 72 that a permanent mechanical and electrical contact is established between the electrical contact members 70 and the second electrical track 32.

[0117] Electrical continuity between the first electrical track 42 and the second electrical track 32 is thus ensured through the electrical contact members 70, while avoiding their wear by friction and therefore promoting the longevity of the electrical interconnection mechanism 50, while simplifying the electrical rotating joint device 10 by integrating the first electrical track 42 into the electrical interconnection mechanism 50.

[0118] It should be noted that the closed chain 71 can be formed by a support member (not shown) on which the electrical contact members 70 are arranged, free to rotate. The support member may comprise links provided with a cage in which is housed an electrical contact element 70. One of the links can be configured to provide a chain tensioning function.

[0119] The electric rotating joint device 10 as described above allows transfer electrical energy not only at high voltage but also at high current intensity.

[0120] Furthermore, thanks to the mounting of the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 through the access opening 28, it is possible, by unlocking the fixing flange, to radially extract at least partially the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 from the support arm 51 to the head 53, thus facilitating possible maintenance operations.

[0121] The electric rotating joint device 10 illustrated in [Fig. 5] differs from that illustrated in [Fig.4] in that the head 53 of the second interconnecting member 52 of the electrical interconnecting mechanism 50 is provided with one or more rigid members rolling 73 outside the closed chain 72 and housed in a respective cavity 56 of the head 53, which is adjacent to the receiving housing 54 configured to receive the electrical contact members 70.

[0122] For example, the head 53 has a rigid rolling element 73 on either side of the chain portion 72.

[0123] The electric rotary joint device 10 illustrated in [Fig. 6] differs from that illustrated on [Fig.4] in that the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 comprises a plurality of reinforcing members 80 arranged in the respective internal housings of the electrical contact members 70.

[0124] In particular, in the illustrated example, the electrical contact members 70 can be formed by solid tubular portions rather than by empty tubular portions.

[0125] Where applicable, the electrical contact members 70 are not deformable under the stress of the support arm 51.

[0126] In addition, the electric rotating joint device 10 illustrated in [Fig. 6] is devoid of a rigid rolling element.

[0127] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.6], the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 further comprises a deflector element 85 configured to direct an electric field in the direction of the first electrical track 42 and / or the second electrical track 32.

[0128] The electric rotary joint device 10 illustrated in [Fig.7] differs from that illustrated on [Fig.4] in that the head 53 of the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 is here formed by a metallic elastic blade 82.

[0129] The metallic elastic blade 82 is circular, closed and mechanically secured to the support arm 51.

[0130] In addition, the first electrical track 42 is here partially circular and coaxial with the second electrical track 32.

[0131] The first electrical track 42 is provided with a groove for receiving the electrical contact members 70, with the metallic elastic blade 82 which is thus configured to bear against the electrical contact members 70.

[0132] The metallic elastic blade 82 may have one or more turns.

[0133] The electrical contact members 70 are here provided with reinforcing members and the electrical rotating joint device 10 is devoid of a rigid rolling member, as in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0134] The electric rotary joint device 10 illustrated in [Fig. 8] differs from that illustrated on [Fig.7] in that the head 53 of the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 further comprises a movable pad 83 mechanically attached to a metallic elastic blade 82, which is thus interposed between the movable pad 83 and the support arm 51.

[0135] In addition, the first electric track 42 is here partially circular and coaxial with the second electric track 32 and the movable skate 83 is arranged so as to close the first electric track 42.

[0136] The electrical contact members 70 are interposed between the first electrical track 42 and the movable skate 83.

[0137] The support arm 51 is thus configured to act on the metallic elastic blade 82 which acts on the movable pad 83 to come into contact with the electrical contact members 70.

[0138] In the embodiment with the metallic elastic blade 82, the electrical contact members 70 can be provided with reinforcing members and the electrical rotating joint device 10 is devoid of a rigid rolling member.

[0139] In one embodiment, the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 is devoid of a metallic elastic blade so that the support arm 51 acts directly on the movable pad 83 which presses on electrical contact members 70 which are devoid of a reinforcing member and are therefore deformable.

[0140] The electric rotating joint device 10 illustrated in [Fig.9] differs from those illustrated on figures 4 to 8 in that a portion of chain 72 of electrical contact members 70 is interposed between the second electrical track 32 and the first electrical track 42 which is at least partially circular and coaxial with the second electrical track 32, and located on one side of the electrical rotating joint device 10 which is opposite the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 and the access opening 28.

[0141] The head 53 of the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 is formed by a support 86 mechanically attached to the support arm 51 and one or more connecting rods 87 attached mechanically and electrically on the one hand to support 86 and on the other hand to the chain portion 72.

[0142] In the example illustrated in [Fig.9], the electrical contact members 70 may include reinforcing members and thus be formed by solid tubular portions.

[0143] In addition, the support arm 51 can be used to pull the head 53 rather than push it, thus moving it away from the first electrical track 42 and / or the second electrical track 32, or the support arm 51 is locked in a position in which the connecting rod(s) 87 pull on the portion of the chain 72 of electrical contact members 70.

[0144] In other words, the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 is configured so that the connecting rod(s) 87 exert tensile stress on the portion of the chain 72 of electrical contact members 70.

[0145] The electrical rotating joint device 10 illustrated in [Fig. 10] differs from that illustrated in [Fig. 9] in that the portion of the chain 72 of electrical contact members 70 is located on the side of the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 and the access opening 28.

[0146] The head 53 of the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 is also formed by a support 86 mechanically attached to the support arm 51 and one or more connecting rods 87 mechanically and electrically attached on the one hand to the support 86 and on the other hand to the portion of chain 72.

[0147] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 10], the electrical contact members 70 can also include reinforcing members and thus be formed by solid tubular portions.

[0148] In addition, the support arm 51 can be used so as to push the head 53 rather than pull it, or the support arm 51 is locked in a position in which the connecting rod(s) 87 push on the portion of the chain 72 of electrical contact members 70.

[0149] In other words, the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 is configured so that the connecting rod(s) 87 compress the portion of the chain 72 of electrical contact members 70.

[0150] Fig. 11 shows a variant embodiment of the electrical rotating joint device 10 where the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 is identical to that illustrated in Fig. 5 and is therefore not described again.

[0151] The electrical rotating joint device 10 differs from those described above in that the complementary cylindrical wall 23 is here interposed between the internal cylindrical wall 20 and the external cylindrical wall 21, so that the internal space 24 is part of the internal chamber 22, and it is the internal cylindrical wall 20 that delimits the central shaft 25.

[0152] In addition, the complementary cylindrical wall 23 is here made of an insulating material and at least the second electrical tracks 32 are directly mechanically secured to the complementary cylindrical wall 23.

[0153] For example, the complementary cylindrical wall 23 is made from glass, glass fiber, epoxy, polyetheretherketone (denoted PEEK) and / or resin.

[0154] The electrical rotating joint device 10 can thus be without an insulator.

[0155] The second electrical cables 34 run directly from the complementary cylindrical wall 23 along the internal space 24 until they exit the electrical rotating joint device 10 at the level of a lower wall (not shown).

[0156] Fig. 12 shows another variant embodiment of the electrical rotating joint device 10 where the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 is identical to that illustrated in Fig. 6 and is therefore not described again.

[0157] The electrical rotating joint device 10 differs from those described above in that it lacks an additional cylindrical wall and therefore an internal space forming part of or adjacent to the internal chamber 22.

[0158] It is the cylindrical internal wall 20 which delimits the central shaft 25 and the electrical rotating joint device 10 includes insulators 33.

[0159] The electrical rotating joint device 10 includes electrically insulated routing conduits 90 in which the second electrical cables 34 run.

[0160] Each electrically insulated conduit 90 could be provided with a rigid outer sheath 91 mechanically secured to the cylindrical inner wall 20 in the central shaft 25, with at least one conductive core 92 housed in the rigid outer sheath and forming a second electrical cable 34, and with an insulating fluid in an internal space 93 of the electrically insulated conduit 90 provided between the rigid outer sheath 91 and the conductive core 92.

[0161] The insulating fluid can be a dielectric fluid.

[0162] In the electrical rotating joint device 10 described above, the electrical interconnection between the first electrical track 42 and the second electrical track 32 is achieved through the electrical contact members 70, in combination with the support arm 51 and the second interconnecting member 52 projecting from the support arm 51.

[0163] Thus, in the electrical rotating joint device 10, it is possible to do away with the friction blocks of prior art solutions, while ensuring a particularly efficient electrical contact.

[0164] In particular, the configuration of the electrical interconnection mechanism 50 allows for a constrained mounting of the electrical contact members 70, which ensures permanent mechanical contact between the first electrical track 42, the second electrical track 32 and the electrical contact members 70.

[0165] In addition, the fact that the electrical contact members 70 are rolling ensures permanent mechanical contact despite the rotation of the first part 12 and the second part 11 relative to each other and therefore of the first electrical track 42 and the second electrical track 32.

[0166] In other words, electrical continuity between the first electrical track 42 and the second electrical track 32 is also ensured through the electrical contact members 70, while avoiding their wear by friction and thus promoting the longevity of the electrical interconnection mechanism 50.

[0167] Moreover, in the electrical rotating joint device 10, the fact that the first electrical track 42 is formed at least in part by the second interconnecting member 52 and therefore partially integrated into the electrical interconnecting mechanism 50 can simplify the electrical rotating joint device 10 and its maintenance.

[0168] It should be noted that both the electrical contact elements in contact with the second electrical track, and the first electrical track itself, for example if they are elastic blades, may have an external surface with grooves and / or slots to generate discontinuous contact.

[0169] In an unillustrated variant, the electrical contact members in contact with the second electrical track, whether they are deformable tubular portions or tubular portions provided with reinforcing members, can also be formed of flexible and laminated metallic portions, for example provided with grooves or slots, which are configured to rub against the second electrical track and thus generate a so-called multipoint and / or discontinuous contact.

[0170] In an unillustrated variant, the electrical contact members may be formed by frustoconical portions rather than cylindrical ones.

[0171] In another variant not shown, the electrical rotating joint device is similar to that shown in [Fig.6] except that it is devoid of a deflector and / or includes a spring element, of the leaf spring type, disposed in the housing of the head inside the closed chain, so as to act on the electrical contact elements provided with reinforcing elements.

[0172] In yet another variant not illustrated, the installation allows for the exploitation of electrical energy, for example in a wind farm environment or is configured to equip a hub-type concentrator.

[0173] It is more generally recalled that the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented.

Claims

Demands

1. Electrically rotating joint device configured to equip a power operating installation (1), comprising a first part (12) having at least one first electrical connector (41) and at least one first electrical track (42) electrically connected to the first electrical connector, a second part (11) having at least one second electrical connector (31) and at least one second electrical track (32) electrically connected to the second electrical connector, and an electrical interconnection mechanism (50) configured to electrically interconnect the first electrical track and the second electrical track, with the first part and the second part being movable relative to each other and defining between them a closed internal chamber (22) in which at least the first electrical track and the second electrical track are housed;characterized in that the electrical interconnection mechanism comprises a first interconnection member forming a support arm (51) housed at least partially in the closed internal chamber and mechanically and electrically secured to the first electrical connector, a second interconnection member (52) located at one end of the support arm which is opposite the first electrical connector and forming at least partially the at least one first electrical track, and a plurality of electrical contact members (70) which are at least partially disposed between the first electrical track and the second electrical track and which are actuated by at least one of the first interconnection member and the second interconnection member so as to form rolling contacts between the first electrical track and the second electrical track.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical contact members (70) are formed by deformable tubular portions each having an inner face and an inner housing delimited by the inner face.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one first electrical track (42) is partially circular and coaxial with at least one second electrical track (32), and the second interconnecting member (52) is provided with a pad mobile (83) arranged so as to close at least one first electrical track.

4. Device according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the second interconnecting member (52) is provided with a head (53) projecting from the support arm (51) and having a receiving housing (54) configured to receive the electrical contact members (70) in a closed chain arrangement (71), of which a portion of the chain (72) is opposite and in contact with at least one second electrical track (32).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the head (53) of the second interconnecting member (52) is provided with a rigid rolling member (73) disposed against at least one second electrical track (32) and configured to form a contact stop between the electrical contact members (70) and at least one second electrical track.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the rigid rolling member (73) is housed inside the closed chain (71), or in a cavity (56) of the head (53) adjacent to the receiving housing (54) configured to receive the electrical contact members (70).

7. Device according to any one of claims 2 and 4, characterized in that the electrical interconnection mechanism (50) comprises a plurality of reinforcing members (80) arranged in the respective internal housings of the electrical contact members (70).

8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical contact members (70) are formed by solid tubular portions.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one first electrical track (42) is partially circular and coaxial with at least one second electrical track (32), and the second interconnecting member (52) is provided with at least one metallic elastic blade (82) configured to bear against the electrical contact members (70).

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one metallic elastic blade (82) is circular and closed.

11. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one first electrical track (42) is partially circular and coaxial with at least one second electrical track (32), the electrical contact members (70) are arranged in a chain-like arrangement (71) between at least one first electrical track and at least one second electrical track, and the second interconnecting member (52) is provided with at least one connecting rod (87) mechanically and electrically secured with at least one portion of the chain (72).

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the electrical interconnection mechanism (50) is configured so that at least one connecting rod (87) applies compression or tension to the chain of electrical contact members (70).

13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first part (12) has an access opening (28) in which at least one first electrical connector (41) and the support arm (51) are at least partially housed.

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a fixing flange (60) housed in the first part (12) at least partially through the access opening (28), and configured to mechanically secure the support arm (51) with at least one first electrical connector (41).

15. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the second part (11) comprises at least one electrical cable (34) extending from at least one second electrical connector (31) into the internal chamber (22).

16. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the second part (11) comprises at least one electrical cable (34) extending from at least one second electrical connector (31) in an electrically insulated routing conduit (90).

17. Power supply installation, in particular fluidic and / or electrical, comprising at least one electrical rotary joint device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, with one of the first part (12) and the second part (11) of the rotary joint device being subjected to a fixed unit of the installation (1) and the other of the second part and the first part of the rotary joint device being subjected to a mobile unit of the installation.

Images