EP0310498B1 - Multiple connection device and coupling device involving its use - Google Patents

Multiple connection device and coupling device involving its use Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0310498B1
EP0310498B1 EP88402444A EP88402444A EP0310498B1 EP 0310498 B1 EP0310498 B1 EP 0310498B1 EP 88402444 A EP88402444 A EP 88402444A EP 88402444 A EP88402444 A EP 88402444A EP 0310498 B1 EP0310498 B1 EP 0310498B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plate
plates
connection
contacts
assembly
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP88402444A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0310498A1 (en
Inventor
Christian Lhuillier
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Areva NP SAS
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Framatome SA
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Publication of EP0310498A1 publication Critical patent/EP0310498A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to self-aligning multiple connection devices, capable of being actuated remotely without it being necessary to ensure perfect initial alignment of the two assemblies constituting a device.
  • connection devices fulfilling this function arises in many technical fields, whenever the location where the connection device is located is not very accessible or not accessible by an operator. Examples include the nuclear sector, the steel industry, the food industry and the exploitation of the seabed.
  • connection devices with self-alignment of coupling elements of the type comprising two assemblies, one of which is movable towards the other and from the other, one of the assemblies comprising a first mechanical connection plate and a first connection element carrying contacts, the first connection element being fixed to the first plate, the other assembly comprising a second mechanical connection plate and a second connection element carrying plug-in contacts on those of the first element, the second connection element being movable relative to the second plate, parallel to the direction of insertion.
  • contact has been used above to designate the elements intended to make a connection. But this term must be taken in a completely general sense and as covering not only the case of electrical contacts for signal transmission and especially of power, but also that of optical links or of fluid transfer.
  • connection devices of the type defined above which aim to compensate, during the insertion of the contacts, the errors of relative positioning of the assemblies, in the direction transverse to the direction of insertion and angularly, do not respond not completely to the requirements of the practice, in particular because of a too complex constitution.
  • the present invention aims to provide a multiple connection device enabling coupling and uncoupling to be carried out using only relatively simple means.
  • the invention finds a particularly important application constituted by connection devices with a very large number of contacts, which can reach and exceed several hundred. In this case, the force to be exerted for plugging in the contacts can exceed 1000 daN. Such efforts, if they are exerted when the alignment of the contacts is not achieved, can permanently deform the latter.
  • the invention also aims to eliminate this problem, by only performing mutual insertion of the contacts once the alignment has been completed.
  • the invention proposes in particular a device of the type defined above, the second plate of which carries: members intended to engage in the first and to achieve relative centering of the two plates, remotely controlled to lock the plates l 'one on the other in a position of alignment of the contacts; and motor means for moving the second connection element relative to the second plate between a rear position where the contacts of the elements are separated from each other even when the plates are in contact and a front position where the contacts of the two elements are plugged into each other.
  • the two plates can be provided with sealing means cooperating so as to isolate the connection elements from the atmosphere when the plates are in contact.
  • the self-alignment of the plates, one with respect to the other, can be carried out in particular by engaging said members in apertures of appropriate shape in the second plate.
  • the members may include electric or fluid pressure motors for moving locking fingers carried by the members between a position for clamping the plates one against the other and a position for releasing.
  • the motor means making it possible to move the second connection element relative to the second plate can be constituted by an electric or fluid pressure cylinder.
  • the invention also provides a coupling device comprising two sets of the type defined above, one of which is rigidly fixed and the other of which is carried by an arm, the self-alignment of the plates one by compared to the other being allowed either by the flexibility of the arm, or by the interposition, between the arm and the plate, of means constituting a universal or universal joint, with or without return to a rest position.
  • the multiple connection device shown in Figures 1 and 2 can be used to connect and disconnect several hundred or more contacts simultaneously. It comprises a first assembly 10 which will subsequently be assumed to be fixed and which will therefore be called “base”, having contact pins. the second assembly 12 is fixed to the end of an arm 14 making it possible to move it towards the base and from the latter. Due to the fact that this assembly is mobile, it will be designated subsequently by the term "file”. It should however be understood that these names are chosen only for the purpose of clarity and should not be considered in a limiting sense.
  • the base 10 comprises a housing 16 in one piece with a plate 18 in the form of a rectangular frame or fixed in sealed manner to this plate.
  • a plate 18 in the form of a rectangular frame or fixed in sealed manner to this plate.
  • the housing In the housing is fixed an insulating plate 20 through which the contacts 22, which are assumed to be pins. The tightness when the plate 20 passes through the contacts can be ensured by conventional connection means and which will therefore not be described here.
  • the insulating plate is generally in several modules each having 50 to 100 contacts.
  • the contacts are connected to supply wires, by welding or crimping techniques which can also be conventional.
  • These wires may belong to a cable which exits in a sealed manner from the housing 16 through a sealing collar not shown and which can also be of conventional constitution.
  • This cable extends into a guide chimney 21 connected to the housing 16 by a connection to the Cardan joint of small angular movement a, comprising an intermediate ring 23 and two sets of bearings.
  • the travel a can be for example> 10 °.
  • the plate 18 has four ears located at the four corners of the rectangle, pierced with holes 24 belonging to a mechanical locking system of the two assemblies one on the other, as will be seen below. This number of four is not limiting: the number of holes could be greater or, in some cases, less important.
  • the assembly 12, constituting a plug, also comprises a housing 26 provided with a terminal plate 28 in frame shape.
  • a seal 30 intended to be applied against a flat surface of the other plate or against a cooperating seal.
  • the housing 26 still carries two curved guides 31 intended to frame the plate 18 and to ensure a first transverse centering.
  • the housing is fixed to the arm 14 by a connection to the gimbal similar to that fitted to the housing 16.
  • a plate 32 In the housing 26 is mounted a plate 32 guided so as to be able to move between a rear position, where it is shown in Figure 2, and a front position.
  • a cylinder 34 is fixed to the bottom 36 of the housing 26 and makes it possible to move the plate 32 between its rear and front positions. Limits of travel can be provided to stop the motor when the plate 32 reaches its extreme positions.
  • This cylinder 34 can be constituted by an electric motor driving a guide bracket 40, fixed to the plate and mounted sliding in the housing 26, by a reduction gear of the screw-nut type.
  • the part of the conductors 42 (only two of which are shown) which extends between a rigid sheath 44 fixed to the bottom 36 of the housing and the plate 32 has sufficient slack to ensure the necessary flexibility.
  • the sheet 12 includes alignment and locking members, four in number in the illustrated embodiment.
  • Each of these members has a tubular body 46 fixed to the plate 28 and having a frustoconical nose 48 projecting below the plate 28 ( Figures 3 and 4).
  • Several fingers 50 distributed at equal angular intervals are mounted on the body 46 so as to be able to tilt around respective axes between a position close to the axis of the body where they can pass through the holes 24 (FIG. 4) and a position set aside for locking (Figure 3).
  • Each alignment member is fitted with a motor 52 making it possible to move the fingers 50 between the positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
  • This motor may, like the motor 34, be an electric motor provided with a reducing mechanism, for example with screw 54 and nut 56.
  • the nut is key sliding in the body 46 and it is extended by a head 58 making it possible to force the fingers into their extreme positions.
  • an irreversible transmission mechanism can be used between the motor 52 and the fingers and / or provide the motors with a parking brake.
  • the motor 34 may be provided with a brake and / or connected to the caliper 40 by an irreversible transmission.
  • the motors 52 are supplied in parallel by a control circuit, not shown, which must ensure complete synchronism, so that the tightening of the plates against each other is carried out regularly.
  • the forces exerted must be sufficient to overcome the forces opposing the complete insertion. They must also be compatible with the required seal. This result can for example be achieved by using electric stepper motors or with a servo system.
  • FIG. 5 shows, by way of example, the bases 10 of two connection devices used to connect power and data conductors, some of which pass through the cover of a nuclear reactor (not shown) and external equipment. All the bases will generally be at the same level, above all the gangways provided above the cover. Only a lower gateway 60 has been shown in FIG. 5. It carries, for example, channels 62 for routing cables for transmission of measurement signals indicating the state of the spectrum variation cluster control mechanisms and channels 64 for passage of current supply cables to control mechanisms. A single sheath 66 for the passage of the corresponding mechanisms and cables 68 has been shown. A middle gateway can in the same way carry the cables corresponding to the control bar mechanisms, etc. A single plug 12 has been shown, carried by a movable arm 14 of which only the terminal part is schematically represented.
  • Figure 6 shows a possible constitution of an operating mechanism for a connector of the kind shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the case where it equips a nuclear reactor.
  • the universal or universal joints have not been shown.
  • the gasket fitted to the base 10 will generally be placed above a slab 66 of protection against projections in the event of an accident.
  • the plug 12 is carried by an arm 14 which, when the connector is coupled, is substantially in the horizontal position, immersed in the reactor pool.
  • This arm 14 is mounted on a horizontal axis 68 fixed to a lifting beam 70.
  • a jack 71 connecting the beam 70 and the arm 14 makes it possible to move the latter from the rest position (in solid lines in Figure 6) to a plug disconnect position (shown in phantom).
  • the beam also constitutes a support and guide corridor for the cable or the braids 72, the conductors of which are connected to the contact elements of the plug 12.
  • the end of the beam 70 opposite to that which carries the jack 71 is provided with pins 74 allowing it to switch to a yoke 76 attached to the edge of the pool.
  • the tilting is controlled by a pneumatic cylinder 78 which drives a toothed sector 80 in rotation about an axis fixed to the coping. This toothed sector 78 meshes with a toothed wheel 82 fixed to the beam 70 and coaxial with the pins 74.
  • the jack 78 makes it possible to move the beam 70 between the rest position shown in solid lines in FIG. 6 and a raised position, shown partially in mixed lines, where the entire mechanism and the plug it carries clears the space above the pool.
  • a fixed chute 84 receives and guides the cables or connection braids 72 to a control cabinet not shown.
  • the operating sequence of the mechanism when it is desired to disconnect the connectors and free up the space situated above the swimming pool, for example to remove the cover of the reactor, is as follows. All the parts being initially in the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 6, the motors 52 are actuated to unclamp the plates 18 and 28. The jack 71 is pressurized, possibly after removal of the plate 32, to separate the plug from the base. The pneumatic cylinder 78 is then supplied to raise the beam 70 and the members which it carries to a position completely freeing up the space above the swimming pool.
  • Reconnection is done by the reverse sequence of operations.
  • the pre-centering means 31 (which can be provided in two perpendicular directions) ensure satisfactory docking of the plates 28 and 18, the universal joints possibly intervening to ensure the parallelism of the plates.
  • the centering nose 48 completes the alignment.
  • the actuation of the motors 52 ensures the clamping of the plates.

Landscapes

  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Electrical Connectors (AREA)
  • Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)
  • Snaps, Bayonet Connections, Set Pins, And Snap Rings (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
  • Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne les dispositifs de connexion multiple à auto-alignement, susceptibles d'être actionnés à distance sans qu'il soit nécessaire d'assurer un alignement initial parfait des deux ensembles constituant un dispositif.The present invention relates to self-aligning multiple connection devices, capable of being actuated remotely without it being necessary to ensure perfect initial alignment of the two assemblies constituting a device.

Le besoin de dispositifs de connexion multiple remplissant cette fonction se fait sentir dans de nombreux domaines techniques, chaque fois que l'emplacement où est situé le dispositif de connexion est peu accessible ou non accessible par un opérateur. On peut notamment citer, à titre d'exemples, le domaine nucléaire, la sidérurgie, l'agro-alimentaire et l'exploitation des fonds marins.The need for multiple connection devices fulfilling this function arises in many technical fields, whenever the location where the connection device is located is not very accessible or not accessible by an operator. Examples include the nuclear sector, the steel industry, the food industry and the exploitation of the seabed.

On a déjà proposé des dispositifs de connexion multiple à auto-alignement d'éléments d'accouplement du type comprenant deux ensembles dont l'un est déplaçable vers l'autre et à partir de l'autre, l'un des ensembles comprenant un premier plateau de liaison mécanique et un premier élément de connexion portant des contacts, le premier élément de connexion étant fixé au premier plateau, l'autre ensemble comprenant un second plateau de liaison mécanique et un second élément de connexion portant des contacts enfichables sur ceux du premier élément, le second élément de connexion étant déplaçable par rapport au second plateau, parallèlement à la direction d'enfichage.There have already been proposed multiple connection devices with self-alignment of coupling elements of the type comprising two assemblies, one of which is movable towards the other and from the other, one of the assemblies comprising a first mechanical connection plate and a first connection element carrying contacts, the first connection element being fixed to the first plate, the other assembly comprising a second mechanical connection plate and a second connection element carrying plug-in contacts on those of the first element, the second connection element being movable relative to the second plate, parallel to the direction of insertion.

Pour plus de simplicité, on a utilisé ci-dessus le terme "contact" pour désigner les éléments destinés à réaliser une liaison. Mais ce terme doit être pris dans un sens tout à fait général et comme couvrant non seulement le cas de contacts éléctriques de transmission de signal et surtout de puissance, mais aussi celui des liaisons optiques ou de transfert de fluide.For simplicity, the term "contact" has been used above to designate the elements intended to make a connection. But this term must be taken in a completely general sense and as covering not only the case of electrical contacts for signal transmission and especially of power, but also that of optical links or of fluid transfer.

La plupart des dispositifs de connexion connus du type ci-dessus défini que visent à compenser, au cours de l'enfichage des contacts, les erreurs de positionnement relatif des ensembles, dans le sens transversal à la direction d'enfichage et angulairement, ne répondent pas complétement aux exigences de la pratique, notamment par suite d'une constitution trop complexe.Most of the known connection devices of the type defined above which aim to compensate, during the insertion of the contacts, the errors of relative positioning of the assemblies, in the direction transverse to the direction of insertion and angularly, do not respond not completely to the requirements of the practice, in particular because of a too complex constitution.

La présente invention vise à fournir un dispositif de connexion multiple permettant de réaliser l'accouplement et le désaccouplement en ne mettant en oeuvre que des moyens relativement simples.The present invention aims to provide a multiple connection device enabling coupling and uncoupling to be carried out using only relatively simple means.

L'invention trouve une application particulièrement importante constituée par les dispositifs de connexion à très grand nombre de contacts, pouvant atteindre et dépasser plusieurs centaines. Dans ce cas, l'effort à exercer pour l'enfichage des contacts peut dépasser 1000 daN. De tels efforts, s'ils sont exercés alors que l'alignement des contacts n'est pas réalisé, peut déformer définitivement ces derniers. L'invention vise également à écarter ce problème, en ne réalisant l'enfichage mutuel des contacts qu'une fois l'alignement achevé.The invention finds a particularly important application constituted by connection devices with a very large number of contacts, which can reach and exceed several hundred. In this case, the force to be exerted for plugging in the contacts can exceed 1000 daN. Such efforts, if they are exerted when the alignment of the contacts is not achieved, can permanently deform the latter. The invention also aims to eliminate this problem, by only performing mutual insertion of the contacts once the alignment has been completed.

Dans ce but l'invention propose notamment un dispositif du type ci-dessus défini dont le second plateau porte : des organes destinés à s'engager dans le premier et à réaliser un centrage relatif des deux plateaux, commandés à distance pour verrouiller les plateaux l'un sur l'autre dans une position d'alignement des contacts ; et des moyens moteurs pour déplacer le second élément de connexion par rapport au second plateau entre une position arrière où les contacts des éléments sont séparés les uns des autres alors même que les plateaux sont en contact et une position avant où les contacts des deux éléments sont enfichés l'un sur l'autre.To this end, the invention proposes in particular a device of the type defined above, the second plate of which carries: members intended to engage in the first and to achieve relative centering of the two plates, remotely controlled to lock the plates l 'one on the other in a position of alignment of the contacts; and motor means for moving the second connection element relative to the second plate between a rear position where the contacts of the elements are separated from each other even when the plates are in contact and a front position where the contacts of the two elements are plugged into each other.

Les deux plateaux peuvent être munis de moyens d'étanchéité coopérant de façon à isoler les éléments de connexion de l'ambiance lorsque les plateaux sont en contact. L'auto-alignement des plateaux, l'un par rapport à l'autre, peut s'effectuer notamment par engagement desdits organes dans des ouvertures de forme appropriée du second plateau. Les organes peuvent comporter des moteurs électriques ou à pression de fluide de déplacement de doigts de verrouillage portés par les organes entre une position de serrage des plateaux l'un contre l'autre et une position de desserrage. Les moyens moteurs permettant de déplacer le second élément de connexion par rapport au second plateau peuvent être constitués par un vérin électrique ou à pression de fluide.The two plates can be provided with sealing means cooperating so as to isolate the connection elements from the atmosphere when the plates are in contact. The self-alignment of the plates, one with respect to the other, can be carried out in particular by engaging said members in apertures of appropriate shape in the second plate. The members may include electric or fluid pressure motors for moving locking fingers carried by the members between a position for clamping the plates one against the other and a position for releasing. The motor means making it possible to move the second connection element relative to the second plate can be constituted by an electric or fluid pressure cylinder.

L'invention propose également un dispositif d'accouplement comprenant deux ensembles du type ci-dessus défini dont l'un est fixé de façon rigide et dont l'autre est porté par un bras, l'auto-alignement des plateaux l'un par rapport à l'autre étant permis soit par la flexibilité du bras, soit par l'interposition, entre le bras et le plateau, de moyens constituant une liaision à cardan ou universelle, avec ou sans rappel vers une position de repos.The invention also provides a coupling device comprising two sets of the type defined above, one of which is rigidly fixed and the other of which is carried by an arm, the self-alignment of the plates one by compared to the other being allowed either by the flexibility of the arm, or by the interposition, between the arm and the plate, of means constituting a universal or universal joint, with or without return to a rest position.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui suit d'un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention, donné à titre d'exemple non limitatif. La description se réfère aux dessins qui l'accompagnent, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective simplifiée montrant un dispositif de connexion électrique multiple suivant l'invention, les deux ensembles du dispositif étant séparés,
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe partielle des ensembles, suivant le plan médian du dispositif de la figure 1,
  • les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues de détail, en coupe suivant l'axe d'un des organes d'alignement et de verrouillage du dispositif de la figure 1, respectivement après verrouillage et avant engagement,
  • la figure 5 montre les premiers ensembles de plusieurs dispositifs de connexion suivant l'invention, montés au-dessus de la cuve d'un réacteur nucléaire,
  • la Figure 6 montre schématiquement un mécanisme de manoeuvre d'un second ensemble de connecteur suivant l'invention.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example. The description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view showing a multiple electrical connection device according to the invention, the two assemblies of the device being separated,
  • FIG. 2 is a view in partial section of the assemblies, along the median plane of the device in FIG. 1,
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 are detailed views, in section along the axis of one of the alignment and locking members of the device in FIG. 1, respectively after locking and before engagement,
  • FIG. 5 shows the first sets of several connection devices according to the invention, mounted above the vessel of a nuclear reactor,
  • Figure 6 schematically shows an operating mechanism of a second connector assembly according to the invention.

Le dispositif de connexion multiple montré en figures 1 et 2 est utilisable pour connecter et déconnecter simultané plusieurs centaines de contacts ou davantage. Il comporte un premier ensemble 10 que l'on supposera par la suite être fixe et qu'on nommera pour cette raison "embase", ayant des broches de contact. le second ensemble 12 est fixé à l'extrémité d'un bras 14 permettant de la déplacer vers l'embase et à partir de cette dernière. Du fait que cet ensemble est mobile, on le désignera par la suite sous le terme de "fiche". Il doit cependant être entendu que ces dénominations ne sont choisies que dans un but de clarté et ne doivent pas être considérées dans un sens limitatif.The multiple connection device shown in Figures 1 and 2 can be used to connect and disconnect several hundred or more contacts simultaneously. It comprises a first assembly 10 which will subsequently be assumed to be fixed and which will therefore be called "base", having contact pins. the second assembly 12 is fixed to the end of an arm 14 making it possible to move it towards the base and from the latter. Due to the fact that this assembly is mobile, it will be designated subsequently by the term "file". It should however be understood that these names are chosen only for the purpose of clarity and should not be considered in a limiting sense.

Le dispositif de connexion est destiné à permettre l'accouplement et le désaccouplement sans exercer d'effort de torsion ou de flexion sur les contacts. Pour cela, le dispositif est prévu de façon que l'opération d'accouplement s'effectue en plusieurs phases successives :

  • déplacement de la fiche vers l'embase à l'aide du bras, un alignement approximatif étant suffisant ;
  • centrage grossier des deux plateaux lors de la phase finale de l'approche, jusqu'à venue en contact des plateaux des ensembles l'un contre l'autre ;
  • alignement précis des plateaux et verrouillage de ces plateaux l'un sur l'autre, garantissant leur maintien dans une position relative immuable ;
  • connexion, par exemple électrique, par avancée d'un élément enfichable vers l'autre.
The connection device is intended to allow coupling and uncoupling without exerting a torsional or bending force on the contacts. For this, the device is provided so that the coupling operation is carried out in several successive phases:
  • displacement of the plug towards the base using the arm, an approximate alignment being sufficient;
  • rough centering of the two plates during the final phase of the approach, until the plates of the assemblies come into contact with one another;
  • precise alignment of the plates and locking of these plates one on the other, guaranteeing their maintenance in an unchanging relative position;
  • connection, for example electrical, by advancing from one plug-in element to the other.

Dans le mode de réalisation montré en figures 1 et 2, l'embase 10 comporte un boîtier 16 d'une seule pièce avec un plateau 18 en forme de cadre rectangulaire ou fixé de façon étanche à ce plateau. Dans le boîtier est fixée une plaque isolante 20 traversée par les contacts 22, qu'on supposera être des broches. L'étancheïté à la traversée de la plaque 20 par les contacts peut être assurée par des moyens classiques en connectique et qui ne seront donc pas décrits ici. Pour faciliter la fabrication et le montage de l'isolant et le câblage, la plaque isolante est généralement en plusieurs modules ayant chacun 50 à 100 contacts.In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the base 10 comprises a housing 16 in one piece with a plate 18 in the form of a rectangular frame or fixed in sealed manner to this plate. In the housing is fixed an insulating plate 20 through which the contacts 22, which are assumed to be pins. The tightness when the plate 20 passes through the contacts can be ensured by conventional connection means and which will therefore not be described here. To facilitate the manufacture and assembly of the insulation and wiring, the insulating plate is generally in several modules each having 50 to 100 contacts.

En dessous de la plaque 20, les contacts sont reliés à des fils d'alimentation, par des techniques de soudage ou de sertissage qui peuvent être également classiques. Ces fils peuvent appartenir à un câble qui sort de façon étanche du boîtier 16 à travers un collier d'étancheïté non représenté et pouvant également être de constitution classique. Ce câble se prolonge dans une cheminée de guidage 21 reliée au boîtier 16 par une liaison à la Cardan de faible débattement angulaire a, comportant un anneau intermédiaire 23 et deux jeux de paliers. Le débattement a peut être par exemple de > 10°.Below the plate 20, the contacts are connected to supply wires, by welding or crimping techniques which can also be conventional. These wires may belong to a cable which exits in a sealed manner from the housing 16 through a sealing collar not shown and which can also be of conventional constitution. This cable extends into a guide chimney 21 connected to the housing 16 by a connection to the Cardan joint of small angular movement a, comprising an intermediate ring 23 and two sets of bearings. The travel a can be for example> 10 °.

Le plateau 18 comporte quatre oreilles situées aux quatre coins du rectangle, percées de trous 24 appartenant à un système de verrouillage mécanique des deux ensembles l'un sur l'autre, comme on le verra plus loin. Ce nombre de quatre n'est pas limitatif : le nombre de trous pourrait être plus important ou, dans certains cas, moins important.The plate 18 has four ears located at the four corners of the rectangle, pierced with holes 24 belonging to a mechanical locking system of the two assemblies one on the other, as will be seen below. This number of four is not limiting: the number of holes could be greater or, in some cases, less important.

L'ensemble 12, constituant fiche, comporte également un boîtier 26 muni d'un plateau terminal 28 en forme de cadre. L'un et/ou l'autre des plateaux 18 et 28 porte un joint d'étanchéité 30 destiné à s'appliquer contre une portée plate de l'autre plateau ou contre un joint coopérant. Dans le mode de réalisation illustré en figures 1 et 2, le boîtier 26 porte encore deux guides courbes 31 destinés à encadrer le plateau 18 et à assurer un premier centrage transversal. Le boîtier est fixé au bras 14 par une liaison à la Cardan similaire à celle équipant le boîtier 16.The assembly 12, constituting a plug, also comprises a housing 26 provided with a terminal plate 28 in frame shape. One and / or the other of the plates 18 and 28 carries a seal 30 intended to be applied against a flat surface of the other plate or against a cooperating seal. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 26 still carries two curved guides 31 intended to frame the plate 18 and to ensure a first transverse centering. The housing is fixed to the arm 14 by a connection to the gimbal similar to that fitted to the housing 16.

Dans le boîtier 26 est monté une plaque 32 guidée de façon à pouvoir se déplacer entre une position arrière, où elle est montrée en figure 2, et une position avant. Un vérin 34 est fixé au fond 36 du boîtier 26 et permet de déplacer le plateau 32 entre ses positions arrière et avant. Des fins de course peuvent être prévues pour arrêter le moteur lorsque la plaque 32 atteint ses positions extrêmes. Ce vérin 34 peut être constitué par un moteur électrique entraînant un étrier de guidage 40, fixé à la plaque et monté coulissant dans le boîtier 26, par un réducteur du type vis-écrou. La partie des conducteurs 42 (dont deux seulement sont représentés) qui s'étend entre une gaine rigide 44 fixée au fond 36 du boîtier et la plaque 32 présente un mou suffisant pour assurer la souplesse nécessaire.In the housing 26 is mounted a plate 32 guided so as to be able to move between a rear position, where it is shown in Figure 2, and a front position. A cylinder 34 is fixed to the bottom 36 of the housing 26 and makes it possible to move the plate 32 between its rear and front positions. Limits of travel can be provided to stop the motor when the plate 32 reaches its extreme positions. This cylinder 34 can be constituted by an electric motor driving a guide bracket 40, fixed to the plate and mounted sliding in the housing 26, by a reduction gear of the screw-nut type. The part of the conductors 42 (only two of which are shown) which extends between a rigid sheath 44 fixed to the bottom 36 of the housing and the plate 32 has sufficient slack to ensure the necessary flexibility.

La fiche 12 comporte des organes d'alignement et de verrouillage,au nombre de quatre dans le mode de réalisation illustré. Chacun de ces organes présente un corps tubulaire 46 fixé au plateau 28 et ayant un nez tronconique 48 faisant saillie au-dessous du plateau 28 (figures 3 et 4). Plusieurs doigts 50 répartis à intervalles angulaires égaux sont montés sur le corps 46 de façon à pouvoir basculer autour d'axes respectifs entre une position rapprochée de l'axe du corps où ils peuvent passer à travers les trous 24 (figure 4) et une position écartée de verrouillage (figure 3).The sheet 12 includes alignment and locking members, four in number in the illustrated embodiment. Each of these members has a tubular body 46 fixed to the plate 28 and having a frustoconical nose 48 projecting below the plate 28 (Figures 3 and 4). Several fingers 50 distributed at equal angular intervals are mounted on the body 46 so as to be able to tilt around respective axes between a position close to the axis of the body where they can pass through the holes 24 (FIG. 4) and a position set aside for locking (Figure 3).

Chaque organe d'alignement est muni d'un moteur 52 permettant de déplacer les doigts 50 entre les positions montrées en figures 3 et 4. Ce moteur pourra, comme le moteur 34, être un moteur électrique muni d'un mécanisme réducteur, par exemple à vis 54 et écrou 56. L'écrou est claveté coulissant dans le corps 46 et il est prolongé par une tête 58 permettant d'amener à force les doigts dans leurs positions extrêmes.Each alignment member is fitted with a motor 52 making it possible to move the fingers 50 between the positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This motor may, like the motor 34, be an electric motor provided with a reducing mechanism, for example with screw 54 and nut 56. The nut is key sliding in the body 46 and it is extended by a head 58 making it possible to force the fingers into their extreme positions.

Il est nécessaire que les doigts, une fois amenés dans la position où ils verrouillent les plateaux l'un contre l'autre, restent bloqués en position, y compris en cas de défaut d'alimentation des moteurs 52. Pour arriver à ce résultat, on peut utiliser un mécanisme de transmission irréversible entre le moteur 52 et les doigts et/ou munir les moteurs d'un frein d'immobilisation. De même, pour éviter le risque de désaccouplement électrique accidentel, le moteur 34 peut être muni d'un frein et/ou relié à l'étrier 40 par une transmission irréversible.It is necessary that the fingers, once brought into the position where they lock the plates against one another, remain locked in position, including in the event of a power supply failure of the motors 52. To achieve this result, an irreversible transmission mechanism can be used between the motor 52 and the fingers and / or provide the motors with a parking brake. Similarly, to avoid the risk of accidental electrical uncoupling, the motor 34 may be provided with a brake and / or connected to the caliper 40 by an irreversible transmission.

Les moteurs 52 sont alimentés en parallèle par un circuit de commande non représenté qui doit assurer un synchronisme complet, afin que le serrage des plateaux l'un contre l'autre s'effectue de façon régulière. Les forces exerces doivent être suffisantes pour vaincre les forces s'opposant à l'enfichage complet. Elles doivent également être compatibles avec l'étanchéité requise. Ce résultat peut par exemple être atteint en utilisant des moteurs électriques pas à pas ou avec un système d'asservissement.The motors 52 are supplied in parallel by a control circuit, not shown, which must ensure complete synchronism, so that the tightening of the plates against each other is carried out regularly. The forces exerted must be sufficient to overcome the forces opposing the complete insertion. They must also be compatible with the required seal. This result can for example be achieved by using electric stepper motors or with a servo system.

L'opération de connexion et de déconnexion s'effectue en plusieurs étapes successives. Dans le cas de la connexion, ces étapes sont les suivantes :

  • déplacement du plateau 28 de la fiche 12 vers le plateau 18, en alignement approximatif, les doigts 50 étant rétractés et la plaque isolante 32 en position haute ;
  • centrage progressif du plateau 28 par rapport au plateau 18, assuré par le nez 48 des organes d'alignement, jusqu'à contact des plateaux 28 et 18 ;
  • verrouillage des plateaux l'un sur l'autre par mise en action des moteurs 52 pour écarter les doigts, garantissant un maintien en alignement précis ;
  • mise en action du moteur 34 pour avancer la plaque isolante 32 sur une distance qui sera généralement de quelques millimètres jusqu'à embrochage complet.
The connection and disconnection operation is carried out in several successive stages. In the case of connection, these steps are as follows:
  • displacement of the plate 28 of the plug 12 towards the plate 18, in approximate alignment, the fingers 50 being retracted and the insulating plate 32 in the high position;
  • progressive centering of the plate 28 relative to to the plate 18, provided by the nose 48 of the alignment members, until contact with the plates 28 and 18;
  • locking of the plates one on the other by actuating the motors 52 to spread the fingers apart, guaranteeing precise alignment maintenance;
  • actuation of the motor 34 to advance the insulating plate 32 over a distance which will generally be a few millimeters until complete racking.

L'ordre des opérations est inversé au cours d'une déconnexion.The order of operations is reversed during a disconnection.

La figure 5 montre, à titre d'exemple, les embases 10 de deux dispositifs de connexion utilisés pour relier des conducteurs de puissance et de données dont certains traversant le couvercle d'un réacteur nucléaire (non représenté) et des appareillages extérieurs. Toutes les embases seront généralement au même niveau, au-dessus de toutes les passerelles prévues au-dessus du couvercle. Seule une passerelle inférieure 60 a été montrée en figure 5. Elle porte par exemple des caniveaux 62 de cheminement de câbles de transmission des signaux de mesure indiquant l'état des mécanismes de commande de grappe de variation de spectre et des caniveaux 64 de passage de câbles d'amenée de courant aux mécanismes de commande. Un seul fourreau 66 de passage des mécanismes et des câbles correspondants 68 a été représenté. Une passerelle médiane peut de la même façon porter les câbles correspondant aux mécanismes de barres de commande, etc. Une seule fiche 12 a été représentée, portée par un bras mobile 14 dont seule la partie terminale est schématiquement représentée.FIG. 5 shows, by way of example, the bases 10 of two connection devices used to connect power and data conductors, some of which pass through the cover of a nuclear reactor (not shown) and external equipment. All the bases will generally be at the same level, above all the gangways provided above the cover. Only a lower gateway 60 has been shown in FIG. 5. It carries, for example, channels 62 for routing cables for transmission of measurement signals indicating the state of the spectrum variation cluster control mechanisms and channels 64 for passage of current supply cables to control mechanisms. A single sheath 66 for the passage of the corresponding mechanisms and cables 68 has been shown. A middle gateway can in the same way carry the cables corresponding to the control bar mechanisms, etc. A single plug 12 has been shown, carried by a movable arm 14 of which only the terminal part is schematically represented.

La Figure 6 montre une constitution possible d'un mécanisme de manoeuvre pour un connecteur du genre montré en Figures 1 à 4, dans le cas où il équipe un réacteur nucléaire. Sur la Figure 6, les joints universels ou à Cardan n'ont pas été représentés. Le joint équipant l'embase 10 sera généralement placé au-dessus d'une dalle 66 de protection contre les projections en cas d'accident. La fiche 12 est portée par un bras 14 qui, lorsque le connecteur est accouplé, est sensiblement en position horizontale, immergé dans la piscine du réacteur. Ce bras 14 est monté sur un axe horizontal 68 fixé à une poutre de relevage 70. Un vérin 71 reliant la poutre 70 et le bras 14 permet de déplacer ce dernier de la position de repos (en traits pleins sur la Figure 6) à une position de déconnexion de la fiche (représentée en traits mixtes). La poutre constitue également couloir de support et de guidage du câble ou des tresses 72 dont les conducteurs sont reliés aux éléments de contact de la fiche 12. L'extrémité de la poutre 70 opposée à celle qui porte le vérin 71 est munie de tourillons 74 lui permettant de basculer sur une chape 76 fixée à la margelle de la piscine. Le basculement est commandé par un vérin pneumatique 78 qui entraîne un secteur denté 80 en rotation autour d'un axe fixé à la margelle. Ce secteur denté 78 engrène une roue dentée 82 fixée à la poutre 70 et coaxiale aux tourillons 74. Le vérin 78 permet de déplacer la poutre 70 entre la position de repos montrée en traits pleins sur la Figure 6 et une position relevée, montrée partiellement en traits mixtes, où l'ensemble du mécanisme et de la fiche qu'il porte dégage l'espace situé au-dessus de la piscine.Figure 6 shows a possible constitution of an operating mechanism for a connector of the kind shown in Figures 1 to 4, in the case where it equips a nuclear reactor. In Figure 6, the universal or universal joints have not been shown. The gasket fitted to the base 10 will generally be placed above a slab 66 of protection against projections in the event of an accident. The plug 12 is carried by an arm 14 which, when the connector is coupled, is substantially in the horizontal position, immersed in the reactor pool. This arm 14 is mounted on a horizontal axis 68 fixed to a lifting beam 70. A jack 71 connecting the beam 70 and the arm 14 makes it possible to move the latter from the rest position (in solid lines in Figure 6) to a plug disconnect position (shown in phantom). The beam also constitutes a support and guide corridor for the cable or the braids 72, the conductors of which are connected to the contact elements of the plug 12. The end of the beam 70 opposite to that which carries the jack 71 is provided with pins 74 allowing it to switch to a yoke 76 attached to the edge of the pool. The tilting is controlled by a pneumatic cylinder 78 which drives a toothed sector 80 in rotation about an axis fixed to the coping. This toothed sector 78 meshes with a toothed wheel 82 fixed to the beam 70 and coaxial with the pins 74. The jack 78 makes it possible to move the beam 70 between the rest position shown in solid lines in FIG. 6 and a raised position, shown partially in mixed lines, where the entire mechanism and the plug it carries clears the space above the pool.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, une goulotte fixe 84 reçoit et guide les câbles ou tresses de connexion 72 vers une armoire de commande non représentée.In the embodiment shown, a fixed chute 84 receives and guides the cables or connection braids 72 to a control cabinet not shown.

La séquence de fonctionnement du mécanisme lorsque l'on souhaite débrancher les connecteurs et libérer l'espace situé au-dessus de la piscine, par exemple pour retirer le couvercle du réacteur, est la suivante. L'ensemble des pièces étant initialement en position montrée en traits pleins sur la Figure 6, les moteurs 52 sont actionnés pour débrider les plateaux 18 et 28. Le vérin 71 est mis en pression, éventuellement après retrait de la plaque 32, pour séparer la fiche de l'embase. Le vérin pneumatique 78 est ensuite alimenté pour relever la poutre 70 et les organes qu'elle porte jusqu'à une position libérant totalement l'espace au-dessus de la piscine.The operating sequence of the mechanism when it is desired to disconnect the connectors and free up the space situated above the swimming pool, for example to remove the cover of the reactor, is as follows. All the parts being initially in the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 6, the motors 52 are actuated to unclamp the plates 18 and 28. The jack 71 is pressurized, possibly after removal of the plate 32, to separate the plug from the base. The pneumatic cylinder 78 is then supplied to raise the beam 70 and the members which it carries to a position completely freeing up the space above the swimming pool.

La reconnexion s'effectue par la séquence inverse d'opérations. Au cours de la descente de la fiche 12 sous l'action du vérin 71, les moyens de précentrage 31 (qui peuvent être prévus dans deux directions perpendiculaires) assurent un accostage satisfaisant des plateaux 28 et 18, les joints de cardan intervenant éventuellement pour assurer le parallélisme des plateaux. Au cours de la phase finale de rapprochement de ces derniers, le nez de centrage 48 parachève l'alignement. Enfin, la mise en action des moteurs 52 assure le bridage des plateaux.Reconnection is done by the reverse sequence of operations. During the descent of the plug 12 under the action of the jack 71, the pre-centering means 31 (which can be provided in two perpendicular directions) ensure satisfactory docking of the plates 28 and 18, the universal joints possibly intervening to ensure the parallelism of the plates. During the final phase of bringing the latter together, the centering nose 48 completes the alignment. Finally, the actuation of the motors 52 ensures the clamping of the plates.

Claims (8)

  1. A multiple connection device with self-alignment of two coupling elements of the type comprising two assemblies (10,12) one of which is movable towards and away from the other, one of the assemblies (10) comprising a first mechanical connection plate (18) and a first connection element (20) which carries contacts (22), the first connection element (20) being fixed to the first plate, while the other assembly (12) includes a second mechanical connection plate (28) and a second connection element (32) carrying contacts for engagement with those of the first element, the second connection element (32) being movable with respect to the second plate, parallel to the engagement direction,
       characterized in that the second plate carries : members (48, 50, 52) for engaging the first plate and for achieving mutual centering of the two plates, remotely controlled for locking the plates onto each other in a position where the contacts are mutually aligned ; and drive means (34) for moving the second connection element (32) with respect to the second plate (28) between a rear position in which the contacts of the elements are separated from each other even when the plates (18,28) are in contact and a forward position in which the contacts (22) of the two elements are mutually engaged.
  2. Device according to claim 1,
       characterized in that said members comprise means (50) for clamping the plates against each other and motor means (52) for retaining the clamping means in a position locking the plates on each other.
  3. Device according to claim 2,
       characterized in that the clamping means comprise fingers (50) carried on a body (46) provided with a centering nose (48) so as to be able to pivote between a locking position and a position in which their overall size transversely to the engagement direction is smaller than that of the body.
  4. Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3,
       characterized in that one of the plates (28) further includes curved pre-centering means (31) projecting beyond the plate (28) and the centering members (48, 50, 52).
  5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,
       characterized in that the plates carry sealing means (30) for separating the connection elements (20,32) from the outside.
  6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,
       characterized by a motor (34) carried by the second plate (28) and enabling to move the second connection element (32) and to maintain it in its engaged position.
  7. Connection device according to any one of the preceding claims,
       characterized in that said other assembly (20) is provided with a universal joint or a Cardan joint giving it a limited extent of angular movement.
  8. Device according to claim 7,
       characterized in that said other assembly is connected by said joint to an arm (14) provided with a jack (71) enabling to move it from an engaged position to a disconnected position, said arm being carried by a lifting beam (70) provided with a jack (78) enabling to move the unit consisting of the beam, the arm and said other assembly into a position clearing the space situated above the first assembly.
EP88402444A 1987-09-30 1988-09-28 Multiple connection device and coupling device involving its use Expired - Lifetime EP0310498B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8713502A FR2621182B1 (en) 1987-09-30 1987-09-30 MULTIPLE CONNECTION DEVICE AND COUPLING DEVICE HAVING APPLICATION
FR8713502 1987-09-30

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0310498A1 EP0310498A1 (en) 1989-04-05
EP0310498B1 true EP0310498B1 (en) 1992-10-28

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88402444A Expired - Lifetime EP0310498B1 (en) 1987-09-30 1988-09-28 Multiple connection device and coupling device involving its use

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US (1) US4898541A (en)
EP (1) EP0310498B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH01128386A (en)
KR (1) KR890005930A (en)
CN (1) CN1012659B (en)
DE (1) DE3875578T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2035341T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2621182B1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2263203B (en) * 1989-04-17 1994-05-11 Otis Eng Co Method of making downhole electrical connection
US4954094A (en) * 1989-09-15 1990-09-04 Gte Products Corporation Sliding gimbal connector
US5292267A (en) * 1989-12-15 1994-03-08 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Connector unit with movable connector
US5676560A (en) * 1994-12-01 1997-10-14 Yazaki Corporation Powder feed connector
DE69831533T2 (en) * 1997-06-27 2006-06-14 Ibm Device for gently coupling and uncoupling of one-output connectors with a large number of contacts
US6217368B1 (en) 1998-05-27 2001-04-17 International Business Machines Corporation System for smoothly plugging and unplugging large input/output connectors
US7019230B1 (en) * 2005-08-03 2006-03-28 Eaton Corporation Racking device and power module therefor
GB2454917B (en) * 2007-11-23 2011-12-14 Schlumberger Holdings Deployment of a wireline tool
US8246372B1 (en) * 2010-05-27 2012-08-21 Williams-Pyro, Inc. Electrical connector with anchor mount

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3089925A (en) * 1959-10-22 1963-05-14 Landstrom Sven Warmup contactor for guided missile launching system
US4265503A (en) * 1979-12-20 1981-05-05 Automation Industries, Inc. Aircraft/pylon multi-contact electrical connector
DE8224672U1 (en) * 1982-09-01 1983-01-13 Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe Gmbh, 7500 Karlsruhe Remote controllable cable connector
US4778400A (en) * 1984-11-29 1988-10-18 Jacobs Ray T Remote electrical connector
US4696524A (en) * 1986-03-03 1987-09-29 Custom Tool & Mfg. Co. Robot arm coupling apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3875578D1 (en) 1992-12-03
DE3875578T2 (en) 1993-03-11
KR890005930A (en) 1989-05-17
EP0310498A1 (en) 1989-04-05
ES2035341T3 (en) 1993-04-16
CN1033910A (en) 1989-07-12
FR2621182A1 (en) 1989-03-31
FR2621182B1 (en) 1990-01-12
JPH01128386A (en) 1989-05-22
CN1012659B (en) 1991-05-22
US4898541A (en) 1990-02-06

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