A connection configuration unit

Abstract

 A connection configuration unit comprising a fixed part and a mobile part, the fixed part comprising at least three fixed input terminals and at least three fixed output terminals, the mobile part being moveable with respect to the fixed part from a first connection position to a second connection position; The mobile part comprises at least three connection sets. Each connection set comprises respectively an input terminal, an output terminal and a electrical connection path between said input terminal and the said output terminal. Each of said at least three connection sets is configured to allow electrical connectivity at said first connection position between a first fixed input terminal and a first fixed output terminal and to allow electrical connectivity at said second connection position between a second fixed input terminal and a second fixed output terminal.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection configuration unit for providing electrical connection.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In some electrical circuits, electrical connection are typically configured according to a command. Such commands are often applied by one or several relay(s). Changing a configuration may require several contacts to be opened, and several other contacts to be closed. In certain applications in order to ensure electrical continuity, it is typically preferred that the new contacts are closed before opening the old ones in order to ensure electrical continuity, i.e. avoiding interruption of the current. This process is often referred to as "make-before-break".

[0003] In fact, in the case where interruption occurs during the movement of an electrode from a contact to another one, during such interruption there is no path for the current to flow and therefore, depending on for example the circuit inductance or capacitance, over-voltage or arcing may be generated.

[0004] In certain applications, such as for example in a submarine branching unit, the switching equipment which is in charge of switching from one connection configuration to another typically has to deal with high voltages (up to 15 KV) and potentially high in-rush currents. The switching operation at such high voltage and current values typically requires very reliable, and therefore expensive equipment. Otherwise the switching equipment would not be able to last an operation life in submerged conditions which is typically on the order of 25 years. In practice, there may be cases in which more than two points of contact are required thereby requiring more than two contact positions for the relay(s) to adopt.

[0005] In some applications, such as but not limited to, submarine "branching units", typically three high voltage inputs are respectively connectable to any possible permutation of 3 outputs in a make-before-break manner. Optionally, a supplementary position may be required with any of the inputs electrically connected with any of the outputs. In such situation all the inputs may be connected to all the outputs.

SUMMARY

[0006] Some connection configuration units providing the possibility of performing make-before break connections are known in the related art.

[0007] Some known solutions make use of two high voltage double pole - double through relays for the configuration, two other relays for the transient make-before-break process and a 5th relay for a supplementary position. These solutions however imply high levels of complexity, cost and risk.

[0008] European patent number EP1455462 relates, in brief terms, to a branching unit with reconfigurable terminal connections comprising a fixed part and a mobile part. The fixed part includes three connection terminals (A, B, C) and the mobile part includes three connection terminals (E1, E2, E3) which are located on a rotatable body (a rotor). The mobile connection terminals have respective first conductive part and the fixed connection terminals have respective second conductive parts. The mobile first conductive parts and the fixed second conductive parts are configured to provide electrical contacts according to different configurations as desired. The rotation of the rotor causes the mobile connection terminals E1, E2 and E3 to move to a new connection position thereby providing a new configuration (or reconfiguration) for the connections between the fixed terminals and mobile terminals. In some embodiments of the mentioned document, lengths of said mobile first conductive parts are greater than distances between said second conductive parts. This latter feature allows for providing a make-before-break performance by the device.

[0009] EP1455462 provides satisfactory solutions for certain requirements such as for example protection against accidental reconfiguration and hot switching and simplifies the reconfiguration procedures. In the branching unit disclosed in this document the electronic circuitry (e.g. circuits 20 and 20') for ensuring electrical continuity are located on the mobile support 8 (or the rotor).

[0010] However, the solution proposed in EP1455462 relates to integrating electronic circuits inside the device and provide them with the necessary links with the external (non rotating) elements of the system and the functions of relay and circuitry are integrated in the device. This gives rise to a complex system which typically may require a relatively large size.

[0011] Therefore it is desirable to provide a connection configuration unit for reconfiguring electrical or electronic circuits with a relatively low or minimum number of components - thus less complex -, capable of using simple commands for such reconfiguration and providing high reliability, while such reconfiguration may be performed in an efficient manner.

[0012] Some embodiments of the present invention feature a connection configuration unit comprising a fixed part and a mobile part, the fixed part comprising at least three fixed input terminals and at least three fixed output terminals, the mobile part being moveable with respect to the fixed part from a first connection position to a second connection position wherein the mobile part comprises at least three connection sets each connection set comprising respectively an input terminal, an output terminal and a electrical connection path between said input terminal and the said output terminal;
wherein each of said at least three connection sets is configured to allow electrical connectivity at said first connection position between a first fixed input terminal and a first fixed output terminal and to allow electrical connectivity at said second connection position between a second fixed input terminal and a second fixed output terminal.

[0013] According to some specific embodiments, an angular order of respective positions of at least a first, a second and a third mobile input terminals on the mobile part are different from an angular order of respective positions of a first, second and third mobile output terminals on the mobile part.

[0014] According to some specific embodiments:

• a first connection set comprises a first input terminal, a first output terminal and a first electrical connection path between the first input terminal and the first output terminal;
• a second connection set comprises a second input terminal, a second output terminal and a second electrical connection path between the second input terminal and the second output terminal;
• a third connection set comprises a third input terminal, a third output terminal and a third electrical connection path between the third input terminal and the third output terminal;

the fixed part comprises:

• a fourth input terminal and a fourth output terminal;
• a fifth input terminal, and a fifth output terminal;
• a sixth input terminal and sixth output terminal;

wherein, in response to an activation command the connection configuration unit is adapted to change from a first connection configuration allowing electrical connectivity between the fourth input terminal and the fourth output terminal through the first input terminal, the first electrical connection path and the first output terminal to a second connection configuration allowing electrical connectivity between the fourth input terminal and the sixth output terminal through the third input terminal, the third electrical connection path and the third output terminal.

[0015] According to some specific embodiments in the second connection configuration, electrical connectivity is provided between the fifth input terminal and the fifth output terminal through the first input terminal, the first electrical connection path and the first output terminal; and electrical connectivity is provided between the sixth input terminal and the fourth output terminal through the second input terminal, the second electrical connection path and the second output terminal. According to some specific embodiments the connection configuration unit is adapted to provide the first connection configuration and the second connection configuration simultaneously.

[0016] According to some specific embodiments the connection configuration unit is adapted to provide electrical connection between first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth and the sixth input terminals and the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth and the sixth output simultaneously.

[0017] According to some specific embodiments the mobile part is configured to adopt at least three stable positions each stable position corresponding to a respective connection configuration.

[0018] According to some specific embodiments the at least first, second and third mobile input terminals on the mobile part are provided in a clockwise order and the at least first, second and third mobile output terminals are provided in counter-clockwise order, or vice-versa.

[0019] Some embodiments feature a branching unit comprising the connection configuration unit as described herein.

[0020] According to some specific embodiments the branching unit further comprising a configuration driver unit adapted for providing said activation command to said mobile part.

[0021] These and further features and advantages of the present invention are described in more detail, for the purpose of illustration and not limitation, in the following description as well as in the claims with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] 

Figures 1 a and 1b are respective exemplary schematic representations of a bottom and a front view of a connection configuration unit according to some embodiments.

Figures 2a and 2b are exemplary schematic representations of connections provided by the connection configuration unit of figures 1 a and 1b in a first connection configuration position.

Figures 3a and 3b are exemplary schematic representations of connections provided by the connection configuration unit of figures 1a and 1b in an intermediate connection configuration position.

Figures 4a and 4b are exemplary schematic representations of connections provided by the connection configuration unit of figures 1 a and 1 b in a second connection configuration position.

Figures 5 is an exemplary schematic representation of connections provided with a connection configuration unit comprising more than three input terminals and more than three output terminals according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figures 1 a and 1b are exemplary schematic representations of a connection configuration unit 1 according to some embodiments.

[0024] The connection configuration unit 1 comprises a fixed part 11 and a mobile part 12. The terms mobile part and fixed part are to be understood relative to each other; namely, the mobile part being capable of performing movements with respect, or relative, to the fixed part as will be described in further detail below. Also the term "fixed part" is to be understood relative to the external elements of the system such as for example support of the component and the like.

[0025] The fixed part 11 comprises input terminals A, B, C and output terminals A', B', C' providing respective input and output connection points for the connection configuration unit 1. It is to be understood that the terms input terminals and output terminals are used in this description for the sake of better understanding the structure and the operation of the unit; whereas in practice the unit itself may operate bi-directionally and therefore, input terminals may also be used as output points and vice-versa. Any elements or bodies on the fixed part and the mobile part used for supporting electric terminals may be made of an insulating material (for example glass or ceramic) and may preferably be made in cylindrical shape as represented in the bottom and top views of figures 1 a and 1 b. However this is only exemplary and other appropriate materials and shapes may also be used within the scope of the claimed invention.

[0026] The mobile part 12 may be made to move by means of a moving mechanism (not shown). The movement of the mobile 12 part may be rotational around an axis, for example around the central axis R as shown in figure 1b. In such case, the moving mechanism may preferably be a stepper motor, which in response to an activation command causes the mobile part (e.g. a rotor) 12 to rotate around axis R at a predefined angle.

[0027] Means for activating the mobile part, other than a stepper motor, may also be used such as for example linear translation steps provided by solenoid(s).

[0028] Figures 2a and 2b show schematic representations of connections provided by the connection configuration unit 1 in a first connection configuration position.

[0029] Figure 2a shows the structure of the input terminals A, B, C with respect to the mobile part 12 (only represented by means of electrodes and support bodies as will be described further below). As shown in this figure, the input terminals A, B, C of the fixed part 11 each comprise respective fixed input electrodes 11A, 11B and 11C which extend inside the insolating body of the fixed part 11. These electrodes may be made in any appropriate shape for example in the form of two spring-blade electrodes extending at two side of the respective terminals inside the body of the fixed part 11.

[0030] The mobile part 12 is represented - for the purpose of simplification - by means of mobile input electrodes X, Y and Z which are located on support bodies 12X, 12Y and 12Z. In figure 2a, the support bodies 12X, 12Y and 12Z are shown in the form of respective arms. However, this representation is provided only for illustration purposes and the mobile input electrodes X, Y and Z may be on any suitable support body and in any appropriate shape.

[0031] Figure 2b shows the structure of the output terminals A', B', C' with respect to the mobile part 12 (here again only represented by means of electrodes and support bodies). As shown in this figure, the output terminals A', B', C' of the fixed part 11 each comprise respective fixed output electrodes 11A', 11B' and 11C' which extend inside the insulating body of the fixed part 11. These electrodes may be made in any appropriate shape for example in the form of two spring-blade electrodes extending at two side of the respective terminals inside the body of the fixed part 11.

[0032] Similarly to figure 2a, the mobile part 12 is represented in figure 2b by means of mobile output electrodes X', Y' and Z' which are located on support bodies 12X', 12Y' and 12Z' (which in analogy to figure 2a may be on any suitable support body and in any appropriate shape).

[0033] Mobile input electrodes X, Y and Z of the mobile part 12 are configured to enter into electrical contact with at least one of the fixed input electrodes 11A, 11 B and 11C (not necessarily in that order) of the fixed part 11. In figure 2a, electrode X is connected to electrode 11A, electrode Y is connected to electrode 11B and electrode Z is connected to electrode 11C. Likewise, mobile output electrodes X', Y' and Z' of the mobile part 12 are configured to enter into electrical contact with at least one of the fixed output electrodes 11 A', 11 B' and 11 C' (not necessarily in that order) of the fixed part 11. In figure 2b, electrode X' is connected to electrode 11A', electrode Y' is connected to electrode 11C' and electrode Z' is connected to electrode 11 B'.

[0034] Furthermore, mobile electrodes X and X' of the mobile part 12 are coupled to each other by means of an electrical connection path PX, mobile electrodes Y and Y' of the mobile part 12 are coupled to each other by means of an electrical connection path PY and mobile electrodes Z and Z' of the mobile part 12 are coupled to each other by means of an electrical connection path PZ. Preferably the connection paths are made permanently on the body of the mobile part.

[0035] Preferably, the connection paths are made of high voltage insulated wires.

[0036] The angular order of the respective positions of the mobile input electrodes X, Y and Z on the body of the mobile part 12 are different from the angular order of the respective positions of the mobile output electrodes X', Y' and Z'. This is because a different angular position of the input electrodes with respect to those of the output electrode allows for changing connection configurations between the input terminals A, B, C and output terminals A', B', C' by rotation of the mobile part 12. For example, referring to figures 2a and 2b, the mobile input electrodes X, Y and Z are disposed in clockwise order; whereas the mobile output electrodes X', Y' and Z' are disposed in counter-clockwise order. Clearly, a reverse order is also possible, namely the mobile input electrodes X, Y and Z are disposed in counter-clockwise order; whereas the mobile output electrodes X', Y' and Z' are disposed in clockwise order. This is because of the fact that the electrodes are interconnected. Namely mobile input electrodes X, Y and Z are respectively interconnected to mobile output electrodes X', Y' and Z' through connection paths PX, PY and PZ respectively. Therefore, the effective link between input and output terminal depends on the angles between relative positions of X and X', between Y and Y', between Z and Z'. Such different angles allow for changing the connection configuration by the rotation of the mobile part. It is to be noted that the clockwise and counter-clockwise disposition of the electrodes as mentioned above related to a structure with three input terminals and three output terminals may also be used for higher number of input and output terminals. However, in case there is more than three input terminals and more than three output terminals other dispositions are also possible and may be designed according to specific applications.

[0037] Therefore, according to this first connection configuration, the unit 1 provides connectivity between input terminal A and output terminal A', between input terminal B and output terminal C' and between input terminal C and output terminal B'.

[0038] Figures 3a and 3b are exemplary schematic representations of connections provided by the connection configuration unit of figures 1 a and 1 b (or 2a and 2b) in an intermediate connection configuration position. In these figures 3a and 3b, like elements are shown with like reference numerals as those of figures 2a and 2b respectively.

[0039] The position of the mobile part shown in figures 3a and 3b relates to one in which the mobile part 12 has made a rotation at a certain angle with respect to the position of the mobile part shown in figures 2a and 2b. For the purpose of illustration, and not of limitation, it is noted that in the particular structure of the connection configuration unit 1 as shown in these figures, the angle of rotation is about 60 degrees (i.e. 1/6 of a complete turn).

[0040] As shown in figure 3a, after the rotation of for example about 60 degrees, the mobile input electrode X which was already in contact with the fixed input electrode 11A enters additionally into electrical contact with the fixed input electrode 11 B, thereby maintaining contacts with both fixed input electrodes 11A and 11B. Likewise, the mobile input electrode Y which was already in contact with the fixed input electrode 11B enters additionally into electrical contact with the fixed input electrode 11C, thereby maintaining contacts with both fixed input electrodes 11B and 11C; and the mobile input electrode Z which was already in contact with the fixed input electrode 11C enters additionally into electrical contact with the fixed input electrode 11A, thereby maintaining contacts with both fixed input electrodes 11C and 11A. This position allows each mobile input electrodes to make a new contact with a new fixed input electrode before breaking its respective contact with the previous fixed input electrode, thereby performing the so-called make-before-break process.

[0041] Figure 3b shows the situation of the output contacts after the rotation performed as described in relation to figure 3a. Therefore, after said rotation the mobile output electrode X' which was already in contact with the fixed output electrode 11A' enters additionally into electrical contact with the fixed output electrode 11B', thereby maintaining contacts with both fixed output electrodes 11A' and 11B'. Likewise, the mobile output electrode Y' which was already in contact with the fixed output electrode 11 C' enters additionally into electrical contact with the fixed output electrode 11A', thereby maintaining contacts with both fixed output electrodes 11C' and 11A'; and the mobile output electrode Z' which was already in contact with the fixed output electrode 11B' enters additionally into electrical contact with the fixed output electrode 11C', thereby maintaining contacts with both fixed input electrodes 11B' and 11C'. This position allows each mobile output electrodes to make a new contact with a new fixed output electrode before breaking their contact with the previous fixed output electrode, thereby performing the so-called make-before-break process. In this position all the fixed and mobile input electrodes are connected to all the fixed and mobile output electrodes

[0042] Figures 4a and 4b are exemplary schematic representations of connections provided by the connection configuration unit of the previous figures in a second connection configuration position. In figures 4a and 4b, like elements are shown with like reference numerals as those of the previous figures respectively.

[0043] The position shown in figures 4a and 4b relates to one in which the mobile part 12 has made a further rotation at a certain angle with respect to the position shown in figures 3a and 3b. Here again, similarly to figures 3a and 3b, it is noted that in the particular structure of the connection configuration unit 1 as shown in these figures, the angle of rotation is about 60 degrees (i.e. a further 1/6 of a complete turn).

[0044] As shown in figure 4a, after the (further) rotation of about 60 degrees, the mobile input electrode X loses contact with the fixed input electrode 11A and maintains electrical contact with the fixed input electrode 11B. Likewise, the mobile input electrode Y loses contact with the fixed input electrode 11B and maintains electrical contact with the fixed input electrode 11C; and the mobile input electrode Z loses contact with the fixed input electrode 11C and maintains electrical contact with the fixed input electrode 11A. This position provides a new connection configuration which is different from the first connection configuration of figure 2a.

[0045] Figure 4b shows the situation of the output contacts after the rotation performed as described in relation to figure 4a. Therefore, after said rotation the mobile output electrode X' loses contact with the fixed output electrode 11 A' and maintains electrical contact with the fixed output electrode 11 B'. Likewise, the mobile output electrode Y' loses contact with the fixed output electrode 11 C' and maintains electrical contact with the fixed output electrode 11A'; and the mobile output electrode Z' loses contact with the fixed output electrode 11 B' and maintains electrical contact with the fixed output electrode 11 C'. This position provides a new connection configuration which is different from the first connection configuration of figure 2b.

[0046] According to this second connection configuration, the unit 1 provides connectivity between input terminal A and output terminal C', between input terminal B and output terminal B' and between input terminal C and output terminal A'.

[0047] Therefore with an activation command causing a rotation of the mobile part 12 with respect to the fixed part 11 (through an intermediate connection position of make-before-break) the unit is made to reconfigure the connections from the first connection configuration to the second connection configuration.

[0048] The connection configuration unit 1 may be configured to perform further rotations at appropriate angles. Such rotations may be performed in similar fashion as described above in relation to changing from the first connection configuration to the second connection configuration.

[0049] The invention is not limited to a unit with only three input terminals and three outputs. Similar principle may be applied to any convenient numbers of inputs, outputs and different configurations by attributing a corresponding angular position of the mobile part (corresponding angular rotation) to each different configuration. Figure 5 schematically illustrates an arrangement of connections provided with a connection configuration unit 1 comprising more than three input terminals and more than three output terminals according to some embodiments. In the example of figure 5 there is provided an illustration of five different configurations interconnecting five input terminals A, B, C, D, E with five output terminals A', B', C', D', E' using five interconnections namely VV', WW', XX', YY', ZZ'. It is to be noted that the structure shown in figure 5 is provided merely with a deployed view for better understanding the concept underlying this embodiment in which more than three input terminals may be connected to more than three output terminals. Those skilled in the art will realize that in practice the disposition of these terminals on a connection configuration unit may be determined according to the specific need and the circumstances based on the concepts described herein.

[0050] In this manner a connection configuration unit is provided which is capable of performing switching operations under high voltages (up to or exceeding 10 KV) with a simplified structure and low cost as compared to known solutions. The particular structure of the architecture allows for long lasting operation in submerged conditions with improved reliability.

[0051] Using a stepper motor may simplify managing relatively long (in centimeter range) distances for insulation, as the rotation generates displacements in centimeter range whereas an electromagnet as is typically used, generates only displacements in the range of millimeters.

[0052] It is to be noted that the list of structures corresponding to the claimed means is not exhaustive and that one skilled in the art understands that equivalent structures can be substituted for the recited structure without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0053] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry embodying the principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A connection configuration unit comprising a fixed part and a mobile part, the fixed part comprising at least three fixed input terminals and at least three fixed output terminals, the mobile part being moveable with respect to the fixed part from a first connection position to a second connection position wherein the mobile part comprises at least three connection sets each connection set comprising respectively an input terminal, an output terminal and a electrical connection path between said input terminal and the said output terminal; wherein each of said at least three connection sets is configured to allow electrical connectivity at said first connection position between a first fixed input terminal and a first fixed output terminal and to allow electrical connectivity at said second connection position between a second fixed input terminal and a second fixed output terminal.

2. The unit of claim 1 wherein an angular order of respective positions of at least a first, a second and a third mobile input terminals on the mobile part are different from an angular order of respective positions of a first, second and third mobile output terminals on the mobile part.

3. The unit of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein:

- a first connection set comprises a first input terminal, a first output terminal and a first electrical connection path between the first input terminal and the first output terminal;

- a second connection set comprises a second input terminal, a second output terminal and a second electrical connection path between the second input terminal and the second output terminal;

- a third connection set comprises a third input terminal, a third output terminal and a third electrical connection path between the third input terminal and the third output terminal;

the fixed part comprises:

- a fourth input terminal and a fourth output terminal;

- a fifth input terminal, and a fifth output terminal;

- a sixth input terminal and sixth output terminal;

wherein, in response to an activation command the connection configuration unit is adapted to change from a first connection configuration allowing electrical connectivity between the fourth input terminal and the fourth output terminal through the first input terminal, the first electrical connection path and the first output terminal to a second connection configuration allowing electrical connectivity between the fourth input terminal and the sixth output terminal through the third input terminal, the third electrical connection path and the third output terminal.

4. The unit of claim 3 wherein in the second connection configuration, electrical connectivity is provided between the fifth input terminal and the fifth output terminal through the first input terminal, the first electrical connection path and the first output terminal; and electrical connectivity is provided between the sixth input terminal and the fourth output terminal through the second input terminal, the second electrical connection path and the second output terminal.

5. The unit of any on of the previous claims wherein the connection configuration unit is adapted to provide the first connection configuration and the second connection configuration simultaneously.

6. The unit of claim 5 wherein the connection configuration unit is adapted to provide electrical connection between first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth and the sixth input terminals and the first, the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth and the sixth output simultaneously.

7. The unit of any one of the previous claims wherein the mobile part is configured to adopt at least three stable positions each stable position corresponding to a respective connection configuration.

8. The unit of any one of the previous claims wherein the at least first, second and third mobile input terminals on the mobile part are provided in a clockwise order and the at least first, second and third mobile output terminals are provided in counter-clockwise order, or vice-versa.

9. A branching unit comprising the connection configuration unit of any one of the previous claims.

10. The branching unit of claim 9 wherein further comprising a configuration driver unit adapted for providing said activation command to said mobile part.

Drawing