Device for parallel connection of a plurality of electrical feeder units

Abstract

The device for parallel connection of a plurality of electrical feeder units comprises a power output socket, and for each feeder unit: a connector equipped with a power input plug, andat least one power conductor between said plug and the output socket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages and features will become more clearly apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given as non-restrictive examples only, and represented in the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 represents an embodiment of the connection device wherein the power output socket is fitted on an output housing and wherein controlled switches are fitted in said output housing.

FIG. 2 represents an example of a connector wherein the power input plug and the control connector are integral to one another, and also represents the face of the unit whereto the connector is designed to be connected.

FIG. 3 represents an embodiment of the connection device wherein a power output socket is fitted on an output housing and wherein the controlled switch equipping each power conductor is fitted in the connector connected to said conductor.

FIG. 4 represents an embodiment of the connection device wherein the controlled switch equipping each power conductor is fitted in the connector connected to said conductor and a power output socket is fitted on each connector.

FIG. 5 represents an embodiment of the connection device comprising first and second detection means designed to detect connection of the connector.

FIG. 6 represents an embodiment of the connection device wherein the detection means comprise means for detecting ground continuity.

Claims

1. Device for parallel connection of a plurality of electrical feeder units comprising at least one power output socket designed to deliver electrical power supplied by the plurality of units, and comprising for each unit: a connector equipped with a power input plug designed to be connected to a first electrical output of a unit, andat least one power conductor between said power input plug and the power output socket, wherein:the connector comprises detection means designed to detect connection of said connector to the unit,and at least one controlled switch is connected in series to said at least one power conductor, the at least one controlled switch comprising a control input, said control input being coupled to the detection means, detection of connection of the connector to the unit enabling closing of said at least one controlled switch.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection means comprise means for detecting continuity of electrical conduction.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the means for detecting continuity of electrical conduction are applied to the grounds.

4. Device according to claim 2, wherein the means for detecting continuity of electrical conduction comprise a transformer.

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the transformer is equipped: with a primary winding each end whereof is connected to a power conductor of the power input plug, andwith a secondary winding connected in series with a ground conductor of the power input plug.

6. Device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means comprise a contactor.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the contactor of the detection means is a mechanical contactor, connection of the connector to the unit being detected by mechanical activation of the contactor.

8. Device according to claim 6, wherein the contactor of the detection means is an optical contactor, connection of the connector to the unit being detected by optical activation of the contactor.

9. Device according to claim 6, wherein the contactor of the detection means is a ground contactor, connection of the connector to the unit being detected by placing a ground associated with the connector in contact with a ground of the unit.

10. Device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means comprise a control connector designed to be connected to a second electrical output of the unit, said control connector operating in conjunction with the power input plug so that, when the connector is connected to the unit, an electrical contact between the first output and the power input plug is established substantially at the same time or subsequent to establishment of an electrical contact between the second output, andthe control input is coupled to the control connector, establishment of an electrical contact between the second output of the unit and the control connector enabling closing of said at least one controlled switch.

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the power input plug and the control connector are integral to one another and the direction of insertion of said plug and said connector are the same.

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the power input plug and the control connector are assembled by overmoulding or moulding.

13. Device according to claim 11, wherein the power input plug and the control connector are fitted on a metal or plastic housing.

14. Device according to claim 10, wherein the control connector is connected to the output socket by at least one additional power conductor, at least one additional controlled switch being connected in series on said at least one additional power conductor, said at least one additional controlled switch being associated with the control input.

15. Device according to claim 1, comprising, for each unit of the plurality of electrical feeder units: at least one monitoring connector designed to be connected to at least one monitoring output of the unit delivering monitoring signals representative of the state of operation of said unit, andthe control input of the at least one controlled switch is also coupled to the monitoring connector so that closing of said at least one controlled switch can only be activated if the at least one monitoring connector is connected to the monitoring output and if the monitoring signals are representative of normal operation.

16. Device according to claim 15, wherein the control input of the at least one controlled switch is coupled to the monitoring connector by a second control input of a second controlled switch connected in series between the control connector and said control input.

17. Device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one controlled switch, for each unit, is fitted in the connector.

18. Device according to claim 17, wherein the at least one power output socket is fitted on at least one connector.

19. Device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one power output socket is fitted on an output housing.

20. Device according to claim 19, further comprising communication connectors and means for communication between said communication connectors, said connectors being designed to be connected with communication outputs of each unit.

21. Device according to claim 19, wherein the at least one controlled switch, for each unit, is fitted in the output housing.

22. Device according to claim 19, wherein the at least one controlled switch, for each unit, is fitted in the connector.

23. Device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical power supply units are inverters.

24. Device according to claim 1, wherein it is suitable for connection of two electrical power supply units in parallel.