JP2001524741A - Connector and connection method - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method for coupling telecommunications signals to a plurality of power cables (15), each cable connected in a row to a bus bar (11-13), the method comprising: Selecting one of the cables in the middle of the row and coupling a telecommunication signal to the selected cable or coupling a signal to the busbar near the selected cable. The term “near” preferably means at or near the selected cable, eg, closer to the selected cable than all of the other cables connected to the busbar. When a telecommunications signal is connected to multiple power cables, one purpose is usually to ensure that the distribution of telecommunications signal power between the power cables is approximately equal. As previously suggested, making a physical connection near one of the cables in the middle of the row helps to ensure that the signal power is distributed approximately equally.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[Field of the Invention]

The present application relates to an electrical connector and a connection method. The present application particularly relates to electrical connectors for connecting high frequency telecommunication signals to power transmission or distribution networks.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Such connectors may be required for use in mains power distribution and / or power grids (commonly referred to herein as power networks). In particular, such connectors serve for the secure connection of high-frequency signals from a telecommunications network to a power network in applications involving telecommunications via power lines. Such a power line telecommunications system is described in Applicant's co-pending published International Patent Application No. PCT / GB95 / 02023,
PCT / GB95 / 00894, PCT / GB95 / 00893, PCT / GB
95/02163 and PCT / GB97 / 02937. The teachings and disclosures of these five patent applications are to be referred to in connection with the present invention and are incorporated by reference.

[0003] It is becoming increasingly desirable to connect telecommunications networks to power networks so that telecommunications signals can be transmitted along these power networks, so that suitable connections for making such connections can be made. It is important to find a way and the right equipment to do it. The power network environment is a particularly harsh environment, typically for telecommunication signals and work, due to the typically associated high voltages and power. Thus, the devices that can be used in such power networks are usually well tuned and tightly controlled. That is, these points need to be taken into account when deciding how to connect to the power network.

[0004] Attempts to connect telecommunications signals to a power network at or near a distribution transformer point on the power network present a unique problem. At the distribution transformer point, typically many polyphase feeder cables are connected to the secondary and / or primary windings of the transformer via fuse links and bus-bar sections. However, as long as such distribution transformer points are usually (a) above the ground and (b) thus accessible, they are typically for access to power networks for telecommunication purposes. May be some of the more advantageous aspects of

[0005]

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for connecting a telecommunications network to a power network at or near such a busbar portion, and to provide a device suitable for making the connection. I do.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for coupling a telecommunications signal to a plurality of power cables, each cable being connected to a bus bar in a row.
The method includes selecting one of the cables substantially at the center of the row and coupling the telecommunications signal to the selected cable, or coupling the signal to a busbar near the selected cable. Including. The term "near" preferably means at or near the selected cable, meaning, for example, closer to the selected cable than all other cables connected to the busbar.

When a telecommunications signal is connected to more than one power cable, one purpose is usually to ensure that the power distribution of the telecommunications signal between the power cables is approximately equal. As previously suggested, providing a physical connection near one of the central cables in a row helps to ensure that the signal power is distributed almost equally as much as possible.

[0008] Preferably, the telecommunication signal has a carrier frequency of at least 1 MHZ. While single phase applications are possible, typically the power cable in question is a polyphase power cable (e.g., including 2, 3, 4, or more phases), and therefore for each phase A plurality of bus bars, one each, and possibly a neutral bus bar, may be provided. Obviously, each phase of each cable can be connected to a respective busbar of the appropriate phase. As an example, if each cable is a three-phase cable (eg, red, yellow, and blue phases), there are three active busbars (red, yellow, and blue phases), and each yellow phase of each cable is a yellow phase busbar. Each blue phase of each cable is connected to a blue phase bus bar. In such a case, the telecommunications signal may preferably be coupled to each of the bus bars near the connection of the respective phase of the selected cable. The telecommunications signal may be coupled to as many desired phases / conductors as desired, for example, in a balanced-balanced, balanced-unbalanced, unbalanced-unbalanced or unbalanced-balanced mode.

For example, if an odd number of cables are arranged in a row, the selected cable will preferably be the cable in the middle of the row. However, if an even number of cables are in a row, the selected cable is one of the two cables in the middle of the row, or substantially at the midpoint between the two cables in the middle of the row. A join may take place. Where the arrangement is other than a row, the determination of where to make the physical coupling is based on where the telecommunication signal power is most uniformly distributed to the power cable, which, of course, depends on the power. This is true even when the cables are arranged in a line.

As mentioned above, each feed cable (and just each phase of each cable) may be connected to a respective busbar by a separate fuse link. Such fuse links or fuse holders are generally relatively easy to remove from the system so that fuses can be replaced as needed. However,
Since fuse links typically have an approved design, substantial modifications to this design will require further approval.

Thus, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a fuse holder for use in a power network, the holder including means for holding a fuse element. The invention further comprises means for connecting the fuse element to the power network,
Means for coupling the telecommunications signal to the power network.

By incorporating means for coupling telecommunications signals to the power network in the fuse holder, a simple coupling mechanism is provided that can be retrofitted to existing power networks relatively easily.

[0013] Preferably, the fuse holder is of a standard approved type, including, for example, a fuse link held in place by one or more clamps, and furthermore, the fuse holder is located in the bus bar. And one or more securing means for securing the fuse holder in place on the bus bar when inserted into the bus bar. Preferably, the means for coupling the telecommunications signal to the power network includes at least one capacitive coupler (eg, a capacitor) and connector means that can connect a telecommunications signal cable to the means for coupling. The means for coupling may further include an in-row fuse.

This second aspect of the invention may be used in connection with the first aspect of the invention,
Alternatively, the first aspect of the invention may be used in systems where unused and / or unsuitable.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be illustratively described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016]

[Detailed description]

FIG. 1 shows a connection system between a plurality of (in this case seven) distribution cables 15 and a busbar system. In this case, the bus bar system includes four bus bars 11-
14 are three active phase busbars 11-13 (red, blue and yellow phases respectively) and one neutral busbar 14. In practice, each distribution cable usually has an additional connection to a neutral bus bar, but the connection to the neutral bus bar is not shown for simplicity.

Each distribution cable is a multi-phase cable, which in this case includes three phases, each of which is on a separate conductor 16, 17 and 18. The respective phase conductor of each distribution cable is connected to a suitable bus bar, i.e. the red phase conductor 16 of the first distribution cable is connected to the red phase bus bar 11, and so on. The seven distribution cables 15 are arranged in a straight line, and their respective connections to the bus bars 11-13 are likewise arranged in a straight line. Each distribution cable phase lead is connected to the fuse holder 19
Connected to the appropriate busbar.

According to the present invention, it is desirable to form a connection between the telecommunication signal transmission conductor 20 and each of the seven distribution cables. This selects the distribution cable 21 in the center of the row of distribution cables and places the cable 2 near the connection between the cable 21 and the busbar.
This is done by providing a connection between the telecommunications signal and the bus bar, either to one or to the bus bar. In the example shown, connections for telecommunication signals are made in the fuse holder 19 for each phase conductor of the distribution cable 21, which fuse connection connects these phase conductors to the respective bus bars. Thus, the signal power of the telecommunication signal 20 is appropriately and uniformly distributed between the seven distribution cables 15.

FIG. 2 illustrates a fuse holder (generally designated 22) in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The fuse holder 22 includes a main molded body 23, which holds a fuse link 24 held in place by a pair of bolt clamps 25 and a carrier assembly 50 (shown more clearly in FIG. 5). . Once the fuse carrier is in place in or on the busbar socket (usually after being pushed tight by hand), the fuse holder is held in place by the insulated thumbscrews 26 and these thumbscrews Usually rotates clockwise to lock the fuse holder in place.

The fuse holder shown in FIG. 2 is modified from a standard fuse holder by providing a telecommunications signal connector, generally designated 27.
This will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show other views of the fuse holder 22 described above. FIG. 6 shows the telecommunications signal connector 27 in more detail, which connector 27 corresponds to FIG.
Is inserted into the slot of the fuse holder 22 indicated by the broken line. Connector 27 includes an insulative body 60 within which various connector components are included. A lead wire 62 extending out of the insulating body 60 electrically connects the connector component to the fuse link 24 or the holder 25. Socket 66
A separable RF connection is made to the device via a safety probe 64 connected to the device.
The RF signal is capacitively coupled to the connector 62 via one or more capacitors (63, 65) and an optional fuse 67. The value of the coupling capacitors is selected, their safe working voltage depends on the RF signal frequency, and the phase-phase and / or phase-neutral and / or ground potential of the busbar is 50/60 respectively.
Hz (ie, a relatively high amplitude power component).

The RF signal may be provided with necessary safety grounds, matching devices (ie, balanced-unbalanced, unbalanced-balanced and polyphase-neutral grounds, etc.) if appropriate for neutral and / or grounding. Overvoltage and / or surge arresters should be supplied on the required phase conductors via modified fuse links.

FIG. 7 shows a multi-phase to ground RF signal interface configuration. The RF communication signal is
These resistors 7 interface with the unbalanced coaxial port 701 via a resistive splitter / combiner network including resistors 702-705.
02-705 each share a portion of the RF signal via coupling capacitors 706-708 and three busbars 710, 7 via fuse links 732-734, respectively.
20 and 730. The RF signal is further applied to the main fuse link 735
-737 to a polyphase cable 740, which is a cladding type having a neutral earth sheath.
). Another distribution cable, cable 742, is also presumed to be of a similar type.

The RF chokes (dielectrics) 712-714 provide a low impedance path at 50/60 Hz (ie, power frequency).

When the capacitors 705-708 short, the fuse links 732-734 are no longer in a secure state. However, the chokes 712-714 do not attenuate RF communication signals because they are configured to have a relatively high impedance.

A power transformer secondary winding 750-752 is shown for clarity, with the neutral or star point 753 grounded in this configuration. Each of the three main component assemblies 760-762 may be housed separately if desired for security reasons. Components 706-708 and 732-734 are incorporated into their respective main fuse link housings 735-737 as shown in detail in FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a phase-to-phase RF signal interface configuration. Unbalanced coaxial port 80
1. Balun transformer (winding 803 that can typically be wound around a ferrite ring core)
−805), capacitors 806 and 807 and fuse links 808 and 8
09 on the busbars 810, 811.

The balun transformer windings 803 and 805 provide a low impedance path to 50/60 Hz ground, and if the capacitors 806 and / or 807 fail to short, the fuse links 808 and / or 809 will not be in a safe state . The balun transformer windings 803-805 maintain a relatively high impedance for RF communication signals and do not attenuate these signals.

The RF communication signal provided to bus bars 810 and 811
22 and 823, and similarly connected to cable 821 via main fuse links 824 and 825. The power transformer secondary windings 830-832 are shown for clarity, with the neutral or star point 833 grounded in this configuration. Three main component assemblies 840, 841
And 842 may be housed separately as needed for security reasons.
Components 806, 807 and 808, 809 are incorporated into their respective main fuse link housings 822 and 823, as shown in detail in FIG.

The foregoing embodiments of the present invention have been described by way of example only, and various changes or modifications may be made to the above within the scope of the invention, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. You may.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a typical distribution cable and busbar connection configuration, illustrating a method of coupling telecommunication signals to a configuration according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing an embodiment of a fuse holder according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 along arrow 3;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in the direction of arrow 5;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a coupling means included in the embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-phase to ground RF signal interface configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a phase-to-phase RF signal interface configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Procedural Amendment] Submission of translation of Article 34 Amendment of the Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] February 24, 2000 (2000.2.24)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0019

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 2 illustrates a fuse holder (indicated generally at 19) in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. Fuse holder 19 includes a main molded body 23, which holds a fuse link 24 held in place by a pair of bolt clamps 25 and a carrier assembly 50 (shown more clearly in FIG. 5). . Once the fuse carrier is in place in or on the busbar socket (usually after being pushed tight by hand), the fuse holder is held in place by the insulated thumbscrews 26 and these thumbscrews Usually rotates clockwise to lock the fuse holder in place.

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0021

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIGS. 3 to 5 show other views of the fuse holder 19 described above. FIG. 6 shows the telecommunications signal connector 27 in more detail, which connector 27 corresponds to FIG.
Is inserted into the slot of the fuse holder 19 indicated by the broken line. Connector 27 includes an insulative body 60 within which various connector components are included. A lead wire 62 extending out of the insulating body 60 electrically connects the connector component to the fuse link 24 or the holder 25. Socket 66
A separable RF connection is made to the device via a safety probe 64 connected to the device.
The RF signal is capacitively coupled to the connector 62 via one or more capacitors (63, 65) and an optional fuse 67. The value of the coupling capacitors is selected, their safe working voltage depends on the RF signal frequency, and the phase-phase and / or phase-neutral and / or ground potential of the busbar is 50/60 respectively.
Hz (ie, a relatively high amplitude power component).

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Figure 2

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 2

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Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A method for coupling telecommunications signals to a plurality of power cables, wherein each said cable is connected to a bus bar in line with another cable, the method comprising: Selecting one of the cables and coupling the telecommunications signal to the selected cable or coupling the signal to the bus bar near the selected cable. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the telecommunications signal is coupled closer to the selected cable than to all other cables connected to the bus bar. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the telecommunication signal has a carrier frequency of at least 1 MHZ. 4. The power cable is a multi-phase power cable, one bus bar is provided for each phase, and the telecommunication signal is transmitted to the bus bar near the connection of each phase of the selected cable. 4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein each is coupled to. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein when an odd number of cables are arranged in a row, the selected cable is a cable in the center of the row. 6. In the case where an even number of cables are arranged in a row, the selected cable is one of the two cables in the middle of the row, or the two cables in the middle of the row. 5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling takes place substantially at an intermediate point between them. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the power cables is connected to a respective bus bar by a respective separate fuse link, and the telecommunications signals are coupled via at least one fuse link. The described method. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the fuse link is as described in any of claims 9 to 11 or 13. 9. A fuse holder for use in a power network, the holder comprising: means for holding a fuse element; means for connecting the fuse element to the power network; Means for coupling a communication signal to said power network. 10. A bus bar, comprising: a fuse link held in place by one or more clamps; and wherein the fuse holder is inserted into or over the bus bar, upon the bus bar. The fuse holder according to claim 9, further comprising one or more fixing means for fixing the fuse holder in place. 11. The means for coupling the telecommunication signal to the power network includes at least one capacitive coupler, and connector means by which a power communication signal cable can be connected to the coupling means. The fuse holder according to claim 9. 12. A method for combining telecommunications signals, substantially any of the embodiments described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. 13. A fuse holder substantially as in any of the embodiments described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.