WO2025199031A1

WO2025199031A1 - Electrical rotary contactor

Info

Publication number: WO2025199031A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/020238
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Irvin PEA; Patrick Alan ADELMAN
Original assignee: Hubbell Inc
Current assignee: Hubbell Inc
Priority date: 2024-03-18
Filing date: 2025-03-17
Publication date: 2025-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-18

Abstract

A rotary contactor including a center sleeve having a center axis. The center sleeve including a first end and a second end. The rotary contactor also including a first end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the first end, a second end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the second end, a first barrier plate axially spaced between the first end plate and the second end plate about the center axis, and a first contactor stack axially spaced between the first barrier plate and the second end plate about the center axis. The first contactor stack includes a first rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a first cable conductor. The first rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis. The first contactor stack also includes a first nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to a power supply.

Description

ELECTRICAL ROTARY CONTACTOR

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/566,525, filed March 18, 2024, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to rotary contactors.

SUMMARY

[0003] Slip ring assemblies (e.g., collector assemblies) are rotating conductive components on a spring or motor driven reeling device used for storing and protecting electrical cable. Although described herein in the context of spring or motor driven reeling devices, slip ring assemblies may also be used in any instance where an electrical collector carries current from a stationary wire into a rotating device. In some instances, the electrical cable is dispensed from and retracted onto a storage spool which is part of the reeling device. Typically, slip ring assemblies are an important part of a conductive path starting from a stationary power supply, moving into the reeling device, through the slip ring assembly, and continuing to a piece of movable equipment or to a consumer. Components of the slip ring assemblies are known to build up carbon deposits within a contact area between a brush and a ring when electricity arcs while conducting electric current through the components. For example, an application where slip ring assembly rotation may be limited and infrequent is an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station where a combination of high voltage and current along with various control and sensor signals are conducted through the slip ring assembly to the EV for long periods of time (e g., one hour to several hours) with no rotation. This charging service can repeat for many hours every day. [0004] Brush and ring circuits of the slip ring assembly, which are conducting the high voltage and current, are most susceptible to carbon buildup which can increase electrical resistance, tracking, and heat rise at the brush-ring contact area. In some instances, the carbon buildup may cause the slip ring assembly to become hazardous due to the slip ring heat rise and electrical arcing. Additionally, the future of EV charging stations may use greater voltages and current for decreasing the overall charging duration. Present megawatt charging stations are limited to 1,000V and 500A using standard air-cooled copper conductors in electrically insulated cable. However, future EV charging stations may use up to 1,250V or 1,500V and 3,000A for even shorter charging cycles to facilitate passenger busing, electrical aircraft and watercraft, and electric tractor-trailer rigs and trucks for passenger and goods transport. As a result, reeling devices including components that reduce frictional wear, reduce rotational torque, transport greater current without a significant rise in heat, and increase time intervals between repair may be desirable to decrease maintenance cost and replacement frequency over time.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a rotary contactor including a center sleeve having a center axis. The center sleeve includes a first end and a second end. The rotary contactor also includes a first end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the first end, a second end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the second end, a first barrier plate axially spaced between the first end plate and the second end plate about the center axis, a second barrier plate axially spaced between the first barrier plate and the second end plate about the center axis, and a first contactor stack axially spaced between the first barrier plate and the second barrier plate about the center axis. The first contactor stack includes a first rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a first cable conductor. The first rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis. The first contactor stack also includes a first nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to a power supply. [0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a rotary contactor including a center sleeve having a center axis. The center sleeve includes a first end and a second end. The rotary contactor also includes a first end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the first end, a second end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the second end, and a first contactor stack axially spaced between the first end plate and the second end plate about the center axis. The first contactor stack includes a first rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a first cable conductor. The first rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis. The first contactor stack also includes a first nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to a power supply. The rotary contactor also includes a second contactor stack axially spaced between the first contactor stack and the second end plate about the center axis. The second contactor stack includes a second rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a second cable conductor. The second rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis. The second contactor stack also includes a second nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to the power supply. The rotary contactor also includes a third contactor stack axially spaced between the second contactor stack and the second end plate about the center axis. The third contactor stack includes a third rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a third cable conductor. The third rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis. The third contactor stack also includes a third nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to the power supply.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a rotary contactor including a center sleeve having a center axis. The center sleeve includes a first end and a second end. The rotary contactor also includes a first end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the first end, a second end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the second end, and a first contactor stack axially spaced between the first end plate and the second end plate about the center axis. The first contactor stack includes a first rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a first cable conductor. The first rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis. The first contactor stack also includes a first nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to a power supply.

[0008] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a rotary contactor, according to some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the rotary contactor of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the rotary contactor of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rotary contactor of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the rotary contactor of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the rotary contactor of FIG. 1 in a decompressed position, according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the rotary contactor of FIG. 1 in a compressed position, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Before any embodiments of the application are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the application is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The application is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a rotary contactor (e.g., an electrical rotary contactor) 100, according to some embodiments. The rotary contactor 100 may be implemented as part of a spring driven reeling device or a motor driven reeling device for storing and protecting electrical cable. For example, the rotary contactor 100 rotates with the movable electrical cable without supplying electrical current to conductors of the electrical cable. In other examples, it should be understood that certain aspects of the rotary contactor 100 may also be implemented in other types of rotary electrical devices.

[0018] The rotary contactor 100 includes a center sleeve 105 having a center axis C along the length of the center sleeve 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the center sleeve 105 traverses the length of the rotary contactor 100. The center sleeve 105 further includes a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the rotary contactor 100 includes a first end plate 110 axially positioned about the center axis C at the first end. The rotary contactor 100 may also include a second end plate 115 (FIG. 2) axially positioned about the center axis C at the second end. The first end plate 110 and the second end plate 115 support each respective end of the center sleeve 105 and components of the rotary contactor 100. Additionally, the first end plate 110 and the second end plate 115 maintain alignment of rotating components of the rotary contactor 100. The rotary contactor 100 further includes a contactor bracket 120 having a first bracket 120a and a second bracket 120b. The first bracket 120a is circumferentially arranged about the first end plate 110 at the first end. Similarly, the second bracket 120b is circumferentially arranged about the second end plate 115 at the second end. The first bracket 120a is fastened to the second bracket 120b via a plurality of bracket rods 125.

[0019] In some embodiments, the rotary contactor 100 includes a first barrier plate 130 and a first contactor stack 135. The first barrier plate 130 may be axially spaced between the first end plate 110 and the second end plate 115 about the center axis C. The first contactor stack 135 may be axially spaced between the first barrier plate 130 and the second end plate 115 about the center axis C. As such, the first barrier plate 130 may be axially spaced between the first end plate 110 and the first contactor stack 135 about the center axis C. In some instances, the first barrier plate 130 is an insulator such that the first contactor stack 135 is electrically isolated from other conductive components of the rotary contactor 100. In some embodiments, the first contactor stack 135 includes one or more electrically conductive rings configured to electrically connect to components external to the rotary contactor 100. For example, the first contactor stack 135 electrically connects with a conductor of a movable electrical cable and power supply components.

[0020] In some embodiments, the rotary contactor 100 includes a second barrier plate 140 and a second contactor stack 145. The second barrier plate 140 may be axially spaced between the first contactor stack 135 and the second end plate 115 about the center axis C. The second contactor stack 145 may be axially spaced between the second barrier plate 140 and the second end plate 115 about the center axis C. As such, the second barrier plate 140 may be axially spaced between the first contactor stack 135 and the second contactor stack 145 about the center axis C. Similar to the first barrier plate 130, in some instances, the second barrier plate 140 is an insulator such that the first contactor stack 135 and the second contactor stack 145 are each electrically isolated from other conductive components of the rotary contactor 100. In some embodiments, the second contactor stack 145 includes one or more electrically conductive rings configured to electrically connect to components external to the rotary contactor 100. For example, the second contactor stack 145 electrically connects with a conductor of a movable electrical cable and power supply components.

[0021] In some embodiments, the rotary contactor 100 includes a third barrier plate 150 and a third contactor stack 155. The third barrier plate 150 may be axially spaced between the second contactor stack 145 and the second end plate 115 about the center axis C. The third contactor stack 155 may be axially spaced between the third barrier plate 150 and the second end plate 115 about the center axis C. As such, the third barrier plate 150 may be axially spaced between the second contactor stack 145 and the third contactor stack 155 about the center axis C. Similar to the first barrier plate 130 and the second barrier plate 140, in some instances, the third barrier plate 150 is an insulator such that the second contactor stack 145 and the third contactor stack 155 are each electrically isolated from other conductive components of the rotary contactor 100. In some embodiments, the third contactor stack 155 includes one or more electrically conductive rings configured to electrically connect to components external to the rotary contactor 100. For example, the third contactor stack 155 electrically connects with a conductor of a movable electrical cable and power supply components. Although some embodiments described herein include the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155, it should be understood that some embodiments may only include the first contactor stack 135. In such embodiments, the rotary contactor 100 only includes the first barrier plate 130 and the second barrier plate 140. In other embodiments, the rotary contactor 100 may include additional contactor stacks as suitable for a given application. In embodiments with additional contactor stacks, the rotary contactor 100 also includes additional barrier plates axially spaced between the additional contactor stacks, as described herein.

[0022] In some embodiments, the rotary contactor 100 further includes a fourth barrier plate 160. The fourth barrier plate 160 may be axially spaced between the third contactor stack 155 and the second end plate 115 about the center axis C. In some instances, the fourth barrier plate 160 is an insulator such that the third contactor stack 155 is electrically isolated from other conductive components of the rotary contactor 100.

[0023] In some embodiments, the rotary contactor 100 includes a first conductor lead 165a, a second conductor lead 165b, and a third conductor lead 165c. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, each conductor lead electrically connects a respective contactor stack to a conductor of the movable electrical cable. For example, in some embodiments, the first conductor lead 165a is rigidly coupled to the first contactor stack 135. The first conductor lead 165a may be configured to electrically connect the first contactor stack 135 to a first cable conductor. Similarly, the second conductor lead 165b is rigidly coupled to the second contactor stack 145. The second conductor lead 165b may be configured to electrically connect the second contactor stack 145 to a second cable conductor. Likewise, the third conductor lead 165c is rigidly couple to the third contactor stack 155. The third conductor lead 165c may be configured to electrically connect the third contactor stack 155 to a third cable conductor.

[0024] The rotary contactor 100 may also include a first supply lead 170a, a second supply lead 170b (FIG. 2), and a third supply lead 170c. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, each supply lead electrically connects a respective contactor stack to an external device, such as, for example but not limited to, a power supply and/or a communication supply. For example, in some embodiments, the first supply lead 170a is rigidly coupled to the first contactor stack 135. The first supply lead 170a may be configured to electrically connect the first contactor stack 135 to the power supply. Similarly, the second supply lead 170b is rigidly coupled to the second contactor stack 145. The second supply lead 170b may be configured to electrically connect the second contactor stack 145 to the power supply. Likewise, the third supply lead 170c is rigidly coupled to the third contactor stack 155. The third supply lead 170c may be configured to electrically connect the third contactor stack to the power supply.

[0025] In some embodiments, the rotary contactor 100 includes a pressure plate 175 disposed circumferentially around the second end plate 115 about the center axis C. The pressure plate 175 is configured to releasably compress each of the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155. In some embodiments, the rotary contactor 100 also includes a motor 180. The motor 180 is operatively coupled to the pressure plate 175 via a fastener 185. For example, the fastener 185 may be a screw, a bolt, or any other suitable fastener. The motor 180 is configured to actuate the pressure plate 175 to releasably compress the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155. For example, when the rotary contactor 100 carries current via the power supply, the motor 180 turns the fastener 185 to actuate the pressure plate 175. As the motor 180 actuates the pressure plate 175, the pressure plate 175 compresses the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155 such that the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155 conduct electrical current from the power supply to an electrical consumer. Accordingly, actuating the pressure plate 175 completes each of the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155 as current conducting circuits. Similarly, the motor 180 turns the fastener 185 in an opposite direction to actuate the pressure plate 175 to decompress the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155. In such instances, when the actuation of the pressure plate 175 decompresses each contactor stack, the current conducting circuits of each of the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155 are broken such that no current is conducted in any of the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the rotary contactor 100 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. For example, the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing the second end of the center sleeve 105 along the center axis C. As illustrated, the second end plate 1 15 is axially positioned about the center axis C at the second end. Additionally, the second bracket 120b is circumferentially arranged about the second end plate 115 at the second end. Furthermore, the second supply lead 170b is shown rigidly coupled to the second contactor stack 145. In some embodiments, the rotary contactor 100 may include a plurality of motors 180. In such embodiments, each motor 180 actuates the pressure plate 175 to releasably compress each of the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the rotary contactor 100 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, each of the contactor stacks includes a rotating conductive plate and a nonrotating conductive plate. As such, the first contactor stack 135 includes a first rotating conductive plate 335a and a first nonrotating conductive plate 335b. The first rotating conductive plate 335a is electrically connected to the first cable conductor via the first conductor lead 165a. In some embodiments, the first rotating conductive plate 335a is configured to rotate about the center axis C. For example, the first rotating conductive plate 335a is configured to rotate freely about the center axis C with the movement of the first cable conductor of the movable electrical cable. In some instances, the first rotating conductive plate 335a rotates in unison with the first end plate 110, the second end plate 115, the first barrier plate 130, the second barrier plate 140, the third barrier plate 150, and the fourth barrier plate 160. In such instances, the first rotating conductive plate 335a, the first end plate 110, the second end plate 115, the first barrier plate 130, the second barrier plate 140, the third barrier plate 150, and the fourth barrier plate 160 are coupled for rotation via, for example, a stud, a rod, or the like. The first nonrotating conductive plate 335b is electrically connected to the power supply via the first supply lead 170a. Accordingly, the first nonrotating conductive plate 335b does not rotate relative to the center axis C.

[0028] Similarly, the second contactor stack 145 includes a second rotating conductive plate 345a and a second nonrotating conductive plate 345b. The second rotating conductive plate 345a is electrically connected to the second cable conductor via the second conductor lead 165b. In some embodiments, the second rotating conductive plate 345a is configured to rotate about the center axis C. For example, the second rotating conductive plate 345a is configured to rotate freely about the center axis C with the movement of the second cable conductor of the movable electrical cable. In some instances, the second rotating conductive plate 345a rotates in unison with the first end plate 110, the second end plate 115, the first barrier plate 130, the second barrier plate 140, the third barrier plate 150, the fourth barrier plate 160, and the first rotating conductive plate 335a. In such instances, the second rotating conductive plate 345a, the first end plate 110, the second end plate 115, the first barrier plate 130, the second barrier plate 140, the third barrier plate 150, the fourth barrier plate 160, and the first rotating conductive plate 335a are coupled for rotation via, for example, a stud, a rod, or the like. The second nonrotating conductive plate 345b is electrically connected to the power supply via the second supply lead 170b. Accordingly, the second nonrotating conductive plate 345b does not rotate relative to the center axis C.

[0029] Likewise, the third contactor stack 155 includes a third rotating conductive plate 355a and a third nonrotating conductive plate 355b. The third rotating conductive plate 355a is electrically connected to the third cable conductor via the third conductor lead 165c. In some embodiments, the third rotating conductive plate 355a is configured to rotate about the center axis C. For example, the third rotating conductive plate 355a is configured to rotate freely about the center axis C with the movement of the third cable conductor of the movable electrical cable. In some instances, the third rotating conductive plate 355a rotates in unison with the first end plate 110, the second end plate 115, the first barrier plate 130, the second barrier plate 140, the third barrier plate 150, the fourth barrier plate 160, the first rotating conductive plate 335a, and the second rotating conductive plate 345a. In such instances, the third rotating conductive plate 355a, the first end plate 110, the second end plate 115, the first barrier plate 130, the second barrier plate 140, the third barrier plate 150, the fourth barrier plate 160, the first rotating conductive plate 335a, and the second rotating conductive plate 345a are coupled for rotation via, for example, a stud, a rod, or the like. The third nonrotating conductive plate 355b is electrically connected to the power supply via the third supply lead 170c. Accordingly, the third nonrotating conductive plate 355b does not rotate relative to the center axis C.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first conductor lead 165a is rigidly coupled to the first rotating conductive plate 335a. The first supply lead 170a is also rigidly coupled to the first nonrotating conductive plate 335b. Similarly, the second conductor lead 165b is rigidly coupled to the second rotating conductive plate 345a. The second supply lead 170b is also rigidly coupled to the second nonrotating conductive plate 345b. Likewise, the third conductor lead 165c is rigidly coupled to the third rotating conductive plate 355a. The third supply lead 170c is also rigidly coupled to the third nonrotating conductive plate 355b.

[0031] In some embodiments, the rotary contactor 100 further includes a plurality of springs 380. The plurality of springs 380 is operatively coupled to the motor 180 and the fastener 185. For example, as the motor 180 turns the fastener 185 to actuate the pressure plate 175, the plurality of springs 380 exert a compressive force on the pressure plate 175 to compress the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rotary contactor 100 of FIG. 2, according to some embodiments. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the components of the rotary contactor 100 may slide along the center axis C via the center sleeve 105. For example, the first barrier plate 130, the first contactor stack 135, the second barrier plate 140, the second contactor stack 145, the third barrier plate 150, the third contactor stack 155, and the fourth barrier plate 160 may slide relative to the center sleeve 105 along the center axis C between the first end and the second end of the center sleeve 105. In response to the pressure plate 175 releasing the compressive force on the components of the rotary contactor 100, the components of the rotary contactor 100 may slide along the center axis C. Additionally, in response to the pressure plate 175 releasing the compressive force, no electrical current flows through the rotary contactor 100 and the first rotating conductive plate 335a, the second rotating conductive plate 345a, and the third rotating conductive plate 355a are free to rotate relative to the center axis C.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the rotary contactor 100 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. The embodiment of FIG. 5 illustrates the exploded view of the first bracket 120a, the pressure plate 175, and the second bracket 120b connected via the plurality of bracket rods 125. Additionally, the motor 180 is shown separated from the pressure plate 175 by connection of the fastener 185. FIG. 5 also illustrates an exploded view of the components of the rotary contactor 100 between the first end plate 110 and the second end plate 115 axially spaced on the center sleeve 105 along the center axis C. For example, the first barrier plate 130 is axially spaced from the first end plate 110 along the center axis C, the first rotating conductive plate 335a and the first nonrotating conductive plate 335b are axially spaced from the first barrier plate 130 along the center axis C, and the second barrier plate 140 is axially spaced from the first nonrotating conductive plate 335b along the center axis C. The second rotating conductive plate 345a and the second nonrotating conductive plate 345b are axially spaced from the second barrier plate 140 along the center axis C, the third barrier plate 150 is axially spaced from the second nonrotating conductive plate 345b along the center axis C, and the third rotating conductive plate 355a and the third nonrotating conductive plate 355b are axially spaced from the third barrier plate 150. Lastly, the fourth barrier plate 160 is axially spaced between the third nonrotating conductive plate 355b and the second end plate 115 along the center axis C. In some embodiments, the rotary contactor 100 further includes a plurality of plate rods 505. The plurality of plate rods 505 mechanically couple the first rotating conductive plate 335a, the second rotating conductive plate 345a, and the third rotating conductive plate 355a such that each rotating conductive plate rotates about the center axis C at the same speed and direction.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the rotary contactor 100 of FIG. 1 in a decompressed position, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 180 turns the fastener 185 to move the pressure plate 175 to a first position 605. As the pressure plate 175 moves to the first position 605, the pressure plate 175 decompresses the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155. Therefore, the current conducting circuits of each of the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155 are broken such that no current is conducted in any of the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first rotating conductive plate 335a is separated from the first nonrotating conductive plate 335b. Similarly, the second rotating conductive plate 345a is separated from the second nonrotating conductive plate 345b. Likewise, the third rotating conductive plate 355a is separated from the third nonrotating conductive plate 355b. As such, the first rotating conductive plate 335a, the second rotating conductive plate 345a, and the third rotating conductive plate 355a are each free to rotate about the center axis C without supplying electrical current.

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the rotary contactor 100 of FIG. 1 in a compressed position, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 180 turns the fastener 185 to move the pressure plate 175 to a second position 705. As the pressure plate 175 moves to the second position 705, the pressure plate 175 releasably compresses the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155. When the pressure plate 175 is in the second position 705, the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155 each conduct electrical current from the power supply to an electrical consumer. Accordingly, actuating the pressure plate 175 to the second position 705 completes each of the first contactor stack 135, the second contactor stack 145, and the third contactor stack 155 as current conducting circuits. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first rotating conductive plate 335a is electrically connected to the first nonrotating conductive plate 335b. Similarly, the second rotating conductive plate 345a is electrically connected to the second nonrotating conductive plate 345b. Likewise, the third rotating conductive plate 355a is electrically connected to the third nonrotating conductive plate 355b. As such, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the first rotating conductive plate 335a, the second rotating conductive plate 345a, and the third rotating conductive plate 355a do not rotate about the center axis C and supply electrical current to an electrical consumer.

[0036] Thus, the disclosure provides, among other things, an electrical rotary contactor. Various features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein are set forth in the following claims. In the foregoing specification, specific examples, features, and aspects have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.

[0037] The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0038] Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” “including,” “contains,” “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises ...a,” “has ...a,” “includes ...a,” or “contains ...a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially,” “essentially,” “approximately,” “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0039] It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method and/or apparatus described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used.

[0040] Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation. [0041] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A rotary contactor comprising: a center sleeve having a center axis, the center sleeve including a first end and a second end; a first end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the first end; a second end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the second end; a first barrier plate axially spaced between the first end plate and the second end plate about the center axis; a second barrier plate axially spaced between the first barrier plate and the second end plate about the center axis; a first contactor stack axially spaced between the first barrier plate and the second barrier plate about the center axis, the first contactor stack including a first rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a first cable conductor, the first rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis, and a first nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to a power supply.

2. The rotary contactor of claim 1, further comprising: a first conductor lead rigidly coupled to the first rotating conductive plate, the first conductor lead configured to electrically connect the first rotating conductive plate to the first cable conductor; and a first supply lead rigidly coupled to the first nonrotating conductive plate, the first supply lead configured to electrically connect the first nonrotating conductive plate to the power supply.

3. The rotary contactor of claim 1, further comprising: a third barrier plate axially spaced between the second barrier plate and the second end plate about the center axis; a second contactor stack axially spaced between the second barrier plate and the third barrier plate about the center axis, the second contactor stack including a second rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a second cable conductor, the second rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis, and a second nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to the power supply.

4. The rotary contactor of claim 3, further comprising: a second conductor lead rigidly coupled to the second rotating conductive plate, the second conductor lead configured to electrically connect the second rotating conductive plate to the second cable conductor; and a second supply lead rigidly coupled to the second nonrotating conductive plate, the second supply lead configured to electrically connect the second nonrotating conductive plate to the power supply.

5. The rotary contactor of claim 3, further comprising: a fourth barrier plate axially spaced between the third barrier plate and the second end plate about the center axis; a third contactor stack axially spaced between the third barrier plate and the fourth barrier plate about the center axis, the third contactor stack including a third rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a third cable conductor, the third rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis, and a third nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to the power supply.

6. The rotary contactor of claim 5, further comprising: a third conductor lead rigidly coupled to the third rotating conductive plate, the third conductor lead configured to electrically connect the third rotating conductive plate to the third cable conductor; and a third supply lead rigidly coupled to the third nonrotating conductive plate, the third supply lead configured to electrically connect the third nonrotating conductive plate to the power supply.

7. The rotary contactor of claim 1, further comprising: a pressure plate disposed circumferentially around the second end plate, the pressure plate configured to releasably compress the first contactor stack; and a motor operatively coupled to the pressure plate, the motor configured to actuate the pressure plate to compress the first contactor stack.

8. A rotary contactor comprising: a center sleeve having a center axis, the center sleeve including a first end and a second end; a first end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the first end; a second end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the second end; a first contactor stack axially spaced between the first end plate and the second end plate about the center axis, the first contactor stack including a first rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a first cable conductor, the first rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis, a first nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to a power supply, a second contactor stack axially spaced between the first contactor stack and the second end plate about the center axis, the second contactor stack including a second rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a second cable conductor, the second rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis, a second nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to the power supply, a third contactor stack axially spaced between the second contactor stack and the second end plate about the center axis, the third contactor stack including a third rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a third cable conductor, the third rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis, and a third nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to the power supply.

9. The rotary contactor of claim 8, further comprising: a first conductor lead rigidly coupled to the first rotating conductive plate, the first conductor lead configured to electrically connect the first rotating conductive plate to the first cable conductor; and a first supply lead rigidly coupled to the first nonrotating conductive plate, the first supply lead configured to electrically connect the first nonrotating conductive plate to the power supply.

10. The rotary contactor of claim 8, further comprising: a second conductor lead rigidly coupled to the second rotating conductive plate, the second conductor lead configured to electrically connect the second rotating conductive plate to the second cable conductor; and a second supply lead rigidly coupled to the second nonrotating conductive plate, the second supply lead configured to electrically connect the second nonrotating conductive plate to the power supply.

11. The rotary contactor of claim 8, further comprising: a third conductor lead rigidly coupled to the third rotating conductive plate, the third conductor lead configured to electrically connect the third rotating conductive plate to the third cable conductor; and a third supply lead rigidly coupled to the third nonrotating conductive plate, the third supply lead configured to electrically connect the third nonrotating conductive plate to the power supply.

12. The rotary contactor of claim 8, further comprising: a first barrier plate axially spaced between the first end plate and the first contactor stack about the center axis; a second barrier plate axially spaced between the first contactor stack and the second contactor stack about the center axis; a third barrier plate axially spaced between the second contactor stack and the third contactor stack about the center axis; and a fourth barrier plate axially spaced between the third contactor stack and the second end plate about the center axis.

13. The rotary contactor of claim 12, wherein each of the first barrier plate, the second barrier plate, the third barrier plate, and the fourth barrier plate is an insulator.

14. The rotary contactor of claim 8, further comprising: a pressure plate disposed circumferentially around the second end plate, the pressure plate configured to releasably compress the first contactor stack, the second contactor stack, and the third contactor stack; and a motor operatively coupled to the pressure plate, the motor configured to actuate the pressure plate to compress the first contactor stack, the second contactor stack, and the third contactor stack.

15. A rotary contactor compri sing : a center sleeve having a center axis, the center sleeve including a first end and a second end; a first end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the first end; a second end plate axially positioned about the center axis at the second end; a first contactor stack axially spaced between the first end plate and the second end plate about the center axis, the first contactor stack including a first rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a first cable conductor, the first rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis, and a first nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to a power supply.

16. The rotary contactor of claim 15, further comprising: a first conductor lead rigidly coupled to the first rotating conductive plate, the first conductor lead configured to electrically connect the first rotating conductive plate to the first cable conductor; and a first supply lead rigidly coupled to the first nonrotating conductive plate, the first supply lead configured to electrically connect the first nonrotating conductive plate to the power supply.

17. The rotary contactor of claim 15, further comprising: a second contactor stack axially spaced between the first contactor stack and the second end plate about the center axis, the second contactor stack including a second rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a second cable conductor, the second rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis, a second nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to the power supply, a third contactor stack axially spaced between the second contactor stack and the second end plate about the center axis, the third contactor stack including a third rotating conductive plate electrically connected to a third cable conductor, the third rotating conductive plate configured to rotate about the center axis, and a third nonrotating conductive plate electrically connected to the power supply.

17. The rotary contactor of claim 17, further comprising: a first barrier plate axially spaced between the first end plate and the first contactor stack about the center axis; a second barrier plate axially spaced between the first contactor stack and the second contactor stack about the center axis; a third barrier plate axially spaced between the second contactor stack and the third contactor stack about the center axis; and a fourth barrier plate axially spaced between the third contactor stack and the second end plate about the center axis.

19. The rotary contactor of claim 17, further comprising: a second conductor lead rigidly coupled to the second rotating conductive plate, the second conductor lead configured to electrically connect the second rotating conductive plate to the second cable conductor; and a second supply lead rigidly coupled to the second nonrotating conductive plate, the second supply lead configured to electrically connect the second nonrotating conductive plate to the power supply.

20. The rotary contactor of claim 17, further comprising: a third conductor lead rigidly coupled to the third rotating conductive plate, the third conductor lead configured to electrically connect the third rotating conductive plate to the third cable conductor; and a third supply lead rigidly coupled to the third nonrotating conductive plate, the third supply lead configured to electrically connect the third nonrotating conductive plate to the power supply.