Connection device for a constant current regulator

Abstract

Connection device (4) for a constant current regulator (3) intended to be electrically connected to a loop of a lighting system at an aerodrome or heliport.

Description

Domaine technique

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device for a constant current regulator, in particular for use in a constant current series circuit. Technique antérieure

[0002] In the field of lighting, particularly for airfields or heliports, constant current regulators are known, which are electrical devices configured to produce a constant effective output current regardless of variations in the series circuit load, input voltage and specified service conditions.

[0003] These constant current regulators are essential for marking airfields or heliports.

[0004] WO2014 / 001402A1 describes an example of a connection device for a constant current regulator.

[0005] A problem arises in the event of a failure or urgent maintenance of the constant current regulators. These must then be replaced or temporarily disconnected, resulting in a shutdown of the runway lighting system. If this disconnection occurs over a prolonged period, at night, or during periods of low visibility, there is a risk, for example, that aircraft requiring guidance during their approaches to the aerodrome may be unable to land. This can lead to additional in-flight waiting times, or even the diversion of the aircraft to an aerodrome other than the destination aerodrome, if the lighting system is not operational.

[0006] This can result in significant penalties and financial constraints for the airport operator. Résumé

[0007] The invention improves the situation.

[0008] A connection device is proposed for a constant current regulator intended to be electrically connected to a loop of a beacon according to claim 1.

[0009] Thanks to these features, the constant current regulator can be connected and disconnected from the electrical grid particularly easily and quickly, thus minimizing the maintenance time required. This reduces the amount of time the constant current regulator may be out of operation and ensures more reliable lighting at the airfield or heliport.

[0010] By being positioned on the connection device, the disconnecting device ensures that the grounding of the beacon loop is maintained even when the constant current regulator is disconnected. Indeed, if the disconnecting device were located directly on the current regulator and not on a remote connection device as described in the invention, the grounding of the beacon loop might not be ensured if the current regulator were no longer electrically connected to the beacon loop.

[0011] Optional and additional features are given in claims 2 to 9.

[0012] The invention also relates to an electrical assembly according to claim 10.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the electrical assembly is according to claim 11.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the electrical assembly is according to claim 12. Brève description des dessins

[0015] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which: Fig. 1 [ Fig. 1 ] is a schematic representation of a closed loop with constant current for marking an aerodrome runway. Fig.2 [ Fig. 2 ] is a schematic side view representation of a connection device according to an embodiment of the invention and a constant current regulator. Fig. 3 [ Fig. 3 ] is a schematic perspective representation of the connection device of the [ Fig. 2 ] when it is electrically disconnected from the constant current regulator. Fig. 4 [ Fig. 4 ] is a representation of the electrical circuit corresponding to the connection device and the constant current regulator of the [ Fig. 2 ]. Fig. 5A-5D [ Fig. 5A], [Fig. 5B ], [ Fig. 5C] et [Fig. 5D ] are representations of the electrical circuit corresponding to different positions of the switching device of the connection device of the [ Fig. 4 ]. Description du mode de réalisation

[0016] The drawings and description below contain, for the most part, elements of a definite nature. They may therefore not only serve to better explain this disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0017] To facilitate the reading of the figures, the different elements are not necessarily drawn to scale. In these figures, identical elements have the same reference numbers. Some elements or parameters may be indexed, that is, designated, for example, as first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing aims to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element or parameter over another, and the designations can be interchanged. When it is specified that a subsystem contains a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in that subsystem.

[0018] There [ Fig. 1 ] illustrates a simplified representation of a closed electrical loop of a beacon 1, namely a series circuit with constant current.

[0019] Two sets of lighted runway lights (called "aeronautical ground lighting" in English) are connected in a series circuit to a constant current regulator (RCC) (called "Constant Current Regulator" in English). The runway lights are thus powered by the same current, regardless of their number or position, allowing all the runway lights to emit the same light signal.

[0020] To prevent a beacon failure from opening the circuit, each beacon can be connected to an isolation transformer (also known as an aeronautical ground lighting series transformer). The primary circuits of the isolation transformers are connected to each other in the series circuit, while the runway 2 beacons are connected to the secondary circuits of the transformers. These isolation transformers thus ensure the continuity of the series circuit in the event of a filament failure in a runway 2 beacon bulb, for example.

[0021] The constant current regulator 3 is configured to receive electrical power and supply a constant current to the series circuit. To this end, it can produce a rated output current ranging from a minimum of 1.8 A to a maximum of 6.6 A, or even from 6.7 A to 20 A depending on the specifications required by each national authority. It may include several available output current steps, typically three or five.

[0022] The constant current regulator 3 is configured for a rated power between 1 kVA and 30 kVA at an operating frequency of approximately 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The constant current regulator 3 meets the requirements of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 61822:2009 concerning electrical installations for aerodrome lighting and marking.

[0023] In order to perform maintenance or replacement quickly, a connection device 4 according to the invention is electrically connected to the constant current regulator 3, illustrated more particularly in the [ Fig. 2 ] and the [ Fig. 3 ].

[0024] The connection device 4 is connected to a power supply 18, illustrated in the [ Fig. 1 ] and the [ Fig. 4 ], in particular to a conventional electrical network, by means of an electrical power cable 5.

[0025] The connection device 4 is also connected to the constant current regulator 3 by means of plug-in / plug-out type industrial connectors or plug-in sockets 7, reversibly, in order to mechanically and electrically connect / disconnect the constant current regulator 3 from the connection device 4.

[0026] The constant current regulator 3 can thus be alternately in a plugged-in position, in which the constant current regulator 3 is mechanically and electrically connected to the connection device 4, and in a unplugged position, in which the constant current regulator 3 is mechanically and electrically disconnected from the connection device 4.

[0027] By plug-in / plug-out or plugged / plugged, we therefore understand any mechanical cooperation between the connection device 4 and the constant current regulator 3 allowing the passage of electric current, in particular by plugging into electrical sockets of the constant current regulator 4.

[0028] More generally, a plug-in / plug-out industrial connector or socket refers to any industrial connector designed to withstand high electrical stresses and that can be manually connected / disconnected, advantageously without additional tools. The industrial connectors or sockets 7 are connected to the rest of the connection device 4 by means of cables 6a, 6b, including flexible cables, complying with the requirements of French standards NF C 15-100 or NF C 33-225 relating to low-voltage electrical installations and marking cables.

[0029] For this purpose, the connection device 4 may thus include a first female connector 7a, illustrated on the [ Fig. 3 configured to supply the constant current regulator 3 with a suitable electrical voltage. The first connector 7a of the connection device 4 can be plugged into a first male connector (not shown) of the constant current regulator 3.

[0030] In addition, the connection device 4 may include a second male-type connector 7b, also illustrated on the [ Fig. 3 ], configured to receive the output current generated by the constant current regulator 3. The second connector 7b of the connection device 4 can be plugged into a second female-type connector (not shown) of the constant current regulator 3. The first and second connectors 7a, 7b can advantageously be disconnected independently of each other from the constant current regulator 3.

[0031] An electrical output cable 8 from the connection device 4 then transmits the output current generated by the constant current regulator 3 to the beacon loop 1 via the connection device 4, visible on the [ Fig. 2 ].

[0032] Thus, the connection device 4 is arranged between the constant current regulator 3 and respectively the power supply 18 and the beacon loop 1. Thus, once the constant current regulator 3 is mechanically and electrically disconnected, in particular unplugged, from the connection device 4, the latter is de-energized and can possibly be easily repaired or replaced.

[0033] In order to perform maintenance operations on the constant current regulator 3, the connection device 4 includes a cutout device 9 (called a "cutout switch" in English), illustrated in the [ Fig. 2 ] and the [ Fig. 3 The disconnect device 9 is configured to isolate and ground the constant current regulator 3 and the beacon loop 1 before any maintenance operation.

[0034] This 9-point cutoff device allows compliance with the requirements of the European standard NF EN 61821 relating to the maintenance of constant current series circuits for ground aeronautical lighting, and requiring that the lighting loop 1 be grounded for the entire duration of maintenance work.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the switching device 9 is a manually operated system, capable of taking a plurality of positions allowing, for each position, to cause a distinct electrical action on the constant current regulator 3.

[0036] The disconnecting device 9 may further include a locking device 17 in the form of a latch secured by one or more lockout padlocks, or any other equivalent device. In particular, the locking device may include several padlocks when several different operators need to act successively on the connecting device 4 or the constant current regulator 3.

[0037] By consignment, we understand in particular a procedure consisting of electrical isolation, grounding and physical locking of the electrical assembly, in particular in accordance with the NF C18-510 standard concerning the prevention of electrical risk.

[0038] Thanks to the locking device, the connection device 4 is locked out to prevent any unauthorized re-energization of the current regulator 3 and the beacon loop 1.

[0039] More specifically, a position of the switching device 9, as described in particular below, can be locked and / or locked out independently by an operator, even when the constant current regulator 3 has been previously disconnected from the connection device 4. The connection device 4 therefore makes it possible, for example, to comply with the requirements of French standards NF C18-510 and NF EN 61 821. The locking device 17 is advantageously specific to a given connection device 4.

[0040] The connection device 4 also includes a switch 10, illustrated on the [ Fig. 2 ] and the [ Fig. 3 ]. The switch 10 is configured to interrupt the flow of electric current in the constant current regulator 3 from the power supply 18. In the same way as the disconnecting device 9, the switch can also be locked by an additional locking device (not shown), in particular in an open position, to prevent the flow of current from being restored during maintenance work.

[0041] According to the invention, maintenance can be easily performed on the current regulator in a simplified manner and in a shorter time. Furthermore, thanks to the interlocking devices, maintenance work on the signaling circuit can be carried out safely.

[0042] In one embodiment, the connection device 4 is mounted, for example, on a vertical wall surface 14 relative to the constant current regulator 3, by means of a sliding drawer-type element 15. The connection device 4 can thus be easily moved longitudinally and perpendicularly to the wall surface 14 to facilitate access for maintenance personnel if necessary. The connection device 4 can also be easily detached from the sliding element 15 fixed to the wall surface 14 for possible replacement.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the connection device 4 includes a display element or a human-machine interface 16 for displaying information, such as instructions, diagrams or plans, to the maintenance operator and informing him about the status of the connection device 4 and / or the constant current regulator 3.

[0044] The connection device 4 is described below, more specifically in relation to the [ Fig. 4 ] and the [ Fig. 5A], [Fig. 5B ], [ Fig. 5C] et [Fig. 5D ]. The elements corresponding to connection device 4 on the [ Fig. 4 ] are surrounded by dotted lines 11.

[0045] As illustrated on the [ Fig. 4 From left to right, the power supply 18 is connected to the connection device 4 via the switch 10. The connection device 4 is then connected to the constant current regulator 3 by means of the first connector 7a. The constant current regulator 3 is connected to the connection device 4 by means of the second connector 7b, and then the signal loop 1 is connected to the output of the connection device 4 via the switching device 9.

[0046] As also illustrated on the [ Fig. 4 The switching device 9 includes, in particular, a microswitch 13. The microswitch is in an activated position when it is in the normally open (NO) position and is not in an activated position when it is in the normally closed (NC) position.

[0047] The switching device 9 can thus be in a plurality of positions, respectively illustrated by the [ Fig. 5A], [Fig. 5B ], [ Fig. 5C] et [Fig. 5D ] : A first position, represented on the [ Fig. 5A ], corresponding to an open position, in which the constant current regulator 3 is not electrically connected to the beacon loop 1 and in which the microswitch 13 is not activated. A second position, shown on the [ Fig. 5B ], corresponding to an operational position, in which the constant current regulator 3 is electrically connected to the beacon loop 1 and in which the microswitch 13 is activated. A third position, shown on the [ Fig. 5C ], corresponding to a maintenance position, in which the constant current regulator 3 and the beacon loop 1 are grounded, and in which the microswitch 13 is not activated. A fourth position, shown on the [ Fig. 5D ], corresponding to a test and / or measurement position, in which the constant current regulator 3 and the beacon loop 1 are electrically isolated from each other, the constant current regulator 3 being grounded and the beacon loop 1 being connected to a test circuit, and in which the microswitch 13 is activated.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the switch 10 can take the form of a minimum voltage release, including for example a no-voltage coil 12.

[0049] To ensure the positive safety of the electrical assembly, the switch 10 includes a control circuit (not shown) configured to control the undervoltage release 12 as illustrated. Specifically, the control circuit is configured to open the switch 10 if the control circuit is in an open state.

[0050] As illustrated by the electrical circuit of the [ Fig. 4 The control circuit can be in an open state when the first connector 7a or the second connector 7b of the connection device 4 are disconnected from the constant current regulator 3, i.e., when the constant current regulator 3 is in the unplugged position.

[0051] For this purpose, the connection device 4 may include pin-type connectors, advantageously integrated into the first and second connectors 7a, 7b, illustrated by C1, C2 on the [ Fig. 4 ].

[0052] The control circuit can also be in an open state when the microswitch 13 of the switching device 9 is in the normally closed position. This ensures that the power supply is interrupted as soon as the constant current regulator 3 is electrically isolated from the beacon loop 1, or as soon as both the constant current regulator 3 and the beacon loop 1 are grounded.

[0053] The C1 and C2 terminals of the first and second connectors 7a and 7b, as well as advantageously the microswitch 13, are connected in series with each other and with the power supply of the undervoltage release 12 in the control circuit. As illustrated more precisely in the [ Fig. 4], the first and second connectors 7a, 7b and the microswitch 13 are connected to numbered ports 1 to 6 of the switch 10.

Claims

1. A connection device (4) for a constant current regulator (3) intended to be electrically connected to a loop (1) of a beacon, the connection device (4) comprising: - a first connector (7a) configured to supply electrical energy to the constant current regulator (3); and - a second connector (7b) configured to receive an output current generated by the constant current regulator (3), the first and second connectors (7a, 7b) being configured to electrically and mechanically connect the constant current regulator (3) to the connection device (4), characterised in that the connection device (4) further comprises a disconnection device (9) configured to electrically isolate the current regulator (3) from the beacon loop (1), and in that the disconnection device (9) is configured to be manually actuated in a plurality of positions selected from: - an open position in which the constant current regulator (3) is not electrically connected to the beacon loop (1); - an operational position in which the constant current regulator (3) is electrically connected to the beacon loop (1); - a maintenance position in which the constant current regulator (3) and the beacon loop (1) are earthed; and - a test and / or measurement position in which the constant current regulator (3) and the beacon loop (1) are electrically isolated from each other.

2. The connection device (4) according to claim 1, comprising a locking device (17) configured to lock the disconnection device (9) and / or to lock the connection device (4).

3. The connection device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a switch (10) configured to interrupt the passage of electrical energy through the constant current regulator (3).

4. The connection device (4) according to claim 3, wherein the switch (10) is configured to interrupt the passage of electrical energy when the first connector (7a) and / or the second connector (7b) are disconnected from the constant current regulator (3).

5. The connection device (4) according to claim 3 or 5, wherein the disconnection device (9) comprises a microswitch (13), the switch (10) being configured to interrupt the passage of electrical energy when the microswitch (13) is in a non-activated position.

6. The connection device (4) according to any one of the claims, wherein an opening of the switch (10) is caused by an undervoltage release (12).

7. The connection device (4) according to claim 6, wherein the undervoltage release (12) is a coil.

8. The connection device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to be secured to a wall surface (14) by means of a sliding member (15), such that the connection device (4) is longitudinally translatable relative to the wall surface (14).

9. The connection device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a display element (16) configured to represent information for a maintenance operator.

10. An electrical assembly comprising the connection device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims and a constant current regulator (3).

11. The electrical assembly according to claim 10, in which the connection device (4) is arranged between the constant current regulator (3) and, respectively, a power supply source (18) and the beacon loop (1).

12. The electrical assembly according to claim 10 or 11, for use in an airfield or heliport ground lighting system.

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