EP4027757A1 - Connection device for a constant current regulator - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a connection device for a constant current regulator, in particular for use in a constant current series circuit.

Prior technique

In the field of beaconing, in particular lighting, aerodromes or heliports, constant current regulators are known, which are electrical devices configured to produce an output current of constant effective value independently of variations in the load of the series circuit, input voltage and specified service conditions.

These constant current regulators are essential for beaconing aerodromes or heliports.

A disadvantage occurs in case of failure or urgent maintenance needed on constant current regulators. These must then be replaced or temporarily disconnected, causing the lighting system to stop. If this disconnection occurs over a prolonged period, at night or in a period of low visibility, there is a risk, for example, that aircraft needing to be guided in their approaches to the aerodrome can no longer land. This can then generate additional waiting times in flight, or even possibly the diversion of the airplane to another aerodrome than the destination aerodrome, if the beaconing is not operational.

This may result in penalties and significant financial constraints weighing on the aerodrome manager.

Summary

The invention improves the situation.

• un premier connecteur configuré pour alimenter le régulateur de courant constant en une énergie électrique ; et
• un second connecteur configuré pour recevoir un courant de sortie généré par le régulateur de courant constant,

les premier et second connecteurs étant configurés pour connecter électriquement et mécaniquement le régulateur de courant constant au dispositif de connexion, le dispositif de connexion comprenant en outre un dispositif de coupure configuré pour isoler électriquement le régulateur de courant de la boucle de balisage.A connection device is proposed for a constant current regulator intended to be electrically connected to a beacon loop, the connection device comprising:

• a first connector configured to supply the constant current regulator with electrical energy; and
• a second connector configured to receive an output current generated by the constant current regulator,

the first and second connectors being configured to electrically and mechanically connect the constant current regulator to the connection device, the connection device further comprising a cut-off device configured to electrically isolate the current regulator from the beacon loop.

By virtue of these arrangements, the constant current regulator can be connected and disconnected from the electrical network in a particularly simple and rapid manner, which makes it possible to limit the maintenance time required thereon. Thus, the time during which the constant current regulator may not be in operation is limited, and the beaconing of the aerodrome or heliport is more assured.

By being placed on the connection device, the cut-off device makes it possible to ensure that the earthing of the beacon loop is carried out even when the constant current regulator is in a disconnected position. Indeed, in the case where the cut-off device would be located directly at the level of the current regulator and not on a remote connection device according to the invention, the grounding of the beacon loop could not be ensured in the case where the current regulator is no longer electrically connected to the beaconing loop.

• le dispositif de coupure est configuré pour être actionné manuellement dans une pluralité de positions choisies parmi :
  • une position ouverte dans laquelle le régulateur de courant constant n'est pas relié électriquement à la boucle de balisage ;
  • une position opérationnelle dans laquelle le régulateur de courant constant est relié électriquement à la boucle de balisage ;
  • une position de maintenance dans laquelle le régulateur de courant constant et la boucle de balisage sont mis à la terre ; et
  • une position de test et/ou de mesure dans laquelle le régulateur de courant constant et la boucle de balisage sont électriquement isolés l'un de l'autre.
• le dispositif de connexion comprend un dispositif de verrouillage configuré pour verrouiller dispositif de coupure et/ou consigner le dispositif de connexion.
• le dispositif de connexion comprend un interrupteur configuré pour interrompre le passage d'électricité dans le régulateur de courant constant.
• l'interrupteur est configuré pour interrompre le passage d'électricité lorsque le premier connecteur et/ou le second connecteur sont déconnectés du régulateur de courant constant.
• le dispositif de coupure comprend un microinterrupteur, l'interrupteur étant configuré pour interrompre le passage d'électricité lorsque le microinterrupteur est dans une position non-activée.
• une ouverture de l'interrupteur est provoquée par un déclencheur à minimum de tension.
• le déclencheur à minimum de tension est une bobine à manque de tension.
• le dispositif de connexion est configuré pour être fixé à une surface murale au moyen d'un élément coulissant, de sorte que le dispositif de connexion peut être translaté de façon longitudinale par rapport à la surface murale.
• le dispositif de connexion comprend un élément d'affichage configurer pour représenter des informations à destination d'un opérateur de maintenance.

Optional and additional features are given below:

• the cut-off device is configured to be operated manually in a plurality of positions chosen from:
  • an open position in which the constant current regulator is not electrically connected to the beacon loop;
  • an operational position in which the constant current regulator is electrically connected to the beacon loop;
  • a maintenance position in which the constant current regulator and the beacon loop are grounded; and
  • a test and/or measurement position in which the constant current regulator and the beacon loop are electrically isolated from each other.
• the connection device includes a locking device configured to lock out the disconnect device and/or tag the connection device.
• the connecting device includes a switch configured to interrupt the flow of electricity through the constant current regulator.
• the switch is configured to interrupt the flow of electricity when the first connector and/or the second connector are disconnected from the constant current regulator.
• the cut-off device comprises a microswitch, the switch being configured to interrupt the passage of electricity when the microswitch is in a non-activated position.
• an opening of the switch is caused by an undervoltage release.
• the undervoltage release is an undervoltage release.
• the connection device is configured to be fixed to a wall surface by means of a sliding element, so that the connection device can be translated longitudinally with respect to the wall surface.
• the connection device comprises a display element configured to represent information intended for a maintenance operator.

The invention also relates to an electrical assembly comprising the above connection device and a constant current regulator.

According to one embodiment, the connection device is arranged between the constant current regulator and respectively an electrical power source and the loop.

The electrical assembly can be used in a beaconing on the ground of an aerodrome or a heliport.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1
  [Fig. 1] est une représentation schématique d'une boucle fermée à courant constant pour le balisage d'une piste d'un aérodrome.
• Fig.2
  [Fig. 2] est une représentation schématique de côté d'un dispositif de connexion selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention et d'un régulateur de courant constant.
• Fig. 3
  [Fig. 3] est une représentation schématique en perspective du dispositif de connexion de la [Fig. 2] lorsque celui-ci est déconnecté électriquement du régulateur de courant constant.
• Fig. 4
  [Fig. 4] est une représentation du circuit électrique correspondant au dispositif de connexion et au régulateur de courant constant de la [Fig. 2].
• Fig. 5A-5D
  [Fig. 5A], [Fig. 5B], [Fig. 5C] et [Fig. 5D] sont des représentations du circuit électrique correspondant à différentes positions du dispositif de coupure du dispositif de connexion de la [Fig. 4].

Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the appended drawings, in which:

• Fig. 1
  [ Fig. 1 ] is a schematic representation of a constant current closed loop for lighting an airfield runway.
• Fig.2
  [ Fig. 2 ] is a side schematic representation of a connection device according to one embodiment of the invention and of a constant current regulator.
• Fig. 3
  [ Fig. 3 ] is a perspective schematic 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] and [Fig. 5D ] are representations of the electrical circuit corresponding to different positions of the cut-off device of the connection device of the [ Fig. 4 ].

Description of the embodiment

The drawings and the description below contain, for the most part, certain elements. They may therefore not only serve to better understand this disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, where applicable.

In order to facilitate reading of the figures, the various elements are not necessarily shown to scale. In these figures, identical elements bear the same references. Certain elements or parameters can be indexed, that is to say designated for example by first element or second element, or else first parameter and second parameter, etc. The purpose of this indexing is to differentiate between similar but not identical elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply a priority of an element, or parameter compared to another and one can interchange the denominations. When it is specified that a subsystem comprises a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in this subsystem.

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

Luminous runway beacons 2 (called “aeronautical ground lighting” in English) are mounted in a series circuit and connected to a constant current regulator 3 (called “Constant Current Regulator” in English, RCC). The track beacons 2 are thus electrically powered by the same intensity, whatever their number or their positions, which allows all the track beacons to emit the same light signal.

In order to prevent the breakdown of a beacon from causing the circuit to open, each of the beacons can be connected to an isolation transformer (“aeronautical ground lighting series transformers”). The primary circuit of the isolation transformers are connected together to the series circuit while the 2 track beacons are connected to the secondary circuits of the transformers. These isolation transformers thus allow to ensure the continuity of the series circuit in the event of breakage of a filament of a bulb of a runway beacon 2 for example.

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

The constant current regulator 3 is configured to have a rated power of between 1 kVA and 30 kVA for an operating frequency of the order of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The constant current regulator 3 notably meets the requirements of the standard of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61822:2009 concerning electrical installations for the lighting and beaconing of aerodromes.

In order to be able to carry out 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 [ Fig. 2 ] and the [ Fig. 3 ].

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

The connection device 4 is also connected to the constant current regulator 3 by means of connectors or industrial current sockets 7, of the plug-in/plug-in type, in a reversible manner, in order to mechanically and electrically connect/disconnect the constant current regulator 3 from the connecting device 4.

The constant current regulator 3 can thus be alternately in a connected position, in which the constant current regulator 3 is mechanically and electrically connected to the connection device 4, and in a disconnected position, in which the constant current regulator 3 is disconnected mechanically and electrically to the connection device 4.

Plug-in/draw-out or plug-in/draw-out therefore means any mechanical cooperation between the connection device 4 and the constant current regulator 3 allowing passage of electric current, in particular by plugging into electrical sockets of the constant current regulator 4.

More generally, plug-in/plug-in industrial connector or plug means any industrial connector adapted to tolerate high electrical stresses and which can be connected/disconnected manually and advantageously without additional tools. The connectors or industrial current sockets 7 are connected to the rest of the connection device 4 by means of cables 6a, 6b, in particular flexible, respecting in particular the requirements of the French standards NF C 15-100 or NF C 33-225 relating to electrical installations in low voltage and to beacon cables.

To this end, the connection device 4 can thus comprise a first connector 7a of the female type, illustrated in [ 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 connector of the male type (not shown) of the constant current regulator 3.

In addition, the connection device 4 may include a second connector 7b of the male type, also illustrated in [ 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 connector of the female type (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.

An electrical output cable 8 from the connection device 4 then makes it possible to transmit 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 ].

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

In order to be able to carry out maintenance operations on the constant current regulator 3, the connection device 4 comprises a cut-off device 9 (called a "cutout switch"), illustrated in [ Fig. 2 ] and the [ Fig. 3 ]. The cut-off device 9 is configured to isolate and ground the constant current regulator 3 and the beacon loop 1 before any maintenance operation.

This cut-off device 9 makes it possible to comply with the requirements of European standard NF EN 61821 relating to the maintenance of constant current series circuits for aeronautical beaconing on the ground, and requiring that the beaconing loop 1 be earthed for all the duration of maintenance work.

According to one embodiment, the cut-off device 9 is a manually actuated system, able to take a plurality of positions making it possible, for each position, to cause a distinct electrical action on the constant current regulator 3.

The cut-off device 9 may further comprise a locking device 17 in the form of a latch by one or more lockout padlocks, or any other equivalent device. In particular, the locking device may comprise several padlocks when several different operators must successively act on the connection device 4 or the constant current regulator 3.

Consignment means in particular a procedure consisting of electrical insulation, earthing and physical locking of the electrical assembly, in particular in accordance with standard NF C18-510 concerning the prevention of electrical risk.

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

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

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

According to the invention, a maintenance operation can be easily carried out on the current regulator in a simplified way and in a shorter time. Furthermore, thanks to locking devices, a maintenance intervention on the beacon circuit can be carried out in complete safety.

According to 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 element 15 of the drawer type. The connection device 4 can thus be easily moved longitudinally and perpendicularly with respect to the wall surface 14 in order to be more easily accessible to a maintenance operator if necessary. The connection device 4 can also be easily detached from the sliding element 15 fixed to the wall surface 14 in order to be replaced if necessary.

According to another embodiment, the connection device 4 comprises a display element or a man-machine interface 16 making it possible to represent information, such as instructions, diagrams or plans, intended for the maintenance operator and to inform him about the state of the connection device 4 and/or of the constant current regulator 3.

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

As illustrated in the [ Fig. 4 ] from left to right, the electrical power source 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, then the beacon loop 1 is connected to the output of the connection device 4 via the cut-off device 9.

As also illustrated in the [ Fig. 4 ], the cut-off device 9 comprises in particular a microswitch 13 (called a “microswitch”). The microswitch is in an activated position when it is in the normally open position (“normally open”; NO) and is not in the activated position when it is in the normally closed position (“normally closed”; NC) .

• Une première position, représentée sur la [Fig. 5A], correspondant à une position ouverte, dans laquelle le régulateur de courant constant 3 n'est pas relié électriquement à la boucle de balisage 1 et dans laquelle le microinterrupteur 13 n'est pas activé.
• Une deuxième position, représentée sur la [Fig. 5B], correspondant à une position opérationnelle, dans laquelle le régulateur de courant constant 3 est relié électriquement à la boucle de balisage 1 et dans laquelle le microinterrupteur 13 est activé.
• Une troisième position, représentée sur la [Fig. 5C], correspondant à une position de maintenance, dans laquelle le régulateur de courant constant 3 et la boucle de balisage 1 sont mis à la terre, et dans laquelle le microinterrupteur 13 n'est pas activé.
• Une quatrième position, représentée sur la [Fig. 5D], correspondant à une position de test et/ou de mesure, dans laquelle le régulateur de courant constant 3 et la boucle de balisage 1 sont électriquement isolés l'un de l'autre, le régulateur de courant constant 3 étant mis à la terre et la boucle de balisage 1 étant reliée à un circuit de test, et dans laquelle le microinterrupteur 13 est activé.

The cut-off device 9 can thus be in a plurality of positions, respectively illustrated by the [ Fig. 5A], [Fig. 5B ], [ Fig. 5C] and [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, represented 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, represented 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, represented 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.

According to one embodiment, the switch 10 can take the form of an undervoltage release, comprising for example an undervoltage coil 12.

In order to ensure positive safety of the electrical assembly, the switch 10 comprises a control circuit (not shown) configured to control the undervoltage release 12 according to the illustrated embodiment. In particular, the control circuit is configured to control the opening of the switch 10 if the control circuit is in an open state.

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, that is to say when the constant current regulator 3 is in the disconnected position

To this end, the connection device 4 can comprise pin-type connectors, advantageously integrated into the first and second connectors 7a, 7b, illustrated by C1, C2 on the [ Fig. 4 ].

The control circuit can also be in an open state when the microswitch 13 of the cut-off device 9 is in the normally closed position. This makes it possible to ensure that the electrical supply is interrupted as soon as the constant current regulator 3 is electrically isolated from the beacon loop 1, or as soon as the constant current regulator 3 and the beacon loop 1 are switched on. To the earth.

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

Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that a person skilled in the art may consider in the context of the present invention and in particular all combinations of the various modes of operation described previously, which may be taken separately or in combination.

Claims (13)

Connection device (4) for a constant current regulator (3) intended to be electrically connected to a loop (1) of beaconing, the connection device (4) comprising: - a first connector (7a) configured to supply the constant current regulator (3) with electrical energy; 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),
the connection device (4) further comprising a cut-off device (9) configured to electrically isolate the current regulator (3) from the beacon loop (1). Connection device (4) according to claim 1, in which the cut-off device (9) is configured to be operated manually in a plurality of positions chosen from: - an open position in which the constant current regulator (3) is not electrically connected to the marking loop (1); - an operational position in which the constant current regulator (3) is electrically connected to the marking loop (1); - a maintenance position in which the constant current regulator (3) and the beacon loop (1) are grounded; and - a test and/or measurement position in which the constant current regulator (3) and the marking loop (1) are electrically isolated from each other. A connection device (4) according to any preceding claim, comprising a locking device (17) configured to lock out the disconnect device (9) and/or tag the connection device (4). Connection device (4) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a switch (10) configured to interrupt the passage of electrical energy in the constant current regulator (3). Connection device (4) according to claim 4, in which 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 regulator of constant current (3). Connection device (4) according to Claim 4 or 5, in which the cut-off 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. Connection device (4) according to any one of the claims, in which an opening of the switch (10) is caused by an undervoltage release (12). A connection device (4) according to claim 7, wherein the undervoltage release (12) is a coil. Connection device (4) according to any of the preceding claims, configured to be fixed to a wall surface (14) by means of a sliding element (15), so that the connection device (4) can be translated longitudinally relative to the wall surface (14). Connection device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a display element (16) configured to represent information intended for a maintenance operator. Electrical assembly comprising the connection device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims and a constant current regulator (3). Electrical assembly according to Claim 11, in which the connection device (4) is arranged between the constant current regulator (3) and respectively an electrical power source (18) and the beacon loop (1). Electrical assembly according to Claim 11 or 12, for use in ground marking of an aerodrome or a heliport.

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