EP3466792A1 - Method and system for acoustic analysis of a positioner room - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for acoustically analyzing a signal box in which at least one electromechanical component is arranged, acoustic measurement data of at least one switching operation of the at least one electromechanical component being recorded by at least one sound pickup, wherein the measured data are compared with reference data and based on the comparison a function of the electromechanical component is assessed. Furthermore, a system for acoustically analyzing the interlocking space is disclosed.

Description

The invention relates to a method for acoustically analyzing an interlocking space with at least one arranged in the interlocking space electromechanical component and a system for performing the method.

In the field of rail vehicles interlockings are known whose functions are based in particular on electromechanical components, such as relays, or on the interconnection of relays. Such interlockings are also known as relay interlocking. The information processing of operating conditions and operations, which happens for example in an electronic interlocking by microcomputer, is done in relay interlocks by relays. In a relay interlocking the operating states are represented by individual switching states of relays or by combinations of switching states of relays, which in turn lead to the continuation and thus to the transition to a new state or a new state combination, taking into account external operating conditions or operations. In the case of an electronic interlocking, the available data and states are available on an information technology level and can therefore be used technically simply for diagnosis.

In relay interlockings, the diagnosis of the switching states and switching processes technically accessible terminals, for example, by direct measurement of the current or voltage, consuming to impossible when a relay is arranged, for example, in a relay group so that without any structural change neither the coil terminals nor connections of Contacts of each relay can be reached directly or indirectly for attachments.

Since relays are electromechanical components, their working behavior is characterized by a working range within which the correct function of the relay still exists. Outside this work area the correct function of the relay is not given. Factors influencing the working behavior of the relay include contact resistance and maintenance status. An increased contact resistance, for example, extend the operating time of a relay. A poor maintenance condition can, in particular with support relays, increase the time required for the transfer. A creeping deterioration of these influencing factors has an effect in the form of a fault or a failure only when the function concerned can no longer be performed, whether by failure to apply a relay or by too late tightening or dropping of a relay. The reliability of the relay technology thus depends essentially on preventive maintenance. For this purpose, relay groups are regularly expanded and inspected or replaced by new or refurbished relay groups at intervals.

However, such preventive maintenance is not economical, since a high personnel costs are necessary. If a malfunction or malfunction occurs in a relay interlocking, diagnostics for locating the fault can be successfully performed by experienced maintenance repeaters of relay interlockings. They may be able to assess the function of the relay system based on the rhythm and sound of the relay games in the context of, for example, setting operations, and can thus narrow down errors and fault locations on the basis of their experience. However, this can take a lot of time. Furthermore, a direct intervention in an operation of the interlocking may be necessary to locate defective components or relay groups.

The object of the invention is to propose a method for determining and localizing a defective component in a signal box. Another object of the invention is a system for carrying out a corresponding method. The problem is solved by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of each dependent subclaims.

A method for acoustically analyzing a signal box space is proposed, in which at least one electromechanical component is arranged. Acoustic measurement data of at least one switching operation of the at least one electromechanical component is recorded by at least one sound pickup. The measured data are compared with reference data and the comparison is used to assess a function of the electromechanical component. For example, a correct operation can be determined. In addition, aging of the component can be detected if the acoustic measurement data deviates from the reference data.

In one embodiment, a position of the electromechanical component within the interlocking space is determined for a given deviation of the measured data from the reference data. This can be done for example on the basis of the determined measurement data. This makes the device easier to find, check, replace or repair.

In one embodiment, an airborne sound pick-up or a structure-borne sound pickup is used as the sound pickup.

In one embodiment, the measurement data of the at least one switching operation of the electromechanical component is recorded by at least one sound pickup arranged in and / or on a portable device. The portable device may be formed as a mobile phone, laptop or portable computing unit.

In one embodiment, the recorded measurement data from the sound pickup for the evaluation of an evaluation unit, especially a computer system or a portable device. The evaluation unit compares the measured data with the reference data and judges a function of the electromechanical component based on the comparison. In particular, the evaluation unit can generate diagnostic data.

In one embodiment, the measurement data provided to the evaluation unit and / or diagnostic data determined therefrom by the evaluation unit are provided by the evaluation unit, in particular provided ready for retrieval.

In one embodiment, the measurement data provided by the evaluation unit and / or the diagnostic data determined therefrom are transmitted via a web interface or a software to a portable device or a computer.

In one embodiment it is provided that, in addition to the at least one sound pickup, a further sound pickup arranged to be synchronously records further measurement data from the at least one switching operation of the at least one electromechanical component and the position of the electromechanical component within the interlocking space by at least one transit time analysis of the measurement data of the at least one sound pickup and the further measurement data of the further sound pickup is determined. In this way, the position of the component can be estimated or determined.

In one embodiment, a position of the sound pickup within the interlocking space is determined by level difference analysis of at least two mutually offset sound generators, in particular noise sources.

In one embodiment, a position of the component within the interlocking space is determined by level difference analysis of at least two mutually offset sound pickups.

In one embodiment, the position of the electromechanical component within the interlocking space is determined based on information about the structure of the interlocking, in particular on the basis of group connection plans or frame occupation plans.

In one embodiment, an evaluation of the measurement data determined by the sound sensor is performed by trainable or self-learning software.

In one embodiment, to improve a diagnosis and / or a failure prediction, information about a control of the component is taken into account in the evaluation of the recorded measurement data. As a result, the acoustic measurement data can be more accurately assigned to individual switching operations of the components.

In one embodiment, the electromechanical component is designed as a relay or relay module.

It is proposed a system for acoustically analyzing a signal box room with at least one arranged in the interlocking room electromechanical component having at least one sound pickup and at least one evaluation. The acoustic sensor is designed to record measured data of at least one switching operation of the electromechanical component. The evaluation unit is designed to compare the recorded measurement data with reference data and to detect a predetermined deviation between the reference data and the recorded measurement data.

In one embodiment, the evaluation unit is designed to display or output a signal upon detection of a predetermined deviation between the reference data and the recorded measurement data.

In one embodiment, the evaluation unit is designed to be at a predetermined deviation of the measured data of at least a switching operation of stored reference data to determine a position of the at least one electromechanical component within the interlocking space.

In one embodiment, at least one sound pickup is designed to record measurement data of airborne sound waves or structure-borne sound waves in the interlocking space.

For monitoring the relay system of interlockings and in particular for a diagnosis of failures and disturbances of relay interlockings, sound waves generated by electromechanical components can preferably be measured and evaluated. The electromechanical components may be, for example, relays or relay groups. The monitoring or diagnosis of the interlocking space, for example, computer-aided by trainable or self-learning software, for example, with artificial neural networks done.

Based on the acoustic measured values determined by the at least one sound pickup, the detected events of the at least one electromagnetic component, such as switching operations, can be evaluated or compared. A switching operation can thus be evaluated as constant or normal or as degraded. Furthermore, a degree of deterioration can be calculated. Depending on how much the determined acoustic measured values deviate from the reference data, a warning can be generated and sent, for example, to a control computer. The different measured values can preferably be linked to temporal information, so that the measured values can be assigned to time-defined control signals in the interlocking room.

When comparing the measurement data, measurement uncertainties and manufacturing tolerances of the at least one electromechanical component can be taken into account. As a result, only a predetermined deviation of the determined measured values can occur be determined from the reference data when a previously defined and / or a dynamic limit is exceeded in a comparison of the measured data with the reference data.

To carry out the location or localization of the electromechanical component, a relative distance to the component can be estimated, for example, with the at least one sound pickup. Alternatively or additionally, the determined acoustic measurement data can be linked in time with commands sent to the interlocking room, so that an affected part of the installation or an affected function can be limited. The determined measurement data and information can preferably be stored digitally. Thus, a further use of this information on site or at remote locations, such as a control center, possible. The information obtained from the measured data obtained can be used for further data processing systems as part of a collection of operationally relevant reliability data.

Preferably, the determination of the measured data is carried out by an acoustic recording of at least one switching operation of the at least one electromechanical component. The at least one sound pickup may be arranged systematically in the interlocking space for the purpose of localizing a source of a switching event or of the at least one electromechanical component. This can, for example, enable a determination of a geographical location via a transit time analysis of generated sound waves of a sound event recorded via different sound pickups.

By means of a noise analysis of the interlocking room deviations from a normal condition can be determined. The at least one deviating from the normal state electromechanical component or an origin of a noise change can be identified as a noise source and detects a position of the noise source or at least localized become. For example, the method can be combined with a communication device which can generate messages in the case of changes or warnings and send them to responsible departments or monitoring units. Furthermore, the method can be used for on-site economic root cause analysis. By the method, for example, a maintenance technician or maintenance personnel, even without intervention in the corresponding installation of a signal box, be supported in a diagnosis or troubleshooting.

Furthermore, a rhythm and sound generated by a switching operation may enable a primary assessment of a state of the at least one electromechanical device. The precisely specified noise sources in the interlocking space can additionally serve for a local orientation or localization of the at least one electromechanical component.

By the described method, a reliability of a signal box can be maintained or improved. This can be realized in particular by an early disclosure of deteriorations of electromechanical components of the interlocking space, which do not yet lead to a fault. In this case, an individual preventive maintenance can be carried out, in which the correspondingly localized electromechanical components can be exchanged or maintained. In particular, maintenance can be facilitated and accelerated by a localization or determination of the position of the at least one electromechanical component carried out in advance, since the corresponding component or assembly can already be limited.

According to the described method, measurement data of the at least one switching operation of the at least one electromechanical component is recorded by at least one sound pickup arranged in the interlocking space. This allows one or more in the interlocking space to be analyzed Microphones are arranged for measuring airborne sound. For example, a microphone may be positioned in one or more corners of the interlocking space and aligned with a center of the interlocking space. In particular, microphones can be permanently installed in the corresponding interlocking space. These can record the noises of the switching operations in the interlocking room in the form of acoustic measurement data and, for example, transmit them to a local computer system or a remotely located central computer system, such as a cloud. For this purpose, the at least one sound pickup can be connected to an evaluation unit, which can read the generated acoustic measurement data and send it to the central computer system. There, an analysis of the measured data can subsequently be carried out. The results of this analysis may then be retrievable via a web interface from a portable device, for example. In this solution, changes in the acoustic switching behavior can also be identified via the web interface and sent in the form of a warning or notification to the portable device.

In addition, the measured data of the at least one switching operation of the at least one electromechanical component can be recorded by at least one structure-borne sound pickup arranged in the interlocking space. Alternatively or additionally, the sound waves generated by the at least one electromechanical component during a switching operation can be recorded in the form of structure-borne noise. For example, the vibrations transmitted via a fastening or holding of relay groups can be measured by a structure-borne sound sensor arranged on a corresponding relay system. As a result, switching operations can be acoustically monitored and analyzed, for example, even in confusing interlocking rooms.

Furthermore, the measurement data of the at least one switching operation of the at least one electromechanical component acoustically by at least one in and / or on a portable Device arranged sound pickup recorded. As an alternative or in addition to sound receivers installed fixedly in the interlocking space, at least one portable device can be used which can provide and operate additional or sole sound transducers. In particular, one or more acoustic sensors can be integrated in the portable device. Alternatively, external transducers may be connectable to the portable device. As a result, for example, permanently installed sound pickup can be connected to the portable device and operated. In particular, this makes it possible to realize a mobile analysis of interlocking spaces. Thus, an installation of acoustic sensors in a variety of interlocking rooms is not necessary, so that an analysis of a interlocking room can be carried out more economically. The portable device may be, for example, a smartphone, a notebook or a tablet with a software or app and an interface for receiving the acoustic measurement data. The software or app can preferably process and evaluate the received measurement data of the sound pickup. Preferably, the software or app can have a basic functionality without a necessary Internet connection. For an extended analysis and for a subsequent evaluation of the acoustic measurement data, a direct internet connection to an external server unit can be produced. The software or app can then be updated in the external server unit or cloud and the measurement data further processed. This allows a comprehensive analysis of several interlockings are possible.

The acoustic measurement data of the at least one switching operation of the at least one electromechanical component can be sent to an external server unit. As a result, the measurement data determined by the at least one sound pickup can be sent by a communication device from the interlocking room to be analyzed to the external server unit and evaluated there as part of a further processing. The acoustic measurement data of at least A sound pickup can be prepared in advance or by the external server unit. As part of a preparation of the measured data, for example, a filtering of unwanted or irrelevant components as well as an amplification of the measured data.

The acoustic measurement data sent to the external server unit may be provided on-demand by the external server unit. This allows the processed and processed measurement data to be retrievable by any authorized person. As a result, a central point for collecting and providing analysis information about the monitored interlockings can be set up, so that, for example, an extended diagnosis can be made possible in the event of recurring errors.

Furthermore, the acoustic measurement data provided by the external server unit may be retrieved via a web interface or software from a portable device or a computer. For example, access to the determined measurement data can take place via an Internet interface or via a software or app. As a result, the determined acoustic measurement data and the information derived therefrom can be provided and retrieved in a flexible and versatile manner.

The acoustic measurement data recorded by the at least one sound pickup may be processed by the portable device or the external server unit. As a result, depending on requirements and the hardware used, a central or a decentralized evaluation of the determined measurement data can be carried out. Decentrally evaluated measurement data and correspondingly derived or calculated information can be subsequently transmitted to the external server unit. The corresponding evaluation of the measurement data can be the rhythm, the sound, such as a spectral analysis, or analysis of the waveform, and / or the analysis Include transit time differences between different acoustic sensors.

The position of the at least one electromechanical component can be determined within the interlocking space by at least one transit time analysis. Through the transit time analysis of a sound event recorded via the different sound pickups, the geographical location of the sound event, such as a switching relay or a relay group in the relay interlocking system or the interlocking space can at least be limited or preferably determined. In this case, a sound pickup and a spatially offset from this further arranged Schallaufnehmer record synchronously measured data from a switching operation of the electromechanical component. Using the two recorded measurement data of the two sound pickups, the position of the electromechanical component within the interlocking space can be determined by a transit time analysis of the two measurement data.

The position of the at least one sound pickup can be determined by a level difference analysis of at least two mutually offset noise sources, in particular sound transmitters. By means of a level difference analysis, the determined amplitudes of a sound event can be measured with several sounders used and a direction and the position of the sound pickup relative to the sounders can be calculated on the basis of a difference between the amplitudes or the signal strength of the measurement data.

The position of the at least one electromechanical component can be determined within the interlocking space on the basis of the combination of information from control commands (eg operation to set a train) with information about the structure of the interlocking itself (for example, from group connection plans, frame occupation plans). Furthermore, the rhythm of the switching cycles of the electromechanical component when switching from one switching position to another switching position and thus the state of the electromechanical component based on the combination of information from control commands (eg operation to set a train) with information about the structure of the electromechanical component or the interlocking itself (for example, from group connection plans, frame occupation plans) are evaluated.

In this case, with the information of the operator actions and the feedback on the illumination of the table a trainable or self-learning software function can be specifically supplied with information that support and accelerate the training or learning process.

Also, the information of setting commands (e.g., operation for setting a train route) may be received by relay relay remote control solutions.

Furthermore, the information about the table illumination of remote control solutions for relay interlockings can be received.

The reference data are determined by the at least one sound pickup by trainable or self-learning software. Thus, for example, an executed maintenance can be detected via an input device and transmitted to the trainable or self-learning software function for training or learning. The trainable or self-learning software or software function may preferably have at least one artificial neural network. As a result, an evaluation and analysis of the information obtained can be continuously accelerated and optimized.

The acoustic measurement data can be continuously recorded by the at least one sound pickup. This allows a continuous monitoring and diagnosis of functional units of the interlocking technology in the interlocking room in real time or at regular time intervals for optimizing the reliability while optimizing the maintenance costs are realized. This possibility does not exist for example for relay interlocking systems. The possibility of continuous monitoring and diagnosis of relay interlockings can, in addition to a distribution of appropriate technical facilities, also secure or ensure the existence of existing relay interlocking systems.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system for carrying out the method is provided. The system has at least one interlocking space, at least one arranged on a holder in the interlocking room electromechanical component and at least one system with at least one sound pickup and an evaluation. It is the at least one sound pickup for recording airborne sound waves in the interlocking room or for recording structure-borne sound waves to the supporting parts of the relay system (racks, brackets) or on other, mechanically connected to the supporting parts of the relay system parts. In this case, a position of the at least one electromechanical component can be determined by the at least one sound pickup based on a propagation time measurement of sound waves of a switching operation of the at least one electromechanical component or by a comparison with a circuit diagram.

As a result, an interlocking room can be technically easily checked for correct functionality even without existing diagnostic options. In particular, in the case of a large number of electromechanical components, such as relays, arranged in the interlocking space, the system can detect the sound emission of switching operations and check for possible deteriorations or changes. In the case of a detected change in the sound emission, the location of the changed sound emission can be determined or at least limited by the sound pickup, so that corresponding components can be determined and exchanged more quickly. This can also without an intervention in the current operation a fault diagnosis is carried out before the failure of the interlocking and the fault tolerance of corresponding interlockings are increased.

• FIG 1 zeigt ein erstes System mit einem ortsfesten Schallaufnehmer in einem Stellwerkraum, wobei der Schallaufnehmer mit einem externen Rechnersystem in Verbindung steht.
• FIG 2 zeigt ein zweites System mit einem mobilen Schallaufnehmer in einem Stellwerksraum, wobei der mobile Schallaufnehmer mit einem externen Rechnersystem in Verbindung steht.
• FIG 3 zeigt ein drittes System mit einem mobilen Schallaufnehmer in einem Stellwerksraum ohne Verbindung zu einem externen Rechnersystem.
• FIG 4 zeigt ein viertes System mit einem mobilen Schallaufnehmer in einem Stellwerksraum, der mit einem externen Rechnersystem in Verbindung steht, wobei mehrere Schallgeber vorgesehen sind.

The above-described characteristics, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood by the following simplified simplified schematic illustrations of preferred embodiments.

• FIG. 1 shows a first system with a stationary sound pickup in a signal box room, the sound sensor is in communication with an external computer system.
• FIG. 2 shows a second system with a mobile sound pickup in a interphone room, wherein the mobile transducer is in communication with an external computer system.
• FIG. 3 shows a third system with a mobile sound sensor in a control room without connection to an external computer system.
• FIG. 4 shows a fourth system with a mobile sound pickup in an interlocking room, which is in communication with an external computer system, wherein a plurality of sounders are provided.

This shows the FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a system 1 according to an embodiment. The system 1 has an interlocking space 2. In the interlocking space 2, a plurality of racks 4 is arranged, which serve as holders for electromechanical components 6. The electromechanical components 6 are in this case, for example, individual contactors or individual relays or relay groups, each having a plurality of electrically connected relays. The electromechanical components 6 are used, for example, to switch track elements, for example switches and / or signals for rail vehicles. In the interlocking room 2, a sound pickup 10 is arranged. Depending on the selected embodiment, more than one sound pickup 10, for example, two or three sound pickup 10 may be provided. According to the exemplary embodiment, the at least one sound pickup 10 is a microphone 10 for measuring airborne sound or a structure-borne noise sensor for measuring structure-borne sound.

The recorded with the at least one microphone 10 acoustic information is transmitted to a computer system 14 and processed. The location of the computer system 14 is irrelevant. The computer system 14 can be arranged inside or outside the interlocking space 2. In a first embodiment, during the operation of the components 6, acoustic signals are recorded by means of the at least one sound pickup 10 and forwarded to the computer system 14. The sound sensor 10 may be wired or wirelessly connected to the computer system 14. During a learning phase, the acoustic signals detected by the sound pickup 10 are processed by the computer system 14 to reference data. It is assumed that the at least one device 6 is functioning correctly and e.g. represents a new device 6. Thus, the reference data correspond to a properly functioning new device 6. In one embodiment, the computer system 14 receives information about which device is switched at what time. As a result, a temporal behavior of the acoustic signal of an individual component for the formation of the reference data can be taken into account. In addition, the acoustic signal of each individual component can be taken into account for the generation of the reference data. In a further embodiment, the reference data can already be stored in the computer system 14 and it can be dispensed with the Anlernphase.

After the reference data has been generated, acoustic signals continue to be picked up by the sound pickup 10 and forwarded to the computer system 14. The computer system 14 compares the transmitted acoustic signals with the reference data. From the comparison, changes or differences between the acoustic signals and the reference data can be detected. In this case, amplitudes and / or frequencies of the reference data and the acoustic signals can be compared. In addition, limit values for differences between the reference data and the acquired acoustic measurement data (signals) can be stored in the computer system, from which the computer system recognizes a predetermined deviation and / or malfunction or aging of the components. If a limit value is exceeded, the computer system 14 forwards a corresponding signal, for example, to a computer 16 or to a mobile unit. Thus, based on the reference data, deviations of the acoustic measurement data may be made available upon completion of the learning phase for diagnosis and, alternatively or in addition to reporting impending failures, via a computer 16 or a mobile device.

Depending on the accuracy of the reference data and depending on the type of components may possibly be determined in addition, which component has a change of the acoustic signal. This is possible if, due to the different acoustic signals, the components can be distinguished or the temporal behavior of the acoustic signals for the sound pickup 10 differ. For this it is necessary that the computer system receives the switching times of the components. The electromechanical components 6 are in this case, for example, individual contactors or individual relays or relay groups, each having a plurality of electrically connected relays.

In addition, the location of the origin of a deviation of the measured data from the reference data can also be effected by means of an analysis of the transit time difference between the different acoustic sensors 10 as a result of the arrangement of a plurality of sound pickups 10 in the interlocking space 2.

Additionally or alternatively, information about the structure of the interlocking itself (for example, group connection plans, Frame occupation plans) are included in the processing of the recorded acoustic information in the computer system 14 and from this the location of an acoustic event in the interlocking room can be determined. The information about the structure of the interlocking are stored for example in a memory of the computer system.

In addition to the recorded acoustic information, the information of a remote control system can be transmitted to the computer system 14 via operating actions on the table of the signal box and states of the table illumination to improve the diagnosis and failure prediction and linked to the recorded acoustic information during processing.

FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of the system, which is essentially the FIG. 1 corresponds, but in contrast to the at least one stationary transducer 10 of the FIG. 1 at least one mobile unit 12 is provided which has at least one sound pickup 10, for example in the form of a microphone. The mobile unit 12 is, for example, a mobile phone or a laptop. The recorded with the at least one microphone 10 of the mobile unit 12 acoustic information is analogous to FIG. 1 sent to the evaluation unit 14. The evaluation unit 14 performs the comparison with the reference data and forwards corresponding information to the mobile unit 12 and / or to the computer 16. The mobile unit 12 may display or output a judgment of the function of the at least one electromechanical component 6. The information about the structure of the interlocking are stored for example in a memory of the mobile unit 12.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the system, which is essentially the FIG. 1 corresponds, but in contrast to the at least one stationary transducer 10 of the FIG. 1 at least one mobile unit 12 is provided, the at least one sound pickup 10, for example in the form of a microphone having. The mobile unit 12 is, for example, a mobile phone or a laptop. The recorded with the at least one microphone 10 of the mobile unit 12 acoustic information is contrary to the execution of the FIG. 2 not sent to an evaluation unit, but processed by the mobile unit 12 itself.

The acoustic information recorded with the at least one microphone 10 is processed by the mobile unit 12. For this purpose, the mobile unit 12 has a corresponding software and / or a corresponding computing system. In a first embodiment, during the operation of the components 6, acoustic signals are recorded by means of the at least one sound pickup 10 of the mobile unit 12. During a learning phase, the acoustic signals detected by the sound pickup 10 are processed by the mobile unit 12 into reference data. It is assumed that the at least one device 6 is functioning correctly and e.g. represents a new device 6. Thus, the reference data correspond to a properly functioning new device 6. In one embodiment, the mobile unit 12 receives information about which device is switched at what time. As a result, a temporal behavior of the acoustic signal of an individual component for the formation of the reference data can be taken into account. In addition, the acoustic signal of each individual component can be taken into account for the generation of the reference data. In a further embodiment, the reference data can already be stored in the mobile unit 12 and it can be dispensed with the Anlernphase.

After the reference data has been generated, acoustic signals continue to be picked up by the sound pickup 10 and forwarded to the mobile unit 12. The mobile unit 12 compares the transmitted acoustic signals with the reference data. From the comparison, changes or differences between the acoustic signals and the reference data can be detected. In this case, amplitudes and / or frequencies of the reference data and the acoustic signals are compared. In addition, limit values for differences between the reference data and the detected acoustic signals can be stored in the computer system, from which the computer system recognizes a predetermined deviation and / or malfunction or aging of the components. If a limit is exceeded, the mobile unit outputs a corresponding signal. In addition, the mobile unit 12 can also pass the signal on to a computer or to another mobile unit. Thus, based on the reference data, deviations of the acoustic measurement data may be made available upon completion of the learning phase for diagnosis and, alternatively or in addition to reporting impending failures.

Depending on the accuracy of the reference data and depending on the type of components may possibly be determined in addition, which component has a change of the acoustic signal. This is possible if, due to the different acoustic signals, the components can be distinguished or the temporal behavior of the acoustic signals for the sound pickup 10 differ. For this purpose, it is necessary that the mobile unit 12 receives the switching times of the components 6. The electromechanical components 6 are in this case, for example, individual contactors or individual relays or relay groups, each having a plurality of electrically connected relays.

In addition, the successive successive recordings of measured values of the circuit of the same component at different positions of the mobile unit 12 in the interlocking space 2 can be used to locate the origin of the component by analyzing the transit time difference between the different sound transducers 10.

Additionally or alternatively, information about the structure of the interlocking itself (for example, group connection plans, rack occupation plans) may be included in the processing of the recorded acoustic information in the mobile unit 12 and from this the location of an acoustic event in the interlocking room can be determined.

In addition to the recorded acoustic information, the information of a remote control system can be transmitted to the mobile unit 12 via controls on the positioner of the signal box and states of the table illumination to the mobile unit 12 and linked in the processing with the recorded acoustic information to improve the diagnosis and failure prediction.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the system, which is essentially the execution of FIG. 2 corresponds, but additionally in the interlocking room 2 at least three precisely specified noise sources are arranged as a sound generator 8. According to the embodiment, four sounders 8 are positioned in each corner of the rectangular shaped interlocking space 2. They serve the location. With the exact specified noise sources as a sound generator 8, it is possible after measuring the location by means of at least one microphone 10 of the mobile unit 12 to determine the location of the mobile unit 12 in the interlocking room. The sounder 8 are in a suitable manner for the location, preferably directed to the center of the interlocking room, arranged in space.

Alternatively or additionally, the information about the location of the mobile unit 12 within the interlocking space 2 is included in the processing of the acoustic information recorded with the at least one microphone 10 of the mobile unit 12. Alternatively or additionally, the information about the location of the mobile unit 12 within the interposition room 2 is linked to the information that is made available for diagnosis and alternatively or in addition to the notification of impending failures via the mobile unit 12.

The mobile unit may have a corresponding app for processing and comparing the acquired measurement data with the reference data. The transmission of the measured data to the Computer system 14 enables a computer-aided analysis and comparison of the measurement data with the reference data.

In addition, the control signals for the component can be taken into account in all embodiments when detecting the acoustic signals. In addition, in all embodiments, for example, the rhythm and the location of switching cycles can be determined and used, for example, to improve the performance of the evaluation or their software.

In all embodiments, the acoustic signal detected by the acoustic pickup may be subjected to filtering to remove unwanted signal components and gain before comparison with reference data.

While the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

reference numeral

1

system

2

positioner space

4

holder

6

electromechanical component

8th

exactly specified noise sources (sound generator)

10

Sound sensor

12

mobile unit

14

external server unit

16

computer

Claims (18)

Method for acoustically analyzing a signal box space (2), in which at least one electromechanical component (6) is arranged,
wherein acoustic measurement data of at least one switching process of the at least one electromechanical component (6) are recorded by at least one sound sensor (10),
wherein the measured data are compared with reference data and wherein a function of the electromechanical component (6) is assessed based on the comparison. Method according to claim 1,
characterized in that
for a given deviation of the measured data from the reference data, a position of the electromechanical component (6) within the interlocking space (2), in particular on the basis of the determined measured data, is determined. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2,
characterized in that an airborne sound pick-up or a structure-borne sound pickup is used as the sound pickup (10). Method according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that
the measurement data of the at least one switching operation of the electromechanical component (6) are recorded by at least one sound pickup (10) arranged in and / or on a portable device (12). Method according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that t
the recorded measurement data are provided by the sound pickup (10) for evaluation of an evaluation unit, in particular a computer system (14) or a portable device (12), and that the evaluation unit contains the measurement data with the reference data compares and judges a function of the electromechanical component based on the comparison, in particular created diagnostic data. Method according to claim 5,
characterized in that
the measurement data provided at the evaluation unit and / or diagnostic data determined therefrom by the evaluation unit are provided by the evaluation unit, in particular being made available on demand. Method according to claim 5 or 6,
characterized in that
the measurement data provided by the evaluation unit and / or the diagnostic data determined therefrom are transmitted via a web interface or a software to a portable device (12) or a computer (16). Method according to one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that in addition to the at least one sound pickup (10), a further sound pickup arranged offset therefrom synchronously records further measurement data from the at least one switching operation of the at least one electromechanical component (6) and
the position of the electromechanical component (6) within the interlocking space (2) is determined by at least one transit time analysis of the measurement data of the at least one sound pickup (10) and the further measurement data of the further sound pickup. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized in that t
a position of the sound pickup (10) within the interlocking space (2) by level difference analysis of at least two mutually offset noise sources (8) is determined. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9,
characterized in that
a position of the component (6) within the interlocking space (2) is determined by level difference analysis of at least two mutually offset sound pickups (10). Method according to one of claims 1 to 10,
characterized in that
the position of the electromechanical component (6) within the interlocking space (2) is determined based on information about the structure of the interlocking, in particular on the basis of group connection plans or frame occupation plans. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11,
characterized in that
an evaluation of the measured data determined by the sound sensor (10) is carried out by trainable or self-learning software. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12,
characterized in that
For improving a diagnosis and / or a failure prediction, information about activation of the component in the evaluation of the recorded measurement data is taken into account. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electromechanical component is designed as a relay or relay module. System for acoustically analyzing an interlocking space (2) with at least one electromechanical component (6) arranged in the interlocking space (2),
marked by
at least one sound pickup (10) and at least one evaluation unit (12, 14),
wherein the sound pickup (10) is adapted to record measurement data of at least one switching operation of the electromechanical component (6), and
wherein the evaluation unit (12,14) is adapted to compare the recorded measurement data with reference data and to detect a deviation between the reference data and the recorded measurement data. The system of claim 15, wherein the evaluation unit (12, 14) is adapted to display or output a signal upon detection of a predetermined deviation of the recorded measurement data from the reference data. System according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the evaluation unit (12, 14) is designed to determine a position of the at least one electromechanical component (6) within the signal box space (2) for a given deviation of the measurement data of the at least one switching operation from stored reference data , System according to one of claims 15 to 17,
marked by
at least one sound pickup (10) which is adapted to record measurement data of airborne sound waves or structure-borne sound waves in the interlocking space (2).

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