FR2619947A1 - Foghorn for automatic sound signals - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic audible signalling device, capable of automatically and sequentially emitting specified audible signals in accordance with the specifications of the International Regulation of 1972 for preventing collisions at sea. Figure 1 illustrates the block diagram of the operation of the device. A clock circuit 1 generates one-second pulses, these clock pulses are then processed by a sequencer 2, in order to output eight sequences 3 consisting of short signals, long signals and intervals, with characteristics in accordance with maritime regulations. A timer 4 reactivating the sequencer makes it possible automatically to repeat the chosen signal with the specified interval 5. The electrical signals output from the sequencer, after amplification 6, actuate an audible warning mechanism 8 via an electromagnetic relay 7. The present invention finds its application on board ships: fishing vessels, harbour craft, yachts.

Description

The electronic device which is the subject of the present invention is intended to ensure the automatic emission of sound signals on board ships at sea in poor visibility, in accordance with the maritime regulations of the International Regulations of 1972 to prevent collisions at sea.
The standardized signals from the Morse code include eight sound sequences, namely
a) Mechanically propelled ship with wander: its extended
every two minutes, - letter T
b) Ship with mechanical propulsion stopped without wandering: two prolon sounds
separated by an interval of about two seconds, at in
two-minute intervals, - - letter M
c) Vessel not master of its maneuver, sailing vessel, fishing vessel,
towing ship: three successive sounds, namely, a prolon sound
ge, followed by two short sounds with an interval of two minutes, -. . letter B
d) Towed vessel: four consecutive sounds, i.e. a prolonated sound
ge followed by three short sounds with an interval of two minutes, e. . . letter B
e) Vessel at anchor: three consecutive sounds, namely a short sound
followed by a prolonged sound and a brief sound with an interval of one
minute,. -. letter
f) Stranded vessel: four consecutive sounds, i.e. a short sound
followed by three extended sounds with an interval of one minute
te,. - - - letter J g) Pilot boat with ivy: conne a) followed by a specific signal
tification consisting of four short sounds, with an interval of two minutes, - /. ... T and H
h) Pilot boat stopped: as b) followed by an identification signal
consisting of four short sounds, with an interval of two minutes, - - /. . . . M and H
The expression "short sound" means a sound lasting approximately one second, the expression "prolonged sound" means a sound lasting four to six seconds
The sound signaling devices currently manufactured for ships at sea: fishing, servitude, pleasure craft, are essentially devices for transmitting sound signals implemented manually, please: Horn, "COAT OF ARMS", Electromagnetic or pneumatic whistle activated manually by pressing a fugitive push-button; fog alarm operating manually from liquefied gas supplied by a removable cartridge; plastic or metallic fog horn working "by mouth"
The invention presented is characterized in that the production of the sound signals is fully automatic and the repetition of the sequences chosen by the navigating operator, in accordance with the intervals prescribed by the regulations.

 The device according to the invention makes it possible to entirely free the on-board personnel from the constraint of having to activate the sound signaling devices every minute or two minutes, while operating the ship in reduced visibility; this advantage makes it possible to improve safety, the man thus freed from this subject being more capable of ensuring appropriate visual and auditory monitoring in accordance with the 5 "STANDBY and all rule of the International Regulations of 1972.

The device further includes the possibility of emitting a "distress" signal consisting in producing a continuous sound
The device which is the subject of the invention is a fully static electronic system - apart from the electromagnetic relay for controlling the horn - produced using logic integrated circuits and discrete semiconductors
The use of the device must not cause any discomfort or disturb the functioning of the on-board receivers, this is the reason why the realization exclusively uses logic circuits, without multiplexing, of MOS technology (from the English "Metal Oxide Semi -conductor ") delivering no parasitic noise, or emission of stiff edges in the power supply circuits. On the other hand, the noise immunity (2.4 V for 8 Volts of power retention) of the NOS circuits compared to circuits of the TTL family (o, 4 Voltsj allows the nenlent function of the equipment despite a harsh environment on board ships, due to the multiple disturbances of electrical and radioelectric intense electromagnetic fields caused by the on-board transmitters HF, VHF, Radar , Sounders.

The device which is the subject of the present invention consists of separate modular functional blocks produced using printed circuit boards, the block diagram of FIG. 2 lists and briefly explains the role of each module.
Power supply module (10)
The power supply module (10) makes it possible to use two constant volts, 12 or 24 Volts nominal, to obtain two constant voltages of 8 volts and 12 Volts intended to supply the electronic circuits and the electromagnetic control relay.
Clock Nodule (1)
The clock module (1) constitutes a time base. The period of the clock pulses provides the elementary duration of the manipulation, which is the duration of the "point" corresponding to the brief sound.
Sequencer module (2)
The clock module controls a sequencer (2) consisting of three decimal decoder counters providing a cycle, characterized by a displacement of a logic level 1 (+ 8 Volts) successively on 23 outputs
The high states (+ 8 Volts) available successively at the different outputs of the decoder counters lead to a programming matrix with diodes, making it possible to select by a simple rotary switch (3), eight manipulation sequences.

 Once started, the cycle continues automatically until the end, previously, when the equipment is started, a device will have reset the sequencer to zero (RiZ) so that it begins its cycle operating in a consistent manner.

Timer Nodule (4)
The timer module (4) controls the repetition of the sequencer manipulation cycle and defines the time interval between two consecutive sequences.

 This interval is 1 or 2 minutes, selectable by a simple manual inverter (5) available to the operator.

DC Amplifier Module (6)
The output signals (high states) of the sequencer are very weak, available intensity of about 2 milliamps, and cannot directly control the horn, therefore, a DC amplifier! 1r is required (6) to increase the power of the general sinuses, so that they are of an intensity compatible with the excitation current of the electromagnetic relay (7) controlling the horn (
The electromagnetic control relay (7) ensures galvaruque isolation and allows universal use
Horn (8)
The horn (8) transmits the phonic signals corresponding to the chosen handling sequence, with a minimum intensity of 120 db at 1 meter from the center of the horn, and of a frequency adapted to the type of vessel equipped (between 250 and 700 Hz for a ship of length less than 75 meters)
The horn is a classic device: horn, whistle, "Klason" powered either by direct or alternating current, or operating with an electro-compressor for high power alarms.

The equipment also makes it possible to generate, on demand, a sequence in semi-automatic mode, by simple fleeting pressure on a push-button switch (9), on the other hand, a "distress signal" position is provided by switching on. the switch (11) which controls the excitation of the control relay (7)
RETAILED EXHIBITION
POWER NODULE (FIGURE 3)
The device is powered from the ship's batteries, 12 or 24 Volts of nominal voltage.

 The power supply module (Fig 3) provides a constant voltage of 8 Volts for integrated circuits, and 12 Volts for circuits with discrete components, as well as the supply of the electromagnetic relay (7).

The voltage regulation is carried out by monolithic regulators with integrated circuits, REG 1, and REG 2, this device allows correct operation of the electronic circuits with an input voltage which can vary between 12 and 32 Volts
Two diodes D1 and D2 inserted in series in the + power supply, avoid any risk of damage in the event of a polarity error in the external connection on the on-board power source
The shock inductors Li, 12 as well as the capacitors C1, C2, C3 are filtering and decoupling elements to avoid any entry of undesirable signals of the High Frequency type, into the supply circuit.

CLOCK HODERE (FIGURE 48
The clock circuit is developed from an integrated circuit
C.MOS type CD 4093 B, 4 NANT TRICHER with 2 inputs, CI 1
The time base consists of the NAND gates 3 and 4 mounted as a multivibrator, the clock frequency is determined by R2, P1, C1, C2
The potentiometer P1 is used to calibrate the clock; taking into account the value of the components used, the clock delivers rectangular pulses lasting one second.

 At the output of the multivibrator, the NAND 2 gate, mounted as a Schmitt trigger, allows the verticalization of the rising and falling edges of the clock slots so as to obtain satisfactory operation of the counters of the sequencer (2) placed downstream.

A circuit for displaying the clock pulses is constituted by the NAND gate 1 acting as amplifier-separator to drive the control transistor T1, the light-emitting diode LED 1 inserted in the collector circuit flashes at the rate of the crenal amounts of period 1 second. Resistor R7 limits the current in the diode to 17 Ma
SEQUENCER HODULE (FIGURES 5 and 6)
The sequencer consists of three decimal decoder counters of the C.NOS CD 4017 (12) type controlled by two RS flip-flops made with two NOR reversing operators of the C.MOS CD 4001 B, CI 4 (13) type.

Description and analysis of the operation of the sequencer (FIG 5 and 6):
In order to avoid any aberration when switching on the device, an automatic reset circuit, RESET, has been provided
As soon as the supply voltage of 8 Volts is applied to the circuit, the capacitor C2 charges through R7, this results in a brief positive pulse on the negative armature of the capacitor, this positive pulse is applied simultaneously to the reset input of the three counters
CI 1, CI 2, CI 3, by diodes D4, D5, D6. Simultaneously with the reset of the three counters, the flip-flops RS 1 and 2 will neutralize the counters 2 and 3 according to the following process: voltage, a positive pulse is created by the capacitor C1 and the resistor R3, this set places the flip-flops in a certain configuration, namely, pin 4 of the basucle RS 1 and the pin 11 of the flip-flop RS 2 at logic level 1 or + 8 Volts, which blocks the CT 2 counters and
Cl 3. At present, only a logic level 1 applied to the seconds in trees pins 6 and 12 of the rockers, can make change the logic state of outputs 4 and 11
The counter CI 1 having its pin RESET at logic level O by the resistor R8 is not blocked, consequently, the latter receiving the slots available on its clock input H, takes them into account and advances at the rate of the rising edges, every second
Logic level 1 therefore moves gradually from output 1 to 8 to finally arrive at output n 9 tl, at this precise moment, two processes are triggered
a) the output 't 9 "will apply a logic level 1 to input
validation V and thus blocks the counter.

b) simultaneously, logic level 1 of output "9" is
applied by diode D1 to the second input 6 of the rocker
RS 1 which causes the change of state of output 4 which
therefore goes to the low state O Volt.

The reset input of the counter CI 12 is now in the low state by the resistor R4, it is released and advances at the rate of the time slots of the output "1" to the output "8", when the level 1 arrives at output "9", the same process established following the procedure described above: counter CI2 is blocked by applying logic level 1 on its reset input and logic level 1 applied on input 12 of the flip-flop RS 2, unblocks the counter CI 3 by logic level O of its reset input by the resistor R6
The third counter therefore carries out its cycle from n 1 n to n 8 It arrives at "9", the counter is blocked by application of logic level 1 on the validation input V
At this time, all three counters are locked in position "9".

 Ultimately, there was one cycle per meter, and only one, this completely automatic after powering up the sequencer module.

The clock pulses being produced with a duration of 1 second, it follows that the levels received on each output of the three counters will have this same value, taking into account the wiring plan developed on the electrical diagram of Figure 5, we will obtain 23 successive high levels lasting 23 seconds, outputs A to U
From these 23 high cyclic levels, a diode matrix (14) allows to program any letter of the Morse alphabet, namely
- 1 diode in service = 1 second or a "short sound"
- 5 diodes in service = 5 seconds or a "prolonged sound" - absence of diode = silence of 1 1 second
Note: the programming diodes are necessary and avoid all "sending" of logic level 1 to the outputs which are at logic level O which would cause the destruction of the integrated circuits.
CD 4017 B.

The aectrical diagram of figure 6 represents the wiring of the diode programmer, this matrix comprises 76 diodes and makes it possible to work out the manipulation of the 8 sequences available, a rotary switch (3) selects the eight sequences. The signals corresponding to the Sequences will be available on output A
FIG. 7 represents the diagram of the diode programmer, in a form allowing an easier understanding of the programming a point represents a diode in service, therefore a logic level 1; the absence of a diode corresponds to no logic state available.

The letter R:. -. is therefore programmed as follows
1 diode in service at output 2 of CI 1 Mark B = 1 point of 1 "
absence of diode at output 3 of CI 1 = silence of l "
5 diodes in service at output 4-5-6-7-8 of CI 1 Mark F, A, C, D, E =
1 line of 5 "
absence of diode at output O of CI 2 = silence of 1 "
1 diode in service at output 1 of CI 2 Mark H = 1 point dol1 "so we will have a signal corresponding to the letter R in the form of a logic state 1 at output A when the rotary switch (3) is set to position 7.

 We have seen above that after having carried out a complete cycle, the 3 counters (12) were locked in position "9", the role of the timer module (4) is to reactivate the sequencer for automatic resumption of manipulation, which occurs when after 1 or 2 minutes (depending on the position of the inverter Inv. 5), the logic level 1 applied in T on the 3 RESET, figure 5, disappears, at this precise moment, the the process for resuming handling is repeated, the resetting of the counters (12) then being effective.

TIMER MODULE (FIGURE 8)
The timer module consists of an integrated circuit of C.MOS technology type CD 4060 they), followed by a DC amplifier
The circuit CD 4000 B CI 1 (15) integrated an oscillator and 14 dividers by 2 connected in series
The values of the resistors R1, R2, P1 and of the capacitor C3, condition the period of the basic oscillations, in this case the latter. Is set for 7.3242187 ps, or 136ri33 Hz, using the adjustable resistor R1.

 At the output Q12 of CI1, a low level time slot is thus collected, followed by a high level time slot of equal duration, namely: 7.3242 X 2 "12 either in seconds, 0.0073242 X 4096 = = 30 seconds the Q13 output will deliver slots of: 7.3242 X 2'13 or 0.0073242 X 8192 = = 60 seconds we will ultimately have two available cycles of 1 and 2 minutes generated by the outputs Q12 and Q13.

 A reset of circuit CI 1 is provided at power up by D1, C2 and R3.

 The C.MOS CD 4060 B circuit is not capable at the levels of its divider outputs Q12 and Q13 of delivering a current greater than 2 or 3 milliamps while maintaining the nominal voltage of the high levels generated - 8 V, this low current does not allow the simultaneous reactivation command of the three counters (12) of the sequencer (2) placed downstream, this is the reason why a DC amplifier has been provided.

This classic amplifier consists of the transistors T1 and
T2, the reset control voltage is available at the T2 collector with a voltage of approximately 11.4 Volts, taking into account the 0.6 V voltage drop between transmitter and T2 collector.

 The invertor Inv. (5) placed on the front of the electronic cabinet selects the duration of the interval between two sequences, 1 or 2 minutes.

DIRECT CURRENT AMPLIFIER AND RELAY MODULE (FIGURE 9)
The high states corresponding to the signals generated by the manipulation sequencer can only deliver a current of a few eilliamps, 2 to 3, this low intensity is incompatible with the power necessary to excite the electromagnetic relay for controlling the horn, also m amplifier is it necessary
The amplifier is made with two NPN transistors T1 and T2 mounted in Darlington, in the collector circuit of T2 is the inductance of the electromagnetic control relay RL1, the diode D, mounted in parallel on the winding in order to eliminate the effects of overvoltage of st induction at the time of the cut-off. The amplifier is supplied from the regulated current of 12 Velts via the relay RL1 (7), this arrangement avoids having to replace the relay by a 25 Velts model when the ship is equipped with 24 Volt storage batteries of nominal voltage
Horn (8)
The horn (8) and the phonic signals corresponding to the chosen handling sequence, with a lînjitini intensity of 120 db at 1 meter from the axis of the horn, and of a frequency adapted to the type of vessel equipped (between 250 and 700 Hz for a ship with a length of less than 7 days! The horn is a classic device: horn, whistle, "Klason", electromagnetic powered directly by direct current, either by an electro-compressor for large horns The nominal voltage of the buzzer or the electro-compressor must be compatible with the energy available on board the vessel, ie 12 or 24 Volts DC The buzzer is of course outside the electronic box of the object device of the present invention.

lNl6K GENERAL CONNECTION (FIGURE 10)
FIG. 10 represents the general interconnection electronic diagram of the device constituted by the clock (1), sequencer (2) timer (4), DC amplifier (6), relay (7), power supply (10) modules. The six modules are made on a printed circuit board, which can be plugged in to allow easy and quick maintenance, the modules are contained in an ABS enclosure coated with nickel-based shielding against electromagnetic interference and radio frequencies.

 The operating devices are placed on the front of the cabinet, we find: the on-off switch (16), the rotary switch (3) for selecting the handling sequences, the inverter (5) which determines the time for sequence repetition, the fugitive bipolar push switch (9) which allows a sequence to be generated immediately, by neutralizing the timer.

 The distress switch (11) enables the RL1 relay (7) to be energized and permanently activates the horn (8).

 Visualization indicators produced using light-emitting diodes, make it possible to control the correct functioning of the device: VI attests by its flashing at the second of the good functioning of the clock, V3 visualized the presence of the regulated 12 Volts, V4 of 8 Regulated volts; the V2 indicator controls the output of the sequences being manipulated and turns on and off following the rhythm of the signals delivered.

 On the back of the box, we find: a blind ground for the muse of the mass of the device, an onboard energy input connector 12 or 24 V, an AV - AV output connector supplying the horn ( ).

 It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown which is only an example to which many modifications can be made without departing from the present invention for example, the clock can be performed with Quartz stabilization instead of an RC circuit, the number of available sequences can be reduced; it is possible to add in addition the operating signals and warning signals, as well as the corresponding light signals.

 The present invention finds its application on board ships at sea, as defined in rule 3 a of the International Regulations of 1972 to prevent collisions at sea

Claims (5)

CLAIMS 1 Electronic sllalisation device sor. r capable of automatically and sequentially transmitting regulatory sound signals on board ships at sea, characterized in that it includes a clock (1) controlling a sequencer (2) generating eight manipulation sequences selectable by a switch rotary (o) and provided with a timer (4) allowing the repetition of the sequences with an interval of one or two minutes.  2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it is produced with integrated circuits of C.MOS technology and discrete semiconductors.  3) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the sequencer (9) is produced by three decimal counter-decoders of the CD 4017 B type (12) activated by two RS flip-flops (13!  A) Device according to claim 3 characterized in that the programming of the eight manipulation sequences is obtained by a diode matrix (11)  5) Device according to claims 2, 3, l in that the reactivation of the sequencer (2) is determined by the oscillator-dividers circuit of an integrated circuit CD 4060 B (15).  6) Device according to claims 1, 2, 3, l, and 5 characterized in that it is produced using plug-in modular functional blocks  7) Device according to the preceding claims taken as a whole, characterized in that it is provided with a switch (llj controlling the activation of a distress signal