FR3010677A1 - DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A SIGNALING STATE OF A PLURALITY OF RAIL SIGNALING ELECTRICAL ORGANS, SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - Google Patents

Abstract

This device (17) for determining a signaling state of a plurality of electrical signaling devices (16), each signaling element (16) having a signaling state among a plurality of predetermined signaling states, comprises, for each signaling member (16): - means for measuring at least a quantity relative to a current adapted to flow through the signaling member (16), and - calculation means connected to the signaling means. measuring and capable of generating a signal indicating the signaling state of the signaling member (16). At least one measured quantity is the intensity of the current flowing through said signaling member (16).

Description

The present invention relates to a device for determining a signaling state of a plurality of electrical rail signaling devices. each signaling member having a signaling state from among a plurality of predetermined signaling states, the device comprising, for each signaling member: - means for measuring at least one magnitude relative to a current adapted to flow through the signaling member, and - calculation means connected to the measuring means and adapted to generate a signal indicating the signaling state of the signaling member. The present invention also relates to a signaling system comprising such a determination device.

The invention also relates to a determination method implemented by such a determination device. The field of the invention is that of railway signaling systems comprising electrical signaling devices, such devices being intended, via the transmission of signals, to transmit either to the driver of a train or to the train itself, information to control the train. In particular, in the case where the signals emitted by the signaling members are transmitted to the train itself, this transmission is performed by safety equipment installed on the ground. In order to ensure the critical safety functions required for the railway signaling system, all the equipment constituting the signaling system must then meet safety requirements, such requirements being defined by railway safety standards. Document WO 2011/139727 A1 discloses a device for determining the aforementioned type. Such a device is used in a signaling system comprising a current source, a plurality of signaling devices, and several electrical relays, each relay being connected in series with one of the signaling devices and being able to control the state. signaling of this signaling member. The power source provides an electric current for supplying all the signaling members. The measuring means comprise current sensors adapted to measure the intensity of the current supplied by the current source, and voltage sensors. Each voltage sensor is connected to a terminal, connected on the one hand to one of the relays and on the other hand to one of the signaling members. The combination of the intensity measurements made by the current sensors and the voltage measurements made by the voltage sensors enables the calculation means to determine the value of the signal indicating the signaling state of each signaling element. However, such a determination device is very little compact because of the relative dispersion in the system of the components forming the device. Such a device also requires to connect some of the measuring means to the electrical relays, in order to measure the voltage across each of these relays. This generates constraints related to the positioning of these measuring means on the signaling system, which complicates and increases the architecture of this system.

An object of the invention is therefore to propose a device for determining a signaling state of a plurality of electrical rail signaling members making it possible to overcome the positioning constraints of the measuring means, while at the same time having compactness. improved. To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for determining the aforementioned type, in which at least one measured quantity is the intensity of the current flowing through said signaling member. According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the determination device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in any technically possible combination: the only measured quantity is the intensity of the current flowing through said signaling; the calculation means comprise at least one data acquisition chain, the or each acquisition chain comprising a module for converting an analog signal into a digital signal and a programmable module, connected in series, the programmable module being connected to the measuring means and being able to execute, according to a test procedure, one or more test (s) of operation of the measuring means; the measuring means are capable of performing a plurality of measurements of the intensity of the current during a predetermined duration, and the calculation means are able to calculate the value of the signal indicating the signaling state of the organ; signaling according to the result of this plurality of measurements; the calculation means are further able to compare each value of the measured intensity with at least one predetermined intensity threshold value, and to calculate the value of the signal indicating the signaling state of the signaling element according to the result of these comparisons; the or each programmable module is furthermore able to time stamp each intensity value measured by the measuring means, and the calculation means are capable of calculating at least one characteristic parameter of one of the signaling states of the signaling, from the timestamp values relating to said measured values; the calculation means comprise a first data acquisition chain, a second data acquisition chain, a first processing unit and a second processing unit, and the measuring means comprise a first and a second current sensors; the first and second current sensors being connected in series, the first and the second data acquisition chain being connected in series between the first and the second current sensors respectively, and the first and second respectively. processing, each processing member being able to calculate the value of the signal indicating the signaling state of the signaling member, the first processing member being connected to the second processing member and being able to generate said signal, the value of the generated signal being a function of the existence of equality between the values of the signals calculated by the first and second me treatment organs. The subject of the invention is also a signaling system comprising a plurality of electric rail signaling devices and a device for determining a signaling state of each signaling element, each signaling element having a signaling state among a plurality of signaling elements. predetermined signaling states, wherein the determining device is as defined above. The subject of the invention is also a method for determining a signaling state of a plurality of electrical railway signaling members, each signaling member having a signaling state among a plurality of possible signaling states, the method being implemented by a device comprising, for each signaling member, means for measuring at least a quantity relative to a current adapted to flow in the signaling member, and calculation means connected to the measuring means and adapted to generate a signal indicating the signaling state of the signaling member, the method comprising, for each signaling member, the following steps: - measuring, by the measuring means, said at least one magnitude relative to a current adapted to flow in the signaling member; - the determination, by the calculation means, of the signaling state of the signaling element, and the transmission, by the calculation means, of the signal indicating the signaling state of the signaling member, in which at least one measured quantity is the intensity of the current flowing in said signaling member. According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the method comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in any technically possible combination: the measuring step comprises a plurality of measurements of the intensity of the current flowing in the signaling member, said measurements being made by the measuring means for a predetermined duration; the determination step comprises: comparing each value of the measured intensity with at least one predetermined intensity threshold value, and calculating the value of the signal indicating the signaling state of the signaling based on the results of these comparisons. These features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a signaling system according to the invention, - Figure 2 is an electrical diagram of the signaling system of Figure 1, comprising twelve electrical rail signaling devices and a determination device according to the invention, the determination device comprising twelve channels. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one of the data processing chains of FIG. 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a determination method according to FIG. the invention, and - Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3 according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this document, "electric rail signaling device" means any device capable of providing, on a railway network, a signal intended to inform either the driver of a rail vehicle traveling on the network or the railway vehicle. himself.

The term "magnitude relative to a current" is also understood to mean any electrical quantity characteristic of this current, such as, for example, the electrical intensity or the electrical voltage. FIG. 1 shows a train 10 traveling on a railway network 12, and a signaling system 14 according to the invention. The signaling system 14 comprises at least two electric railway signaling devices 16 and a device 17 for determining a signaling state of each signaling element 16. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the signaling system 14 is formed of two electrical assemblies 14A, each electrical assembly 14A comprising a signaling element 18 having six signaling members 16. Each electrical assembly 14A further comprises six current sources 19, only two of which are shown in FIG. the embodiment of FIG. 2, each electrical assembly 14A also comprises six relays 20, only two of which are shown in FIG. 2. Each relay 20 is able to control a signaling member 16. Each electrical assembly 14A also comprises a disconnector 21 provided with two terminals. For each electrical assembly 14A, each signaling element 16 is connected in series with one of the current sources 19, one of the control relays 20, as well as the isolator 21.

In variant not shown, each electrical assembly 14A comprises a single current source 19, connected to each of the signaling members 16. According to this variant embodiment, each electrical assembly 14A comprises six relays 20, each relay 20 being able to control an organ As a further variant, the signaling system 14 does not include any control relay 20. In a variant or in addition, the signaling system 14 does not include any disconnector 21. As illustrated in FIGS. signaling 16 is formed for example of a signal lamp. Each signal lamp 16 comprises, for example, several light-emitting diodes, not shown in the figures for the sake of clarity. Alternatively, each signal lamp 16 is an incandescent lamp. In general, each signaling member 16 is an electrical load. Each signaling member 16 has a signaling state among several predetermined signaling states. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, each lamp 16 has three possible light states corresponding to different physical states of the lamp: a "lamp lit" state, a "lamp off" state and a "flashing lamp" state. Each lamp 16 also has a signaling state among four signaling states: a first signaling state ES1 corresponding to the "lamp on" light state, a second signaling state ES2 corresponding to the "lamp off" light state, a third signaling state ES3 corresponding to the "flashing lamp" light state and a fourth signaling state ES4 corresponding to a "fault" state and not corresponding to a particular light state. In its third signaling state ES3, the lamp 16 flashes according to a period T and a duty cycle a. The fourth signaling state ES4 is a "fictitious" state assigned to the lamp 16. This fourth state ES4, necessary to meet the railway safety requirements, corresponds either to the presence of an electrical fault located outside the device. determination 17, or to a defect internal to the device 17 and detectable by it, as detailed below. The fourth state ES4 does not correspond to a lamp 16 materially out of service. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the lamps 16 of the same signaling element 18 have first, second, third and fourth identical signaling states ES1, ES2, ES3, ES4. As a variant, the lamps 16 of the same signaling element 18 have first distinct signaling states ES1, and second, third and fourth identical signaling states ES2, ES3, ES4. More precisely, the lamps 16 of the same signaling element 18 emit, for example, light signals of different wavelengths, each light signal associated with a lamp 16 corresponding to the first signaling state ES1 associated with this lamp. In another variant, the lamps 16 of the same signaling element 18 have first, second, third and fourth signaling states ES1, ES2, ES3, ES4 distinct.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the determination device 17 is formed of a housing comprising, for each signal element 18, a data processing module 24. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, each module 24 is connected between the current sources 19 and the signaling members 16 of an electrical assembly 14A, in parallel with one of the disconnectors 21. Congestion of the device 17. Each processing module 24 comprises at least one data processing chain 26. More specifically, each module 24 comprises as many processing lines 26 as there are signaling members 16 arranged within the electrical assembly 14A to which the module 24 is connected. Thus, in the embodiment of Figure 2, each module 24 comprises six processing lines 26, not shown in the figure for reasons of clarity. One of the six processing lines 26 is shown in FIG. 3. Each processing line 26 is connected in parallel with the associated disconnector 21 and is connected to one of the signaling members 16. Each processing line 26 thus forms, together with the signaling circuit 16 to which it is connected, an electrical circuit 27. Each circuit 27 is electrically independent of the other circuits 27. As illustrated in Figure 3, each processing chain 26 comprises means 28 for measuring at least one magnitude relative to a current adapted to flow in the associated signaling member 16, and calculation means 30. The determination device 17 thus comprises, for each signaling member 16, measuring means 28 and calculation means 30. The means 28 comprise only at least one current sensor 32. According to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 3, the measuring means 28 of each processing line 2 6 comprise a single current sensor 32. The current sensor 32 is connected in parallel with the disconnector 21, within the associated circuit 27. Thus, according to the invention, at least one quantity measured by the measuring means 28 associated with a signaling member 16 is the intensity of the current flowing through this member 16. Preferably, the only quantity measured by the measuring means measurement 28 associated with a signaling member 16 is the intensity of the current flowing through this member 16. Advantageously, the current sensor 32 is a magnetic sensor, able to emit a signal for measuring the intensity of the current flowing in the signaling member 16. This provides a determination device 17 very little intrusive within the electrical assembly 14A. In addition, such a magnetic sensor makes it possible to measure both the intensity of a continuous electric current and the intensity of an alternating electric current. The magnetic current sensor is for example a toroid arranged around an electrical conductor, not shown, allowing the flow of said current. Alternatively, the current sensor 32 is a "shunt" sensor, or a Hall effect sensor, or a current probe.

The measuring means 28 are advantageously adapted to perform several measurements of the intensity of the current during a predetermined time. More specifically, the current sensor 32 of each processing chain 26 is able to continuously measure the intensity of the current flowing in the associated signaling member 16, during a duration D. In the example of FIG. embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the duration D is greater than the period T between two flashes of the lamp 16.

The calculation means 30 are connected to the measuring means 28 and are able to generate a signal indicating the signaling state of the associated signaling member 16. This signal is called signal S in the rest of the document. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the signal S is capable of taking four distinct values, each corresponding to a respective signaling state ES1, ES2, ES3, ES4 of the associated signaling member 16. The calculation means 30 comprise at least one data acquisition chain 34 and at least one data processing unit 36. According to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the calculation means 30 comprise a data acquisition chain 34 and a data processing element 36 connected to the chain 34. As shown in FIG. data acquisition comprises a logic circuit 38, hereinafter referred to as PGA (Programmable Gain Amplifier), a module 40 for converting an analog signal into a digital signal, and a programmable module 42 connected in series. in this order.

The PGA 38 is connected to the current sensor 32 and is able to apply a programmable gain to the measurement signal transmitted by the current sensor 32. The PGA 38 is furthermore able to select a predetermined type of test signal. from the programmable module 42, as detailed below. As a variant, the chain 34 does not comprise PGA 38. In this variant, the conversion module 40 is directly connected to the current sensor 32. The conversion module 40 comprises an analog processing unit 44, known and connected to the PGA. 38, and an analog digital converter 46, connected to the analog processor 44. The programmable module 42 is advantageously a programmable logic circuit, hereinafter referred to as FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The FPGA 42 is connected between the digital analog converter 46 and the data processor 36. The FPGA 42 is further connected, on the one hand, to the current sensor 32, and on the other hand to the PGA 38. The FPGA 42 is advantageously able to execute, according to a predetermined test procedure, one or more operating test (s) of the measuring means 28. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the FPGA 42 is able to transmit to the current sensor 32, or periodically, or at the request of the processor 36, at least one test signal for testing the operation of this current sensor 32. The FPGA 42 is further able to transmit to the PGA 38 several sinusoidal signals of distinct amplitudes. The FPGA 42 is also suitable for transmitting to the PGA 38 a control signal of a type of test. The control signal allows the PGA 38, on command of the FPGA 42, to select the type of test signal used for the test of the conversion module 40. The FPGA 42 is advantageously able to transmit to the processor 36 a signal sampled and timestamp the value of each sample of this signal.

Each sample of the signal transmitted by the FPGA 42 to the processing unit 36 corresponds to an effective value of the intensity measured by the current sensor 32. The processing unit 36 is, for example, formed of an associated processor to a memory. The processor 36 is capable of calculating the value of the signal S as a function of the sample values of the signal transmitted by the FPGA 42, and of transmitting the signal S.

More particularly, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the processing unit 36 is able to compare the value of each sample of the signal transmitted by the FPGA 42 with at least one intensity threshold value stored in the memory, and calculating the value of the signal S according to the result of these comparisons. The processing unit 36 is advantageously able to compare the value of each sample of the signal transmitted by the FPGA 42 to a first threshold value stored in the memory, then to a second threshold value stored in the memory, strictly greater than the first value. threshold. This double comparison makes it possible to guarantee a lack of confusion between the first signaling state ES1 of the lamp 16 and the second signaling state ES2 of the lamp 16. The threshold values are configurable by a user.

The processing unit 36 is also able to calculate, from the time stamp values relating to the sample values of the signal transmitted by the FPGA 42, the period T between two flashes of the lamp 16, as well as the duty cycle. associated with this blinking. The processing unit 36 is then able to deduce the value of the signal S as a function of the result of this calculation.

The processing unit 36 is advantageously able to transmit to the FPGA 42 a request to start a predetermined test procedure. Each test procedure is, for example, stored in the memory of the processor. Each test procedure includes the transmission by the processor 36 to the FPGA 42 of one or more test commands associated with the procedure. In addition to the test procedures and the first and second intensity threshold values, reference values T1, respectively a1, corresponding to the theoretical period between two flashes of the lamp 16, respectively to the theoretical duty cycle, are stored in the memory of the processor 36. At least one configuration parameter is also stored in the memory of the processor 36. Advantageously, several configuration parameters are stored in this memory. The reference values Il et al are configurable by a user. The configuration parameters allow a user to be able to configure on the one hand the processing unit 36, the PGA 38 and the FPGA 42 as a function of the intensity of the nominal current flowing within the signaling member 16 and the other hand the processing member 36 according to the first and second threshold values. This makes it possible to obtain a reconfigurable determination device 17, and thus able to operate, in safety, with several types of signaling devices 16. This characteristic thus makes it possible to carry out precise measurements of current intensity, and covering a wide range of measurements. range of potential currents. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the determination device 17 is capable of transmitting to the train 10 a message reflecting the values of the signals S emitted by the set of processing elements 36 associated with a signaling element 18. indicating the signaling status of this signaling element 18.

Each current source 19 supplies an electric supply current to one of the signaling elements 18. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, each current source 19 supplies a continuous electric current to one of the elements As a variant, each current source 19 supplies an alternating electric current to one of the signaling elements 18.

The operation of the determination device 17 according to the invention will now be explained. FIG. 4 shows the steps of a determination method according to the invention implemented by the determination device 17. Only one of the data processing chains 26, as well as the circuit 27 and the device signaling 16 associates, will be considered thereafter. Indeed, the operation of the other processing lines 26 being similar, and each processing chain 26 operating independently of the others, the steps of the method implemented by these other processing lines 26 will not be described in more detail. During an initial step 54, the measuring means 28 measure at least the intensity of the current flowing through the signaling member 16. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the sensor 32 measures the intensity of the current flowing in the signaling member 16. More specifically, the current sensor 32 performs, during the duration D, several measurements of the intensity of the current flowing in the signaling member 16. For each measurement during the duration D, the sensor 32 then transmits to the PGA 38 a signal for measuring the intensity of the current flowing in the signaling element 16. For the sake of clarity, only the measurements made are subsequently considered. by the sensor 32 during the duration D. In a subsequent step 56, the PGA 38 applies a predetermined gain to each measurement signal transmitted by the current sensor 32 and transmits each resulting analog signal to the conversion module a In a next step 58, the digital analog conversion module 40 converts each analog signal transmitted by the PGA 38 into a digital signal, and then transmits each digital signal to the FPGA 42. In a next step 60, the FPGA 42 transmits to the processor 36 a sampled signal, having previously timestamped the value of each sample of this signal. Each sample of the signal transmitted to the processor 36 corresponds to an effective value of the intensity measured by the current sensor 32. In a subsequent step 62, the processor 36 calculates the value of the signal S according to the sample values of the signal transmitted by the FPGA 42.

This step 62 for determining the value of the signal S comprises a first substep 62A, during which the processor 36 compares the value of each sample of the signal transmitted by the FPGA 42 with at least one threshold value of intensity stored in the memory of the processor 36. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the processor 36 compares the value of each sample with the first threshold value stored in the memory, then with the second threshold value stored in the memory. The determination step 62 comprises a second substep 62B, during which the processor 36 calculates, via its processor, the value of the signal S as a function of the result of the comparisons made during the first substep 62A. More precisely, if the set of sample values are greater than the second threshold value, the processing unit 36 determines the value of the signal S as being that corresponding to the first signaling state ES1 of the signaling element 16. If the set of sample values are smaller than the first threshold value, the processor 36 determines the value of the signal S as being that corresponding to the second signaling state ES2 of the signaling element 16. If each sample value is either greater than the second threshold value, or less than the second threshold value, and if at least two sample values are distinct, the signaling unit 16 examines the timestamp values associated with these values. of samples. The processor of the processing unit 36 then uses these time stamp values to calculate the period T between two flashes of the lamp 16 and the duty cycle associated with this blinking. If the calculated period T is equal to the theoretical period It stored in the memory of the processing unit 36, the processing unit 36 determines the value of the signal S as being that corresponding to the third signaling state ES3 of the device 16. If the calculated period T is less than or greater than the theoretical period It is stored in the memory of the processor 36, the processor 36 determines the value of the signal S as that corresponding to the fourth state of signaling ES4 signaling 16. Alternatively, if the calculated period T is greater than the theoretical period It stored in the memory of the processing member 36, the processing member 36 determines the value of the signal S as being that corresponding to the first or second signaling state ES1, ES2 of the signaling member 16. In all the other cases, distinct from the preceding cases, the processing element ent 36 determines the value of the signal S as being that corresponding to the fourth signaling state ES4 of the signaling element 16. In a subsequent step 64, the processing element 36 emits the signal S. In the example embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, during a final step not shown, the determination device 17 transmits to the train 10 two messages. Each message reflects the values of the signals S emitted by the set of processing elements 36 associated with one of the signaling elements 18, indicating the signaling state of this signaling element 18. In addition, during a step 66 performed in parallel with steps 54 to 64, the processor 36 transmits to the FPGA 42, for example periodically, a request to start a test procedure. The processor 36 transmits in particular to the FPGA 42 one or more test commands associated with the test procedure. The FPGA 42 then executes, according to the test procedure, one or more operating test (s) of the processing chain 34. Specifically, the FPGA 42 transmits to the PGA 38 a control signal of a test type. The FPGA 42 then transmits to the current sensor 32 a test signal. Steps 54 to 62 are then performed for this test signal, and the processor 36 analyzes the results obtained in a next step 68. In step 68, if the results obtained are consistent with theoretical results pre-recorded within the processing unit 36, the step 66 is performed again. Otherwise, the processor 36 determines the value of the signal S as that corresponding to the fourth signaling state ES4 of the signaling element 16, and the final step 64 is implemented.

In a variant, step 66 is performed periodically by the FPGA 42. In this case, the processing unit 36 does not transmit to the FPGA 42 a request to start a test procedure, but only the test signal or signals. associated with the test procedure.

The test step 66 makes it possible to perform a continuous test of the entire processing chain 26 and to detect any latent defects within this chain 26. FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention for which elements similar to the first embodiment, described above, are identified by identical references, and are therefore not described again.

Unlike the first embodiment, the measuring means 28 of each processing chain 26 comprise a first current sensor 32A and a second current sensor 32B. In addition, the calculation means 30 of each processing chain 26 comprise a first data acquisition chain 34A, a second data acquisition chain 34B, a first data processing element 36A and a second processing element 36B of data. The first and second current sensors 32A, 32B are connected in series between the current source 19 and the signaling members 16, in parallel with the disconnector 21, within the associated circuit 27. Each of the first and second current sensors 32A, 32B is, for example, structurally identical to the current sensor 32 of the first embodiment. The first data acquisition chain 34A, respectively the second chain 34B is connected in series between the first current sensor 32A, respectively the second current sensor 32B, and the first processing element 36A, respectively the second processing element 36B . Each of the first and second acquisition chains 34A, 34B is structurally analogous to the acquisition chain 34 of the first embodiment. The first processor 36A is connected to the second processor 36B. Each processing member 36A, 36B is structurally analogous to the processor 36 of the first embodiment described above. Each processing member 36A, 36B is thus able to calculate a value Sa, Sb of the signal indicating the signaling state of the associated signaling member 16, as a function of the sample values of the signal transmitted by the FPGA 42 to which it is connected. Each processing member 36A, 36B is furthermore able to transmit to the other processing member 36A, 36B the value Sa, Sb of the signal which it has calculated, and to test the existence of an equality between Sa values. , Sb of the calculated signal. Only the first processing unit 36A is able to emit the signal S.

The operation of the determination device 17 according to the second embodiment will now be explained. The steps 54 to 68 of the determination method according to the second embodiment of the invention are identical to those of the determination method according to the first embodiment of the invention, and will therefore not be described in more detail. The determination method according to the second embodiment further comprises, between the determination step 62 and the final step 64, a transmission step, by each processing member 36A, 36B to the other processing member 36A, 36B, of the value Sa, Sb of the signal which it has calculated during the determination step 62. The determination method also comprises, following this transmission step, a test step, by each processing 36A, 36B, the existence of an equality between the values Sa, Sb of the calculated signal. If, during the test step, each of the two processing members 36A, 36B determines the existence of an equality between the values Sa, Sb, the first processing unit 36A assigns as value to the signal S the value Sa , and sends the signal S during the final step 64. Otherwise, the first processing unit 36A assigns as value to the signal S the value corresponding to the fourth signaling state ES4 of the signaling member 16, and transmits the signal S in the final step 64. Compared to the determination device according to the first embodiment of the invention, the device according to the second embodiment of the invention makes it possible to detect internal defects in the processing chain. 26, undetectable in the first embodiment. This contributes to increasing the security of the signaling system 14. The other advantages of this second embodiment of the determination device are identical to those of the first embodiment, and are therefore not described again. Those skilled in the art will of course understand that the invention applies in the same way by using, for each processing line, a number N of current sensors, data acquisition chains and processing devices, N being an integer greater than or equal to three. The same treatments are then performed in each of the N groups of components, then a "majority vote" is made or strict equality is tested to assign the signal S its value. Thanks to the time stamping by the FPGA of each transmitted signal value, the determination device 17 according to the invention makes it possible to detect a "flashing" state of each signaling element, and to determine the characteristic parameters of this flashing.

The determination device 17 according to the invention also makes it possible to detect the signaling state of each signaling system of the signaling system, while respecting the security requirements required for this system. In addition, unlike the devices of the prior art, the determination device 17 according to the invention, and whatever the embodiment, is made in the form of an integrated housing, which significantly improves the compactness of the device. . The device according to the invention also has a simpler design, in particular because it does not require the joint measurement of currents and voltages to be operational. For each signaling device whose signaling state must be determined, a single current measurement by the device is sufficient. The device of the invention also does not require the presence of control relays within the signaling system to be operational. Unlike the devices of the prior art, the determination device 17 according to the invention makes it possible to independently measure the intensity of the current flowing in each signaling element of a signaling element. This further allows, regarding the overall architecture of the signaling system, to test the processing chains independently of each other. It is thus conceivable that the determination device 17 according to the invention makes it possible to overcome the positioning constraints of the measuring means and the control architecture of the signaling members, while having an improved compactness.

Claims (11)

CLAIMS1.- Apparatus (17) for determining a signaling state of a plurality of electrical signaling devices (16), each signaling element (16) having a signaling state among a plurality of signal states. predetermined signaling, the device (17) comprising, for each signaling member (16): - means (28) for measuring at least a quantity relative to a current adapted to flow through the signaling member (16) , and 10 - means (30) of calculation connected to the measuring means (28) and adapted to generate a signal (S) indicating the signaling state of the signaling member (16), characterized in that less than a measured quantity is the intensity of the current flowing through said signaling member (16). 15 2.- Device (17) according to claim 1, characterized in that the only measured quantity is the intensity of the current flowing through said signal member (16). 3. Device (17) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the calculating means (30) comprise at least one data acquisition chain (34; 34A, 34B), the or each chain of acquisition (34; 34A, 34B) comprising a module (40) for converting an analog signal into a digital signal and a programmable module (42) connected in series, the programmable module (42) being connected to the measuring means ( 28) and being able to execute, according to a test procedure, one or more operating test (s) of the measuring means (28). 25 4. Apparatus (17) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring means (28) are adapted to perform a plurality of measurements of the intensity of the current during a predetermined time, and in that the calculating means (30) is adapted to calculate the value of the signal (S) indicating the signaling state of the signaling element (16) as a function of the result of this plurality of measurements. 5.- Device (17) according to claim 4, characterized in that the calculating means (30) are furthermore able to compare each value of the measured intensity with at least a predetermined threshold value of intensity, and with calculating the value of the signal (S) indicating the signaling state of the signaling element (16) as a function of the result of these comparisons. 6. Device (17) according to claim 4 or 5 taken with claim 3, characterized in that the or each programmable module (42) is further able to timestamp each intensity value measured by the measuring means (28). ), and in that the calculation means (30) are suitable for calculating at least one characteristic parameter of one of the signaling states of the signaling element (16), based on the time stamp values relating to the said measured values. . 7.- Device (17) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computing means (30) comprise a first data acquisition chain (34A), a second data acquisition chain (34B). data, a first processor (36A) and a second processor (36B), and that the measuring means (28) includes a first (32A) and a second (32B) current sensor, the first and second second current sensors (32A, 32B) being connected in series, the first (34A), respectively the second (34B), data acquisition chain being connected in series between the first (32A) and the second (32B) respectively current sensor, and the first (36A), respectively the second (36B) processing member, each processing member (36A, 36B) being adapted to calculate the value of the signal (S) indicating the signaling state of the signaling member (16), the first processing member (36A) being connected to the second processing unit (36B) and being able to generate said signal (S), the value of the signal (S) generated being a function of the existence of equality between the values of the signals calculated by the first and second members treatment (36A, 36B). 8. A signaling system (14) comprising a plurality of electrical signaling members (16) and a device (17) for determining a signaling state of each signaling member (16), each signaling member ( 16) having a signaling state among a plurality of predetermined signaling states, characterized in that the determining device (17) is in accordance with any one of the preceding claims. 9. A method for determining a signaling state of a plurality of electrical signaling members (16), each signaling member (16) having a signaling state from among a plurality of possible signaling states, the method being implemented by a device (17) comprising, for each signaling member (16), means (28) for measuring at least a quantity relative to a current adapted to flow in the signaling member (16). ), and calculation means (30) connected to the measuring means (28) and adapted to generate a signal (S) indicating the signaling state of the signaling member (16), the method comprising, for each member signaling device (16), the following steps: - the measurement (54), by the measuring means (28), of said at least one quantity relative to a current adapted to flow in the signaling element (16), the determination (62) by the calculating means (30) of the state of ignoring the signaling element (16), and - the emission (64), by the calculation means (30), of the signal (S) indicating the signaling state of the signaling element (16), characterized in that at least one measured quantity is the intensity of the current flowing in said signaling member (16). 10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the measuring step (54) comprises a plurality of measurements of the intensity of the current flowing in the signaling member (16), said measurements being made by the means measuring device (28) for a predetermined period of time. 11. The method as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the determining step (62) comprises: comparing (62A) each value of the measured intensity with at least one predetermined intensity threshold value, and calculating (62B) the value of the signal (S) indicating the signaling state of the signaling member (16) according to the results of these comparisons.