JP2514499B2 - Rail clearance measurement method and rail length measurement method - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for measuring a width of a rail between a terminal end and a starting end of adjacent rails laid for a railway and a length of the rail.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Railroad rails that are laid extend and contract as the temperature rises and falls. In order to absorb the expansion and contraction of the rails, a gap (free space) is provided at the seam between the end and start ends of the adjacent rails. If this clearance is too small, it will be a so-called blind clearance due to a slight extension of the rail. In this state, if the rail temperature further rises, the rail cannot further extend, so that a large axial pressure is generated inside the rail, which causes the rail to buckle. On the contrary, if the clearance is too large, not only will the vehicle traveling on the rail experience a large impact when passing through the clearance, which will result in poor riding comfort, but also the track will drop and the track will be destroyed at the seam. It When the temperature of the rail decreases in this state, the play space further increases, and after the play space reaches the opening limit, the seam plate bolt is subjected to a force due to the contraction of the rail and the seam plate bolt breaks.

In order to prevent the above-mentioned problems and rail overhang accidents, it is necessary to keep the play space at an appropriate interval, and therefore play space management has been conventionally performed. This play space management is performed twice in spring and autumn, and each time, the play space measurement,
Through the series of work of determining the play distance and adjusting the play distance of the defective portion, the play distance is always kept in a good condition.

Conventionally, the following method has been used as a specific rail clearance measuring method. . A method in which a civil engineer walks along a rail with a ruler and hits a ruler in the play when it reaches the play space. . Install the camera on the rail car running on the rail,
A method of recording the still space as a still image with the camera and performing image processing on the computer for measurement. . A method that uses a combination of a rotary encoder and a photoelectric switch that is installed on both sides of the rail in the width direction so that they face each other across the rail.

The above-described method for measuring the clearance between rails has the following problems. A. According to the above-mentioned distance measurement method, only two people could measure less than 10 km per day, and the workability was very poor. B. Although the above-mentioned distance measuring method is more efficient than the above-mentioned distance measuring method, the measuring speed is still 30 to 4
The work efficiency is not sufficient because it is about 0 km / h. If the speed is further increased, the image cannot follow and measurement becomes impossible. In addition, because it is a high-speed moving object imaging method that uses external natural light shielding, special lighting, a floodlight, and a shutter camera so that the image of the rail joint part can be clearly captured, those equipments are complicated and the handling is troublesome. However, there are problems such as high cost.

C. The play distance measuring method has the following problems because the rotary encoder is a contact type. 1. Since the contact becomes unstable depending on the situation, the measured data tends to vary. 2. Measurement errors are likely to occur due to vibration and slip. 3. When the rotary shaft of the rotary encoder wears, the contact state changes, so that a measurement error is likely to occur. 4. For the above reasons, the measurement speed of 5 km / h is the limit even if the measurement pulse pitch is made fine. 5. Since the identification sensors are translucent, it is necessary to mount them outside the vehicle ruler, and therefore they cannot be installed in commercial trains.

Therefore, the present inventor has developed and applied for the following method for measuring the clearance between rails and the rail length (Japanese Patent Application No. 2-71151). Of these, the method of measuring the clearance between the rails is as shown in FIGS.
The Doppler laser light a is emitted from the Doppler sensor 3, the scattered light b from the upper surface 2 is received by the same sensor 3, and the Doppler signal A {FIG. 14c} is output from the same sensor 3. 2 is irradiated with laser light d for gap discrimination from above by a gap discrimination sensor 4, and a pulse width corresponding to the width of the gap 5 between the end portion 1a and the start end portion 1b of the adjacent rails 1 based on the reflected light e. Play distance identification signals B ₁ , B ₂
.. {FIG. 14b} is output and the play distance identification signals B ₁ and B ₂ are output.
The length of the play gap 5 is calculated based on the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A and the same pulse interval 1 within the pulse width of.

The above-mentioned rail length measuring method is shown in FIG.
A starting end portion 1b and a terminating end portion 1a of one rail 1 shown in (a).
Based on the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A between the _two play discrimination signals B ₁ , B ₂ ... Corresponding to
The length of the rail 1 is measured.

[0009]

[Problems to be solved by the invention]. In the above method, FIG.
As shown in Nos. 2 and 13, the chamfered portion 1c (FIG. 13) is obtained because the idle discrimination laser beam d is vertically applied to the rail 1.
The reflected light e from is scattered in an oblique direction and is not received by the light receiver 4a provided right above the rail 1. As a result, the chamfered portion 1c is measured as the clearance 5, and the rail 1
Both the length and the gap 5 are measurement errors. . As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 in the clearance 5 of the rail 1, if necessary.
As shown in (a), the insulating joint 40 for forming the track circuit 41 is arranged. The track circuit 41 divides a certain section of the track by an insulating joint 40 to electrically insulate it from an adjacent section 42, and an excessive current flows to one end of the two insulated rails 1 due to a short circuit between the power supply device 43 and the axle. Is an electric circuit to which a current limiting device 44 is connected, and an orbital relay 45 for controlling a signal is connected to the other end. When this insulating seam 40 is installed in the play space 5, FIG.
The pulse widths of the idle discrimination signals B ₁ , B _2, ... Shown in (c) are the insulating joint 40 and the ends 1 a, 1 of the rail 1 at both ends thereof.
It is divided into two, 5a and 5b, between b, and the play gap 5 is measured as shown in (d) of the figure based on the number of pulses p and the same pulse interval of the Doppler signal A in (c) of the figure. The rail length is measured as shown in FIG. As a result, the portion h of the insulation seam 40 is measured as an extremely short rail as shown in FIG. 7E, and both sides of the insulation seam 40 are separated as two clearances 5a and 5b as shown in FIG. The measurement error will be the rail length and the measurement error.

The object of the present invention is to accurately measure the rail clearance and the rail length in a non-contact manner by using the laser Doppler sensor and the clearance discrimination sensor, and the traveling speed of the commercial train (110 km / h). (EN) A high-speed measurement is possible in front and rear), and moreover, a rail clearance and a rail length measuring method capable of measuring the chamfered portions of the top and bottom of the rail as the rail length.

[0011]

The rail clearance measurement method of the present invention applies the principle of a laser Doppler sensor. That is, in the laser Doppler sensor, as shown in FIG. 11, when the laser light a is radiated from the laser light source 30 into the beam splitter 34 and radiated to the DUT 31 traveling at the crossing angle φ, the same DUT is measured. The scattered light b from 31 is heterodyne detected by the photoelectric converter APD 35 via an optical system such as a mirror 32 and a condenser lens 33. At this time, the frequency f _{D of the} Doppler signal obtained from the photoelectric converter APD35 is expressed by the following equation. f _D = (2V / λ) sin (φ / 2) cos (Δθ) V: Surface velocity of the measured object λ: Laser wavelength φ: Beam crossing angle Δθ: Right angle of beam normal to the measured object Deviation angle from the Doppler frequency f _D becomes a frequency proportional to the surface velocity V of the running object 31 to be measured as in the above equation. For this reason,
Wavenumber of Doppler frequency f _D (pulse p
If the number of is calculated, the length of the measured object at that time can be obtained. Incidentally, the pulse interval 1 is determined by the beam crossing angle φ and the laser wavelength λ.

Therefore, in the method of measuring the clearance between the rails according to claim 1 of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the laser Doppler sensor 3 to the Doppler sensor 3 are mounted on the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c of the rail 1. Laser light a for irradiation, the scattered light b from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is received by the same sensor 3, and a Doppler signal A {FIG. 14 (c)} is output from the same sensor 3. 2 and the chamfered surface 1c are radiated with a laser beam d for gap discrimination from the gap discrimination sensor 4 from directly above,
The reflected light e from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is received by at least one of the two light receivers 4a provided in the front-back direction of the rail 1, and the end portion of the adjacent rail 1 from the light receiver 4a. The clearance discrimination signals B ₁ , B ₂ having pulse widths corresponding to the width of the clearance 5 between 1a and the start end portion 1b ... {FIG.
(B)} is output, and the length of the play gap 5 is calculated based on the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A and the same pulse interval l within the pulse width of the play identification signals B ₁ , B _2, ... It was done like this.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the method for measuring the clearance between rails, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the laser Doppler sensor 3 applies a laser beam a for Doppler to the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c of the rail 1. The sensor 3 receives the scattered light b from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c and outputs the Doppler signal A {FIG. 14 (c)} from the sensor 3, and the upper surface 2
Further, the chamfered surface 1c is irradiated with the gap identification laser light d from the gap identification sensor 4 so as to be obliquely condensed from the two front-rear directions of the rail 1, and the reflected light e from the top surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is irradiated. A pulse corresponding to the width of the gap 5 between the end portion 1a and the start end portion 1b of the rail 1 adjacent to the rail 1 is received by the photodetector 4a provided between the gap identification laser beams d from the two directions. Width clearance detection signals B ₁ , B ₂ ...
(B)} is output, and the length of the play gap 5 is calculated based on the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A and the same pulse interval l within the pulse width of the play identification signals B ₁ , B _2, ... It was done like this.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for measuring a clearance between rails, wherein a laser beam is applied to the upper surface 2 of the rail 1 and the chamfered surface 1c.
The Doppler laser light a from the Doppler sensor 3 (FIG. 17) is obliquely collected and emitted from the front-back direction 2 of the rail 1, and scattered light b from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c of the sensor 3 is irradiated. A pulse corresponding to the width of the play gap 5 between the end portion 1a and the start end portion 1b of the rail 1 adjacent to the sensor 3 is received by the light receiver 35 provided between the play distance identifying laser beams d from the two directions. The width discrimination signals B ₁ , B ₂ ... {Fig. 14 (b)} are output, and a part of the received scattered light b is branched and the direct current component is removed therefrom to extract the alternating current component. The AC component is the Doppler signal A {Fig. 14 (c)}.
And the length of the play gap 5 is calculated based on the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A and the same pulse interval l within the pulse width of each play discrimination signal B ₁ , B _2, ... Is.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for measuring a rail clearance, which is the same as the rail spacing measuring method according to the first, second or third aspect, as shown in FIG. When the seam 40 is provided, two free spaces 5a and 5b between the insulating seam 40 and the end portion 1a and the start end portion 1b of the rail 1 on both sides thereof are added to form the free space 5.

In the rail length measuring method according to claim 5 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2A, the laser Doppler sensor 3 irradiates the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c of the rail 1 with the laser light a for Doppler. Then, the scattered light b from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is received by the same sensor 3 and a Doppler signal A {FIG. 14 (c)} is output from the same sensor 3, while the same upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c are output. Laser light d for distance discrimination is radiated from directly above the distance discrimination sensor 4, and reflected light e from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is provided in the front-back direction of the rail 1.
At least one of the two light receivers 4a receives light, and the end portion 1a of the rail 1 adjacent to the light receiver 4a is received.
And Joint Gap identification signal having a pulse width corresponding to the width of the Joint Gap 5 between the starting end 1b B _1, B ₂ outputs ... {FIG. 14 (b)}, their Joint Gap identification signals B _1, B ₂ ·· Measuring the length of the rail 1 based on the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A between the _two play discrimination signals B ₁ and B ₂ corresponding to the start end portion 1b and the end portion 1a of one rail 1 It is something that is done.

In the rail length measuring method according to claim 6 of the present invention, the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c of the rail 1 are irradiated with the laser beam a for Doppler from the laser Doppler sensor 3 as shown in FIG. 2 (b). Then, the scattered light b from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is received by the same sensor 3 and a Doppler signal A {FIG. 14 (c)} is output from the same sensor 3, while the same upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c are output. Laser light d for gap identification from the gap identification sensor 4 is obliquely collected and emitted from two directions in the front-rear direction of the rail 1, and reflected light e from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is identified from the two directions. A light receiving device 4a provided between the laser beams for use d receives light, and a free space discriminating signal B _{1 having} a pulse width corresponding to the width of the free space 5 between the end portion 1a and the start end portion 1b of the adjacent rail 1 from the light receiving device 4a. , B ₂ ...
(B)} is output, and the play discrimination signals B ₁ , B ₂ ...
The length of the rail 1 is determined based on the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A between the _two play discrimination signals B ₁ and B ₂ corresponding to the start end portion 1b and the end portion 1a of one rail 1 among the rails 1. It is designed to be measured.

In the rail length measuring method according to claim 7 of the present invention, the laser Doppler laser light a from the laser Doppler sensor 3 (FIG. 17) on the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c of the rail 1 is measured in the front-back direction of the rail 1. The light is obliquely collected and emitted from two directions, and the scattered light b from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is received by the light receiver 35 provided between the idle discrimination laser light d from the two directions of the sensor 3. Then, the play distance identification signals B ₁ , B ₂ ... {FIG. 1 having a pulse width corresponding to the width of the play distance 5 between the end portion 1 a and the start end portion 1 b of the rail 1 adjacent to the sensor 3
4 (b)} is output, a part of the received scattered light b is branched, and the direct current component is removed therefrom to extract the alternating current component, and the alternating current component is taken as the Doppler signal A {FIG. 14 (c)}. 2 corresponding to the start end portion 1b and the end portion 1a of one rail 1 among the idle discrimination signals B ₁ , B ₂ ...
The length of the rail 1 is measured on the basis of the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A between the free play discrimination signals B ₁ and B ₂ .

In the rail clearance measuring method according to claim 8 of the present invention, the clearance identifying laser light d according to claim 1, 2, or 3 is used.
As shown in FIG. 3, the rail 1 is expanded in the width direction.

A rail length measuring method according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the same as the method for measuring the length of the idle play identifying laser beam d according to the fifth, sixth and seventh aspects.
As shown in, the rail 1 is expanded in the width direction.

[0021]

In the method for measuring the clearance between the rails according to the first aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the Doppler signal A obtained based on the scattered light b from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c of the rail 1 is used.
{FIG. 14 (c)} and the play distance identification signals B ₁ , B _2, ... With a pulse width L corresponding to the width of the play distance 5 obtained based on the reflected light e from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c. {Fig. 14
(B)} is combined to calculate the length of the play space 5,
The clearance can be measured without contacting the rail 1. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2A, the play distance identification laser light d emitted from the play distance identification sensor 4 to the slope of the chamfered portion 1c of the terminal end 1b of the rail 1 is reflected obliquely rightward on the slope. The reflected light e is received by the one light receiver 4a provided in the same direction. Similarly, the same laser light d radiated on the slope of the chamfered portion 1c of the tip 1a of the rail 1 is reflected in the opposite direction to the above case, but the same reflected light e is provided in the other light receiver. The light is received by 4a. Therefore, the chamfer 1
Similarly to the case where the reflected light from c is reflected by the flat upper surface 2 of the rail 1, the chamfered portion 1c is not measured as the clearance 5, and the measurement error does not occur.

When the play distance identifying laser light d is applied to the flat upper surface 2 of the rail 1 other than the chamfered portion 1c, the reflected light e is reflected right above, but the reflected light e has a certain degree. Because of the spread, a part of the reflected light e is received by both light receivers 4a. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when the gap identification laser light d is reflected by the joint plate 6 in the gap 5, the reflected light e is the same as when the flat upper surface 2 of the rail 1 is irradiated. Although it is reflected right above, the reflected light level at this time is smaller than the reflected light level from the upper surface 2, so it is possible to distinguish both (rail and play space) from the level difference. As a result, it is possible to accurately identify and measure the length of the rail 1 including the chamfered portion 1c formed at the terminal end 1a and the starting end 1b of the rail 1 and the width of the clearance 5 by the clearance discrimination sensor 4.

In the rail clearance measuring method according to the second aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2B, the clearance discriminating sensor 4 obliquely irradiates the inclined surface of the chamfered portion 1c of the terminal end 1b of the rail 1. The play-distance-identifying laser light d is reflected right above the chamfered portion 1c, and the reflected light is received by the light receiver 4a. Therefore, the reflected light from the chamfered portion 1c is reflected on the flat upper surface 2 of the rail 1. As in the case of the above, the light is reliably received, the chamfered portion 1c can be measured as a part of the rail 1, and a measurement error does not occur. The other operation is exactly the same as that of the first aspect.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the method for measuring the distance between the rails, the distance detecting sensor 4 according to the second aspect is not used, and the laser Doppler sensor which also serves as the distance detecting sensor 4 as the laser Doppler sensor 3. 3 (FIG. 17), the scattered light b scattered from the upper surface 2 of the rail 1 and the chamfered surface 1c is used as the clearance discrimination signals B ₁ , B ₂ ... And a part of the scattered light b is used. Since the direct current component can be removed and the alternating current component can be taken out and the alternating current component can be output as the Doppler signal A, the free play discrimination sensor 4 is unnecessary, and the configuration of the free play measurement device is correspondingly simplified and the cost is also low. become.

In the rail clearance measuring method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when an insulating joint 40 is provided in the clearance 5 as shown in FIG. 16A, as shown in FIG.
Two play spaces 5a and 5b can be obtained, but in the present invention, this 2
Since the play distances 5a and 5b are added to form the play distance 5, the play distance 5 can be accurately measured.

In the rail length measuring method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the clearance-identifying laser light d radiated from directly above the clearance-identifying sensor 4 onto the slope of the chamfered portion 1c of the terminal end 1b of the rail 1 is chamfered. Since the reflected light is obliquely reflected from the portion 1c and is received by at least one of the two light receivers 4a provided in the front and rear direction of the rail 1, the reflected light from the chamfered portion 1c is reflected by the rail 1. As in the case of being reflected by the flat upper surface 2, the light is reliably received, the chamfered portion 1c can be measured as a part of the rail 1, and accurate rail length measurement can be performed.

In the rail length measuring method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the play distance identifying laser light d obliquely irradiated from the play distance identifying sensor 4 to the slope of the chamfered portion 1c of the terminal end 1b of the rail 1 is chamfered. Since the reflected light is reflected directly upward from 1c and is received by the light receiver 4a, the reflected light from the chamfered portion 1c is reliably received as in the case of being reflected by the flat upper surface 2 of the rail 1, The chamfered portion 1c can be measured as a part of the rail 1, and the rail length can be accurately measured.

In the rail length measuring method according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the idle discrimination sensor 4 according to the sixth aspect is not used,
A laser Doppler sensor 3 (FIG. 17) that also serves as the play distance discrimination sensor 4 is used as the laser Doppler sensor 3, and scattered light b scattered from the upper surface 2 of the rail 1 and the chamfered surface 1c is used as the play distance discrimination signal B ₁ , B _2, ..., while removing a direct current component of the scattered light b and extracting an alternating current component and outputting the alternating current component as a Doppler signal A, the idle discrimination sensor 4 becomes unnecessary, and The structure of the rail length measuring device is simplified by that much, and the cost is also reduced.

In the present invention, the gap measuring method according to claim 8 and the rail length measuring method according to claim 9 are such that the gap identifying laser beam d is used.
Since the rail 1 is spread in the width direction, the reflected light e reflected from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c of the rail 1 also spreads in the width direction of the rail 1. Therefore, the rail 1 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, the angle Θ between the idle discrimination laser light d irradiated on the upper surface 2 of the rail 1 and its reflected light e (FIG. 10). ) Becomes large (for example, 5.6 degrees or more), the reflected light e from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is surely received by the light receiver 4a of the play distance identification sensor 4. In addition, the laser light d for identifying the gap
Is not affected by fine scratches or irregularities on the upper surface 2 of the rail 1 as compared with the case where the rail is narrowed.

[0030]

[Embodiment 1] In FIGS. 1 and 2 showing an embodiment of the method for measuring the clearance between rails and the rail length of the present invention, 1 is a rail,
2 is the upper surface of the rail 1 and 1a is the end portion of the rail 1 and 1b.
Is a starting end portion of the rail 1, and 5 is a clearance provided at a joint of the rail 1. Reference numeral 6 denotes a terminal end 1a and a starting end 1 of the rail 1.
It is a rail joint plate which connects with b. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the rail joint plate 6 is applied to both widthwise side surfaces of the rail 1 and fixed to the same side surface.

Reference numeral 3 in FIG. 1 denotes a laser Doppler sensor, which irradiates the upper surface 2 of the rail 1 and the chamfered portion 1c with a laser beam a for Doppler, and the upper surface 2 and the chamfered portion 1 thereof.
The Doppler signal A in FIG. 14C is output based on the scattered light b from c.

Reference numeral 4 in FIGS. 1 and 2 (a) denotes a play distance identification sensor, which is a semiconductor laser 4h for irradiating the top surface 2 of the rail 1 and the chamfered portion 1c with the play identification laser light d from directly above it. Two light receivers 4a having an optical system 4i and receiving the reflected light e are installed in the longitudinal direction of the rail 1 and at two positions outside the laser light d, and signals of the two light receivers 4a are further provided. An adder 4j for addition is provided, and the play gap 5 is detected by the output from the adder 4j (the output of the play gap identification sensor 4), and the play gap identification signal B ₁ having a pulse width corresponding to the width of the play gap 5 is provided. B ₂ ... {Fig. 14 (b)}
Is output.

The play distance identification signals B ₁ , B ₂ ...
(B)} is designed to fall at the position of the start end 1b of each rail 1 and rise at the position of the end 1a. It is desirable that the rising and falling are steep in order to enable high-speed response (for example, 2 μsec) to the traveling speed of the train equipped with the play distance discrimination sensor 4 and the required resolution. For that purpose, it is necessary to reduce the beam diameter of the play-distance identifying laser light d with which the upper surface 2 of the rail 1 and the chamfered portion 1c are irradiated. However, if the beam diameter is too narrow, it will be difficult to distinguish it from the reflected light e from the play space 5 due to irregular reflection of the upper surface 2 of the rail 1 and the chamfered portion 1c, small scratches, etc. To do.

If the beam diameter is reduced too much, the area of the reflected light e from the upper surface 2 of the rail 1 and the chamfered portion 1c becomes narrow, so that the rail 1 is inclined as shown in FIG. 2 and the chamfered portion 1c, when the irradiation angle Θ (FIG. 10) of the gap identification laser light d becomes larger than, for example, 5.6 degrees (the maximum count of 105 mm in the curved portion), the upper surface 2 and the chamfered portion The reflected light e from 1c may deviate from the play distance discrimination sensor 4 and not be received by the sensor 4. Therefore, in the present invention, the beam of the laser light d for identifying the play is
As shown in FIG. 3, the rail 1 is laterally elongated in the width direction, and even if the tilt irradiation angle Θ becomes 5.6 degrees or more, the rail 1
The reflected light e from is reliably received by the play gap identification sensor 4, and at the place where the play gap 5 is present, the play gap identification signals B ₁ , B _2, ...
・ {Fig. 14 (b)} is surely output.

Reference numeral 8 in FIG. 1 denotes a processor, which is a waveform shaping circuit 8 for shaping the output signal from the play distance discrimination sensor 4.
a, play distance identification signals B ₁ , B ₂ ... {Fig. 14
(B)} within the pulse width L of the Doppler signal A
It is configured with an integration counter 8b that integrates the number of pulses p in {FIG. 14 (c)} and calculates the length of the play gap 5. Further, the integration counter 8b is provided with the pulse p of the Doppler signal A between the _two free play discrimination signals B ₁ and B ₂ corresponding to the front end 1a and the rear end 1b of the rail 1 shown in FIG. The length of the rail 1 is also calculated by integrating the number of By the way, the length of the play space 5 is generally several mm to several tens of mm, but it may be zero in some cases. Therefore, if only the length of the play space 5 is measured, and if the length of the play space 5 is measured as zero, the length of the play space 5 is really measured, or the rail 1 is measured instead of the play space 5. It may not be possible to discriminate whether or not it is possible to overlook the play space 5. Therefore, in the present invention, in addition to the length of the play space 5, the rail 1
The position of the play gap 5 can be accurately detected by also measuring the length.

Although various methods of measuring the length of the rail 1 can be considered, for example, the method shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be used. Figure 5
Measuring method shown in the Joint Gap identification signals B _1, B ₂ shown in FIG.
Are inverted in the control circuit 11 to generate a control signal C
₁ , C ₂ ... And the same control signals C ₁ , C ₂ ... And the Doppler signal A {FIG. 16 (c)} are put in the gate 12,
The counter 13 counts the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A between the control signals C ₁ and C ₂ (between the two front and rear play discrimination signals B ₁ and B ₂ ) to calculate the rail length. . In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the play interval identification signals B ₁ , B _2, ... And the break A of the Doppler signal A
The positions of ₁ , A ₂ ... Therefore, in the measurement method of FIG. 5, a break A ₁ of the Doppler signal A is inserted between the two front and rear play discrimination signals B ₁ and B ₂ , and a break A ₂ is inserted between B ₂ and B ₃ (same for A _{3 and} below. ). As a result, the integrated rail length becomes an error due to the discontinuity of the Doppler signal A, and accurate rail length measurement cannot be performed. However, this error is so small compared to the rail length that it can be practically ignored. Further, in the measuring device of FIG. 5, each control signal C
The length of the play gap 5 can be measured by integrating the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A in the pulse widths of ₁ , C _2, ...

In order to prevent the rail length measurement error from occurring, for example, the measurement may be performed by the measuring device shown in FIG. In order to measure the rail length by the measuring device, the hold circuit 15 (which returns to the original at a certain time after the start of the hold) is caused by the fall of the play discrimination signals B ₁ , B ₂ ... (Fig. 4). Drive to hold the Doppler signal A (Fig. 4),
The breaks A ₁ , A _2, ... Of the Doppler signal A are corrected to make the pulse p continuous. The corrected Doppler signal is input to the gate circuit 16. On the other hand, the play discrimination signal B
_1, B ₂ ··· is inverted by the control circuit 17 shown in FIG. 6 (a) and as the control signal C _1, C ₂ ···, the control signal C ₁
, C ₂ ... Into the gate circuit 16, the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A between two control signals before and after the control signals C ₁ , C ₂ ... The length of the rail 1 is calculated by integrating with the counter 18 of a). By doing this, the Doppler signal A is interrupted A ₁ , A _2, ...
Since · does not cause a measurement error, the length of the rail 1 can be accurately measured. In the measuring device of FIG. 6 (a), the front and rear two control signals C ₁ , C ₂ ...
9 and inputs the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A within the pulse width of each control signal C ₁ , C ₂ ...
The length of the play space 5 can be measured by integrating with.

In the measuring device of FIG. 6A, the memory signals m ₁ and m ₂ are transferred from the control circuit 17 to the counters 18 and 20.
Input {FIG. 6 (b) (c)} to store the count number, and when the count is completed, input reset signals r ₁ and r ₂ to both counters 18 and 20 to reset the counters 18 and 20. , To prepare for the next count.
The memory signal m ₁ input to the counter 20 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), the reset signal r ₁ is output slightly later than the falling edges of the control signals C ₁ , C _2, ... And the reset signal r ₁ is output slightly later than the memory signal m ₁ . The memory signal m ₂ input to the counter 18 is slightly delayed from the rising edges of the respective control signals C ₁ , C _2, ... As shown in FIG. 6C, and the reset signal r ₂ is the memory signal m _{2. 2} and the control signals C ₁ and C _{2 respectively.}
It is output before the falling edge of ... Each of the above-mentioned devices is mounted on a traveling body 9 (FIG. 1) such as a commercial train running on the rail 1 or a train for measuring free space for measurement.

[0039]

[Embodiment 2] Another embodiment of the method for measuring the clearance between rails and the rail length according to the present invention is the method for measuring the clearance between rails and the rail length as shown in FIG. 2 in place of the clearance discrimination sensor 4 {(FIG. 2 (a)}. (B) is used for the clearance discrimination sensor 4. This clearance discrimination sensor 4 is a semiconductor laser 4h for generating the clearance discrimination laser light d, an optical system 4i, and a beam splitter for dividing the clearance discrimination laser light d into two. 34, a mirror 32 for obliquely collecting and irradiating the laser beam d divided into two on the upper surface 2 and the chamfered portion 1c of the rail 1 is provided, and receives the reflected light e from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered portion 1c. Vessel 4a
Between the laser beams d from two directions, and further an amplifier 4k for amplifying the idle discrimination signals B ₁ , B ₂ ... {FIG. 14 (b)} output from the photodetector 4a. Is.

[0040]

[Embodiment 3] Yet another embodiment of the method for measuring the clearance between rails and the rail length according to the present invention is the method for measuring the clearance between rails and the rail length, in which the clearance discrimination sensor 4 shown in {(FIG. 2 (b)} is used. 17 is used instead of the laser Doppler sensor 3. The laser Doppler sensor 3 is also used as the idle discrimination sensor shown in FIG. A method for irradiating the chamfered surface 1c with the laser light a for Doppler and a method for receiving scattered light from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c are shown in FIG.
Like the laser Doppler sensor 3 of FIG. 2 and the play discrimination sensor 4 of FIG. 2B, the Doppler laser light a from the laser light source 30 is divided into two by the beam splitter 34, and the divided Doppler laser light a is divided. Is obliquely condensed from two front and rear directions of the rail 1 and irradiated, and the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1 are
A light receiver (photoelectric converter) 3 in which scattered light b from c is provided between the idle discrimination laser light a from the two directions of the same sensor 3
5, the light is received.

In the laser Doppler sensor 3 shown in FIG. 17, a part of the output from the photodetector (photoelectric converter) 35 is directly used as the idle output, and a part of the output is branched so that the capacitor C (FIG. 17) is provided. ) Removes the direct current component of the same output to take out the alternating current component, and holds the alternating current component by a hold circuit 50 using, for example, a PLL or the like, and outputs it as a continuous pulse Doppler signal A {FIG. 16 (c)}. I am doing it. By the way, in the space 5 of the rail 1, scattered light b
Is extremely low or is not present at all,
Along with this, the level of the output signal from the light receiver 4a is extremely lowered or completely disappeared, and the clearance 5 of the rail 1 is eliminated.
The Doppler signal A at 4 is interrupted as shown in FIG. Therefore, in FIG. 17, the hold circuit 50 holds the pulse before being interrupted to cover the interruption of the Doppler signal A and make it a continuous Doppler signal.

[0042]

The method for measuring the clearance between rails and the rail length according to the present invention has the following effects. . The chamfered portion 1 of the terminal end 1a and the starting end 1b of the rail 1
Since c can be reliably measured as the rail length, the measurement accuracy of the play gap 5 and the rail length is improved. . Since the clearance 5 and the rail length of the rail 1 can be measured in a non-contact manner, all the problems in the contact method can be solved. Since it is a non-contact method, high-speed measurement is possible, and therefore high-speed measurement is possible at the traveling speed of a commercial train (around 110 km / h). Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a traveling body for those measurements. . Since the play area identification laser beam d is expanded in the width direction of the rail to widen the irradiation area on the rail 1, irregular reflection due to unevenness of the upper surface 2 of the rail 1 and the chamfered portion 1c, fine scratches on the surface, and the like. Therefore, it is possible to reliably identify them and the play space 5. Further, stable output can be obtained even if the laser Doppler sensor 3 and the play distance identification sensor 4 are misaligned due to train vibration or the rail 1 is inclined due to a curve in a curved section. . Not only the play length but also the rail length can be measured in a non-contact manner, so that when the play length is zero, it can be reliably detected that it is zero, and even when the play length is zero, the play length is zero. Never overlook. . Laser light for Doppler and laser light for play identification
The laser Doppler sensor 3, because it irradiates the upper surface and the chamfered portion 1c from directly above or obliquely from above.
When the play distance identification sensors 4 are mounted on a train, they do not project to the side of the train and can be mounted within the vehicle limit of a commercial train. . When measuring the clearance 5 of the left and right rails 1 at the same time,
Although two free play discrimination sensors 4 are required, only one laser Doppler sensor 3 is required, which is economical, and because it is compact, it can be installed in a small train. . If the laser Doppler sensor 3 also used as the play distance identification sensor shown in FIG. 17 is used, the play distance identification sensor 4 is not required and can be made compact, so that it can be easily installed on a train and is economical. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a rail clearance measurement method and a rail length measurement method of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an explanatory view showing an embodiment of a play distance discrimination sensor used in the measurement method, and FIG. 2B is an explanatory view showing another embodiment of the play distance discrimination sensor used in the measurement method. .

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a spread of laser light for play discrimination in the same measuring method.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a play distance identification signal and a Doppler signal in the same measuring method.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of a processor in the rail clearance measuring method of the present invention.

6 (a) is an explanatory view showing another example of the processor in the rail clearance measuring method of the present invention, FIG. 6 (b),
(C) is explanatory drawing of a memory signal and a reset signal in the same processor.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a relationship between rails and a joint plate.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the rail and the joint plate.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the relationship between a curved rail and a joint plate.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a curved rail, a play distance identifying laser light, and reflected light thereof.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the principle of the laser Doppler sensor.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a rail clearance and rail length measuring method previously developed by the present inventor.

13 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the measuring method of FIG.

FIG. 14 (a) is an explanatory diagram of an idle portion in the same measuring method, FIG. 14 (b) is an explanatory diagram of an output waveform of an idle discrimination sensor, and FIG. 14 (c) is an output waveform of a laser Doppler sensor. Explanatory drawing.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a track circuit on a track.

FIG. 16 (a) is an explanatory diagram in the case where there is an insulating seam between the free spaces, and (b) to (e) are waveform explanatory diagrams of a rail free space and a rail length measuring method in the case where there is an insulating seam in the free space.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a laser Doppler sensor that also serves as a play distance sensor according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Le - Le 1a termination 1b beginning 1c chamfer second rail of the upper surface 3 Les - The Doppler sensor 4 Joint Gap identification sensor 5 Joint Gap 6 Les - Le splice plate 40 insulating joints A Doppler signals B _1, B ₂ · ·・ Landscape identification signal a Laser light for Doppler b Scattered light d Laser light for gap identification e Reflected light from the top of the rail l Pulse interval p pulse

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-3-225208 (JP, A) JP-A 64-404 (JP, A) JP-A 2-163686 (JP, A) JP-A 2- 96603 (JP, A) JP 2-85704 (JP, A) JP 3-165207 (JP, A) JP 2-140682 (JP, A)

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. The upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c of the rail 1 are irradiated with a laser beam a for Doppler from a laser Doppler sensor 3, and the scattered light b from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is received by the sensor 3. Doppler signal A from the same sensor 3
On the other hand, the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c are irradiated with the laser light d for the clearance discrimination from the clearance discrimination sensor 4 from directly above the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c, and the reflected light e from the same upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is moved forward and backward of the rail 1. At least one of the two light receivers 4a provided in the direction receives light, and a pulse width corresponding to the width of the gap 5 between the end portion 1a and the start end portion 1b of the adjacent rail 1 is received from the light receiver 4a. outputs Joint gap identification signals B _1, B ₂ ···, each Joint gap identification signals B _1, B ₂ wherein in ... the pulse width based on the number and the pulse interval l of pulses p of the Doppler signal a Joint gap 5. A rail clearance measuring method characterized in that the length of 5 is calculated. 2. The upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c of the rail 1 are irradiated with a laser beam a for Doppler from a laser Doppler sensor 3 and the sensor 3 receives scattered light b from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c. Doppler signal A from the same sensor 3
Is output to the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c, and the play distance identification laser light d from the play distance identification sensor 4 is applied in the front-back direction 2 of the rail 1.
The light is converged obliquely from the direction and irradiated, and the reflected light e from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is received by the photodetector 4a provided between the idle discrimination laser beams d from the two directions. 4a
Between the end portions 1a and the start end portions 1b of the rails 1 adjacent to each other, the play distance identification signals B ₁ and B ₂ having pulse widths corresponding to the width of the play distance 5
.. is output, and the length of the play gap 5 is calculated based on the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A and the same pulse interval l within the pulse width of the play identification signals B ₁ , B ₂ ... A method for measuring the clearance between rails, which is characterized in that 3. A laser beam a for Doppler from a laser Doppler sensor 3 to an upper surface 2 and a chamfered surface 1c of a rail 1.
Is obliquely condensed and irradiated from two directions in the front-rear direction of the rail 1, and scattered light b from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is provided between the laser light d for idle discrimination from the two directions of the sensor 3. Light is received by the light receiver 35 provided, and free-space discrimination signals B ₁ , B ₂ ... With a pulse width corresponding to the width of the free space 5 between the terminal end 1 a and the starting end 1 b of the adjacent rail 1 from the sensor 3 are received. At the same time as outputting, a part of the received scattered light b is branched and a direct current component is removed therefrom, an alternating current component is taken out, and the alternating current component is output as a Doppler signal A.
The length of the clearance 5 is calculated based on the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A and the same pulse interval 1 within the pulse width of ₁ , B ₂ ... . 4. The rail clearance measuring method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, when an insulation joint 40 is provided in the clearance 5, the insulation joint 40 and the ends of the rails 1 on both sides thereof. Two clearances 5 between the portion 1a and the starting end portion 1b
A method for measuring a clearance between rails, wherein a clearance 5 is added to a and 5b. 5. The upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c of the rail 1 are irradiated with a laser beam a for Doppler from a laser Doppler sensor 3, and the scattered light b from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is received by the sensor 3. Doppler signal A from the same sensor 3
On the other hand, the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c are irradiated with the laser light d for the clearance discrimination from the clearance discrimination sensor 4 from directly above the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c, and the reflected light e from the same upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is moved forward and backward of the rail 1. At least one of the two light receivers 4a provided in the direction receives light, and a pulse width corresponding to the width of the gap 5 between the end portion 1a and the start end portion 1b of the adjacent rail 1 is received from the light receiver 4a. outputs Joint Gap identification signals B _1, B _2, ..., they Joint Gap identification signals B _1, B ₂ 2 two Joint Gap identification signal corresponding to one of the beginning 1b and the end portion 1a of the rail 1 out of ... The rail length measuring method is characterized in that the length of the rail 1 is measured based on the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A between B ₁ and B ₂ . 6. The upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c of the rail 1 are irradiated with a laser beam a for Doppler from a laser Doppler sensor 3 and the scattered light b from the upper surface 2 is received by the same sensor 3 to receive the same. Output Doppler signal A from
Laser light d for gap identification from the gap identification sensor 4 is obliquely collected and emitted from the front-back direction 2 of the rail 1 onto the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c, and reflected light e from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c. Is received by the light receiving device 4a provided between the free space identifying laser beams d from the two directions, and the width of the free running space 5 between the end portion 1a and the start end portion 1b of the rail 1 adjacent to the light receiving device 4a is determined. Joint Gap identification signal B ₁ of the pulse width, B ₂ outputs., Joint Gap identification signals B _1, B ₂ ... 1 present two corresponding to the starting end 1b and the end portion 1a of the rail 1 of them The rail length measuring method is characterized in that the length of the rail 1 is measured based on the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A between the idle discrimination signals B ₁ and B ₂ . 7. The laser Doppler laser light a from the laser Doppler sensor 3 on the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c of the rail 1.
Is obliquely condensed and irradiated from two directions in the front-rear direction of the rail 1, and scattered light b from the upper surface 2 and the chamfered surface 1c is provided between the laser light d for idle discrimination from the two directions of the sensor 3. Light is received by the light receiver 35 provided, and free-space discrimination signals B ₁ , B ₂ ... With a pulse width corresponding to the width of the free space 5 between the terminal end 1 a and the starting end 1 b of the adjacent rail 1 from the sensor 3 are received. At the same time as outputting, a part of the received scattered light b is branched and a direct current component is removed therefrom to extract an alternating current component, and the alternating current component is output as a Doppler signal A, and the idle discrimination signal B
Based on the number of pulses p of the Doppler signal A between the _two free play discrimination signals B ₁ and B ₂ corresponding to the start end portion 1b and the end portion 1a of one rail 1 among ₁ , ₁ , B _2, ...
A rail length measuring method characterized in that the length of the rail 1 is measured. 8. The rail 1 is added to the play-distance identifying laser beam d.
2. A width is provided in the width direction of the
Alternatively, the play distance measuring method of the rail according to claim 2 or claim 3. 9. The rail 1 is added to the play distance identifying laser beam d.
6. A width is provided in the width direction of the
Alternatively, the rail length measuring method according to claim 6 or 7.