KR20230116680A - Method and apparatus for determining the signal activity of a signal generator device and railway system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for detecting signal activity of signals (18, 20, 22) of an electrical signaling device (12) having at least two traffic-related signals (18, 20, 22). The signal activity of the traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22 is dependent on a comparison between the measured current value of the signals 18, 20, 22 with at least one stored current threshold value and in addition to the reference signal 20. It is determined according to the phase shift between the measured current profile and/or voltage profile 72 of signals 18 and 22. The present invention also relates to a trackside electronic unit (28) and a railway system (10).

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE SIGNAL ACTIVITY OF A SIGNAL GENERATOR DEVICE AND RAILWAY SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a method for determining the signal activity of a signal of an electrical signaling device having at least two traffic-related signals, said signal activity being the difference between at least one stored current threshold and measured current values of the signal. made according to the comparison. The invention also relates to a lineside electronic unit (LEU = Lineside Electronic Unit) and a railway system having a lineside electronic unit.

Traffic-related signals are disclosed in the prior art and are used to convey route information, hazard warnings and/or action instructions. Therefore, traffic-related signals are crucially used to maintain traffic safety. The traffic-related signal may be presented in various forms, for example as an acoustic signal, in particular a siren/fanfare, a light signal, in particular a lamp, or a mechanical signal, in particular a semaphore signal or signal panel. In general, a number of traffic-related signals are included in electrical signal transmission devices such as, for example, traffic lights.

Traffic-related signals are becoming very important, especially in rail traffic. For example, if the driver of a railway vehicle (driver) fails to recognize the signal or recognizes it too late, a significant risk may arise to train passengers and other traffic users. Therefore, as part of train control using the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1, the signaling activity of traffic-related signals is determined by measuring currents in those signals of electrical signaling units using a Lineside Electronic Unit (LEU). It is determined and transmitted via Balise to the train passing through Balise. The distance between a signal station and an electrical signaling device or traffic-related signal is often hundreds and sometimes thousands of meters. Long electrical control lines between signal stations and electrical signaling devices cause significant reactance in the signal's electrical control lines, which cannot be discerned by conventional current measurements in the signal concerned. Therefore, current measurements can generate significant current in the line, but mostly as reactive current. Unlike active power, reactive power does not activate traffic-related signals. However, if the measured current is only a small fraction as a reactive current, a fraction of the active power can certainly activate traffic-related signals. This introduces uncertainty in the determination of the signal activity, since a signal that is in fact inactive can be erroneously determined to be active due to the measured reactive current.

In addition, conventional methods have the disadvantage that signals actively controlled by the traffic signal station may be erroneously determined to be inactive due to the low power consumption of traffic-related signals in case of a lamp failure, for example in the case of light signals. This further deteriorates traffic safety.

To prevent erroneous determination of signaling activities from affecting traffic safety, signaling activities that cannot be determined with sufficient accuracy are generally not transmitted to trains or transmitted to trains in an error state. The system goes into a Fail-Safe state. The aforementioned false or undeterminable multiplicity of signal activity leads to high uncertainty about transmitted signal activity, which deteriorates availability.

[1] discloses a device and method for measuring voltage- and current phase differences, which are used to determine hard or soft switching of the device's switching elements.

In [2], a device for detecting the resistance component current of the zero-phase current and monitoring the leakage current in a three-phase circuit is disclosed.

[3] discloses an apparatus and method for tracking mains voltage phase frequency in a solar inverter.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device and method for reliable and cost-effective monitoring of signal activity of traffic-related signals.

This problem is solved according to the invention by a method according to claim 1 , a device according to claim 10 and a device according to claim 15 .

Thus, the task is that one of the signals is first determined as a reference signal and the detection of the signal activity of the further signal of the signaling device is of course dependent on a comparison between the current value of the further signal and the at least one stored current threshold value. This is solved by a method of the type described above characterized by the fact that it is made according to the phase shift between the measured current profile and/or voltage profile of the reference signal and the additional signal.

The "current value of a signal" is the current strength of the current flowing through the signal and is measured in the signal.

A signal in the sense according to the present invention is a means used in connection with traffic to transmit information to a vehicle driver (train driver), to users of rail traffic and/or to a central station. The signal may preferably be an acoustic signal and/or an optical signal. More preferably, the information transmitted by the signal is for example route status, speed, warning, etc.

Preferably the method is designed to compare a measured current value to two or more stored current threshold values. As a result, comparisons can be made particularly flexible.

The measured current value is a value of current intensity representative, in particular averaged, over one defined time segment (in particular one period of oscillation) of the measured current profile. The measured current value is, for example, an amplitude, a peak-valley value and/or an effective value of the current intensity. Consequently, the measured current value may be adjusted to the at least one stored current threshold value.

A reference signal according to the present invention is a traffic-related signal of an electrical signaling device that has been reliably determined and/or indicates that the signal is "active", ie it emits light in the case of an optical signal. The signal activity "activity" of the signal may be known or determined by optical and/or acoustic control using appropriate sensors. Signal activity is preferably determined by measuring the current value in the traffic related signal and subsequently comparing the current value to at least one stored current threshold value.

The additional signals are other traffic-related signals of the same electrical signaling device, ie not reference signals. The additional signal is preferably a signal for which signal activity cannot be reliably detected and/or is unknown. In particular, the additional signal has a measured current value equal to or less than the threshold value. An undershoot of a threshold may mean, for example, that another signal is defective or that a so-called "line test" is performed on the signal. A "line test" is used to check the electrical lines of a signal and is performed by switching only one supply line or one return line of a traffic related signal. In this case, the (lower) current strength can be measured in the additional signal. For example, a faulty signal can (in the case of a light signal) be generated via an inoperative lamp, whereby the current strength of the signal is measured below the current strength of the active signal.

The at least one stored current threshold may include an upper current threshold. The upper limit current threshold is preferably designed in such a way that reactive current components and lamp failures that cause erroneous decisions when exceeding the upper limit current threshold can be excluded. As a result, the reliability of determination of signal activity can be further improved.

According to the invention, the signal activity of the additional signal is detected according to a phase shift between the time-dependent current profile and/or voltage profile of the reference signal and the time-dependent current and/or voltage profile of the additional signal. For this purpose, a phase shift between the current profile and/or the voltage profile can be detected. The quantitative magnitude of the phase shift between the time-dependent current and/or voltage profile of the reference signal and the time-dependent current and/or voltage profile of the additional signal may be used to determine the signal activity of the additional signal.

According to the present invention, the active operation is reliably determined and/or the phase shift in relation to a known reference signal is used as a measure for the active and/or inactive components contained in the time profile of current strength and/or voltage. Additional information can be obtained therefrom to determine signal activity.

Starting from the reference signal in the operating state of the signaling device, the time profile of the current strength and/or voltage of each further traffic-related signal in the operating state has only a small phase shift relative to the reference signal, in particular no phase shift at all. . In other words, this means that all traffic-related signals in operation of the electrical signaling device are in phase, in particular in phase, or have a small phase shift with respect to each other, or in particular have no phase shift at all. In this case the measured current value contains only or mainly active components and little or no inactive components. The same applies to the phase shift between the voltage profile of the reference signal and the additional signal.

Between the current profile and/or voltage profile of the reference signal, or the time profile of current intensity and/or voltage, and the current profile and/or voltage profile, or time profile of current intensity and/or voltage, of the additional signal of the same electrical signaling device. If there is a phase shift in , the measured current value of the additional signal has a significant reactive component. That is, the measured current value of the additional signal in this case has only a small active component, and in particular has no active component, so that the actual operation of the traffic-related signal can be ruled out.

If the signal is active, ie if it lights up in the case of a light signal, it can be considered that the current profile and voltage profile of this lighting lamp are in phase, since the signal represents a resistive load in a first approximation. When multiple signals are supplied through the same energy source, the current profile and voltage profile are also in phase when the signals are activated. Otherwise, if the signal is not active, eg only the line is checked (line test), the reactive current component dominates in the current profile, which causes a noticeable phase shift. Thus, by means of a phase shift, in the current profile of the additional signal, it can be displayed for the reactive current component and thus for the signal activity. In other words, according to the present invention, the reliability in determining the signal activity of the additional signal is such that a reliably determinable (actually active) signal is first determined as a reference signal and the relationship between the current profile and/or the voltage profile of the additional signal and the reference signal is determined. As the phase shift is determined, it becomes higher.

In a preferred refinement of the method according to the invention, the following is provided for detecting the reference signal:

a. For a signal from a signaling device, the signal activity "active", "inactive" and/or potential signal activity "uncertain" is a function of at least one stored current threshold value and the measured current value, in particular the effective value of the current intensity, in the respective signal. detected according to comparison;

b. One of the signals of the signaling device whose signal activity was detected as "active" in step a is detected as a reference signal.

In other words, the classification of the signaling activity of the traffic-related signal of the electrical signaling device is made. Detection of signal activity is to be understood as meaning the classification of the method itself of traffic-related signals, as a result of which predetermined method steps can be triggered. For example, but not deterministically, it may be provided to assign a value to a variable to be stored, eg to store a "string" for that traffic-related signal. The method has signal activities "active" and "inactive" and potential signal activities "uncertain". According to a refinement, it is provided that the current value of each traffic-related signal of the electrical signaling device is measured and compared with at least one stored current threshold value. Depending on the comparison, signal activities can be assigned to traffic-related signals.

A signal activity “active” is assigned to a traffic related signal that has been reliably determined to be active.

A signal activity “inactive” is assigned to a traffic related signal that has been reliably determined to be inactive.

A potential signal activity “uncertain” is assigned to traffic-related signals for which the signal activity “active” or “inactive” cannot be reliably or unambiguously determined. This is the case, for example, if the measured current value does not exceed the stored upper current threshold value. In this case the measured signal may be defective or inactive, for example.

A particularly preferred refinement of the method is characterized in that signal activity “active” is detected in the signal above an upper current threshold, and “inactive” is detected below a lower current threshold. In this variant, a potential signal activity "uncertainty" is detected when the lower current threshold is exceeded simultaneously with the upper current threshold being lower than the upper current threshold.

The upper current threshold is preferably selected such that the amount of active current component causes an active traffic related signal even if there is a reactive current component in the measured current value. In other words, the amount of the active current component in the measured current value is sufficient to reliably activate the traffic-related signal and/or exclude faults even if there is a significant reactive current component. In this case traffic-related signals can be classified as "active" with particular reliability.

The lower current threshold is preferably selected such that the amount of the active current component in the measured current value cannot activate the traffic-related signal even in the absence of a reactive current. In other words, the amount of the effective current component in the measured current value is so small that the operation of the traffic-related signal can be reliably excluded. Traffic-related signals can be classified as "inactive" with particular reliability in this case.

The threshold range between the lower limit current threshold and the upper current threshold is preferably a range of current values, and only when there is no or small reactive current component within the current value range, the magnitude of the current value will cause the traffic-related signal to be activated. can In this case a potential signal activity “uncertainty” may be detected for the traffic related signal, and subsequent steps to determine the signal activity may be performed.

Also preferred is a method in which the following steps are performed to detect the signal activity of the additional signal:

c. measuring the current profile and/or the voltage profile of the reference signal and the further signal, the further signal preferably being one of the signals of the signaling device for which the potential signal activity “uncertainty” was detected in step a;

d. determining a phase shift between the current profile and/or voltage profile of the reference signal measured in step c and the current profile and/or voltage profile of the additional signal measured in step c;

e. Determining the signal activity of the additional signal according to the phase shift determined in step d.

According to method step c, both the current profile and/or voltage profile of the reference signal and the current profile and/or voltage profile of the additional signal are measured. Preferably, a current profile or voltage profile is measured. Particularly preferably only the current profile is measured. This is advantageous with respect to inexpensive methods and inexpensive devices, since the measuring means can be retrofitted simply and inexpensively.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, only the reference signal and the current profile and/or voltage profile of traffic-related signals classified as potential signal activity "uncertain" of the electrical signaling device are measured. As a result, this method can be implemented much cheaper and faster.

According to this preferred method variant, in addition, in particular directly or indirectly after the measurement of the current profile and/or voltage profile, the measured current profile and/or voltage profile of the reference signal and the measured current profile and/or voltage of the further signal The phase shift between the profiles is determined.

This is particularly desirable for determining the "activity" of a signaling activity.

Depending on the case, various advantages can occur by determining the phase shift. For signals with potential signal activity "uncertain" or current values between the lower and upper thresholds, the presence of the inactive component can be reliably detected by determining the phase shift. Signal activity of the traffic-related signal in this case can be classified as "active" only if the phase shift is small, in particular zero. In this case, the current value has an effective component of current strength sufficient to activate the traffic-related signal. If the phase shift is not small, the signal activity of the traffic-related signal may be classified as "inactive". The current value then has a high ineffective component, but only a small active component which is not sufficient for the operation of traffic-related signals, or in particular no active component.

Preferably, the signal activity of the additional signal depends on the magnitude of the phase shift. As a result, separate consideration of the negative phase shift and the positive phase shift can be omitted. If the magnitude of the phase shift between the current profile and/or voltage profile of the reference signal and the additional signal, which cannot be determined particularly reliably, is small, the signal activity of the additional signal is preferably determined to be active. Preferably in this case, the magnitude of the phase shift is less than 45°, in particular less than 35°, particularly preferably less than 30°.

If the phase shift between the current profile and/or the voltage profile of the reference signal and the additional signal, which cannot be determined particularly reliably, is not small, the signal activity of the additional signal is particularly advantageously determined to be "inactive". The magnitude of the phase shift is preferably exactly 30° or more in this case, in particular exactly 35° or more, particularly preferably exactly 45° or more.

Alternatively or additionally, the reliability of the detection of signal activity can be improved by having the phase shift between the voltage profile and the current profile of an individual traffic-related signal detected and taken into account for determining the signal activity. That is, a signal-specific phase shift is determined between the time profile of the current intensity and the time profile of the voltage of the same signal. In this case, in particular, the following method steps may be provided:

- measuring the current profile and voltage profile in the signal;

- determining the phase shift inherent in the signal between its voltage profile and its current profile;

- determining the reactive- and/or active current components on the basis of the signal-specific phase shift determined by the evaluation unit;

- taking into account the reactive- and/or active current components in the detection of the signal activity of the signal.

Reactive- and/or active current components can be taken into account by comparison with measured current values. For example, if the reactive current component is small compared to the measured total current value and/or the active current component, the reactive current component can be neglected and the traffic-related signal can be determined to be "active". The reactive- and/or active current component can be determined as a percentage of the measured current value. It may also be provided that the signal activity is detected as "active" when the reactive current component is at most 30%, in particular at most 20%, of the measured current value. Preferably, the reactive and/or active current components are taken into account by comparison with a reference value, in which case the reference value depends on the line length of the traffic-related signal. For example, signal activity "active" is detected for a traffic related signal if the reactive current component remains below a reference value along the line of the reactive current component.

A method in which the detection of the signal activity is additionally made according to a measured voltage value in the signal, in particular an effective value of the voltage, is preferred. As a result, the determination of signal activity can be made much more reliably.

The measured voltage value is a representative, in particular average, voltage value over a defined time segment of the measured voltage profile, in particular over a period of oscillation. The measured voltage value is, for example, the amplitude of the voltage, the peak-to-valley value and/or the effective value. Consequently, the measured voltage values can be compared particularly well.

In particular, the signal activity "active" is preferably determined only if both the criterion for the measured current value and the criterion for the measured voltage value are fulfilled. This further increases the reliability of detection of signal activity.

Preferably the reference is stored in the form of at least one voltage threshold. The voltage threshold is preferably designed as a case boundary between "active" and "inactive" signal activity.

In a preferred design of the method, it is provided that signal activity “active” is detected when the measured current value exceeds a lower current threshold, the measured voltage value exceeds the voltage threshold and the phase shift is small.

In other words, in this method variant, it is provided that in order to determine a signal activity “active”, a current value must exceed at least a lower current threshold and a voltage value must exceed a voltage threshold. As a result, when the phase shift is small and the current value is within a critical range, for example in the case of an electrical consumer with low power consumption, the signal activity can nevertheless be reliably determined by the additional criterion of the applied voltage. Determination of signal activity “activity” is thus further improved.

In a preferred design of the method, signal activity “inactivity” is detected when the measured current value exceeds a lower current threshold and the measured voltage value, in particular an effective value of the voltage, falls below the voltage threshold.

In other words, in a variant of this method, it is provided that not only the current value must exceed a lower current threshold value, but also the voltage value must fall below the voltage threshold value in order to determine signal activity “inactive”. As a result, the determination of signal activity "inactive" can be further improved when the current value is within the threshold range and the phase shift is small.

Also preferably, signal activity "inactive" is determined when the measured current value falls below the lower current threshold and the measured voltage value falls below the voltage threshold. Also, when the current value falls below the lower current threshold value, but the voltage value exceeds the voltage threshold value, a defect in the traffic-related signal can be detected. The rolling stock driver (train driver) can then be informed about the faulty signal. As a result, the determination of signal activity "inactive" can be further improved.

In other cases, it is preferably provided that the potential signal activity “uncertainty” is detected.

In a preferred variant of the method, the stored voltage threshold is at least 0.7 times, in particular at least 0.9 times, particularly preferably at least 1.0 times the value of the supply voltage, wherein the supply voltage is preferably at least 139V, particularly preferably at least 230V. that is provided As a result, the voltage threshold can be particularly advantageously adjusted to prevailing lineside conditions such as voltage fluctuations and/or voltage sag. More preferably, the voltage value for validation may have a value of 1.1 times, in particular 1.2 times the value of the supply voltage, which value should not be exceeded for the validity of the measurement.

A variant of the method in which the measurement of the current profile and/or voltage profile is made only for additional signals for which potential signal activity "uncertainties" have been detected is also preferred. As a result, this method can be carried out particularly effectively and quickly.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, the lower current threshold is at most 15.6 mA, preferably at most 15 mA, particularly preferably at most 10 mA, and the upper current threshold is at least 15 mA, preferably at least 56 mA, particularly preferably at least 80 mA. is provided.

The present invention also relates to a trackside electronic unit for detecting signal activity of an electrical signaling device having at least two traffic related signals. The lineside electronic unit according to the present invention has a measuring device designed to measure a current value, in particular an effective value of the current intensity, in each signal of the signal emitting device and exchange data with the evaluation unit. In addition, the lineside electronic unit determines the signal activity "active", "inactive" and potential signal activity "uncertain" for the signal according to the comparison of the measured current value, in particular the effective current, of the respective signal with at least one stored current threshold. It includes an evaluation unit designed to detect

According to the invention, the measuring device is designed to measure the current profile and/or the voltage profile in each signal, the evaluation unit between the current profile and/or the voltage profile of the reference signal and/or the current profile and/or of the further signal and/or It is designed to determine the phase shift between voltage profiles.

The measuring device and evaluation unit of the lineside electronic unit can be arranged in a common housing. This enables particularly fast and direct data exchange.

The measuring device is designed to measure a current value, in particular an effective current and a current profile and/or a voltage profile, in each signal of the signaling device. Preferably, it can be provided that the measuring device comprises a number of measuring means, for example a current measuring device and/or a voltage measuring device. Also advantageously, it may be provided that measuring means are designed to measure a number of traffic-related signals.

Preferably the measuring device is designed to measure the effective voltage at each signal of the signaling device. As a result, trackside electrical units are designed to determine signal activity particularly reliably.

The expressions "measure at the signal" and "measure at each signal" are to be understood as the arrangement of the measuring means for traffic-related signals required according to the type of measurement according to the present invention. In the case of current value measurement, it should be understood hereby that the current strength is measured in an electric line leading to or away from the signal. In the case of measuring voltage values, these expressions relate to measuring the voltage applied to a signal.

Measured data, for example current values, voltage values, current profiles and/or time profiles such as voltage profiles, can be transmitted from the measuring device to the alignment device. That is, the measurement device is designed to exchange data with the evaluation unit.

The evaluation unit is designed to detect signal activity “active”, “inactive” and potential signal activity “uncertain” for traffic-related signals according to a comparison of the current value measured in the respective signal with at least one stored current threshold value. Preferably the evaluation unit is designed to evaluate the data transmitted by the measuring device. The evaluation unit may be equipped with calculation means, for example a computer, for this purpose. More preferably, the at least one stored current threshold value is stored in the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit can be provided with storage means, in particular a data storage device, for this purpose.

According to the invention, the lineside electronic unit is also designed to determine the reference signal and to determine the phase shift between the current profile and/or voltage profile of the reference signal and/or between the current profile and/or voltage profile of the further signal. . The measuring device transmits by means of the evaluation unit the reference signal and the data necessary for determining the phase shift to the evaluation unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the lineside electronic unit, it is provided that the measuring device is designed to measure the current profile and/or the voltage profile in the respective signal according to instructions by the evaluation unit. As a result, measurements can be performed on target, thereby avoiding unnecessary measurements and increasing the efficiency of the lineside electronic unit in determining signal activity.

An embodiment of a lineside electronic unit in which the evaluation unit is designed to direct measurement of the current profile and/or voltage profile in the signals upon designation of potential signal activity “uncertainty” is also preferred. As a result, measurements may be limited to traffic-related signals for which, on target, signal activity cannot be reliably or unambiguously determined.

Also preferred is an embodiment of a lineside electronic unit in which the evaluation unit is designed to determine the reactive current component of the measured current value of the signal based on the determined phase shift. Preferably the lineside electronic unit or evaluation unit is designed to store and/or transmit the determined reactive current component. As a result, the reactive current component can be taken into account in the re-detection of the signal activity of the signal, thereby accelerating the method.

In a preferred embodiment of the lineside electronic unit, it is provided that the measuring device measures the measured current value, the measured voltage value, the current profile and/or the voltage profile directly at the electrical signaling device.

An embodiment of a trackside electronic unit in which the evaluation unit is designed to transmit signal activity and/or potential signal activity to a central station and/or balice is preferred.

Trackside electronic units are preferably used in train control systems, in particular ETCS Level 1.

The lineside electronic unit is preferably designed to detect signal activity of at least two, preferably multiple electrical signaling devices. In other words, the lineside electronic units are designed to determine the signaling activity of traffic-related signals in signaling devices that operate independently of each other. As a result, the lineside electronic unit can be operated particularly effectively.

The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a railway system comprising at least one electrical signaling device with the above-mentioned trackside electronic unit and at least two traffic-related signals, in particular lamps. The railway system preferably includes a number of signaling devices and trackside electronic units with associated balises.

At least one signal originating device is a traffic-related stand-alone unit and has a traffic-related signal. Traffic-related signals are arranged in the signaling device and have at least one shared electrical line.

The railway system is preferably designed with at least two, in particular four traffic-related signals. A greater number of traffic-related signals in electrical signaling devices facilitates much more reliable determination of signaling activity.

Further advantages of the present invention are presented in the detailed description and drawings. Likewise, the features described above and below may be used singly or in any combination of a number of them in accordance with the present invention. The illustrated and described embodiments are not to be construed as an exhaustive list, but rather are of an illustrative nature for purposes of explanation of the present invention.

1 is a schematic diagram of a railway system comprising an electric signal generator with traffic-related signals and a trackside electronic unit;
2 schematically shows an electrical circuit diagram for carrying out a first variant of the method according to the invention for detecting the signaling activity of traffic-related signals of a signaling device taking into account current values and current profiles;
3 schematically shows the method steps of a first variant of the method according to the invention for determining the signal activity of traffic-related signals taking into account current values and current profiles;
4 schematically shows a further electrical circuit diagram for carrying out a second variant of the method according to the invention for determining the signaling activity of traffic-related signals of a signaling device taking into account voltage values and voltage profiles;
5 schematically shows the method steps of a second variant of the method according to the invention for determining the signal activity of traffic-related signals further taking into account voltage values and voltage profiles;

1 shows a schematic diagram of a railway system 10 comprising an electrical signaling device 12 . The signaling device 12 is located in the immediate vicinity of the track section 14 and transmits information visually to users of rail traffic located on the track section 14 - from here to the train 16 or to its driver (train driver). designed to transmit

Signal originating device 12 has a number of traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22. The traffic-related signals 18, 20 and 22 are designed as light signals in the form of lamps according to the embodiment. Traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22 are preferably assigned in pairs and/or as combinations of various pairs of different railway-related information. Fig. 1 shows an operating state in which the signals 20 and 22 are active, i.e. emit light.

The electrical signaling device 12 is connected to the signal station 26 by means of a control line 24. Control line 24 is shown interrupted to indicate the substantial length of control line 24 between electrical signaling device 12 and signal station 26 . The distance between the electrical signal emitting device 12 and the signaling station 26 may be, for example, hundreds, especially thousands of meters. Signal station 26 is designed to control traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22. That is, traffic-related signals 18, 20 and 22 are activated or deactivated by signal station 26. The control line 24 may have multiple electrical lines (see Figs. 2 and 4) for individual control of the traffic related signals 18, 20 and 22.

The electrical signal generator 12 is connected to a lineside electronic unit 28 (LEU = Lineside Electronic Unit). The lineside electronic unit 28 includes a measurement device 30 , an evaluation unit 32 , a transmission device 34 and a data storage device 36 . The lineside electronic unit 28 , in particular the measuring device 30 , is electrically connected to the electrical signaling device 12 .

According to the present invention, the line-side electronic unit 28 measures the current value and the current profile, preferably additionally the voltage value and/or the voltage value and/or Alternatively, it is designed to measure voltage profiles as well. The measurement device 30 transmits the measured value to the evaluation unit 32 after measurement. The evaluation unit 32 detects the signal activity of traffic-related signals 18 , 20 , 22 . The signal activity determined by the evaluation unit 32 of the traffic-related signals 18 , 20 , 22 is subsequently transmitted via the transmission device 34 to the balis 38 . The balice 38 transmits the signal activity to the train 16.

FIG. 2 shows a signaling station 26 using an electrical signaling device 12 and a control line 24, in which the first variant shown in FIG. 3 of the method according to the invention for detecting signal activity can be carried out. Shows the electrical circuit diagram of the connection of the device to. 2 shows the operating state of FIG. 1 in which signals 20 and 22 are active and light 40 is emitted. Signal 18 is either inactive or undergoes a line test, in which case a line connection test is performed by application of a test voltage.

2 shows three traffic-related signals with respective signal lamps, each signal lamp designed as a double filament lamp according to the illustrated embodiment, respectively a main filament signal 18a, 20a, 22a and an auxiliary filament signal (18b, 20b, 22b). Signal activity is detected for each traffic-related signal 18, 20, 22, respectively.

Main filament signals 18a, 20a, 22a and auxiliary filament signals 18b, 20b, 22b of traffic related signals 18, 20, 22 share a common return conductor 42a, 42b, 42c, respectively. Return conductors 42a-42c extend between the electrical signal transmission device 12 and the signal station 26 in the control line 24, and electrically designed to be convertible.

The main filament signals 18a, 20a and 22a have electrical main filament lines 46a, 46b and 46c, respectively. The main filament lines 46a-46c are designed to be electrically switchable by the switches 48a, 48b and 48c at the signal station 28, and the electrical signal transmission device from the signal station 26 in the control line 24 (12) is extended.

The auxiliary filament signals 18b, 20b and 22b have electrical auxiliary filament lines 50a, 50b and 50c, respectively. The auxiliary filament lines 50a-50c are designed to be electrically switchable by the switches 52a, 52b and 52c in the signal station 26, and the electrical signal transmission device from the signal station 26 in the control line 24 (12) is extended.

The main filament lines 46a-46c and the auxiliary filament lines 50a-50c are electrically coupled within the signal station 26 and connected to an alternating current source 54 along with the return lines 42a-42c.

In the operating state shown in Fig. 2, the switches 48b and 48c of the main filament lines 46b and 46c are disconnected or electrically switched. Also, the switches 44b and 44c of the return lines 42b and 42c are disconnected or electrically switched. The circuits for the main filament signals 20a and 20b are thus cut off. Traffic-related signal 20 and traffic-related signal 22 emit light 40 . In other words, the traffic-related signals 20 and 22 are actually active.

Also according to the illustrated embodiment, the switch 52a of the auxiliary filament line 50a is disconnected or electrically switched. However, since the switch 44a of the return line 42a is not blocked, the traffic-related auxiliary filament signal 18b and thus the traffic-related signal 18 are in fact inactive. This scenario can be dealt with in a so-called "line test" where only the electrical line - in this case the auxiliary filament line 50a - is tested.

According to the present invention, the current value in the traffic-related signal 18, 20, 22 by means of the measuring device 30 (see FIG. 1) of the lineside electronic unit 28 (see FIG. 1), for example, the effective value of the current intensity It is measured. In this case, this is achieved by measuring the current value of the current flowing through the return lines 42a - 42c using the measuring resistors 56a, 56b and 56c disposed on the return lines 42a, 42b and 42c. The current strengths in the measuring resistors 56a, 56b and 56c are tapped through the current value measuring lines 58a, 58b and 58c, from which the current flowing into the return lines 42a-42c is determined.

3 shows method steps of a first variant of the method according to the invention for determining the signal activity of traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of an electrical signaling device 12 (see FIG. 1). show them schematically. For better understanding, the method is explained by the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 2 and using exemplary values for the scenario shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

In a first method step a current value measurement 60 is performed. Current value measurement 60 is performed on at least two, preferably all traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22 (see Figs. 1 and 2) of the electrical signal originating device 12 (see Figs. 1 and 2). The current value measurement 60 is performed by the measuring device 30 (see FIG. 1) of the lineside electronic unit 28 (see FIG. 1).

Referring to Fig. 2, for example, the current value - in this case the effective value of the current intensity - is measured by the measuring means of the measuring device 30 via the measuring resistors 56a-56c. That is, the current value for each traffic-related signal 18, 20, 22 is measured. For better explanation, the measured current value is assumed below.

An effective value of the current intensity measured through the current value measurement line 56a may be, for example, 43 mA here. An effective value of the current intensity measured through the current value measurement line 56b may be, for example, 92 mA here. An effective value of the current intensity measured through the current value measuring line 56c may be, for example, 75 mA here.

In a second method step of the method a current value comparison 62 is performed by an evaluation unit 32 (see FIG. 1). The evaluation unit 32 compares the measured current value with at least one, in particular a plurality of stored current threshold values. At least one stored current threshold may be used as a comparison variable for all measured current values. Preferably, at least one current threshold value is stored for each measured current value of each respective traffic-related signal 18, 20, 22.

For example, the evaluation unit 32 compares the measured effective value of the current intensity with a single current threshold value typically stored for each traffic-related signal. For example, the current threshold may have a value of 80 mA.

The comparison result may depend on a comparison of the magnitude of the measured current value with the stored current threshold. For example, the comparison result may be "exceeds current threshold" in magnitude (64) or "below current threshold" (66) in magnitude, as shown in FIG. 3 . Preferably reaching the current threshold in magnitude equals exceeding the current threshold.

Referring to an exemplary assumption for the measured current value from method step current value measurement 60, comparison with stored current threshold values may yield the following result:

The current values of 43 mA and 75 mA measured through the current value measuring lines 56a and 56c "fall short of the current threshold 66" of 80 mA.

The current value of 92 mA measured through the current value measurement line 56b exceeds the “current threshold value” of 80 mA (64).

In the method step “signal activity detection” 68, comparison of current values 62 for traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22 or measured current values of traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22 and stored current thresholds Depending on the result of the comparison between the values, the signal activity of signals 18, 20 and 22 is detected.

For example, it may be provided that the condition "current threshold exceeded" 64 is raised for "signal activity detected" 68 . That is, signal activity “active” can be reliably determined for traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22 for which the measured current value exceeds the current threshold. According to the example introduced, the current value of the traffic-related signal 20 exceeds the stored current threshold, so that the signal activity “active” can be determined, for example, for the traffic-related signal 20 . According to the example, if the measured current values of the traffic-related signals 18 and 22 fall below the stored current threshold, additional method steps are provided.

In the method step "Reference Signal Determination" 70 the determination of the reference signal by the evaluation unit 32 is provided. If the comparison between the measured current value and the stored current threshold results in a result that does not reliably permit the "detection of signal activity" 68, a "reference signal determination" 70 is made. The evaluation unit 32 then determines the traffic related signals 18 , 20 , 22 as reference signals 20 for which the signal activity “active” has been determined.

According to the present example, “under current threshold” 66 has been determined for traffic-related signals 18 and 22, and thus “reference signal determination” 70 is performed by the evaluation unit. A traffic-related signal 20 having a signal activity “active” is determined correspondingly as reference signal 20 .

In the subsequent method step “measure current profile and/or voltage profile” 72 , current profile measurement and/or voltage profile measurement are performed on at least two, in particular all traffic-related signals 18 , 20 , 22 . A current profile and/or a voltage profile is preferably performed on at least the reference signal 20 and the further traffic-related signal 18 or 22 . More preferably, a current profile measurement and/or a voltage profile measurement is performed on each traffic-related signal 18, 22 and reference signal 20 for which the signal activity cannot be reliably determined by the "current value comparison" 62. do.

For example, the evaluation unit 32 may instruct the measuring device 30 to measure the current profile in the reference signal 20 and in the traffic-related signals 18 and 22 that fall below a current threshold. The measuring device 30 is preferably designed to transmit the measured current profile to the evaluation unit 32 .

A further method step, "determination of phase shift" 74 , wherein the evaluation unit 32 determines at least one phase shift between the current profile of the reference signal 20 and the current profile of the further traffic related signals 18, 22. provide a decision That is, in this method step the evaluation unit 32 determines the phase shift between the time profiles of the current intensities of the two traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22.

In the example introduced, the evaluation unit 32 calculates the phase shift between the current profile of the traffic-related signal 20 (reference signal) and the traffic-related signal 18 and the current profile of the reference signal 20 from the measured current profile. Determine the phase shift between traffic related signals (20). For example, the magnitude of the phase shift determined between the traffic-related signal 18 and the reference signal 20 is 54 degrees, and the magnitude of the phase shift between the traffic-related signal 22 and the reference signal 20 is 18 degrees .

In a subsequent method step, "Determination of Signal Activity" 68, the signal activity for the traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22 is further detected according to the determined phase shift. Preferably, the "determination of signal activity" 68 is made in accordance with the magnitude of the determined phase shift.

According to an embodiment, it may be provided that the evaluation unit 34 is set to evaluate the magnitude of the phase shift of 18 degrees and the magnitude of the phase shift of 54 degrees as significant. For example, signal activity may then be detected as “inactive” for traffic-related signals 18 and “active” for traffic-related signals 22 .

Figure 4 shows an electrical signaling device 12 and a control line 24 and signal station 26 in which a second variant of the method according to the invention for detecting signal activity taking into account current and voltage values can be carried out. Another electrical circuit diagram of the connection of the device to

In addition to the components shown in FIG. 2, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the voltage value of the voltage applied to each traffic-related signal 18, 20, 22 and the voltage value measurement line for measuring the profile. (76a, 76b, 78a, 78b, 80a, 80b) are provided. The voltage value measuring lines 76a, 78a, 80a for the main filament signals 18a, 20a, 22a are for this purpose connected before and after the respective main filament signals 18a, 20a, 22a with the associated main filament lines 46a, 46b, 46b ) and return lines 42a, 42b, 42c, and voltage value measurement lines 76b, 78b, 80b for auxiliary filament signals 18b, 20b, 22b are respectively auxiliary filament signals 18b, 20b, 22b ) before and after are connected to the associated auxiliary filament lines 50a, 50b, 50c and return lines 42a, 42b, 42c.

Depending on the operating state shown in Fig. 4, the switches 52a, 48b and 44b are either disconnected or electrically switched. Disconnecting the switches 48b and 44b closes the circuit of the main filament signal 20a and the traffic related signal 20 becomes active. Otherwise, traffic-related signal 18 is inactive because switch 44a keeps the circuit of auxiliary filament signal 18b open. Disconnected switch 52a of auxiliary filament line 50a allows this line to undergo a line test. Traffic-related signals 22 are also inactive.

FIG. 5 is a method for determining the signal activity of traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 4) of electrical signaling device 12 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 4). Schematically shows the second embodiment of.

The second variant shown is substantially identical to the basic method sequence of the first variant of the method according to the invention shown in FIG. 3 .

The method however has a stored second current threshold in addition to the stored first current threshold. In other words, in the illustrated variant, two stored current thresholds and a "current value comparison" 62 are provided. The first current threshold is formed as an upper current threshold, and the second current threshold is formed as a lower current threshold. Similar to the first modification, in addition to the comparison results "exceeding the upper limit current threshold" (64) and "under the upper limit current threshold" (66), according to the second modification, an additional comparison result "under the lower limit current threshold" (82) and "Exceeds lower current threshold" (84). The latter may appear in combination with the comparison result "under upper current threshold" 66, as shown.

The foregoing method steps of the second method variant shown in FIG. 5 will hereinafter be described as an example using the signal scenario shown in FIG. 4 .

According to the method step "measuring current values" 60 , the current values of the traffic-related signals 18a , 18b , 20a , 20b , 22a , 22b are measured, for example by means of the measuring device 30 (see FIG. 1 ). Exemplary values are used for better explanation, but the values should not be construed as definitive. For example, a current value of 32 mA is measured in the current value measurement line 56a by the measuring device 30, a current value of 87 mA is measured in the current value measurement line 56b, and the current value measurement line 56c At 12mA - here the effective value of the current intensity - the current value is measured.

The evaluation unit 32 (see FIG. 1 ) first compares the measured current value according to the method step “current value comparison” 62 with a stored upper current threshold value. The upper current threshold is eg 70mA.

For the current value measured in the current value measuring line 56b, the comparison leads to a comparison result "exceeding upper limit current threshold" (64). A signal activity "active" may be detected for the traffic-related signal 20 in a subsequent method step "signal activity detection" 68 .

Comparison of the current values measured in the current value measurement lines 56a and 56b leads to a comparison result "less than upper limit current threshold value" (66). According to the method step "current value comparison" 62, the evaluation unit 32 compares the measured current value in the current value measurement line 56a, 56b with a stored lower current threshold value. The lower current threshold is, for example, 15 mA.

Comparison with the lower limit current threshold leads to a comparison result "below lower limit current threshold" 82 for the current value measured on the current value measurement line 56c. As shown in this case, in the method step "signal activity detection" 68 the signal activity "inactive" is detected for the traffic-related signal 22, since the measured current value is the traffic related signal 22 even though it has no reactive current component. This is because it is not sufficient to activate the associated signal 22.

Comparison of the current value measured on the current value measuring line 56a with the lower current threshold value leads to "exceeds lower current threshold value" 84, for example. In other words, the measured current value lies between the lower current threshold value and the upper current threshold value. In this case a reliable "detection of signal activity" 68 cannot be made, since depending on the level of the reactive current component the active current component may or may not cause activation of the signal.

According to a second variant of the method, it is provided that the method step “determine provisional signal activity” 86 is performed due to the comparison result “lower current threshold exceeded” 84 . For example, the evaluation unit 32 detects a potential signal activity “uncertainty” for the traffic-related signal 18 or for the main filament signal 18a and the auxiliary filament signal 18b.

In the further method step "voltage value measurement" 88 , at least one, in particular multiple, particularly preferably all voltage value measurements may be carried out on at least the traffic-related signal 18 for which the potential signal activity "uncertainty" has been determined. there is. The measurement of the voltage value is preferably only performed on one traffic-related signal 18, 20, 22, but also on both the main filament signals 18a, 20a, 22a and the auxiliary filament signals 18b, 20b, 22b.

For example, evaluation unit 32 instructs measuring device 30 to measure all voltage values in traffic-related signals 18 with potential signal activity “uncertain”. In other words, the measuring device 30 is instructed to measure the voltage values at the main filament signal 18a and the auxiliary filament signal 18b. Further, for example, a voltage value of 18V is measured by the measuring device 30 at the voltage value measurement line 76a, and a voltage value of 115V is measured at the voltage value measurement line 76b.

The measured voltage value may be compared to at least one stored voltage threshold value in a subsequent method step "compare voltage values" 90 . Comparison of the voltage value with the stored voltage threshold may provide a comparison result of "under voltage threshold" 92 or "over voltage threshold" 94 . It can be provided that the signal activity of the measured traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22 is detected as "inactive", as shown at "undervoltage threshold" 92, since the lower current threshold This is because exceeding the value and simultaneously falling below the voltage threshold is a sufficient condition for the possibility of reliable determination of signal activity “inactivity”.

For example, the voltage threshold is 111.2V, thus 80% of the supply voltage of 139V provided by signal element 26. Also, for example, a “undervoltage threshold value” 92 is indicated by the main filament signal 18a as a result of comparing the measured voltage value with the stored voltage threshold value, so that the signal activity “inactive” is determined by the method. The step "signal activity detection" 68 can be performed reliably.

Further, for example, as a result of comparing the measured voltage value with the stored voltage threshold, the auxiliary filament signal 18b "exceeds the voltage threshold" 94, resulting in signal activity on the auxiliary filament signal 18b. cannot be reliably determined.

In the method step “reference signal determination” 70—similarly to the first variant of the method according to the invention—traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22 are determined relative to the reference signal 20, said reference signals Signaling activity of is detected as "active". For example, a traffic-related signal 20 is determined as the reference signal 20 .

Subsequently—similarly to the first variant—in the method step “measuring current profile and/or voltage profile” 72 a current profile and/or voltage profile measurement can be carried out by means of the measuring device 30 . Current profile and/or voltage profile measurements may be performed on all traffic-related signals 18, 20, 22 or on all main filament signals 18a, 20a, 22a and auxiliary filament signals 18b, 20b, 22b. Preferably current profile and/or voltage profile measurements are performed only for the reference signal 20 and the additional traffic-related signal 18 or 22, the potential signal activity of which is "uncertain".

According to an embodiment, the voltage profile measurement is performed on the reference signal 20 or main filament signal 20a and auxiliary filament signal 20b as well as the traffic related signal 18 or auxiliary filament signal 18b.

From the measured current profile and/or voltage profile, the evaluation unit 32 determines in the method step “determination of the phase shift” 74 the reference signal 20 or the main filament signal 20a and at least one additional traffic-related signal ( 18) or the phase shift between the auxiliary filament signals 18b is detected. Subsequently, similar to the first variant, a signal activity for the “uncertain” traffic-related signals is carried out.

According to an embodiment, the phase shift between the voltage profile of the main filament signal 20a and the auxiliary filament signal 18b of the reference signal 20 is important, so that the method step “determining the signal activity” 68 ), the signal activity "inactive" is determined for the traffic-related signal 18b.

10 rail system
12 electrical signaling device
14 line section
16 train
18, 20, 22 traffic signals
18a, 20a, 22a main filament signal
18b, 20b, 22b auxiliary filament signal
24 control lines
26 beacon
28 Railside Electronic Unit
30 measuring devices
32 evaluation units
34 sending device
36 data storage
38 ballis
42a, 42b, 42c electrical return lines
44a, 44b, 44c Switches on return lines 42a-42c
46a, 46b, 46c electric main filament line
48a, 48b, 48c Main filament line switches 46a-46c
50a, 50b, 50c Electric Auxiliary Filament Line
Switches of 52a, 52b, 52c auxiliary filament lines 50a-50c
54 alternating current source
56a, 56b, 56c measure resistance
58a, 58b, 58c Current value measurement line
60 method step "measure current value"
62 method step "compare current values"
64 Method Step “Current Threshold Exceeded”
66 Method Step "Current Below Threshold"
68 method step "detect signal activity"
70 method step "Determine reference signal"
72 method step "measure current profile and/or voltage profile"
74 method step "determine the phase shift"
76a, 76b Voltage value measurement line
78a, 78b Voltage value measurement line
80a, 80b voltage measurement line
82 method step "lower current threshold below"
84 Method Step “Lower Current Threshold Exceeded”
86 method step "determination of potential signal activity"
88 method step "measure voltage value"
90 method step "compare voltage values"
92 method step “voltage below threshold”
94 Method Step "Exceeds Precancerous Threshold"
references
[1] KR 10-1905424 B1
[2] JP 2008-145155 A
[3] CN 102611134 B.

Claims (15)

A method for detecting signal activity of traffic-related signals of an electrical signal originating device (12) having at least two traffic-related signals (18, 20, 22), comprising:
The current value of the signal (18, 20, 22) is measured,
A method in which signal activity is effected according to a comparison between at least one stored current threshold and a measured current value of said signal (18, 20, 22), said method comprising the steps of:
First, one of the signals 18, 20, 22 is determined as a reference signal 20,
the current profile and/or voltage profile of the reference signal (20) and the additional signals (18, 22) are measured;
Depending on the comparison between the at least one stored current threshold and the measured current values of the additional signals 18, 20 as well as the measured current profiles and/or voltage profiles of the reference signal 20 and the further signals 18, 22 characterized in that the determination of the signal activity (68) of a further signal (18, 22) of the at least two traffic-related signals (18, 20, 22) is made according to the phase shift between them. The method of claim 1, for the detection of a reference signal,
a. For the signals 18, 20, 22 of the signaling device 12, the signal activity "active", "inactive" and/or potential signal activity "uncertain" is associated with at least one stored current threshold and the respective signal 18 , 20, 22) is detected according to the comparison of the measured current values;
b. characterized in that one of the signals (18, 20, 22) of the signaling device (12) whose signal activity was detected as "active" in step a is detected as a reference signal (20). According to claim 2,
an upper current threshold and a lower current threshold are stored;
For the signals (18, 20, 22) of the signaling device (12), signal activity “active” is detected when an upper current threshold is exceeded and “inactive” is detected when a lower current threshold is not met; wherein "uncertainty" is detected when the lower current threshold is exceeded and the upper current threshold is not met at the same time. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in order to determine the signal activity (68) of the further signal (18, 22),
c. measuring the current profile and/or voltage profile 72 of the reference signal 20 and of the further signal 18, 22 - the further signal 18, 22 preferably having the potential signal activity "uncertain" in step a. " is one of the signals 18, 20, 22 of the signal originating device 12 detected -;
d. determining the phase shift 74 between the current profile and/or voltage profile of the reference signal 20 measured in step c and the current profile and/or voltage profile of the further signal 18, 22 measured in step c doing;
e. characterized in that the step of determining the signal activity (68) of said further signal (18, 22) according to the phase shift determined in step d is performed. 5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the determination of the signal activity (68) is additionally made according to the measured voltage value of the signal (18, 20, 22), in particular the effective value of the voltage. How to. 6. The method according to claims 3 and 5, characterized in that signal activity "deactivation" is detected when the measured current value exceeds the lower current threshold and the measured voltage value, in particular the effective value of the voltage, falls below the anterior eye threshold. How to. 7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the stored voltage threshold is at least 0.7 times, in particular at least 0.9 times, particularly preferably at least 1.0 times the value of the supply voltage with which the signals (18, 20, 22) are supplied, characterized in that the supply voltage is preferably at least 139V, in particular at least 230V. 8. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the measurement of the current profile and/or voltage profile (72) is performed only for further signals (18, 20, 22) for which potential signal activity "uncertainities" have been detected. characterized by a method. 9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lower current threshold is at most 15.6 mA, preferably at most 15 mA, particularly preferably at most 10 mA, and the upper current threshold is at least 15 mA, preferably at least 56 mA. , particularly preferably at least 80 mA. A line for detecting signal activity (68) of an electrical signaling device (12) with at least two traffic-related signals (18, 20, 22) using a method according to any one of claims 1 to 9. As the variable electronic unit 28, it is provided with a measuring device 30 and an evaluation unit 32, the measuring device 30,
- designed to measure the current value, in particular the effective value of the current strength, in each signal (18, 20, 22) of the signaling device (12);
- designed to exchange data with the evaluation unit (32);
The evaluation unit 32,
- to detect the signal activity 68 "active", "inactive" according to the comparison of the measured current value, in particular the effective current, in the respective signal 18, 20, 22 with at least one stored current threshold value and the potential signal Activity 86 In the trackside electronic unit 28, designed to determine “uncertainty”,
said measurement device 30 is designed to measure the current profile and/or voltage profile 72 of said respective signal 18, 20, 22;
The evaluation unit 32 determines the phase between the current profile and/or voltage profile of the reference signal 20 and the current profile and/or voltage profile of the additional signals 18, 20, 22 and for the determination of the reference signal 70. A trackside electronic unit, characterized in that it is designed to determine the shift (74). 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the measuring device (30) instructs via the evaluation unit (32) to measure a current profile and/or a voltage profile in a signal, preferably in each signal (18, 20, 22). A trackside electronic unit, characterized in that it is designed to receive. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the evaluation unit (32) directs the measurement of the current profile and/or voltage profile (72) in the signal (18, 20, 22) upon determination of the potential signal activity (86) "uncertain". A trackside electronic unit, characterized in that designed. 13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, designed to determine the reactive current component of the measured current value of the signal (18, 20, 22), in particular of the effective value of the current intensity, on the basis of the determined phase shift. A lineside electronic unit, characterized in that. 14. Railside according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the evaluation unit (32) is designed to transmit signaling activity and/or potential signaling activity to rail traffic users, in particular trains (16). electronic unit. A railway system (10) comprising a trackside electronic unit (28) according to any one of claims 10 to 14 and at least one electrical signaling device (12), said signaling device having at least two traffic Railway system with associated signals (18, 20, 22), in particular ramps.