NL2028047B1 - Overhead line measuring device and method for measuring overhead lines - Google Patents
Overhead line measuring device and method for measuring overhead lines Download PDFInfo
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- NL2028047B1 NL2028047B1 NL2028047A NL2028047A NL2028047B1 NL 2028047 B1 NL2028047 B1 NL 2028047B1 NL 2028047 A NL2028047 A NL 2028047A NL 2028047 A NL2028047 A NL 2028047A NL 2028047 B1 NL2028047 B1 NL 2028047B1
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- contact wire
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
- G01B11/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques
- G01B11/08—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring diameters
- G01B11/10—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring diameters of objects while moving
- G01B11/105—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring diameters of objects while moving using photoelectric detection means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60M—POWER SUPPLY LINES, AND DEVICES ALONG RAILS, FOR ELECTRICALLY- PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60M1/00—Power supply lines for contact with collector on vehicle
- B60M1/12—Trolley lines; Accessories therefor
- B60M1/28—Manufacturing or repairing trolley lines
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to an overhead line measuring device for measuring a thickness of overhead 1ine(s) comprising: 5 — at least one pair of scanning units that, viewed in a first direction, are spaced apart over a distance, wherein the at least one pair is configured to be positioned such that, during use, the overhead 1ine(s) to be measured, when viewed in the first direction, extends between the scanning units, and wherein each scanning unit comprises: — a light emitting unit configured to emit a light beam onto a series of adjacent measuring 10 points on the overhead 1ine(s), wherein the series of measuring points extends along the side surface in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; — a light receiving unit configured to receive light that is reflected from the series of measuring points of the overhead 1ine(s); — a control unit configured to process the reflections from the series of measuring points to 15 calculate the overhead line thickness, wherein the processing comprises: — calculating a width distance between each measuring point of the series of measuring points and a width reference line; — determining a flattening point from the width distances of the series of measuring points; and 20 — calculating a thickness of the overhead 1ine(s), wherein the thickness is a distance, measured in the second direction, between a thickness reference point and the flattening point. The invention also relates to an assembly and a method for measuring a thickness of overhead 1ine(s). 25
Description
Overhead line measuring device and method for measuring overhead lines The invention relates to an overhead line measuring device, an overhead line measuring assembly and a method for measuring overhead lines.
Overhead lines, often also referred to as traction wires, are used to transmit electrical energy to electric vehicles, such as heavy rail (i.e. trains) and light rail (i.e. trams). The transfer takes place via one or more pantographs that are connected to the (roof of the) trains and that, during movement of the train, slide along a lower side of the overhead line or lines. Over time an overhead line, especially the side thereof that is in contact with the pantograph, is subject to wear IO due to the sliding movement of pantographs along the line surface. The wear occurs as a reduction in the thickness of the overhead line, which increases the risk of failure and reduces efficiency of power transfer. Therefore, the thickness of the overhead line is periodically measured to identify whether replacement of (parts of) the overhead line is necessary.
Devices for measuring wear of overhead lines are known from practice. EP 3 051 252 for example discloses a trolley wire measurement device that comprises two trolley wire measuring means that are configured to irradiate an overhead line from a lower left-hand side and a lower right-hand side thereof, thereby obtaining images presenting configurations of the trolley wire on the lower left-hand side and the lower right-hand side thereof. The obtained images are used to determine a height and surface of the overhead line, which is subsequently compared to a reference image to establish the amount of wear of the overhead line.
To do so, the measuring means comprise light projecting means and light receiving means for photographing said image with a predetermined elevation angle directing to the progress of a car. To compensate for differences in height and deviation, the device further comprises a height and deviation detecting means that is positioned near the center of the car.
The images are used by controller means to calculate distances of the trolley wire measuring means on the left-hand side and of the trolley wire measuring means on the right-hand side to the trolley wire based on a result of the detection by the trolley wire height and deviation detecting means. The controller means adjusts the images so that the sizes of the images become equal to each other, thereby producing data indicative of a cross-section configuration of said trolley wire.
A disadvantage of the known device is that it is incapable of measuring multiple adjacent overhead lines. Another disadvantage of the known device is that it determines the wear of the overhead line by measuring a height of the line rather than measuring the residual thickness.
The invention is aimed at providing an improved device which is less complex, while still being capable of measuring multiple adjacent overhead lines.
To that end, the invention provides an overhead line measuring device for measuring the thickness of at least one overhead line, the device comprising: — at least one pair of scanning units that, when viewed in a first direction, are spaced apart over a predetermined distance, wherein the at least one pair is configured to be positioned such that during use the at least one overhead line to be measured, when viewed in the first direction, extends between the scanning units, and wherein each scanning unit comprises: — alight emitting unit that is configured to emit a light beam onto a series of adjacent measuring points on an associated side surface of the at least one overhead line, wherein the series of measuring points extends along the side surface in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; — alight receiving unit that is configured to receive light that is reflected from the series of measuring points on the side surface of the at least one overhead line; — a control unit that is configured to process the reflections from the series of measuring points to calculate the overhead line thickness, wherein the processing comprises: — calculating a width distance between each measuring point of the series of measuring points and a width reference line; — determining a flattening point from the width distances of the series of measuring points; and — calculating a thickness of the at least one overhead line, wherein the thickness is a distance, measured in the second direction, between a thickness reference point and the flattening point.
It is noted that, during use, the first direction preferably is a substantially horizontal direction, whereas the second direction preferably is a vertical or height direction of the overhead line. The thickness of the overhead line, which is an indication of wear, is measured in the second or height direction. The width distance between each measuring point and a width reference line is measured in the first or horizontal direction. The width reference line may for example be a center line of the overhead line that extends in the second direction. The width distance is than the distance between a measuring point and the center line in the first (or horizontal direction). It is noted that the reference line may also be a different line than aforementioned example of the center line.
It is also noted that the measuring points are (physical) points on a side surface of the overhead line that is associated with a scanning unit. The series of points preferably are positioned in a row or line along the side surface, thus extending as a line or series in the second (or height) direction.
It is further noted that the light beam that is emitted by the light emitting unit is preferably emitted under an angle a with relation to the first direction towards the associated side surface of the at least one overhead line, wherein the angle a during use preferably may slightly vary to irradiate the series of subsequent measuring points on the side surface. In other words, the beam is moved along a side surface of the overhead line to subsequently irradiate the series of measuring points, thus changing the angle a during use. The change in angle a during use may be for example be provided by a (mechanical) rotation of the scanning units or may be provided by electronic rotation of the light beams provided by the scanning units.
It is also noted that the mentioned positioning of the at least one overhead line between the scanning units of each pair of scanning units means that one scanning unit, when viewed in the first direction, is positioned on the left side of the overhead line or lines, whereas the other scanning unit is positioned on the right side of the overhead line or lines. The overhead line or lines may in addition be displaced or spaced apart from the scanning units in a second direction (i.e. a height direction) that is perpendicular to the first direction.
An advantage of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention is that the (reflected) light beam of the scanning units is (directly) used to establish the thickness of the overhead line. It has been found that a reduction in the thickness of the overhead line is directly related to a measured width distance between the measuring point and the width reference line of the overhead line at the location at which wear occurs. The device according to the invention, by virtue of the scanning units, is configured to establish a width distance between each measuring point of the overhead line (compared to a center line extending in the second or height direction) and therewith establish the thickness of the overhead line measured in the second direction. Therewith, the use of (expensive) 3D camera’s and/or other imaging equipment is obviated and therewith reduces the cost of the device.
Another advantage of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention is that it can be used to simultaneously measure the thickness of multiple, adjacently positioned overhead lines. This for example means that the overhead line measuring device can be used to measure two parallel extending overhead lines at the same time. This reduces the measuring time, and therewith reduces operational downtime of the rail track section underneath the overhead lines to be measured. This simultaneous measuring is possible by the fact that the light emitting units are capable of simultaneously scanning, by means of the light beam, the side surfaces of two {or more) overhead lines. The difference in distance between the two (or more) lines, seen from a scanning unit, is compensated using the resolution of the scanning unit.
Yet another advantage is that the overhead line measuring device according to the invention can also be used to measure crossings in the overhead lines, which (by definition) contain multiple overhead lines that converge and/or diverged over a certain length.
Yet another advantage is that the device according to the invention can also be used to measure a thickness of overhead lines that are inbound from tensioning cables of overhead lines or from rail crossings. Such inbound overhead lines converge on (or diverge from) an associated overhead line under an angle in a horizontal plane and can also be measured using the measuring device according to the invention.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention the control unit may be configured to determine the flattening point by identifying a measuring point that, when viewed in the first direction, defines a starting point of a substantially linear decrease in the width distance of the series of measuring points.
A measuring point that forms the starting point for a gradual, linear reduction of the width distance is also indicative of the point up to which the overhead line has worn away. The (residual) thickness of the overhead line can therefore advantageously be calculated by identifying this particular measuring point as the flattening point and using this flattening point to calculate the (residual) thickness of the overhead line with respect to a reference point. It is noted that the reference point may for example be a top surface of the overhead line or may, in case the overhead line comprises an indentation delineating an upper half of the overhead line, be the edge of the indentation of the overhead line.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention, the control unit may further be configured to provide a width curve of the at least one overhead line which includes the width distances of each measuring point of the series of measuring points, and determine the flattening point in the width curve.
An advantage of providing the width distances of the measuring points in the series as a width curve allows the data contained therein to be more easily compared over time. This allows a more elaborate determination of the wear over a longer period of time, which in turn provides the advantage that a predictive measuring and/or maintenance scheme can be developed.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention, the scanning units, preferably the light receiving units thereof, may additionally be configured to measure an intensity of the reflected light, and the control unit may be configured to calculate the thickness based on the flattening point and the measured intensity.
An advantage of also measuring the intensity of the reflected light is that the flattening point can more easily be determined. This is due to the fact that the intensity of the reflected light is strongly reduced at the flattening point, that is, at the point that the width distance of the measuring points starts to reduce in a linear manner. As a result, the reliability of the thickness measurement is increased even further.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention, the control unit may further be configured to provide an intensity curve and is configured to calculate the thickness based on the width curve and the intensity curve.
An advantage of providing the intensity and width distance data of the measuring points in the series as respectively an intensity curve and a width carve allows more elaborate (computational) steps to be performed on the data. This results in an even higher reliability and, additionally, may allow data to be compared over time. As a result, the wear on an overhead line 5 may be determined over a longer period of time, which allows preventive measuring of the thickness and/or maintenance to be performed on overhead line sections that are known to be subject to (heavy) wear.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention, the control unit may further be configured to cancel or at least reduce noise in the intensity by averaging the measured intensity for each measuring point with the measured intensity of one or more adjacent measuring points, wherein the one or more measuring points preferably comprise four adjacent measuring points on each side of the measuring point and more preferably comprise two adjacent measuring points on each side.
An advantage of averaging the measured intensity is that it reduces noise in the intensity measurements, which enhances the visibility of the flattening point by more specifically indicating a minimum intensity. Especially in combination with the control unit being configured to determine the flattening point using the width distance, this embodiment provides an accurate and reliable flattening point. This in turn results in an accurate measurement of the thickness of the overhead line.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention, the control unit may further be configured to calculate the thickness of the overhead line according to the formula: T=N*R wherein: T is a thickness of the overhead line (in mm); N is the number of measuring points between the thickness reference point and the flattening point; and R is the measuring resolution (in mm).
An advantage of applying the abovementioned formula is that the measured thickness is compensated for the measuring resolution of the scanning units. This is especially relevant in case multiple overhead lines, for example two parallel overhead lines, are measured in a single operation. The determination of the flattening point can be provided for each of the overhead lines by adapting the measuring resolution of the scanning units.
It is noted that, for example by using the width distance and the intensity, the thickness reference point and the flattening point may be calculated and/or defined.
In a case in which the overhead line comprises a top part and a bottom part that are divided by an indentation, the reference point may be provided as the (lower) edge of the indentation. The lower end of the bottom part of the overhead line, which is calculated by the control unit of the device according to the invention, in such case forms the thickness reference point. In such case, the thickness of the line is defined by the abovementioned formula in which the (known) thickness of the upper part is added to the result of the multiplication. In other words, the formula would become 7 = (N * R} + F, with F being the thickness of the upper part that extends between the lower edge of the indentation to the top of the (top part of the) overhead line.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention, the resolution of a scanning unit may be in the range of 0.10 mm — 0.25 mm, and preferably may be in the range of between 0.125 mm — 0.20 mm, and most preferably may be in the range of 0.137 mm -~ 0.16 mm.
The resolution is defined by a reference thickness, which is the thickness of a new overhead line, corrected for a distance between the scanning unit and the overhead line. In general, this means that the scanning resolution (defined in mm) increases with an increasing distance between the scanning unit and the associated side surface of the overhead line. The preferred resolution is in the range of 0.137 mm — 0.16 mm, in which 0.16 mm is, in case of two parallel overhead lines, preferably used as the resolution for the distance between a scanning unit and the overhead line furthest away, whereas the resolution of 0.137 mm is used between the scanning unit and the closest overhead line. The resolution may however, be adapted to the specific situation regarding the positioning and number of overhead lines to be measured.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention, the device may further comprise a positioning sensor that is configured to position the overhead line measuring device with respect to the least one overhead line to be measured.
An advantage of a positioning sensor is that it allows the overhead line measuring device according to the invention to be in a fixed position relative to the overhead line(s) to be measured. In general, overhead line are strung in a wave-like configuration along their length in order to reduce uneven wear on the overhead lines and (more importantly) the pantographs. The positioning sensor provides the information that the control unit requires in order to maintain the position of the device relative to the overhead line despite the wave-like movement of the overhead line. As a result, a reliable and accurate measurement of the thickness is obtained.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention, the positioning sensor may be configured to position the overhead line measuring device such that a distance between the scanning units and the overhead line or lines to be measured is substantially constant.
An advantage is that there is no need to adapt the resolution of the scanning units to lateral movement (i.e. movement in the first direction) of the overhead line in its longitudinal direction, because the relative distance between the overhead line and the scanning units is maintained.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention, the positioning sensor may, when viewed in a first direction, be positioned substantially in the middle between the scanning units of the at least one pair of scanning units, and preferably is, when viewed in a second direction, positioned directly underneath the at least one overhead line to be measured.
An advantage of a centrally placed positioning sensor, especially with a single overhead line to be measured, is that the positioning sensor is placed {directly) underneath the overhead line and the distance to the side surfaces of the overhead line is substantially equal for both scanning units.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention in which the overhead line measuring device is configured to measure two overhead lines that extend substantially parallel to each other, the positioning sensor is, when viewed in the first direction, additionally positioned between the overhead lines to be measured.
In case of two parallel overhead lines, the positioning sensor is, when viewed in the first or lateral direction, preferably positioned in the middle between the overhead lines. As a result, both scanning units have an equal scanning resolution for both the closest as well as the distant overhead line. This obviates the need to adjust the resolution for each of the scanning units.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention, the predetermined distance between the scanning units of each pair of scanning units is in the range of 450 mm — 2,000 mm, more preferably in the range of 600 — 1,500 mm, and most preferably in the range of 800 mm — 1,200 mm.
The abovementioned range allows the overhead line measuring device according to the invention to be used for most rail tracks having overhead lines. This includes both rail tracks having small or even minimum gauge to rail tracks having a broad gauge.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring device according to the invention, the light emitting units may be laser units.
It is preferred that the light emitting units are laser units, because laser units provide a focused beam with a frequency that allows the beam to be detected even under adverse circumstances.
The invention also relates to an overhead line measuring assembly comprising: — an overhead line measuring device according to the invention; — a support platform, wherein the support platform is moveable in a third direction that is perpendicular to the first and the second directions, wherein the third direction extends parallel to a longitudinal direction of the at least one overhead line, and wherein the support platform preferably is a road-rail vehicle.
The overhead line measuring assembly provides similar advantages and effects as the overhead line measuring device according to the invention. It is noted that the embodiments described in relation to the overhead line measuring device according to the invention can also be used in combination with the overhead line measuring assembly according to the invention.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring assembly according to the invention, the support platform may have a width that, measured in the first direction, is in the range of 1,000 — 2,200 mm, preferably in the range of 1,600 — 2,000 mm.
The abovementioned range of width allows the assembly according to the invention to be used for most rail tracks having overhead lines, including small gauge and broad gauge tracks. In addition, platform in the abovementioned ranges provide a stable and sturdy platform for the device according to the invention, which leads to a more reliable assembly.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring assembly according to the invention, the support platform may be movable in the second direction over a height distance, wherein the height distance is in the range of 0 — 700 mm.
An advantage of providing a height adjustable platform is that the platform can be used even in confined spaces, such as tunnels, while also being usable on bridges, railway stations and regular track sections. This improves the usability of the assembly.
In an embodiment of the overhead line measuring assembly according to the invention, a distance, measured in the second direction, between the support platform and the at least one overhead line is in the range of 450 — 1,400 mm, and preferably is in the range of 450 — 1,150 mm.
The invention also relates to a method for measuring a thickness of at least one overhead line, the method comprising: — providing a measuring device according to the invention; — emitting, by the light emitting unit, a light beam onto a series of adjacent measuring points on an associated side surface of the at least one overhead line; — receiving, by the light receiving unit, light that is reflected from the series of measuring points on the side surface of the at least one overhead line; — calculating, by the control unit, a width distance between each measuring point and a width reference line; — determining, by the control unit, a flattening point; and — calculating, by the control unit, a thickness of the at least one overhead line, wherein the thickness is a distance, measured in the second direction, between a thickness reference point and the flattening point.
The method for measuring a thickness of at least one overhead line according to the invention provides similar advantages and effects as the overhead line measuring device and the overhead line measuring assembly according to the invention. It is noted that the embodiments described in relation to the overhead line measuring device and the overhead line measuring assembly according to the invention can also be used in combination with the method for measuring a thickness of at least one overhead line according to the invention.
In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of determining the flattening point may comprises identifying as the flattening point a measuring point that, when viewed in the first direction, indicates a substantially linear decrease in the width distance of the series of measuring points, and/or determining as the flattening point a measuring point having a reduced intensity compared to an average intensity of the measuring points.
The flattening point may in the method according to the invention be determined by identifying the measuring point that forms the starting point for a gradual, linear reduction of the width distance. This measuring point is also indicative of the point up to which the overhead line has worn away. The (residual) thickness of the overhead line can therefore be advantageously be calculated by identifying this particular measuring point as the flattening point and using this flattening point to calculate the (residual) thickness of the overhead line with respect to a reference point. It is noted that the reference point may for example be a top surface of the overhead line or may, in case the overhead line comprises an indentation delineating an upper half of the overhead line, be a (lower) edge of the indentation of the overhead line. It is noted that, in case of a top surface, the overhead line comprises an indentation in each side surface of the overhead line. The scanning units are configured to scan (and detect) the lower edge of the indentation on a side surface associated with that particular scanning unit.
Additionally or alternatively, the flattening point may also be determined by identifying a measuring point having a reduced intensity compared to an average intensity of the measuring points. It has been found that the flattening point provides a reflected light with a significantly lower intensity than the other measuring points, especially the measuring points in the non-worn parts of the overhead line. The method can thereof advantageously be used to identity the flattening point by identifying the measuring point that shows a significantly lower reflected light intensity than other measuring points.
In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method may additionally comprise the step of providing a width curve of the at least one overhead line which includes the width distances of each measuring point of the series of measuring points, wherein the step of providing the width curve may comprises calculating, by the control unit, an overhead line width, measured in the first direction, between each measuring point and a width reference line, and compiling a width curve including the overhead line width for each of the measuring points of the series, wherein the width reference line preferably is a central axis of the at least one overhead line that extends in the second direction.
In a more elaborate embodiment of the method according to the invention, the flattening point may be identified from a width distance curve that is provided from the distance width of the measuring points of the series of measuring points.
Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic example of a device according to the invention; Figure 2 shows an schematic example of an overhead line including a schematic overview of the thickness; Figure 3 shows an example of measurement data obtained with a device according to the mvention; Figure 4 shows a second example of measurement data obtained with a device according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a third example of measurement data obtained with a device according to the invention; Figure 6 shows a fourth example of measurement data obtained with a device according to the invention; and Figures 7a, 7b respectively show a schematic front view and top view of an example of an assembly according to the invention.
In an example (see figure 1), overhead line measuring device 2 comprises a pair 4 of scanning units 6, 8. Each scanning unit 6, 8 comprises a light emitting unit (not shown) and a light receiving unit (not shown). Device 2 further comprises control unit 10 that is operatively connected to both scanning units 6, 8. Scanning unit 6 is positioned under an angle o with relation to first direction x, which in this example is horizontal direction x, and is configured to emit beams 12, 14 of light towards overhead lines 16, 18. Similarly, scanning unit 8 is positioned under an angle a with relation to first direction x and is configured to emit beam 20, 22 of light towards overhead lines 16, 18. 1t is noted that in this example, the resolution of beams 12 and 20 is identical and the resolution of beams 14 and 22 is also identical, although different from the resolution of beams 12,
20. It is noted that, during use, scanning units 6, 8 are moved, preferably rotated, such that light beams 12, 14, 20, 22 move along (associated) side surfaces of overhead lines 16, 18. As a result, angle o during use varies and forms a range of angles o at which light beams 12, 14, 20, 22 are provided. The varying of angle a and thus light beams 12, 14, 20, 22 may be provided by mechanical rotation of scanning units 6, 8 or may be provided by electronic rotation of light beams 12, 14, 20, 22. Light beams 12, 14, 20, 22 that are emitted by respective scanning units 6, 8 are reflected from the associated side surfaces of the overhead lines 16, 18 towards scanning units 6, 8 as reflected light beams 13, 15, 19, 21. In this example (see figure 2), overhead lines 16, 18 each comprise upper part 24, lower part 26 and an indentation 28 on each side surface that separates upper part 24 and lower part 26.
In this example, thickness T of each overhead line 16, 18 comprises the sum of thickness F of upper part 24 and thickness L of lower part 26. Thickness F of upper part 24 may be measured from a lower edge of indentation 28 in an upward direction. It is noted that the solid line in figure 2 show overhead line 16, 18 in the original shape. In other words, thickness T is the thickness of the overhead line without wear. The dashed line shows that thickness T” of a used and thus (partially) worn overhead line is reduced compared to the original thickness T. This is due to the fact that lower part 26 has, from a lower end 26a thereof, been worn away in an upward direction (direction y). As a result, the remaining thickness L’ of overhead line 16. 18 is lower than the original thickness L. Thickness F of upper part 24 of overhead line 16, 18 has not been reduced (as it is not subject to wear by a panthograph).
The example shown in figure 2 also schematically indicates measuring points 23, which together form series of measuring points 25 that extends along a side surface of (remaining part of) lower part part 26 of overhead line 16, 18. At lower end 25a of series 25 flattening point 23a is clearly visible as an edge. In another example (not shown), thickness T may only be formed by thickness L, if overhead lines 16, 18 are not provided with upper part 24 having thickness F.
Device 2 further comprises positioning sensor 30 that in this example is positioned halfway between scanning units 6, 8 and, in addition, halfway between overhead lines 16, 18 when viewed in first direction x. Positioning sensor 30 holds device 2 in a substantially fixed position with respect to overhead lines 16, 18 (see also figure 7a).
Examples of measurement data including the thickness of the overhead lines is shown in figures 3 — 6. Figure 3 shows an example of measurement data that is obtained by scanning units 6, 6 after measuring two parallel overhead lines. The position of the indentation Ind (which is comparable though not necessarily identical to indentation 28) is shown as a significant reduction in the distance on the right hand side of the profile. The wear, which is leading to the reduced thickness, is visible as a steadily decreasing distance of the profiles on the left side thereof.
Flattening point P is shown as the starting point of the linear decreasing distance of measuring points M. The intensity of the reflected light is shown as line I.
Figure 4 shows the example of figure 3 in which the intensity data has been averaged using two adjacent intensity points on either side of any intensity point 1 on the intensity line. As a result, a more pronounced minimum intensity IM is now visible. Flattening point P can now more easily be determined, because the minimum intensity IM and the flattening point P in measurement points M are on a single line {see figures 5, 6). Based on the measurement points M, and in particular flattening point P and/or minimum intensity IM, thickness T of overhead lines 16, 18 can be calculated using the formula T = (N * R) + F, with T being the thickness of the overhead lines 16, 18 {in mm), N being the number of measuring points between thickness reference point Ind and flattening point P, F being the thickness of upper part 24 and R being the measuring resolution {in mm). In this particular case, the number N in the left profile (see figure 5, 6) is 37, Fis 5.4 mm and resolution R is 0.16 mm, leading to thickness T of 11.62 mm.
In an example (see figure 7a, 7b), overhead line measuring assembly 100 comprises overhead line measuring device 102 that is provided with scanning means 106, 108 for measuring overhead lines 116, 118. Device 102 is further provided with positioning sensor 130 that maintains assembly 100 and thus device 102 is a substantially fixed positioning with regard to overhead lines 116, 118. To that end, assembly 100 in this example is provided on moveable platform 132. Platform 132 is moveable in first direction x to compensate for the wave-like movement of (combined) overhead lines 116, 118 (see figure 7b). In addition, platform 132 in this example is also moveable in second direction y, which is a height direction. Platform 132 is, during use, moved along rail tracks 134 in third direction z by a railway carriage, for example a rail-road car.
In use, device 2, 102 is moved in third direction z, for example on assembly 100 mounted on railway carriage 136, along rail track 134. Scanning units 6, 8, 106, 108 of the pair 4 of scanning units 6, 8, 106, 108 emit beam of light 12, 14, 20, 22 towards side surfaces of overhead lines 16, 18, 116, 118 and subsequently receive reflected beams that comprise a series of measuring points (see for example figs. 3 — 6). Subsequently, the flattening point P is determined by control unit 10, which subsequently calculates thickness T of overhead lines 16, 18.
The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.
1. Overhead line measuring device for measuring a thickness of at least one overhead line, the device comprising: — atleast one pair of scanning units that, when viewed in a first direction, are spaced apart over a predetermined distance, wherein the at least one pair is configured to be positioned such that, during use, the at least one overhead line to be measured, when viewed in the first direction, extends between the scanning units of the at least one pair of scanning units, and wherein each scanning unit comprises: — alight emitting unit that is configured to emit a light beam onto a series of adjacent measuring points on an associated side surface of the at least one overhead line, wherein the series of measuring points extends along the side surface in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; — alight receiving unit that is configured to receive light that is reflected from the series of measuring points on the side surface of the at least one overhead line; — a control unit that is configured to process the reflections from the series of measuring points to calculate the overhead line thickness, wherein the processing comprises: — calculating a width distance between each measuring point of the series of measuring points and a width reference line; — determining a flattening point from the width distances of the series of measuring points; and — calculating a thickness of the at least one overhead line, wherein the thickness is a distance, measured in the second direction, between a thickness reference point and the flattening point.
2. Overhead line measuring device according to clause 1, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the flattening point by identifying a measuring point that, when viewed in the first direction, defines a starting point of a substantially linear decrease in the width distance of the series of measuring points.
3. Overhead line measuring device according to clause | or 2, wherein the scanning units, preferably the light receiving units thereof, are additionally configured to measure an intensity of the reflected light, and wherein the control unit is configured to calculate the thickness based on the flattening point and the measured intensity.
4. Overhead line measuring device according to clause 3, wherein the control unit is further configured to cancel or at least reduce noise in the intensity by averaging the measured intensity for each measuring point with the measured intensity of one or more adjacent measuring points, wherein the one or more measuring points preferably comprise four adjacent measuring points on each side of the measuring point and more preferably comprise two adjacent measuring points one each side.
5. Overhead line measuring device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the control unit is further configured to calculate the thickness of the overhead line according to the formula: T=N*R wherein: T is a thickness of the overhead line (in mm); N is the number of measuring points between the thickness reference point and the flattening point; and R is the measuring resolution (in mm).
6. Overhead line measuring device according to clause 5, wherein the measuring resolution is in the range of 0.10 mm -— 0.25 mm, and preferably is in the range of between 0.125 mm ~ 0.20 mm, and most preferably is in the range of 0.137 mm ~ 0.16 mm.
7. Overhead line measuring device according to any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a positioning sensor that is configured to position the overhead line measuring device with respect to the least one overhead line to be measured.
8. Overhead line measuring device according to clause 7, wherein the positioning sensor is configured to position the overhead line measuring device such that a distance between the scanning units and the overhead line or lines to be measured is substantially constant.
9. Overhead line measuring device according to clause 7 or 8, wherein the positioning sensor is, when viewed in a first direction, positioned substantially in the middle between the scanning units of the at least one pair of scanning units, and preferably is, when viewed in a second direction, positioned directly underneath the at least one overhead line to be measured.
10. Overhead line measuring device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the predetermined distance between the scanning units of each pair of scanning units is in the range of 450 mm — 2000 mm, more preferably in the range of 600 — 1500 mm, and most preferably in the range of 800 mm — 1200 mm.
11. Overhead line measuring device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the light emitting units are laser units.
12. Overhead line measuring assembly comprising: i0 — an overhead line measuring device according to any one of the preceding clauses; — a support platform, wherein the support platform is moveable in a third direction that is perpendicular to the first and the second direction, wherein the third direction extends parallel to a longitudinal direction of the at least one overhead line, and wherein the support platform preferably is a road-rail vehicle.
13. Overhead line measuring assembly according to clause 12, wherein the support platform has a width that, measured in the first direction, is in the range of 1,000 — 2,200 mm, preferably in the range of 1,600 — 2,000 mm.
14. Overhead line measuring assembly according to clause 12 or 13, wherein the support platform is movable in the second direction over a height distance, wherein the height distance is in the range of 0 — 700 mm.
15. Method for measuring a thickness of at least one overhead line, the method comprising: — providing a measuring device according to any one of the clauses 1 ~ 11; — emitting, by the light emitting unit, a light beam onto a series of adjacent measuring points on an associated side surface of the at least one overhead line; — receiving, by the light receiving unit, light that is reflected from the series of measuring points on the side surface of the at least one overhead line; — calculating, by the control unit, a width distance between each measuring point and a width reference line; — determining, by the control unit, a flattening point; and — calculating, by the control unit, a thickness of the at least one overhead line, wherein the thickness is a distance, measured in the second direction, between a thickness reference point and the flattening point.
16. Method according to clause 15, wherein the step of determining the flattening point comprises: — identifying as the flattening point a measuring point that, when viewed in the first direction, indicates a substantially linear decrease in the width distance of the series of measuring points; and/or — determining as the flattening point a measuring point having a reduced intensity compared to an average intensity of the measuring points.
17. Method according to clause 15 or 16, additionally comprising the step of providing a width 19 curve of the at least one overhead line which includes the width distances of each measuring point of the series of measuring points, wherein the step of providing the width curve comprises: — calculating, by the control unit, an overhead line width, measured in the first direction, between each measuring point and a width reference line; and — compiling a width curve including the overhead line width for each of the measuring points of the series; wherein the width reference line preferably is a central axis of the at least one overhead line that extends in the second direction.
Claims (17)
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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| NL2028047A NL2028047B1 (en) | 2021-04-22 | 2021-04-22 | Overhead line measuring device and method for measuring overhead lines |
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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| NL2028047A NL2028047B1 (en) | 2021-04-22 | 2021-04-22 | Overhead line measuring device and method for measuring overhead lines |
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| NL2028047B1 true NL2028047B1 (en) | 2022-11-02 |
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Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19634060C1 (en) * | 1996-08-23 | 1998-01-22 | Fraunhofer Ges Forschung | Over-head wire supervision arrangement for electrically operated vehicle |
| WO2013104845A2 (en) * | 2012-01-13 | 2013-07-18 | Societe Nationale Des Chemins De Fer Francais Sncf | Measurement system that can be used to check the section of a contact wire for railway overhead power lines |
| DE102013217160B3 (en) * | 2013-08-28 | 2015-02-05 | DB Systemtechnik GmbH | Method for measuring the contact wire heights and lateral position of the overhead line of a track |
| EP3051252A1 (en) | 2013-09-27 | 2016-08-03 | Hitachi High-tech Fine Systems Corporation | Trolley wire measurement device and trolley wire measurement method |
| JP2019164068A (en) * | 2018-03-20 | 2019-09-26 | 公益財団法人鉄道総合技術研究所 | Trolley wire measurement method and trolley wire measurement device |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19634060C1 (en) * | 1996-08-23 | 1998-01-22 | Fraunhofer Ges Forschung | Over-head wire supervision arrangement for electrically operated vehicle |
| WO2013104845A2 (en) * | 2012-01-13 | 2013-07-18 | Societe Nationale Des Chemins De Fer Francais Sncf | Measurement system that can be used to check the section of a contact wire for railway overhead power lines |
| DE102013217160B3 (en) * | 2013-08-28 | 2015-02-05 | DB Systemtechnik GmbH | Method for measuring the contact wire heights and lateral position of the overhead line of a track |
| EP3051252A1 (en) | 2013-09-27 | 2016-08-03 | Hitachi High-tech Fine Systems Corporation | Trolley wire measurement device and trolley wire measurement method |
| JP2019164068A (en) * | 2018-03-20 | 2019-09-26 | 公益財団法人鉄道総合技術研究所 | Trolley wire measurement method and trolley wire measurement device |
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