RU2774203C1 - Traffic control device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: traffic management.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to means of detecting rolling stock in the zone of the control section of the track. The device contains an inductive loop made with the possibility of covering the perimeter of the control zone, printed conductors and elements placed in the housing forming a single electrical circuit, including a pulse generator with an active element, an output key and a power source, additionally contains a central microprocessor made with the ability to automatically configure and process input information, which is the first input and output it is connected to the output key, the second input to the pulse generator, the third input to the output of the power supply. Moreover, the power source is connected to the inputs of the pulse generator and the output key, all printed conductors and elements forming a single electrical circuit are located on a single board, and the power source is pulsed and equipped with a master current key and a temperature stabilization circuit, and the inductive loop can be made single-core.

EFFECT: increase in the stability of operation and reliability of the output readings of the traffic control device is achieved.

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Description

The claimed device relates to the means of detecting and localizing the presence of rolling stock in the zone of the control section of the track and can be used to ensure the operation of railway automation devices that require a train passage signal. The claimed device (sensor) is intended for operation as part of railway automation devices.

A device for controlling the movement of vehicles is known, containing a two-wire inductive loop covering the perimeter of the control zone. The first output of the active element of the generator is connected to the beginning of one of the cores, the end of which is connected to the beginning of the other core and connected to the power circuit. The pulse shaper and the frequency meter are connected in series. There is a logic signal generator. The device includes a voltage regulator, an amplitude detector, a DC filter amplifier, a voltage divider, a frequency comparator, a frequency level setting unit, and a level correction unit. The voltage divider is connected to the first input of the filtering DC amplifier. The level correction unit is connected to the first input of the frequency comparator. The frequency level setting block is connected to the first input of the level correction block, to the second input of which the output of the frequency meter and the second input of the frequency comparator are connected. The output of the frequency comparator is connected to the logic signal generator. The first input of the voltage regulator is connected to the end of the other core of the inductive loop. The output of the voltage regulator is connected to the input of the active element of the generator, the second output of which is connected to the input of the amplitude detector. The first output of the amplitude detector is connected to the input of the pulse shaper, and the second output is connected to the second input of the DC filter amplifier, the output of which is connected to the second input of the voltage regulator (patent RU No. 2296371, IPC 6 G08G 1/042, B61L 29/02, publ. 03/27/2007) - analogue.

The disadvantage of the known device is the low reliability associated with the complexity of the initial setup and low stability caused by the lack of automatic adaptation of its mode of operation to changes in external conditions during operation.

A device for controlling the movement of vehicles is known, which includes a two-wire inductive loop, covering the perimeter of the control zone, the active element of the generator, the first output of which is connected to the beginning of one of the cores, the end of which is connected to the beginning of the other core and connected to the power circuit, series-connected pulse shaper with a frequency meter and a logic signal generator (RF patent No. 2178920, IPC: G08G 1/042, publ. 01.27.2002, Bull. No. 3) - prototype.

The disadvantage of the device is low reliability due to the instability of signal generation over a wide range of loop lengths, the possibility of generation disruption if there is a large amount of metal in the loop area, as well as high sensitivity to changes in weather conditions (daily and seasonal changes in temperature, precipitation, etc.) .

The technical result, which the claimed solution is aimed at, is to increase the stability of operation and increase the reliability of the output readings of the proposed traffic control device.

The specified technical result is achieved by the fact that the traffic control device contains an inductive loop, made with the possibility of covering the perimeter of the control zone, printed conductors and elements placed in the housing, forming a single electrical circuit, including a pulse generator with an active element, an output switch and a power source, additionally contains a central microprocessor configured to automatically adjust and process input information, which is connected by the first input and output to the output key, the second input - to the pulse generator, the third input - to the output of the power source, the latter is also connected to the inputs of the pulse generator and the output key , all printed conductors and elements that form a single electrical circuit are located on a single board, and the power source is pulsed and equipped with a current setting switch and a temperature stabilization circuit.

A device characterized in that the inductive loop can be made of a single core.

The claimed device is specified in Fig. 1 and 2, where in Fig. 1 is an image of the functional diagram of the proposed device with the allocation of zones - an inductive loop, a pulse generator, a microprocessor, an output switch and a power source, and in Fig. 2 is a variant of a specific implementation of a printed circuit board with circuit elements placed on it.

According to the principle of operation, the claimed device is a non-contact electronic device - a non-contact loop sensor and is intended for use in systems for detecting and localizing the presence of rolling stock in the zone of the control section of the track and for ensuring the operation of railway automation devices.

The claimed device contains an inductive loop 1, made with the possibility of covering the perimeter of the control zone 2, printed conductors and elements placed in the housing 7, forming a single electrical circuit, including the zones of the pulse generator 3 with an active element, the central microprocessor 4, the output switch 5 and the power source 6. The central microprocessor 4 is configured to automatically adjust and process the input information, for which the first input and output is connected to the output key 5, the second input - to the pulse generator 3, the third input - to the output of the power supply unit (source) 6. Power supply 6 is also connected to the inputs of the pulse generator 3 and the output key 5. All printed conductors and elements that form a single electrical circuit are located on a single board. A single electrical circuit of the device is formed by all elements of zones 3-6 located on the printed circuit board (connected by printed conductors): a pulse generator with an active element, an output switch, a power source, a central microprocessor, as well as elements that perform other functions that do not affect the achievement of the declared technical result. The power supply 6 is equipped with a setting current switch and a temperature stabilization circuit (not shown in Fig.), since the claimed device uses a switching power supply built on a PWM controller chip, the current key is included and is an internal part of this chip. Temperature stabilization elements are provided in the piping circuit of the PWM controller chip.

In the claimed device, it is possible to use both two-core and single-core wires and is selected depending on the operating conditions of the proposed device and the requirements for it. When using a two-core wire, the influence of external factors on the stability of the characteristics of the loop and the cost of the wire itself increases somewhat compared to a single-core wire, however, the use of both single-core and two-core (stranded) wire ensures, in combination with other essential features, the achievement of the claimed technical result.

In FIG. 2 shows an example of a specific implementation of the claimed device with a list of a specific set of elements, which is not final and may vary from one configuration of the claimed device to another. The main requirement for achieving the claimed technical result is the presence and mutual arrangement (relationship) of the zones/elements given in the independent claim of the claimed solution, with the possibility of the device performing its function and achieving the claimed technical result.

For example, (see Fig. 2) zone 6 of the power supply may contain the following elements - a PWM controller chip 8, a power transformer 9, an optocoupler 10, a voltage regulator chip 11, Schottky rectifier diodes 12 and 13, a filter built on inductance 14 and capacitors 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, a zener diode 20, a timing capacitor 21 and a resistor 22, a circuit that sets the power supply operating mode, assembled on elements 23-29 (R and C in the power supply circuit). The prototype power supply is based on an expensive industrial solid-state assembly with a low input voltage spread. The introduction of a switching power supply based on a PWM controller into the claimed device made it possible to obtain a larger range of input voltages for powering the sensor and reduce the cost of the power supply circuit design.

In FIG. 2 also shows zone 3 of master pulse generators (hereinafter referred to as PGI), which may contain two self-oscillator pulses assembled on the basis of logic elements 2 "NAND" 30 and elements 31-36 (R C in the circuit of master pulse generators) participating in the PGI circuit . The elements installed in this zone are modern analogues of the elements of the prototype LGI zone.

Shown in FIG. 2 area 4 of the microprocessor may contain the microprocessor itself 37 and the elements of its strapping 38-41 (R and C in the microprocessor circuit). The elements installed in this area were not used in the prototype. To ensure the claimed technical result, the microprocessor 37 is equipped with software that provides intelligent analysis and processing of the information received by the device from the inductive loop 1. In addition to increasing the reliability of the indications of the proposed device, the use of microprocessor technology has reduced its consumption of electricity.

The zone 5 of the output keys (see Fig. 2) may contain two solid-state relays 42 and 43, and elements 44-49 involved in the binding circuit of the optocoupler 50. The elements installed in this zone are modern analogues of the elements of the zone of the output keys of the prototype.

According to the principle of operation, as mentioned above, the claimed device is an electronic contactless device - a contactless loop sensor. Determination of the passage of the train occurs when it enters the area (zone) control 2 inductive loop 1 of the proposed device. The operation of the device is based on the analysis of the change in the frequency of the oscillatory circuit, when the inductance of the loop changes during the passage of the train. When a train enters the control zone 2 of the inductive loop 1 of the device, the inductance of the loop changes in the circuit of the generator 3 and its frequency changes abruptly. From the output of the generator 30, rectangular pulses are fed to the input of the microprocessor 37. The magnitude of the change in the pulse repetition rate is estimated by the microprocessor element and, if the software-specified threshold F _POR is exceeded, the microprocessor generates a signal to open both wires of the optocoupler output switch of zone 5, de-energizing the executive relay "TRAIN" in user system. Diagnostics of two electronic switches 42 and 43 for breakdown is performed after each switching them on and off by means of microprocessor control along the line flowing through the switches of the current by the feedback circuit. In the event of a breakdown of one or two optocoupler switches, the microprocessor de-energizes the optocoupler relay 50, the switching circuit of which, in turn, breaks the current circuit of the "TRAIN" executive relay.

After the passage of the last car of the train, after a predetermined delay time equal to, for example, 5 sec. the device returns to its original state, including the executive relay. The executive relay "TRAIN" (code name) is part of the circuit of the receiver of information from the claimed device (sensor) and, accordingly, is not part of it. If we consider the receiver as a relay, then the sensor actually switches the coil circuit of this relay, controlling its operation (the relay itself with its power source is connected to the sensor output and can be located at a great distance from it). Alternatively, as this conditional executive relay, an electronic circuit controlled by a discrete signal from the proposed device can be used. Information about the operation, as well as the occurrence of a malfunction, is displayed on the corresponding indicator LEDs located on the front panel of the sensor electronic unit (not shown in the figures).

In the claimed device, a switching power supply is used for:

- to expand the range of the supply voltage of the sensor (in the prototype 12 V + 10%, and in the claimed sensor 12 V + 25%);

- to improve the stability of the digital part of the device circuit;

- to reduce the mass of the electronic unit of the device (the mass of the unit of the prototype is 1.2 kg, and the mass of the proposed unit is 0.8 kg).

The use of a set of essential features - the transition to microprocessor technology for analyzing and processing information, the use of a switching power supply circuit with improved input voltage characteristics, the use of a modern energy-efficient element base in the circuit, made it possible to increase the reliability of operation, the reliability of readings and the efficiency of the sensor, and as a result, improve characteristics such as reliability of operation in a given range of external factors (temperature, humidity, ballast conditions, industrial interference, etc.).

The claimed device with a set of essential features set forth in the formula provides the following advantages compared to the prototype:

1. The transition from analog processing of incoming information to digital, using microprocessor technology, contributed to the emergence of intelligent capabilities of the sensor, which led to a simplification of the commissioning process and an increase in the reliability of output readings during operation;

2. The use of microprocessor technology made it possible to organize a system of automatic adaptation of the sensor, which contributed to a decrease in the influence of external factors that change during operation (temperature, humidity, ballast conditions, etc.);

3. The use of a switching power supply in the circuit made it possible to significantly expand the range of the supply voltage, which improved the stability of operation and the noise immunity of the sensors;

4. Reducing electricity consumption, through the use of microprocessor data processing technology and modern element base.

These factors have made it possible to increase the reliability of operation, the reliability of the output readings of the proposed device and reduce the operating costs of its maintenance.

Claims (2)

1. A traffic control device containing an inductive loop configured to cover the perimeter of the control zone, printed conductors and elements placed in the housing, forming a single electrical circuit, including a pulse generator with an active element, an output switch and a power source, characterized in that contains a central microprocessor configured to automatically tune and process input information, which is connected by the first input and output to the output switch, the second input - to the pulse generator, the third input - to the output of the power source, the latter being also connected to the inputs of the pulse generator and the output switch , all printed conductors and elements that form a single electrical circuit are located on a single board, and the power source is pulsed and equipped with a current setting switch and a temperature stabilization circuit. 2. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that the inductive loop is made of single-core.

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