Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B61—RAILWAYS
  • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
  • B61L19/00—Arrangements for interlocking between points and signals by means of a single interlocking device, e.g. central control
  • B61L19/06—Interlocking devices having electrical operation

Definitions

• the invention concerns the method for checking the first check relay and second control relay of the cyclical code coding unit for railway interlocking system equipment, where the individual cyclical codes are generated in two branches of the electronic coding system.
• the invention also concerns the cyclical code coding unit for railway interlocking system equipment for the implementation of this method of checking.
• the cyclical code coding unit is made up of a cyclical code check circuit, a starting circuit, diagnostic circuit, output switching circuit and a first and second branch.
• the processors of the individual branches are used to generate cyclical codes for the powering of flashing lights and for coding the track circuits of an ABE -1 type electronic automatic block, used in the last six years on Czech Railway tracks.
• This solution pursuant to patent CZ 289 934 is unsuitable, however, due to the small application on secondary lines or for the reconstruction of railway lines.
• the state is technically very similar as in the Czech Republic.
• local mechanical coding units in which an asynchronous motor controls a set of sensory springs through cams attached on the motor's shaft, with these springs interrupting the electronic circuit in the rhythm of the required cyclical code, have usually been used up until now. These coding units show low reliability, require demanding maintenance and thus they are already unsuitable at the current time.
• a safe electronic code generator is described in US patent 4,234,870 from 1979, including a programable microprocessor, that works in that, the signal is divided by a rate selector after being generated by a crystal oscillator.
• the selection of the fixed frequency is used by tuned vital relay drivers. Feedback information from these drivers monitors their operation and checks the operation of output circuitry. External time delays are provided to check program delays within the system and to ensure against the generation of erroneous codes due to the cyclical resetting of the system.
• a rate selector provides permission of particular output code rates after division so, that the code is continually checked to ensure, that the system always generates the required code.
• Programming functions also provide self-checking, checking the microprocessor and checking the operations and operators against the impact of external components to provide system integrity and to achieve inherent reliability.
• Diversity and cycle checking are used by the by the arrangement of the system itself, by which it achieves functional safety and quality.
• the microprocessor system of the coding unit has a two- channel structure, while each channel is controlled by a relay driver and after being rectified, tuned and amplified the signal is optically divided.
• a disadvantage is that the check of the generated code's correctness is carried out continuously and by very complicated manner in analogue for each impulse code. Thus the system's reliability is apparently lower.
• the equipment is complicated, expensive and takes up an unnecessarily large enclosed space due to the obsolete analogue conception. The equipment can be expected to break down often.
• the use of microprocessors in the central unit requires, during regular revisions and repairs, the difficult replacement by components that are almost no longer manufactured.
• the method for checking the first check relay and second check relay of the cyclical code coding unit for railway interlocking system equipment according to this invention as well as the cyclical code coding unit for railway interlocking system equipment according to this invention removes or considerably limits the aforementioned disadvantages of the known solutions.
• the coding unit according to this invention created by the cyclical code check circuit, starting circuit, diagnostic circuit, output switching circuit and the first branch and second branch, has the coding unit's first check relay connected to the cyclical code check circuit and to return conductor in a series with the first diagnostic switch, and while the coding unit's second check relay is connected to the check circuit and to return conductor in a series with the second diagnostic switch.
• the diagnostic element is driven from the cyclical code check circuit.
• the first branch is powered from the main voltage in a series with the sixth contact of the result switch.
• the second branch is powered from the main voltage in a series with the seventh contact of the result switch.
• the starting circuit with the anti-repeat function is comprised of the starting element, either by an activation button for a manual start or an automatic starter for an automatic start, and then in a series of setting contacts for driving the result switch, specifically by the first contact of the first check relay, second contact of the second check relay and fifth contact of the result switch.
• the first to fourth contacts of the result switch connect the interlocking equipment to the coding unit outputs.
• the first branch's auxiliary circuits are powered by auxiliary voltage in a series with the second contact of the second check relay and also in a series with the third contact of the second check relay.
• the second branch's auxiliary circuits are powered by the auxiliary voltage in a series with the second contact and also in a series with the third contact of the first check relay.
• Checking the correct operation of the first check relay and second check relay of the cyclical code coding unit for railway interlocking system equipment is realised in that, an intersection of the common state is periodically sought using the cyclical code check circuit after a repeating check time elapses; when the first cyclical code, second cyclical code, third cyclical code and fourth cyclical code, generated simultaneously, in both the first branch and in the second branch, all have zero voltage in the first branch and, at the same time, in the second branch of the coding unit, then the cyclical code's voltage impulse is not generated.
• the cyclical code check circuit initialises an impulse to the diagnostic circuit, through the first diagnostic switch of the diagnostic element and through the second diagnostic switch of the diagnostic element, for the period of the testing time, to interrupt the driving circuit of the first check relay and also to interrupt the driving circuit of the second check relay, whose armatures are released for a short period after the testing time.
• the diagnostic circuit registers this and after the testing time is finished it connects, through the first diagnostic switch of the diagnostic element and the second diagnostic switch of the diagnostic element, the driving circuits of the first check relay and the second check relay, whose armatures are attracted, if the first check relay and the second check relay have a failure-free state.
• the result switch of the output switching circuit is not dropped, because its armature is belatedly released after the time of delay during the interruption of its excitation.
• the time of delay is longer than the testing time, so in a failure-free state during the test the distribution of the first cyclical code, second cyclical code, third cyclical code and fourth cyclical code, over the output switching circuit and return conductor to the interlocking system equipment is not interrupted under the condition, that there has been no long- term jamming of the contacts of either the first check relay or the second check relay in the operating or rest position. Because this would lead to the constant drop of the relevant faulty relay, i.e.
• this problem can be resolved, for example, by connecting a contact or automatic starter switch (instead of the contact of the starting element), safely controlled by the first segment of the diagnostic circuit, which cheks the first branch and second segment of the diagnostic circuit, which checks the second branch so, that these segments of the diagnostic circuit coincidently evaluate, whether the coding unit's droppage was the result of a dangerous failure. In that case the diagnostic circuit permanently stops the coding unit's activity until the maintenance employee arrives.
• the diagnostic circuit will allow the automatic start of the coding unit after the protective delay period elapses so, that the contact or switch of the automatic starter is closed.
• the main advantage of the new method for checking and the new local reliable coding unit according to this invention is the use of the most modern electronic programmable elements to replace the local old coding unit.
• the solution according to this invention is especially meant for application on secondary lines or for the reconstruction of railway lines. Cost savings on the reconstruction or construction of railway interlocking system equipment occur with the use of this invention.
• the method for checking the first check relay and second check relay of the cyclical code coding unit for railway interlocking system equipment makes it possible to use the newest programmable electronic elements for the generation of cyclical codes in the first branch and in the second branch, especially block fields, which are capable of generating an arbitrary cyclical code and therefore the coding unit conceived in this manner is universal. If a block field is used in the first and second branches instead of microprocessors, it is easier to program and the exchange during revisions and repairs after a certain period is especially easier.
• the coding unit can be produced in large series, it is possible to store a minimum number of space parts and as a result the coding units manufactured in this manner are inexpensive for the customer.
• FIG. 1 The block scheme of the coding unit implementation is schematically displayed in Fig. 1.
• FIG. 2 An example of an implementation of cyclical codes is presented in Fig. 2 with the testing time and the repeating control time highlighted.
• a coding unit C comprised of a cyclical code check circuit CCC, starting circuit ST. diagnostic circuit DC, output switching circuit OS, and a first branch Bi and a second branch B2 were chosen for this method.
• the first control relay X of the coding unit C of cyclical codes CC1 - CC4 is connected to the check circuit CCC of the cyclical code CC1-CC4 and the return conductor RCC in a series with the first diagnostic switch di..
• the second check relay Y of the coding unit C of cyclical codes CC1 - CC4 is connected to the check circuit CCC and the return conductor RCC in a series with the second diagnostic switch d2.
• the diagnostic element D is driven from the cyclical code CC1-CC4 check circuit CCC.
• the first branch Bl is powered from the main voltage MV in a series with the sixth contact ⁇ 6 of the result switch S.
• the second branch B2 is powered from the main voltage MV in a series with the seventh contact ⁇ 7 of the result switch S.
• the starting circuit ST with the anti-repeat function is comprised of the starting element, either by an activation button ABU for a manual start or an automatic starter AST for an automatic start, and then in a series of setting contacts for driving the result switch S, specifically the first contact x1_ of the first check relay X, second contact y_1. of the second check relay Y and fifth contact ⁇ 5 of the result switch S.
• the first to fourth contacts si., ⁇ 2, ⁇ 3, ⁇ 4 of the result switch S connect the interlocking equipment IS to the coding unit C outputs.
• the first branch's BJ. auxiliary circuits are powered by auxiliary voltage AV in a series with the second contact ⁇ 2 of the second check relay Y , and also in a series with the third contact ⁇ 3 of the second check relay Y.
• the second branch B2 is powered by the auxiliary voltage AV in a series with the second contact x2 and also in a series with the third contact x3 of the first check relay X.
• Checking the correct operation of the first check relay X and second check relay Y_of the cyclical code CC1-CC4 coding unit C for interlocking system equipment IS is realised in that, an intersection of the common state is periodically sought using the cyclical code control circuit CCC after a repeating control time TSC elapses; when the first cyclical code CC1 , second cyclical code CC2. third cyclical code CC3 and fourth cyclical code CC4.
• the cyclical code check circuit CCC initialises an impulse to the diagnostic circuit DC, through the first diagnostic switch dj. of the diagnostic element D and through the second diagnostic switch d2 of the diagnostic element D for the period of the testing time TT, to interrupt the driving circuit of the first check relay X and also to interrupt the driving circuit of the second check relay Y, whose armatures are released for a short period after the testing time TT, which the diagnostic circuit DC registers.
• the testing time TT After the testing time TT is finished it connects, through the first diagnostic switch th of the diagnostic element D and the second diagnostic switch d_2 of the diagnostic element D, the driving circuits of the first check relay X and the second check relay Y, whose armatures attract, if the first check relay X and the second check relay Y have a failure-free state.
• the result switch S of the output switching circuit OS is not dropped, because its armature is belatedly released after the delay time JJD during the interruption of its excitation. Meanwhile the delay time TD is longer than the testing time TT.
• the function of the coding unit C is interrupted, until the arrival of the operator and until the elimination of the fault and until the initialisation of the activation button ABU. or until the implementation of the automatic start.
• the fault of the first check relay X or the second check relay Y is transferred in a safer direction.
• This failure state is moreover monitored by the diagnostic circuit DC, which arranges for the operator to be called.
• this problem can be resolved, for example, by connecting a contact or automatic starter switch AST instead of the contact of the activation button ABU. Its activity is safely controlled by the first segment of the diagnostic circuit DC1, which controls the first branch BJ. and second segment of the diagnostic circuit DC2, which controls the second branch B2 so, that these segments of the diagnostic circuit DC1, DC2 coincidently evaluate, whether the coding unit's C droppage was the result of a dangerous failure. In that case the diagnostic circuit DC permanently stops the coding unit's C activity until the maintenance employee arrives.
• the diagnostic circuit DC will allow the automatic start of the coding unit C after the protective period of delay time TD. elapses so, that the contact or switch of the automatic starter AST is closed.
• cyclical codes CC1 - CC4 An example of the implementation of the cyclical codes CC1 - CC4 is given in Fig. 2, in which the code impulse amplitude UC is represented by a continuous line, while the zero voltage UO of the cyclical codes CC1 - CC4 is represented by a weak line.
• This figure represents the dependence of the cyclical codes CC1-CC4, i.e. of the first cyclical code CC1.
• second cyclical code CC2, third cyclical code CC3 and fourth cyclical code CC4 on time t with a display of the testing time TT, repeating control time TSC and protective delay TD.
• FIG. 3a An example of the starting of the coding unit C with the use of the activation button ABU is given in Fig. 3a, where the result switch S is dropped after the outage of the power voltage UN after the time TD of delay expires immediately after which the first check relay X and second check relay Y are dropped.
• the coding unit C does not start UN, which is represented by a thin line in this time segment, or the dropping of the result switch S, successively of the first check relay X and second check relay Y.
• the result switch S is excited followed by the excitation of the first check relay X and the second check relay Y, i.e. leading to the start of the coding unit C.
• the excitation of the result switch S followed by the excitation of the first check relay X and the second check relay Y does not occur, by which the failure is passed in a safe direction.
• first check relay X and second check relay Y i.e. relays with the second level of reliability. Because these types of relays do not guarantee that the armature will drop away due to the impact of gravitational effects, it is necessary to verify the correct functionality of the first check I relay X and second check relay Y in a manner, that satisfies the demanding safety requirements placed on railway interlocking equipment.
• the solution according to the attached invention fulfils these requirements.
• the timely calling of an operator is resolved by the diagnostic circuit DC in the event, that a dangerous failure of the first check relay X or second check relay Y of the coding unit C, is detected.
• the fact that connecting the circuit driving the result switch S has an anti-repeating nature also contributes to this.
• the new start of the result switch S can only be carried out after the failure in the check relay's circuit is repaired and after the confirmation of this fact, either by the resulting impact of the activation button ABU by the responsible employee or automatically in cooperation with the diagnostic circuit DC.
• the method for checking the first check relay X and second check relay Y also satisfies the analysis of the safety of the circuits in the sense that if, during the repeated tests of these check relays, which are always carried out after the repeating control time TSC elapses, a faulty extension of the interval of the cyclical code CC1- CC4 occurs due to the failure of either of the diagnostic switches cM or d2, i.e. the occurrence of zero voltage UO of the cyclical code CC1-CC4 generated by the coding unit instead of the code impulse amplitude UC, then in the worst case the signal will be presented, which represents a more prohibitive signal aspect.
• the method for checking the first check relay X and second check relay Y of the cyclical code CC1-CC4 coding unit C can be used for railway interlocking system equipment IS, both during the new construction of railway interlocking system equipment IS and for the reconstruction of existing railway interlocking system equipment IS. Since the coding unit C is conceived to be universal and an arbitrary set , _ ,

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Train Traffic Observation, Control, And Security (AREA)

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Cited By (2)

Citations (2)

• 2007
  • 2007-10-08 CZ CZ20070694A patent/CZ2007694A3/cs unknown
• 2008
  • 2008-09-19 SK SK50019-2010A patent/SK500192010A3/sk unknown
  • 2008-09-19 WO PCT/CZ2008/000111 patent/WO2009046686A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (3)

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