WO2018015127A1

WO2018015127A1 - System and method for ascertaining at least one state of a train

Info

Publication number: WO2018015127A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/066168
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alfred Veider; Jean-Pierre Klein
Original assignee: Thales Austria Gmbh
Priority date: 2016-07-20
Filing date: 2017-06-29
Publication date: 2018-01-25
Also published as: AT518904B1; AT518904A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for ascertaining at least one state of a train (1) and preferably of a rail section (3) on which the train (1) is located. The system has a vibration generator (2) for generating at least one specifiable structure-borne noise output signal, and the system (20) has a vibration sensor (4) for detecting a structure-borne noise reflection signal. The system (20) has a controller (5) which forms a circuit with the vibration generator (2) and the vibration sensor (4), and the controller (5) is designed to compare the structure-born noise reflection signal with at least one comparison criterion in order to ascertain the at least one state of the train (1).

Description

APPENDIX AND METHOD FOR SETTING AT LEAST ONE CONDITION OF ONE

TRAIN

The invention relates to a system according to the preamble of claim 1.

When operating rail vehicles in so-called full-length trains, it is desirable or necessary to know certain states of a train. Because of the great freedom in putting together a train and the variety of compatible ones

Locomotives and wagons, it is not yet possible this information zugautark to determine why sensors are arranged on track tracks to determine data about passing trains. This applies in particular to track occupancy reporting systems and checkpoint systems in which at certain locations, state parameters of a passing train, in particular the axle load, load distribution, wheel tire deformation or hot brakes, are determined via corresponding locally arranged sensors.

The disadvantage of this is the high infrastructure costs and the fact that even with considerable effort and numerous such

Control points, although only a punctual monitoring of the moving trains is given. In particular, in less industrialized countries, it is also due to lack of maintenance, soon to failures of such facilities.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a system of the type mentioned, with which the mentioned disadvantages can be avoided, with which at least one state of a train can be determined, and which regardless of the type and design of the train wagons, as well as the

Rail section the train is driven.

This is achieved by the features of claim 1 according to the invention.

As a result, numerous states of a train can be independently determined and monitored by the train itself and without trackside aids. This will support the implementation of ETCS Level 3. As a result, the following conditions can be determined: Detecting the number of axles of the train and thus the length and integrity of the train, recognize flats on at least one of the wheels, as well as determining which wheel has the flat, detecting a hot brake, determining the Driving speed, evaluation of the Condition of the rails.

As a result, newly occurring acoustic phenomena in particular can be detected, in particular vibrations or transient processes. As a result, errors, such as in particular a progressive fatigue break, can be detected before this leads to an accident. As a result, deformations, for example due to overloading or incorrect dimensioning, can also be detected.

Furthermore, it can also be used to detect other states which are not the direct cause of the train in question. This can be used to detect, for example, if another train is on the same route. This works regardless of whether the other train also has a tangible attachment. If the other train has such a system, which can be determined by detecting the sound signals emitted by the latter, a communication between the two trains can take place via the two systems and the rail track, in which case in particular a collision warning can be output.

The acoustic transmission characteristics of the tracks have an effect on the received structure-borne sound reflection signal. The tracks are in this sense an acoustic channel. By evaluation of the changed

Transmission properties or transfer function of the tracks, a further information to determine the location of the train can be determined. Especially bridges or points lead to significantly changed

Transmission behavior, and allow a clear assignment of certain properties of structure-borne sound reflection signals to specific locations of a track, which travels the train. This allows other navigation or

Location data to be adjusted.

The subclaims relate to further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The invention further relates to a method for monitoring the integrity of a train according to the preamble of claim 25.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method by which the aforementioned disadvantages can be avoided with which the Integrity of a train can be determined, and which regardless of the type and construction of the cars of the train, as well as the rail section of the train is driven.

This is achieved by the features of claim 25 according to the invention.

As a result, the claims made for claim 1 benefits can be achieved.

It is hereby expressly referred to the wording of the claims, whereby the claims at this point are incorporated by reference into the description and are considered to be reproduced verbatim.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only preferred embodiments are shown by way of example. Showing:

Figure 1 is a train with a representational system in a schematic representation.

Fig. 2 shows an axis and a wheel of a train of FIG. 1 with a schematic

represented vibration generator and vibration sensor in

Axis degree;

FIG. 3 shows the axial end according to FIG. 2 in an enlarged sectional view; FIG. and FIG. 4 shows an objective installation as a block diagram.

1 and 4 show a system 20 for detecting at least one state of a train 1, and preferably a rail line 3 on which the train 1 is located, wherein the system 20 has a vibration generator 2 for generating at least one predetermined structure-borne sound output signal, the plant 20 a vibration sensor 4 for receiving a

Has structure-borne noise reflection signal, wherein the system 20 a

Control device 5 which is connected in circuit technology with the vibration generator 2 and the vibration sensor 4, and wherein the

Control device 5 - for detecting the at least one state of the train 1 - is formed to the structure-borne sound reflection signal with at least one Compare comparison criterion.

As a result, many states of a train 1 can be independently determined and monitored by the train itself and without trackside aids. This will support the implementation of ETCS Level 3. As a result, the following conditions can be determined: Detecting the number of axles 21 of the train 1 and thus the length and integrity of the train 1, recognize flats on at least one of the wheels 6, as well as determining which wheel 6 has the flat detection of hot current brake, determining the driving speed through

Consideration of Doppler shifts, assessment of the state of the

Rails 3.

As a result, newly occurring acoustic phenomena in particular can be detected, in particular vibrations or transient processes. As a result, errors, in particular a progressive fatigue break, can be detected before they lead to an accident. As a result, deformations, for example due to overloading or incorrect dimensioning, can also be detected.

Furthermore, it can also be used to detect other states which are not the immediate cause of the relevant train 1. As a result, it can be recognized, for example, whether another train 1 is on the same route. This

It works regardless of whether the other train 1 is also a

has physical investment. If the other train 1 has such a system, which can be determined by detection of the sound emitted by this sound signals, can via the two systems 20 and the

Rail 3 a communication between the two trains 1 done, in particular, a collision warning can be issued.

The acoustic transmission characteristics of the tracks 3 have an effect on the received structure-borne sound reflection signal. The tracks 3 are in this sense an acoustic channel. By evaluation of the changed

Transmission properties or transfer function of the tracks 3, a further information for determining the location of the train 1 can be determined. Especially bridges or points lead to significantly changed

Transmission behavior, and allow a clear assignment of certain Properties of structure-borne sound reflection signals to specific locations of a track 3, which the train 1 travels. This allows other navigation or location data to be customized.

The subject system 20 is provided and designed to determine at least one state of a train 1, and preferably a rail track 3 on which the train 1 is located. The condition of the train 1 is understood to mean, in particular, the determination of the number of axles 21 of the train 1 and thus of the length and integrity of the train 1, recognizing flat areas

at least one of the wheels 6, as well as determining which wheel 6 has the flat, detection of a hot brake, determining the

Driving speed, evaluation of the condition of the rails 3, detection of a progressive fatigue failure, detection of deformations, communication with other trains 1 or stations, collision warning and determination of the position of the train 1.

As "integrity" or "integrity of the train 1", the completeness of the train 1 is understood, therefore, whether the train 1 consists of all wagons 9, from which this is to exist or originally existed in its composition.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a train 1 with a subject system 20. It is preferably provided that the system 20 communicates with other modules or train own and / or external devices.

The system 20 has at least one vibration generator 2. Of the

Vibration generator 2 is intended to generate structure-borne sound output signals, and to deliver to the train. It is provided in particular that the vibration generator 2 on a wheel 6 or an axis 21 of the train 1,

in particular a wheel 6 of a traction vehicle 8, is arranged. The arrangement on one of the wheels 6, a good coupling with the rail 3 and the rails 3 with the remaining train 1 can be achieved.

The vibration generator 2 is preferably designed to generate a sound pulse or a beat, wherein it may also be provided that the

Vibration generator 2 is designed to continuous tones preset frequencies and generate waveforms.

The vibration generator 2 may be formed differently. Only three particularly preferred embodiments of a

Vibrator 2 described. According to a first and especially

preferred embodiment, it is provided that the vibration generator 2 as a mechanical percussion, in particular comprising an impulse hammer is formed. Such a percussion can be easily implemented, such as by an electromagnetically accelerated mass, which a

Accelerometer carries to determine the actual shape of a pulse applied, and which mass is specifially beaten against a part of the train, whereby a pulse is generated.

It may also be provided according to a second embodiment, the

Form vibrator 2 as a driven or drivable mass-spring system, which is coupled to a part of the train 1. A third preferred embodiment will be described elsewhere.

The system 20 furthermore has at least one vibration sensor 4. The vibration sensor 4 is intended to record structure-borne sound reflection signals and other body shell signals. It is provided in particular that the vibration sensor 4 is arranged on a wheel 6 or an axle 21 of the train 1, in particular a wheel 6 of a traction unit 8, whereby a good coupling can be achieved.

The vibration sensor 4 may be designed differently.

Objectively only two particularly preferred embodiments of a vibration sensor 4 are described. According to a first and particularly preferred embodiment it is provided that the vibration sensor 4 is designed as, in particular piezoelectric, acceleration sensor. It is provided in particular that the acceleration sensor is designed as a delta shear transducer. The second preferred embodiment will be described elsewhere.

Particularly preferably, it is provided that the vibration generator 2 and the Vibration sensor 4 are formed as a one-piece assembly, or

at least in substantially immediate local environment in or on the train 1 are arranged. It is especially preferred as the third

Embodiment of a vibration generator 2 and vibration sensor 4 is provided that the vibration generator 2 and the vibration sensor 4 are formed as a hydrophone 23. Hydrophones 23 are from the field of

Sound radiation in water known, for example from the technical environment of sonar technology.

Hydrophones are known from the field of sound radiation in water, for example from the technical field of sonar technology. This is an originally military technology that allows the delivery of strong sound pulses and the recording of an answer to such an impulse.

Through the use of a mechanical percussion and / or a hydrophone, a strong structure-borne sound impulse can be generated, which even on long trains still leads to clearly perceptible and usable reflections, with a clear SNR compared to the superimposed rolling noise of the train.

This makes it possible with simple means both the introduction and the evaluation of structure-borne sound pulses in a rail track.

In particular, in training of the vibrator 2 and

Vibration sensor 4 as a hydrophone 23 is preferably provided that the vibration generator 2 and / or the vibration sensor 4 are arranged in or on a wheel of the wheel 6 or an axis end 22 of the axis 21. FIGS. 2 and 3 show a corresponding arrangement, wherein the hydrophone 23 is shown only schematically. This is in the

Axial conclusion 22 of the axis 21 by means of a, shown in Fig. 3

Rotary feedthrough arranged.

Preferably, as further shown in Fig. 3, provided that the

Vibration generator 2 and / or the vibration sensor 4, in particular the hydrophone 23 are coupled via an impedance matching means 24 to the axis 21 and the wheel 6. As impedance matching means 24 has in particular

Mercury proven. However, other substances may be provided. It has proven to be practical that the system 20 is arranged in the region of a railcar 8, a locomotive and / or a driver's cab of the train 1, and that the vibration generator 2 and / or the vibration sensor 4 are arranged on the first axle 21 of the railcar 8 are. This simplifies the analysis of the detected signals. Furthermore, this arrangement ensures that the technically safety-relevant systems are located in the local area of the train driver. The corresponding signaling connections to the vibration generator 2 and the vibration sensor 4 are shown in FIG. 1 by a dashed line.

The system 20 has a control device 5, which with the

Vibration generator 2 and the vibration sensor 4 is connected by circuitry. It can be provided that the control device 5 is designed in the form of several separate modules.

The control device 5 controls the vibration generator 2, and evaluates the structure-borne sound signals detected by the vibration sensor 4. In this case, the control device 5 is designed to compare the structure-borne sound reflection signal with at least one comparison criterion, and thus to determine the at least one predeterminable and to be determined state of the train 1 by at a specifiable distinction or agreement of the

Structure-borne sound reflection signals with the at least one comparison criterion a given state of the train 1 is given as issued or stored. It is preferably provided that at least one comparison criterion is stored for each state to be determined.

To determine the at least one state of the train 1 is preferred

provided to detect and evaluate the individual reflections of structure-borne noise at the contact points between rail 3 and 6 wheel. In addition to the number of axles 21 can be closed on the analysis of the respective echoes in detail on further states of the train 1, such as the loading situation, as this on the contact pressure of the wheels 6 on the tracks 3 an influence on the reflection at the wheel in question. 6 Has.

It is preferably provided that the vibration generator 2 pulses or

Pulse trains sent to a one-to-one association between transmit and To ensure reflection signal. It is therefore preferably provided that the system 20 is designed to output structure-borne sound output signals with a predefinable acoustic signature, in particular comprising a dedicated characteristic sequence.

Accordingly, it is preferably provided that the control device 5 is adapted to an output signal with a specifiable signature, therefore

Frequency response and / or waveform to the vibrator 2 to send. As a result, a better assignment of a body reflection signal to a body sound output signal is possible. As a result, it can further be recognized when structure-borne noise signals of another train 1 are detected.

In this context, it has proved to be particularly advantageous that a first body sound output signal has a first acoustic signature, and that a second body sound output signal has a second acoustic signature that can be differentiated from the first acoustic signature. This makes it possible to carry out the objective investigations at shorter intervals.

Accordingly, the control device 5 is preferably designed to

To compare body sound reflection signals with body sound output signals, and a specific structure-borne sound reflection signal to a specific

Assign body sound output signal.

It has also proven to be advantageous that the

Body sound output signal contains a predetermined, in particular non-periodic, pulse train. Similar to a binary signal coding, each signal packet thus formed is thereby uniquely assignable to a specific transmission time.

It can also be provided that the body sound output signal has predeterminably different frequency ranges. In addition to the possibility of assigning a KorperschaUreflexionssignals to a body sound output signal, this also results in the possibility of further analysis of the different

Dispersion of the different frequency ranges of KorpersschaUreflexionssignals to obtain more information about the state of the train 1.

By analyzing the body sound reflection signals numerous Information on the relevant train 1, which are mentioned in the introduction. Preferably, different methods or algorithms are provided for determining each of these states in detail. For example, it may be provided to examine or evaluate the signals in certain state determinations only in the time domain or a specific image area.

The control device 5 is provided and designed the

To analyze structure-borne sound reflection signal. It is preferably provided that the control device 5 is designed to analyze the structure-borne sound reflection signal in the time domain and a predetermined image area.

Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a

physical Appendix 20. The control device 5 has a

Microcomputer unit 19 which is connected to a signal generator 11 which is connected via an amplifier 12 to the ultrasonic speaker 2.

The vibration sensor 4 is connected via an amplifier 12 with a

Analog / digital converter 13 connected, which is also an upstream

Includes low-pass filter with. The analog / digital converter 13 is connected both directly to the microcomputer unit 19 and to a transformation unit 14 in which a transformation of the digital structure-borne sound reflection signal from

Time domain is performed in an image area, preferably a FFT or a wavelet transform. When analyzing a transformed

Structure-borne sound reflection signal, the signal in question is compared only indirectly with corresponding comparison criteria. In fact, coefficients are compared which, however, characterize the signal in question. This is considered objectively as a comparison of a signal with a comparison criterion.

The control device 5 is provided and designed the

Structure-borne sound reflection signal with at least one comparison criterion

to compare. The control device 5 therefore has the memory 15 for

Comparison criteria on. Preferably, the at least one comparison criterion is a number of axles of the train 1 determined, preferably before the start of a journey with an individual train 1. This is especially by a Calibration process determined before starting the journey.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the at least one comparison criterion one, preferably when starting a trip with a

individual train 1 determined, signal change characteristic, in particular a signal attenuation and / or dispersion characteristic and / or a

Transfer function of each train to be monitored 1 includes.

The control device 5, according to FIG. 4, furthermore has its own time base in the form of the clock 1. The control device 5 is further with a manual

Input option 17, such as a keyboard, connected. Furthermore, the system 20 has at least one interface 7 for data exchange, in particular with an ETCS computer of the train 1, which is connected to the control device 5. By knowing the location of the train, which can be determined by means of appropriate navigation means, such as GPS and / or INS, all data are now available to allow a dynamic control of the track occupancy. By reporting this data to a traffic control center or another train is a much denser pack of trains on one

Track section possible, as was previously the case. This allows operation according to ETCS Level 3.

The control device 5 is further preferably designed to emit an alarm message to a train driver and / or a train following and / or a traffic control center upon detection of at least one, in particular while driving, uncoupled waggons 9. The control device 5 is connected to the signal means 18 for this purpose.

Preferably, the control device 5 is further adapted to log detected during the journey track vacancies and / or report to a traffic control center. This can especially when driving regularly

certain course with the same train 1 creeping changes to the rails 3 are detected and imminent errors are detected before they lead to an accident.

It is particularly preferred that the control device 5 thereto is formed, upon detection of an imminent collision: to cause an emergency braking of the train 1, and / or an alarm message to a traffic control center and / or a

Rescue center via the interface 7, and / or issue an alarm message to a passenger information system of the train 1; and / or to issue an alarm message to a collision obstacle, in particular an oncoming train 1, in particular via the

vibrator

As a result, collisions between two trains 1 can be avoided, especially on poorly developed branches.

Particularly preferably, it is also provided that the system 20 has at least one outside temperature sensor which is connected to the control device 5, and that the control device 5 is designed to compensate for temperature changes in monitoring the integrity of a train 1. As a result, a drift in the signal propagation time, as occurs during temperature changes, can be compensated.

A method for determining at least one state of a train 1, it is provided that at least one predeterminable structure-borne sound output signal by means of a

Vibration generator 2 is introduced into a wheel or an axis of the train 1, wherein a subsequently reflected structure-borne sound reflection signal from a

Vibration sensor 4 is recorded, the

Structure-borne sound reflection signal - to determine the at least one state of the train 1 - is compared by a control device 5 with at least one comparison criterion.

Claims

PATENT APPLICATIONS

1 . Plant for detecting at least one state of a train (1), and preferably a rail track (3) on which the train (1) is located, wherein the system comprises a vibration generator (2) for generating at least one predeterminable structure-borne sound output signal, the system (20 ) has a vibration sensor (4) for receiving a structure-borne sound reflection signal, wherein the system (20) has a control device (5), which with the vibration generator (2) and the vibration sensor (4)

connected circuitally, and wherein the control device (5) - for detecting the at least one state of the train (1) - is designed to the structure-borne sound reflection signal with at least one comparison criterion

to compare.

2. Plant (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Vibration generator (2) on a wheel (6) or an axis (21) of the train (1), in particular a wheel (6) of a traction vehicle (8), is arranged.

3. Plant (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vibration sensor (4) on a wheel (6) or an axis (21) of the train (1), in particular a wheel (6) of a traction vehicle (8). , is arranged.

4. Plant (20) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the vibration generator (2) and / or the vibration sensor (4) in or on a wheel of the wheel (6) or an axis end (22) of the axis (21) are arranged.

5. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized

characterized in that the vibration generator (2) and the vibration sensor (4) are formed as a one-piece assembly.

6. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized

characterized in that the vibration generator (2) for generating a Sound pulse is formed.

7. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized

in that the vibration generator (2) and the vibration sensor (4) are designed as hydrophones (23).

8. Plant (20) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized

in that the vibration generator (2) and / or the

Vibration sensor (4), in particular the hydrophone (23) via a

Impedanzanpassungsmittel (24), in particular mercury, to the axis (21) and the wheel (6) are coupled.

9. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized

in that the vibration generator (2) is designed as a mechanical striking mechanism, in particular comprising an impact hammer.

10. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized

characterized in that the vibration sensor (4) as, in particular

piezoelectric, accelerometer is formed.

11. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized

characterized in that the system (20) is designed to

Structure-borne sound output signals with specifiable acoustic signature, in particular comprising a zugeigene characteristic sequence output.

12. System (20) according to claim 11, characterized in that a first body sound output signal has a first acoustic signature, and in that a second body sound output signal has a distinguishable from the first acoustic signature, the second acoustic signature.

13. Plant (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized

in that the body sound output signal has a specifiable,

in particular non-periodic, pulse sequence contains.

14. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized

in that the body sound output signal has predeterminably different frequency ranges.

15. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized

characterized in that the control device (5) is adapted to the

Structure-borne reflection signal in the time domain and a predeterminable image area to analyze.

16. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized

characterized in that the control device (5) is designed to

To compare structure-borne sound reflection signals with structure-borne sound output signals, and a specific structure-borne sound reflection signal to a certain

Assign structure-borne noise output signal.

17. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized

in that the at least one comparison criterion comprises a number of axles (21) of the train (1) determined, preferably before starting a journey with an individual train (1).

18. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized

in that the at least one comparison criterion determines one, preferably when starting a journey with an individual train (1),

Signal change characteristic, in particular a signal attenuation and / or dispersion characteristic and / or a transfer function, of the respective train to be monitored (1).

19. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized

in that the installation (20) has at least one outside temperature sensor which is connected to the control device (5), and in that the control device (5) is designed to detect temperature changes during the

Determining the at least one state of the train (1) to compensate.

20. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized

in that the system (20) has at least one interface (7) for data exchange, in particular with an ETCS computer of the train (1).

21. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized

in that the control device (5) is designed to assist in

Detection of at least one, in particular while driving, disconnected Wagons to give an alarm message in a control station of the train (1) and / or a trailing train and / or a traffic control center.

22. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized

in that the control device (5) is designed to log tracked missing points detected during the journey and / or to a

Traffic control center to report.

23. Plant (20) according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized

in that the control device (5) is designed to assist in

Detection of an impending collision: to cause an emergency braking of the train (1), and / or an alarm message to a traffic control center and / or a

Dispatch rescue center, and / or issue an alarm message to a passenger information system of the train (1); and / or to issue an alarm message to a collision obstacle, in particular an oncoming train (1), in particular via the

Vibration generator.

24. train (1) with a system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 23.

25. A method for determining at least one state of a train (1), in particular with a system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein at least one predeterminable structure-borne sound output signal by means of a

Vibration generator (2) in a wheel or an axis of the train (1) is introduced, wherein a subsequently reflected body sound reflection signal is picked up by a vibration sensor (4), wherein the

Body sound reflection signal - for detecting the at least one state of the train (1) - by a control device (5) with at least one

Comparative criterion is compared.