MXPA98002403A

MXPA98002403A - Procedure intended to allow the braking and / or stopping of a vehicle that circulates on a route as well as an installation intended for this

Info

Publication number: MXPA98002403A
Application number: MXPA/A/1998/002403A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Binard Charles; Cnudde Philippe; Grassart Francis; Nottarigo Calogero
Original assignee: Gec Alsthom Acec Transport Sa
Priority date: 1995-09-29
Filing date: 1998-03-26
Publication date: 1998-11-12

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for braking and / or stopping a vehicle moving along a railway track, using an apparatus comprising, on the one hand, a stationary equipment that is fixed to the track and that comprises itself at least one beacon that generates a magnetic field, and on the other hand, an equipment on board said vehicle comprising at least one antenna preferably fixed below the vehicle to interact with the beacon, said method being characterized in that the antenna placed Under the vehicle is used to detect the time at which the vehicle enters the magnetic field generated by the mark enters, as well as the time of departure of the vehicle from this field, and where the time it takes the vehicle to cross the field of Magnetic influence is deducted from it, so that the vehicle's speed can be calculated if the length of the bali is known

Description

PROCEDURE DESIGNED TO ALLOW THE BRAKING AND / OR STOPPING OF A VEHICLE THAT CIRCULATES ON A ROUTE AS WELL AS INSTALLATION INTENDED FOR THIS END OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for allowing the braking and / or stopping of a vehicle traveling on a railway-type track. The present invention also relates to the installation intended for carrying out the aforementioned method.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND Traditionally, the circulation of railway vehicles is regulated by signals arranged along the track. However, the responsibility of respecting the slogans given by the signaling facilities is mainly entrusted to the driver, who must assume it even in sometimes difficult conditions, such as fog circulation, snow fall, and flush sun. It is known to provide an aid to the driver by arranging beacons along the railroad tracks in order to allow a measurement of the speed of the vehicle.

These beacons are arranged at known and fixed distances that emit a signal. The vehicle detects, with the help of an antenna, the passage over the first beacon and marks a stopwatch, which is stopped by the step over a second beacon. Knowing the distance between the two beacons and the time taken by the vehicle to travel this distance, the speed of the vehicle is easily deduced. It is convenient to observe; however, it is an average speed over the distance traveled between the two beacons and not an instantaneous speed calculated in a point. In addition, the distance between these beacons can be modified by external factors such as climatic conditions or the most positioned of these beacons. In general, it can be estimated that this measurement of speed does not ensure sufficient precision. DE-A-2 630 970 discloses a railway traffic monitoring procedure that allows a control coming from a signaling light to be transmitted by means of a transmission device to a monitoring device arranged in the driver car. In order to guarantee a higher degree of security, it has been proposed by document EP-A-0 252 199 to provide an installation for punctual data transmission between the track and the vehicle traveling on it. This installation consists of a part of a ground equipment fixed on the track and, on the other hand, on-board equipment housed in the vehicle. The ground equipment comprises an emitter that transmits coded information of a one-way signal with the aid of an emission beacon, while the on-board equipment comprises a receiver connected to at least one receiving antenna, preferably fixed below of the vehicle so that it corresponds to the emission beacon, as well as a calculator for decoding and processing the received information. The installation also comprises a means for coding the track signaling information, an active frequency-modulating transmitter of a magnetic field, a means of comparison with a threshold of the amplitude of the emitted magnetic field and a means for controlling the frequency issued with the help of the emission beacon. In this case, the means for comparing the amplitude of the emitted magnetic field and the means for controlling the emission frequency are connected to a means for controlling a safety signal, which eventually allows a safety action to be taken on the ground. failure case. The beacon used is an active beacon that permanently emits a message that will be picked up by the antenna of the vehicle and analyzed by it. Actually, the device described in EP-A-0 252 199 is quite complex and expensive, and it is not necessary to have an installation such as that described in the case in which it is intended to simply give a braking setpoint and / or stop of the vehicle that circulates on the road. DE-A-2 648 383 describes an installation for measuring the speed of a vehicle such as a motor vehicle by measuring a modification of the induction created by a device that is presented in the form of an induction loop arranged in the ground when the vehicle enters its field of influence.

OBJECTIVES THE INVENTION The present invention envisages proposing a method that allows the braking and / or stopping of a vehicle that circulates on the railroad type track, which does not need a complex installation and that allows an accurate measurement, freeing itself at the same time from external contingencies such as the climatic conditions, as well as the exact positioning of the beacons present in the road when there are maintenance interventions of these. In addition, the present invention also provides for proposing an installation intended for carrying out the process, which is based on a very small number of components and therefore a relatively low cost, in particular with the installation system described in the EP-A patent -0 252 199, while presenting comparable reliability characteristics.

MAIN CHARACTERISTIC ELEMENTS OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for allowing the braking and / or stopping of a vehicle traveling on a railway-type track with the aid of an installation comprising, in a conventional manner, on the one hand, a fixed floor equipment on the track, which in turn comprises at least one beacon emitting a magnetic field, and on the other hand an on-board equipment comprising at least one antenna preferably fixed under the vehicle so that it corresponds to the beacon broadcast. According to the present invention, the method consists in detecting, with the help of the antenna arranged under the vehicle, the moment of entry into the magnetic field emitted by the beacon as well as the moment of exit of this field, the time separating these being two moments timed by a suitable device, preferably arranged on board the vehicle. Preferably, the emission beacon emits the frequency-modulated magnetic field transmitting indications that come from an encoder in turn for example by a signaling light. The length of the beacon is also calibrated. The beacon may eventually transmit this information in encoded form in the message it transmits to the antenna present in the vehicle.

Knowing the time the vehicle uses to cross the magnetic field of influence and the length of the beacon, the speed is easily deduced. If the speed of the vehicle is higher, for example by 5%, at the permitted speed, an action will be taken on the braking circuit. Preferably, the magnetic field entry and exit times are not defined by the postage of a fixed threshold value thereof, but by the fact that it exceeds a certain percentage of the maximum magnetic field received when the step above the corresponding beacon. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which also makes it possible to further increase the reliability of the measurement when the beacon emits a modulated magnetic field, this is carried out in two stages, that is when the magnetic field is maximum, corresponding for example in the presence of bits in 1, and on the other hand when the magnetic field is minimal, corresponding for example to a presence of bits in 0. According to the application, it is then possible to choose either the greater of the two determined speeds, or Choose the median of these. The present invention also relates to an installation that allows the realization of the method, which conventionally comprises, on the one hand, ground equipment fixed on the track, comprising at least one antenna preferably fixed under the vehicle in such a way that corresponds to the emission beacon, the length of the calibrated emission beacon being. According to a preferred embodiment, the emission beacon emits a magnetic field modulated on the basis of indications given by an encoder, in turn connected to a signaling light. Preferably, the beacon is mounted between the two rails of a track in an off-centered manner with respect to the axis of the track. This beacon is, according to the preferred embodiment; constituted by a single sufficiently rigid loop constituting a secondary winding of a magnetic circuit transformer, in the primary circuit from which the frequency modulated current is injected. Preferably, the primary winding is mounted inside the single turn on an axis perpendicular to the plane of said turn which is fixed on the track by means of legs preferably in the shape of an "S". The receiving antenna mounted under the vehicle is preferably constituted by two windings of which one is wound to the left and the other to the right.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The figure 1 represents a very schematic view of a first embodiment of an installation using a "stop beacon". Figure 2 represents a second embodiment of an installation that also uses a beacon that serves as a speed control. Figure 3 represents a schematic view of the floor equipment. The figure represents a schematic view of the on-board equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS FORMS OF REALIZATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The installation as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, according to two preferred embodiments of the present invention, comprises on the one hand ground equipment (1) fixed on the track and possibly connected to a signaling means or emission (2), and on the other hand an on-board equipment (3) housed in the vehicle that is connected to the braking circuit. Figure 1 represents the first embodiment, in which a single beacon (A) is used. According to this embodiment, the function of the installation is simply to command the braking or possibly the stopping of the vehicle when the beacon sends a stop message. Figure 2 represents a second embodiment, in which another beacon (B) performs the function of speed control and is commonly referred to in English as "speed trap". In this case, the installation allows, from the passage of the vehicle on the first beacon (B), verify the speed of this and possibly actuate the braking circuit if this speed exceeds for example 5% the allowed speed. It should be noted that each beacon (including the beacon (A), then allows to perform an independent speed control.) The precise measurement of the speed when passing over a beacon requires the exact knowledge of the length of the beacon and the instants of the entrance and exit of the magnetic field emitted by the beacon.The length of the beacon can for example be indicated in encoded form in the message issued by this beacon.Determination of the magnetic field entry and exit times is much more delicate, since the normal amplitude of the field received in the center of the beacon by the receiving antenna varies enormously depending on different factors, such as the power supply voltage of the amplifier in the ground, the distance separating it from the beacon , the height of the air gap that separates the beacon from the antenna of the receiver that varies, in turn, depending on the wear of the wheels of the rails, the Possible lateral displacement antenna-beacon in curves, etc.

The use of a single fixed level threshold received on board would therefore exaggerate the length of the beacon from which a strong signal is received and therefore underestimate the speed at which it is crossed. In a particularly advantageous manner, the magnetic field entry and exit times are not determined by defining them by the postage of a fixed threshold value thereof, but by the fact that a certain percentage of the maximum magnetic field received when the I step over the beacon under examination. Another important cause of inaccuracy in the determination of the magnetic field entry and exit times comes from the fact that the magnetic field received by the antenna is, according to the preferred embodiment, modulated by the message emitted by the beacon: in the case of a frequency modulation transmission, the bandwidth limitation required by the respect of the legal emission standards introduces a modulation of amplitude that is translated by the fact that the amplitude of the received signal, at a point a along the beacon, it depends on the abscissa of this point with respect to the center of the beacon, but also, because the bit of the message received at this instant is in (1) or in (0). This therefore leads to a variation of the abscissa of the point of entry and exit of the magnetic field as a function of the instantaneous conformation of the received message.

According to this preferred embodiment, the entire treatment relating to the determination of the speed is performed twice: the maximum received magnetic field as well as the relative input and output moments, for example, to the presence of bits in (1) ) are in principle determined and a first speed is derived from it; The received magnetic field as well as the input and output moments relative to the presence of bits in (0) are then determined and a second speed is derived from it. Depending on the application, you can then, for example, choose the higher of the two determined speeds or also the median of these. Figure 3 more particularly represents a beacon used in track equipment. This beacon, which must emit a calibrated magnetic field, is constituted by a single stainless steel turn of approximately 150 cm in length and 30 cm in width, which constitutes the secondary circuit of a magnetic transformer in the primary circuit from which it is injected a continuously modulated current. It should be noted that the length of the loop is adapted to the duration of the message transmitted from the track to the train as well as to the maximum line speed. The primary winding is advantageously mounted on the axis disposed inside the single turn, perpendicular to the plane thereof. The single, sufficiently rigid turn is mounted between the rails, by means of two opposite legs in the shape of an "S". Advantageously, the primary circuit is cast in a box fixed below the fixing leg. It should also be noted that the beacon is mounted between the two rails, and is off-center with respect to the axis of the track, so as to define the direction of circulation. The control circuit sends the voltage level that allows to send a relay called KTBL with logic output of defect / safety type if a sufficient magnetic field is generated and of correct frequency per loop. This KTBL relay can also be used to detect immediately if there is a defect in the beacon or in the encoder. The information transmitted to the vehicle by the signaling beacon is generated with the help of an encoder arranged near the beacon, this encoder being connected to the signaling lamps through a current transformer and possibly providing information that refers to the appearance of signaling. The interface with the signaling system can also be implemented by using an encoder connection or with the help of a defective / safety relay-type signaling logic, or with the help of a "Trackside Functional Module" ( TFM) of type "Solid State Interlocking" (SSI).

Figure 4 represents the on-board equipment. This on-board equipment comprises at least one external reception antenna (5) fixed below the vehicle (3) and displaced with respect to the axis of the track seen in the running direction. The receiving antenna advantageously consists of a winding with a left winding and a winding with a right winding mounted on one another on the same axis. Furthermore, this arrangement makes it possible, in particular, to discard the emission beacons corresponding to the reverse circulation direction or to parallel paths. This particular arrangement of the antenna therefore makes it possible to select the appropriate emission beacon safely. In effect, the magnetic fluxes perceived by the left and right windings of the antenna are in phase agreement when the correct emission beacon passes below the antenna. On the contrary, if a parasitic beacon of a parallel track, or of the other direction of movement of the vehicle, is captured by the aforementioned antenna, the two windings thereof capture magnetic fluxes of equal orientation, consequently, the signals received by said windings Opposites are in phase opposition. This allows the on-board device to select the appropriate beacons safely. A single antenna is sufficient on board the vehicle and will preferably be installed under the motor car. In the case of bidirectional rolling units, an antenna is installed at each end of the train, each antenna then being associated with a rolling direction. When the vehicle passes over a beacon, a transmission is carried out by modulating the frequency of the magnetic field radiated by the beacon agreed to 100 KHz.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - Procedure for allowing the braking and / or stopping of a vehicle traveling on a railway-type track with the aid of an installation comprising, on the one hand, a ground equipment (1) fixed on the track comprising at least one emission beacon (A) of a magnetic field, and on the other hand an on-board equipment (3) comprising at least one antenna (5) preferably fixed under the vehicle in a manner corresponding to the beacon of emission (A), characterized in that it is detected with the help of the antenna (5) placed under the vehicle the moment of entry into the magnetic field emitted by the beacon as well as the moment of departure from this field, because it is deduced of it the time that the vehicle uses to cross the magnetic field of influence so that, knowing the length of the beacon, the speed of the vehicle is calculated.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that an action is then taken on the braking circuit (6) according to the information given on the speed of the vehicle. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the emission beacon (A) emits a magnetic field modulated on the basis of indications given by an encoder (4), in turn connected to a signaling light (2). 4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the emission beacon (A) transmits the information that defines its length in encoded form to the antenna (5). 5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic field entry and exit times are defined by a fixed percentage of the maximum magnetic field received when passing over the corresponding beacon. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measurement of the magnetic field is carried out in two stages when the beacon emits a modulated magnetic field, on the one hand when the magnetic field is maximum, which corresponds, for example, to the presence of a magnetic field. bits in 1, and on the other hand when the magnetic field is minimal, corresponds for example to the presence of bits in 0. 7. Installation for carrying out the method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising on the one hand a computer floor (1) fixed on the track comprising in turn at least one emission beacon (A) of a magnetic field and on the other hand an on-board equipment (3) comprising at least one antenna (5) preferably fixed below the vehicle so that it corresponds to the emission beacon (A), and which also comprises a control circuit that sends the voltage level that allows to send an output relay ló defects / safety type logic if a sufficient magnetic field and correct frequency is generated by the emission beacon (A). 8. Installation according to claim 7, characterized in that the beacon is mounted between the two rails of a track, in an off-centered manner with respect to the track axis. 9. Installation according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the beacon consists of a single sufficiently rigid loop that constitutes the secondary winding of a magnetic circuit transformer in the primary circuit from which the frequency-modulated current is injected. 10. Installation according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the primary winding is mounted on the inside of the single turn on an axis perpendicular to the plane of said turn that is fixed on the track by means of legs in the form of " S ". 11. Installation according to any of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that a signaling or emission means (2) sends by means of an encoder (4) information relating to the appearance of the signaling. 12. Installation according to any of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the reception antenna mounted under the vehicle in accordance with the beacons, consists of two windings of which one is wound to the left and the other to the right.