EP1776267B1 - Method and device for measuring the separation between vehicles - Google Patents

Method and device for measuring the separation between vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1776267B1
EP1776267B1 EP05768010A EP05768010A EP1776267B1 EP 1776267 B1 EP1776267 B1 EP 1776267B1 EP 05768010 A EP05768010 A EP 05768010A EP 05768010 A EP05768010 A EP 05768010A EP 1776267 B1 EP1776267 B1 EP 1776267B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
vehicle
voltage
conductor
segment
segments
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EP05768010A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1776267A1 (en
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Jörg SCHWEIZER
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L23/00—Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains
    • B61L23/34—Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for indicating the distance between vehicles or trains by the transmission of signals therebetween
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L21/00—Station blocking between signal boxes in one yard
    • B61L21/10—Arrangements for trains which are closely following one another

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and an arrangement for measuring the distance of means of transport, such as vehicles, in particular of vehicles, driving one behind the other on a route (road, rail) in one direction.
  • the invention relates to the field relating to the regulation of means of transport (vehicles) in motion and relates to a device as well as a method for controlling the distance between vehicles, in particular between any two consecutive vehicles of a convoy of vehicles in motion , to eat.
  • Such a device is for example from the US-A-3,459,937 known.
  • Devices are known, e.g. Distance meters that work on the basis of laser or ultrasound and that allow to measure the distance from an obstacle.
  • these known devices often work incorrectly and are expensive and sensitive due to their complex structure.
  • a predetermined safety threshold eg, 2 seconds
  • Object of the present invention is to provide a simple and reliable device (device) and a similar method for measuring (detecting) of the distance between means of transport (vehicles) available.
  • the invention proposes a safe method and a secure, robust device (arrangement) which is also capable of indicating anomalies and disturbances.
  • the means for measuring the distance (d n ) between any vehicle (V n ) includes a plurality of vehicles (V) and the vehicle (V n-1 ) traveling in front of them, wherein the vehicles along a route (rail, road or similar) and moving in one direction.
  • This device contains along the entire route laid a reference conductor (LG) and a measuring conductor (LD).
  • the measuring conductor (LD) consists of several consecutive mutually electrically separated sections (S m ), each of which has a certain length (1).
  • the segments (S m ) of the measuring conductor (LD) are electrically connected to the preceding with respect to the direction of travel segment (S m-1 ) by a diode (D).
  • a constant current generator (G n ) is provided in each vehicle that moves along the particular route and direction.
  • the contacts of the constant current generator (G n ), first contacts (P n ) and second contacts (Q n ) are each connected to a position of the vehicle (V n ) corresponding section (S m ) of the measuring conductor (LD) and the reference conductor ( LG) are electrically connected along this movable.
  • the second contact to the electrical connection (Q n ) is preferably by a corresponding third movable electrical connection (contact T n ) with a portion (S m ) subsequent portion (S k ) of the measuring conductor (LD) behind the first electrical connection (P n ) is connected.
  • the contacts of the constant current generator (G n ) form, in particular an output (E n ), which provides a voltage signal with the distance (d n ) between the corresponding vehicle (V n ) the preceding vehicle (V n-1 ) is correlated.
  • the invention can be used with particular advantage in transport systems with rail-mounted transport vehicles, such as she out of the WO 02/04273 A1 are known to be applied.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of vehicles traveling along a roadway and equipped with the device according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a partially schematized view of the device according to the invention
  • FIG. 3 is a partial schematic view of part of the device according to FIG Figs. 4 to 6 are diagrams showing the waveform of signals appearing in the device according to the invention
  • Fig. 7 schematically shows the electrical conditions when measuring the distance.
  • a device 1 for measuring the distance (d n ) between any two consecutive means of transport (V n ) and (V n-1 ), for example, vehicles (road vehicles, rail-bound transport u.dgl .) are from a plurality of vehicles (V), the succession, eg in a column at any speed on a (predetermined) route 2 in a (certain) direction.
  • V vehicles
  • the device according to the invention also works successfully for measuring the distance between any two vehicles when the vehicles are stationary.
  • the device 1 has components that are stationary and, for example, in the roadway (road, highway, tracks, rails, etc.) are integrated, and also has components that are provided on the vehicles.
  • the device 1 has a reference conductor (LG) and a measuring conductor (LD), which are laid along the roadway 2.
  • LG reference conductor
  • LD measuring conductor
  • the reference conductor (LG) is a bare conductor (conductor line) and may consist of rails or outdoor ropes.
  • the measuring conductor (LD) is also a bare line and consists of several successive separate sections (S m ), wherein each section (S m ) has a certain length (1).
  • the sections (S m ) of the measuring conductor (LD) are arranged in line with the track parallel to the reference conductor (LG), their adjacent ends being electrically isolated from each other by breaks or insulating spacers.
  • Such spacers can be made of plastic or ceramic and have a length which is less than a third, preferably less than a hundredth of the length (1) of the sections (S m ).
  • Each section (S m ) is electrically connected to the preceding section (S m-1 ) by a diode (D), wherein the passage direction of the diode (D) coincides with the predetermined direction of travel of the vehicles on the road 2.
  • each section (S m ) of the measuring conductor (LD) is electrically connected to the reference conductor (LG) via resistors (R) with a resistance of 50KOhm.
  • the provided on vehicles (V n ) components of the device 1 according to the invention are movable electrical connections (contacts), such as sliding contacts, skids or brushes, said first connections (contacts P n ) and second connections (contacts Q n ) and third connections (contacts T n ) are provided.
  • Further components of the device 1 according to the invention which are arranged on vehicles (V n ), are electrical generators from which a constant current (G n ) and a variable voltage (W n ), eg voltages with sinusoidal characteristic, are delivered.
  • G n constant current
  • W n variable voltage
  • the first electrical movable contact (P n ) connects the first contact of the constant current generator (G n ) to a section (S m ) of the measuring conductor (LD) which coincides with the position of the vehicle (V n ).
  • the second movable contact (Q n ) connects the second contact of the constant current generator (G n ) and the first contact of the variable voltage generator (W n ) with the reference conductor (LG).
  • the third movable electrical contact (T n ) connects the second contact of the variable voltage generator (W n ) with the portion (S k ) of the measuring conductor (LD), this portion (S k ) with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle behind the section (S m ) is located.
  • variable voltage generator (W n ) is replaced by a simple direct electrical connection between the second movable contact (Q n ) and the third electrically movable contact (T n ).
  • the contacts of the constant current generator (G n ) represent a two-pole output which provides voltage signals correlated with the distance (d n ) between the subject vehicle (V n ) and the preceding vehicle (V n-1 ).
  • FIG. 3 an embodiment of the device according to the invention in the area of a (road) fork, or a (road) branch is shown.
  • the first three consecutive sections (S m ) of one branch 2 of the road are connected by connecting conductors 4 to the corresponding sections (S m ) of the other branch 3 of the road.
  • Successive connecting conductors 4 are connected to each other by a diode (D) and are connected via resistors (R) alternately to the reference conductor (LG) of one branch 2 and that of the other branch 3, respectively.
  • the device according to the invention comprises in one embodiment for each vehicle (V n ) a device for estimating the distance (d n ), which can operate analog or digital and has A / D interface, which is connected to the output (E n ) and that are capable is to calculate the estimate of the distance (d n ).
  • the operation of the method according to the invention provides, the distance (d n ) in the vehicle (V n ) by means of the voltage (u n ) between the two contacts of the power source (G n ), the qualitatively in Fig. 4 as a function of distance ( d n ) is evaluated.
  • a short-term average value (U n ) of (u n (t) ) is calculated to estimate the distance (d n ).
  • the mean value (U n ) must be recalculated every time the distance (d n ) is changed.
  • At least the mean value (u sm-1 ) of the same signal in the vehicle (V m ) must be known in advance.
  • (U n ) is a monotonically increasing function of the distance (d n ), as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the voltage (U D ) is the voltage difference between the terminals of each of the diodes (D), each of which is traversed by the same current (I).
  • Figure 7 illustrates once again the electrical conditions and the procedure of carriage (V n ), which measures its distance to the preceding vehicle (V n-1 ).
  • the power source of car (V n ) impresses the measuring current (I n ) in the measuring rail (LD), which flows to the left due to the selected polarity of the diode chain. If there is no carriage in the measuring range, the voltage (U ⁇ ) will be set at the measuring point (E n ). However, when the carriage (V n-1 ) is within the detection range, a part of the measuring current (I n ) is DC-shorted by the voltage source of the carriage (V n-1 ). An impressed signal voltage (u n-1 (t)) can be coupled out and evaluated via appropriate filters.
  • the short circuit reduces the voltage to (u n (t)).
  • the measured voltage (u n (t)) at each transition to the next segment will reduce stepwise by the forward voltage of a diode (U D ).
  • the accuracy of the distance measurement can be increased by additionally increasing the height of the steps, i. the forward voltage of the diodes are measured. This is mainly dependent on the temperature.
  • the measuring current I determines the range of the measurement. It must be dimensioned for a measurement in the linear range so that the current through the voltage source (i Q ) is significantly greater than the current through the resistors (i R ). If this condition is fulfilled, (u n (t)) will be almost independent of the measuring current (I). Carriage (V n ) can check this by resizing the measuring current (I) and checking the effect on the measured value (u n (t)).
  • An interruption in the reference conductor (LD) or in the measuring conductor (LG) between successive vehicles (V n and V n-1 ) can be identified by the method described in the "open circuit". If one or more diodes (D) have a short circuit, the measured distance (d n ) is always shorter than the actual one. This fact is considered safe for anti-collision systems.
  • An advantage of the invention is a simple, safe and reliable means of measuring the distance between vehicles, which moreover is capable of detecting anomalies and disturbances.
  • a method is used which is based on the measurement of the forward voltage of the diode chain.
  • Semiconductor diodes have a characteristic in the flow direction, which is characterized in that the diode is not a real switch, but that sets in the forward direction of a voltage drop (UD), which is essentially logarithmically dependent on the current.
  • UD voltage drop
  • the measuring principle according to the invention is based on the fact that a measurement current (I) is impressed between the current grinders of two consecutively running cars (vehicles) and then a voltage is measured which is n.UD, whereby (n) the number of sections (S m ) of the broken loop conductor (LD) of length (1) (ie, the forward voltage of the diode string).
  • the distance between the carriages is therefore equal to the product of the length (1) of the sections (S m ) of the sliding conductor (LD) and the measured voltage (U meas ) broken by the voltage drop across the diode (UD) (1 * U meas / UD) (this results in a diagram corresponding to the staircase curve of Fig.
  • the staircase width corresponds to the length (1) of the sections (S m )).
  • the stairs are approximate at the bottom but not quite linear due to the resistors (R).
  • the non-linear The area in the upper part is based on the fact that a part of the impressed measuring current is diverted in each section above the resistor (R). At some point, then there is no more power and the Flußposition over the last diodes of the measuring range, as mentioned above, smaller.
  • the measuring current (I) defines only the range of the measurement, not the result itself.
  • An advantage of the device according to the invention is that decoupling takes place through the use of the diodes, so that each car can measure the distance to the car traveling in front of it.
  • This advantage is brought about by the blocking characteristic of the diodes, ie those diodes which are located between the two sections (S m ) contacted by the same carriage (front and rear sliding contact) are reverse-biased.
  • the length (1) of the sections (S m ) must therefore always be smaller than the distance between the front and rear grinder of a car. This results in the situation that all diodes between two cars are poled in the forward direction and thus can be used for distance measurement. However, the diodes below the carriage are poled in reverse direction and thus the measuring sections are decoupled from each other.
  • the device 1 includes along the said path a reference conductor (LG) and a measuring conductor (LD), the latter consists of a plurality of successive, separate sections (S m ) having a predetermined length 1. Each section (S m ) is electrically connected to the preceding section (S m ) by a diode (D).
  • LG reference conductor
  • LD measuring conductor
  • a constant current generator (G n ) of the device 1 is provided, whose contacts each with one of the position the vehicle (V n ) corresponding portion (S m ) of the Meßleiters (LD) and with the reference conductor (LG) by first movable electrical contacts (P n ), and by second movable electrical contacts (Q n ) are connected.
  • Each second electrical contact (Q n ) is connected through a corresponding third, movable electrical contact (T n ) with a segment (S k ) following the section (S m ), relative to the direction behind the first electrical contact (P n ) connected.
  • the contacts of the constant current generator (G n ) form an output (E n ) which provides a voltage signal which corresponds to the distance (d n ) between the relevant vehicle (V n ) and the preceding vehicle (V n-1 ) is correlated.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Length, Angles, Or The Like Using Electric Or Magnetic Means (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Optical Distance (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
  • Train Traffic Observation, Control, And Security (AREA)

Abstract

Device for measuring the separation, between any vehicle of a number of vehicles and the preceding vehicle along a stretch and for a direction, includes a reference conductor and a measuring conductor, along the stretch, the latter including a number of serial separate sections. Each section is electrically-connected to the previous section, via a diode. A constant current generator is provided in each vehicle, whose contacts are each connected to a section of the measuring conductor, corresponding to the position of the vehicle and to the reference conductor, via first and second moving contacts. Each second electric contact is connected to a segment, following the section, lying behind the first electrical contact, the direction of travel, via a corresponding third moving electrical contact. The contacts of the constant current generator form an output, which provides a voltage signal correlated to the distance between the relevant vehicle and the previous vehicle.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und eine Anordnung zum Messen des Abstandes von Transportmitteln, wie Fahrzeugen, insbesondere von Fahrzeugen, die hintereinander auf einer Strecke (Straße, Schiene) in eine Richtung fahren. Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf das Gebiet, welches das Regeln von Transportmitteln (Fahrzeugen) in Bewegung betrifft und bezieht sich auf eine Einrichtung ebenso wie ein Verfahren, um den Abstand zwischen Fahrzeugen, insbesondere zwischen zwei beliebigen aufeinanderfolgenden Fahrzeugen einer Fahrzeugkolonne, die sich in Bewegung befindet, zu messen.The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for measuring the distance of means of transport, such as vehicles, in particular of vehicles, driving one behind the other on a route (road, rail) in one direction. The invention relates to the field relating to the regulation of means of transport (vehicles) in motion and relates to a device as well as a method for controlling the distance between vehicles, in particular between any two consecutive vehicles of a convoy of vehicles in motion , to eat.

Eine solche Einrichtung ist z.B. aus der US-A-3 459 937 bekannt.Such a device is for example from the US-A-3,459,937 known.

Bekannt sind Einrichtungen, z.B. Abstandmesser, die auf Basis von Laser oder mit Ultraschall arbeiten und die es erlauben, den Abstand von einem Hindernis zu messen. Diese bekannten Einrichtungen arbeiten aber oft fehlerhaft und sind aufgrund ihres aufwändigen Aufbaus teuer und empfindlich.Devices are known, e.g. Distance meters that work on the basis of laser or ultrasound and that allow to measure the distance from an obstacle. However, these known devices often work incorrectly and are expensive and sensitive due to their complex structure.

Bekannt sind auch Einrichtungen, die üblicherweise dazu verwendet werden, digitale Daten zwischen zwei Zügen auszutauschen, mit dem Ziel, den nachfolgenden Zug anzuhalten, wenn die Verbindung über eine bestimmte Zeitdauer, die größer ist als ein vorgegebener Sicherheitsgrenzwert (beispielsweise 2 sek.), unterbrochen ist. Auch diese bekannten Einrichtungen haben den Nachteil, dass sie einen aufwändigen Aufbau haben und Fehlern und Störungen unterworfen sein können.Also known are devices that are commonly used to exchange digital data between two trains, with the aim of stopping the subsequent train when the connection is interrupted for a certain period of time greater than a predetermined safety threshold (eg, 2 seconds) is. These known devices have the disadvantage that they have a complex structure and can be subject to errors and interference.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine einfache und verlässliche Einrichtung (Gerät) und ein ebensolches Verfahren für das Messen (Erfassen) des Abstandes zwischen Transportmitteln (Fahrzeugen) zur Verfügung zu stellen.Object of the present invention is to provide a simple and reliable device (device) and a similar method for measuring (detecting) of the distance between means of transport (vehicles) available.

Gelöst wird diese Aufgabe mit einem Verfahren und mit einer Einrichtung, welche die Merkmale der unabhängigen Ansprüche aufweisen.This object is achieved with a method and with a device having the features of the independent claims.

Mit der Erfindung wird ein sicheres Verfahren und eine sichere, robuste Einrichtung (Anordnung) vorgeschlagen, die überdies in der Lage ist, Anomalien und Störungen aufzuzeigen.The invention proposes a safe method and a secure, robust device (arrangement) which is also capable of indicating anomalies and disturbances.

In einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung enthält die Einrichtung zum Messen des Abstandes (dn) zwischen einem beliebigen Fahrzeug (Vn) aus einer Vielzahl von Fahrzeugen (V) und dem vor ihm fahrenden Fahrzeug (Vn-1), wobei sich die Fahrzeuge entlang einer Strecke (Schiene, Straße od.dgl.) und in eine Richtung bewegen. Diese Einrichtung enthält entlang der gesamten Strecke verlegt einen Referenzleiter (LG) und einen Messleiter (LD). Der Messleiter (LD) besteht aus mehreren aufeinanderfolgenden voneinander elektrisch getrennten Abschnitten (Sm), von denen jeder eine bestimmte Länge (1) hat. Die Segmente (Sm) des Messleiters (LD) sind mit dem bezogen auf die Fahrtrichtung vorhergehenden Segment (Sm-1) elektrisch durch eine Diode (D) verbunden.In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the means for measuring the distance (d n ) between any vehicle (V n ) includes a plurality of vehicles (V) and the vehicle (V n-1 ) traveling in front of them, wherein the vehicles along a route (rail, road or similar) and moving in one direction. This device contains along the entire route laid a reference conductor (LG) and a measuring conductor (LD). The measuring conductor (LD) consists of several consecutive mutually electrically separated sections (S m ), each of which has a certain length (1). The segments (S m ) of the measuring conductor (LD) are electrically connected to the preceding with respect to the direction of travel segment (S m-1 ) by a diode (D).

In einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist in jedem Fahrzeug, dass sich entlang der bestimmten Strecke und in die bestimmte Richtung bewegt, ein Konstantstromgenerator (Gn) vorgesehen. Die Kontakte des Konstantstromgenerators (Gn), erste Kontakte (Pn) und zweite Kontakte (Qn) sind jeweils mit einem der Position des Fahrzeuges (Vn) entsprechenden Abschnitt (Sm) des Messleiters (LD) und mit dem Referenzleiter (LG) entlang dieser beweglich elektrisch verbunden.In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a constant current generator (G n ) is provided in each vehicle that moves along the particular route and direction. The contacts of the constant current generator (G n ), first contacts (P n ) and second contacts (Q n ) are each connected to a position of the vehicle (V n ) corresponding section (S m ) of the measuring conductor (LD) and the reference conductor ( LG) are electrically connected along this movable.

Der zweite Kontakt zur elektrischen Verbindung (Qn) ist bevorzugt durch eine entsprechende dritte bewegliche elektrische Verbindung (Kontakt Tn) mit einem dem Abschnitt (Sm) nachfolgenden Abschnitt (Sk) des Messleiters (LD), der hinter der ersten elektrischen Verbindung (Pn) liegt, verbunden.The second contact to the electrical connection (Q n ) is preferably by a corresponding third movable electrical connection (contact T n ) with a portion (S m ) subsequent portion (S k ) of the measuring conductor (LD) behind the first electrical connection (P n ) is connected.

Die Kontakte des Konstantstromgenerators (Gn) bilden, insbesondere einen Ausgang (En), der ein Spannungssignal zur Verfügung stellt, das mit dem Abstand (dn) zwischen dem entsprechenden Fahrzeug (Vn) dem ihm vorausfahrenden Fahrzeug (Vn-1) korreliert ist.The contacts of the constant current generator (G n ) form, in particular an output (E n ), which provides a voltage signal with the distance (d n ) between the corresponding vehicle (V n ) the preceding vehicle (V n-1 ) is correlated.

Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens und der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Unteransprüche.Preferred embodiments of the method and the device according to the invention are the subject of the dependent subclaims.

Die Erfindung (Verfahren und Einrichtung) kann mit besonderem Vorteil bei Transportanlagen mit schienengebundenen Transportwagen, wie sie aus der WO 02/04273 A1 bekannt sind, angewendet werden.The invention (method and device) can be used with particular advantage in transport systems with rail-mounted transport vehicles, such as she out of the WO 02/04273 A1 are known to be applied.

Weitere Einzelheiten und Merkmale der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen anhand der teils schematischen Zeichnungen. Es zeigt Fig. 1 eine schematische Ansicht von Fahrzeugen, die entlang einer Fahrbahn fahren und die mit der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung ausgerüstet sind, Fig. 2 eine teilweise schematisierte Ansicht der Einrichtung gemäß der Erfindung, Fig. 3 eine teilweise schematische Ansicht eines Teils der Einrichtung gemäß der Erfindung an einer Stelle, an der sich die Fahrbahn gabelt, die Fig. 4 bis 6 Diagramme, die den Verlauf von Signalen, die bei der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung auftreten, zeigen und Fig. 7 schematisiert die elektrischen Verhältnisse beim Messen des Abstandes.Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the partially schematic drawings. 1 is a schematic view of vehicles traveling along a roadway and equipped with the device according to the invention, FIG. 2 is a partially schematized view of the device according to the invention, FIG. 3 is a partial schematic view of part of the device according to FIG Figs. 4 to 6 are diagrams showing the waveform of signals appearing in the device according to the invention, and Fig. 7 schematically shows the electrical conditions when measuring the distance.

In den Fig. 1 und 2 ist eine Einrichtung 1 (Anordnung) zum Messen des Abstandes (dn) zwischen zwei beliebigen aufeinanderfolgenden Transportmitteln (Vn) und (Vn-1), die beispielsweise Fahrzeuge (Straßenfahrzeuge, schienengebundene Transportmittel u.dgl.) aus einer Vielzahl von Fahrzeugen (V) sind, die hintereinander, z.B. in einer Kolonne mit einer beliebigen Geschwindigkeit auf einer (vorbestimmten) Strecke 2 in eine (bestimmte) Richtung fahren. Hinzuweisen ist darauf, dass die erfindungsgemäße Einrichtung auch dann erfolgreich zum Messen des Abstandes zwischen zwei beliebigen Fahrzeugen arbeitet, wenn die Fahrzeuge stillstehen.In Figs. 1 and 2 is a device 1 (arrangement) for measuring the distance (d n ) between any two consecutive means of transport (V n ) and (V n-1 ), for example, vehicles (road vehicles, rail-bound transport u.dgl .) are from a plurality of vehicles (V), the succession, eg in a column at any speed on a (predetermined) route 2 in a (certain) direction. It should be pointed out that the device according to the invention also works successfully for measuring the distance between any two vehicles when the vehicles are stationary.

Die Einrichtung 1 weist Bestandteile auf, die ortsfest sind und beispielsweise in die Fahrbahn (Straße, Autobahn, Gleise, Schienen, u.dgl.) integriert sind, und weist weiters Bestandteile auf, die an den Fahrzeugen vorgesehen sind.The device 1 has components that are stationary and, for example, in the roadway (road, highway, tracks, rails, etc.) are integrated, and also has components that are provided on the vehicles.

Die Einrichtung 1 weist einen Referenzleiter (LG) und einen Meßleiter (LD) auf, die entlang der Fahrbahn 2 verlegt sind.The device 1 has a reference conductor (LG) and a measuring conductor (LD), which are laid along the roadway 2.

Der Referenzleiter (LG) ist eine blanke Leitung (Schleifleitung) und kann aus Schienen oder Freiluftseilen bestehen.The reference conductor (LG) is a bare conductor (conductor line) and may consist of rails or outdoor ropes.

Der Meßleiter (LD) ist ebenfalls eine blanke Leitung und besteht aus mehreren aufeinanderfolgenden getrennten Abschnitten (Sm), wobei jeder Abschnitt (Sm) eine bestimmte Länge (1) besitzt.The measuring conductor (LD) is also a bare line and consists of several successive separate sections (S m ), wherein each section (S m ) has a certain length (1).

Die Abschnitte (Sm) des Meßleiters (LD) sind an der Fahrbahn parallel zum Referenzleiter (LG) in einer Reihe angeordnet, wobei ihre aneinandergrenzenden Enden voneinander durch Unterbrechungen oder isolierende Abstandshalter elektrisch isoliert sind. Solche Abstandshalter können aus Kunststoff oder Keramik bestehen und haben eine Länge, die geringer ist als ein Drittel, vorzugsweise weniger als ein Hundertstel der Länge (1) der Abschnitte (Sm) ist.The sections (S m ) of the measuring conductor (LD) are arranged in line with the track parallel to the reference conductor (LG), their adjacent ends being electrically isolated from each other by breaks or insulating spacers. Such spacers can be made of plastic or ceramic and have a length which is less than a third, preferably less than a hundredth of the length (1) of the sections (S m ).

Jeder Abschnitt (Sm) ist mit dem vorangehenden Abschnitt (Sm-1) durch eine Diode (D) elektrisch verbunden, wobei die Durchlassrichtung der Diode (D) mit der vorgegebenen Fahrtrichtung der Fahrzeuge auf der Straße 2 übereinstimmt.Each section (S m ) is electrically connected to the preceding section (S m-1 ) by a diode (D), wherein the passage direction of the diode (D) coincides with the predetermined direction of travel of the vehicles on the road 2.

Des weiteren ist jeder Abschnitt (Sm) des Messleiters (LD) mit dem Referenzleiter (LG) über Widerstände (R) mit einem Widerstand von 50KOhm elektrisch verbunden.Furthermore, each section (S m ) of the measuring conductor (LD) is electrically connected to the reference conductor (LG) via resistors (R) with a resistance of 50KOhm.

Die auf Fahrzeugen (Vn) vorgesehenen Bestandteile der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung 1 sind bewegliche elektrische Verbindungen (Kontakte), z.B. Schleifkontakte, Kufen oder Bürsten, wobei erste Verbindungen (Kontakte Pn) und zweite Verbindungen (Kontakte Qn) sowie dritte Verbindungen (Kontakte Tn) vorgesehen sind.The provided on vehicles (V n ) components of the device 1 according to the invention are movable electrical connections (contacts), such as sliding contacts, skids or brushes, said first connections (contacts P n ) and second connections (contacts Q n ) and third connections (contacts T n ) are provided.

Weitere Bestandteile der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung 1, die auf Fahrzeugen (Vn) angeordnet sind, sind elektrische Generatoren, von welchen ein konstanter Strom (Gn) und eine variable Spannung (Wn), z.B. Spannungen mit sinusförmigen Verlauf, abgegeben wird.Further components of the device 1 according to the invention, which are arranged on vehicles (V n ), are electrical generators from which a constant current (G n ) and a variable voltage (W n ), eg voltages with sinusoidal characteristic, are delivered.

Der erste elektrische bewegliche Kontakt (Pn) verbindet den ersten Kontakt des Konstantstromgenerators (Gn) mit einem mit der Position des Fahrzeuges (Vn) übereinstimmenden Abschnitt (Sm) des Meßleiters (LD).The first electrical movable contact (P n ) connects the first contact of the constant current generator (G n ) to a section (S m ) of the measuring conductor (LD) which coincides with the position of the vehicle (V n ).

Der zweite bewegliche Kontakt (Qn) verbindet den zweiten Kontakt des Konstantstromgenerators (Gn) und den ersten Kontakt des variablen Spannungsgenerators (Wn) mit dem Referenzleiter (LG).The second movable contact (Q n ) connects the second contact of the constant current generator (G n ) and the first contact of the variable voltage generator (W n ) with the reference conductor (LG).

Der dritte bewegliche elektrische Kontakt (Tn) verbindet den zweiten Kontakt des variablen Spannungsgenerators (Wn) mit dem Abschnitt (Sk) des Meßleiters (LD), wobei dieser Abschnitt (Sk) bezüglich der Fahrtrichtung des Fahrzeuges hinter dem Abschnitt (Sm) liegt.The third movable electrical contact (T n ) connects the second contact of the variable voltage generator (W n ) with the portion (S k ) of the measuring conductor (LD), this portion (S k ) with respect to the direction of travel of the vehicle behind the section (S m ) is located.

In einer Alternative kann vorgesehen sein, dass der variable Spannungsgenerator (Wn) durch eine einfache direkte elektrische Verbindung zwischen dem zweiten beweglichen Kontakt (Qn) und dem dritten elektrisch beweglichen Kontakt (Tn) ersetzt ist.In an alternative, it may be provided that the variable voltage generator (W n ) is replaced by a simple direct electrical connection between the second movable contact (Q n ) and the third electrically movable contact (T n ).

Für gewöhnlich ist im Rahmen der Erfindung vorgesehen, dass der Abschnitt (Sm) mit dem ersten beweglichen elektrischen Kontakt (Pn) von dem Abschnitt (Sk), dem der dritte bewegliche elektrische Kontakt (Tm) zugeordnet ist, durch zwei oder mehrere dazwischenliegende Abschnitte (Sm) getrennt ist, wobei die Zahl der dazwischen liegenden Abschnitte (Sm) von dem Abstand zwischen den beweglichen Kontakten abhängt.It is usually provided in the invention that the portion (S m ) with the first movable electrical contact (P n ) of the portion (S k ), which is associated with the third movable electrical contact (T m ), by two or a plurality of intermediate portions (S m ) is separated, wherein the number of intermediate portions (S m ) depends on the distance between the movable contacts.

Die Kontakte des Konstantstromgenerators (Gn) stellen einen zweipoligen Ausgang dar, der Spannungssignale liefert, die mit dem Abstand (dn) zwischen dem betreffenden Fahrzeug (Vn) und dem vorausfahrenden Fahrzeug (Vn-1) korreliert sind.The contacts of the constant current generator (G n ) represent a two-pole output which provides voltage signals correlated with the distance (d n ) between the subject vehicle (V n ) and the preceding vehicle (V n-1 ).

In Fig. 3 ist eine Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung im Bereich einer (Straßen-)Gabelung, oder einer (Straßen-)Abzweigung gezeigt. Hier zweigt von der Strecke 2 ein Ast 3 ab. In diesem Fall sind die ersten drei aufeinanderfolgenden Abschnitte (Sm) eines Astes 2 der Straße durch Verbindungsleiter 4 mit den entsprechenden Abschnitten (Sm) des anderen Astes 3 der Straße verbunden.In Fig. 3, an embodiment of the device according to the invention in the area of a (road) fork, or a (road) branch is shown. Here branches of the route 2 from a branch 3. In this case, the first three consecutive sections (S m ) of one branch 2 of the road are connected by connecting conductors 4 to the corresponding sections (S m ) of the other branch 3 of the road.

Aufeinanderfolgende Verbindungsleiter 4 sind miteinander durch eine Diode (D) verbunden und sind über Widerstände (R) abwechselnd jeweils mit dem Referenzleiter (LG) des einen Astes 2 und dem des anderen Astes 3 verbunden.Successive connecting conductors 4 are connected to each other by a diode (D) and are connected via resistors (R) alternately to the reference conductor (LG) of one branch 2 and that of the other branch 3, respectively.

Die erfindungsgemäße Einrichtung umfasst in einer Ausführung für jedes Fahrzeug (Vn) eine Einrichtung zum Abschätzen des Abstandes (dn), die analog oder digital arbeiten kann und A/D-Schnittstelle aufweist, die an den Ausgang (En) angeschlossen ist und die im Stande ist, den Schätzwert des Abstandes (dn) zu berechnen.The device according to the invention comprises in one embodiment for each vehicle (V n ) a device for estimating the distance (d n ), which can operate analog or digital and has A / D interface, which is connected to the output (E n ) and that are capable is to calculate the estimate of the distance (d n ).

Die Arbeitsweise des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens sieht vor, den Abstand (dn) im Fahrzeug (Vn) mit Hilfe der Spannung (un) zwischen den beiden Kontakten der Stromquelle (Gn), die qualitativ in Fig. 4 in Abhängigkeit vom Abstand (dn) dargestellt ist, auszuwerten.The operation of the method according to the invention provides, the distance (d n ) in the vehicle (V n ) by means of the voltage (u n ) between the two contacts of the power source (G n ), the qualitatively in Fig. 4 as a function of distance ( d n ) is evaluated.

Wenn im vorausfahrenden Fahrzeug (Vn-1) ein Signal (usn-1(t)), wie in Fig. 5 gezeigt, aufmoduliert wird, das die Spannung an den Kontakten des Generators (Wm-1) ist, kann ein solches Signal im Fahrzeug (Vn) aus dem Signal (un(t)) wie in Fig. 6 gezeigt, an den Anschlüssen des Generators wieder hergestellt werden.When in the preceding vehicle (V n-1 ), a signal (u sn-1 (t) ), as shown in Fig. 5, which is the voltage at the contacts of the generator (W m-1 ), modulated on such signal in the vehicle (V n ) from the signal (u n (t) ) as shown in Fig. 6, are restored to the terminals of the generator.

In diesem Fall wird ein Kurzzeit-Mittelwert (Un) von (un(t)) berechnet, um den Abstand (dn) zu schätzen.In this case, a short-term average value (U n ) of (u n (t) ) is calculated to estimate the distance (d n ).

Der Mittelwert (Un) muss bei jeder Änderung des Abstandes (dn) neu berechnet werden.The mean value (U n ) must be recalculated every time the distance (d n ) is changed.

Um (us,n1(t)) zu demodulieren, muss mindestens der Mittelswert (usm-1) desselben Signals im Fahrzeug (Vm) von vornherein bekannt sein.In order to demodulate (u s, n1 (t) ), at least the mean value (u sm-1 ) of the same signal in the vehicle (V m ) must be known in advance.

Des weiteren wird angenommen, dass der Strom in dem Meßleiter (Ld) zwischen (Tn und Pn) immer Null ist.Furthermore, it is assumed that the current in the measuring conductor (L d ) between (T n and P n ) is always zero.

Im allgemeinen ist (Un) eine monoton steigende Funktion des Abstandes (dn), wie dies in Fig. 4 gezeigt ist.In general, (U n ) is a monotonically increasing function of the distance (d n ), as shown in FIG. 4.

Um den gemessenen Wert (Un) auszuwerten, ist im Rahmen der Erfindung vorteilhaft vorgesehen, diese Funktion in drei Bereiche zu unterteilen. Einen linearen Bereich, einen nicht-linearen Bereich und einen Bereich "offener Stromkreis".In order to evaluate the measured value (U n ), it is advantageously provided within the scope of the invention to subdivide this function into three regions. A linear area, a non-linear area, and an open circuit area.

Auf diese Weise kann zusätzlich zur Abstandsmessung auch festgestellt werden, ob es ein vorausfahrendes Fahrzeug gibt, oder ob eine Unterbrechung im Schaltkreis vorliegt.In this way, in addition to the distance measurement can also be determined whether there is a preceding vehicle, or if there is an interruption in the circuit.

Die genaue Unterteilung dieser Bereiche hängt vom Wert des Widerstandes (R) und vom Typ der Diode (D) ab.The exact division of these ranges depends on the value of the resistor (R) and the type of diode (D).

Messungen im linearen Bereich:

  • Für kurze Abstände erhöht sich (Un) linear stufenförmig, wie in Fig. 4 gezeigt.
Measurements in the linear range:
  • For short distances (U n ) increases linearly stepped, as shown in Fig. 4.

In diesem Fall kann der Abstand mit der Formel dn= 1 * (Un-Us,n-1)/UD von mit einer Genauigkeit von +/ - 1 geschätzt werden, was maximal einen Fehler in der Länge eines Abschnittes (Sn) entspricht. Dabei ist die Spannung (UD) die Spannungsdifferenz zwischen den Klemmen jeder der Dioden (D), von denen jede mit derselben Stromstärke (I) durchflossen wird.In this case, the distance can be estimated with the formula d n = 1 * (U n -U s, n-1 ) / U D of with an accuracy of + / - 1, which is a maximum error in the length of a section ( S n ) corresponds. Here, the voltage (U D ) is the voltage difference between the terminals of each of the diodes (D), each of which is traversed by the same current (I).

In dem linearen Abschnitt kann die Spannung (Us,n-1(t) im Fahrzeug (Vn) nach der Formel us,n-1(t)=Us,n - Un + un(t) demoduliert werden.In the linear section, the voltage (U s, n-1 (t) in the vehicle (V n ) can be demodulated according to the formula u s, n-1 (t) = U s, n -U n + u n (t) become.

Messungen in nicht linearen Bereich:Measurements in non-linear range:

Beim Vergrößern des Abstandes (dn) zwischen einem Fahrzeug (Vn) und einem vorausfahrenden Fahrzeug (Vn-1) erhöht sich der Abstand (dn) nicht linear mit (Un), was bedeutet, dass die Stufen immer kleiner werden, wie dies in Fig. 4 zwischen der horizontalen gestrichelten und der horizontalen durchgezogenen Linie gezeigt ist.When increasing the distance (d n ) between a vehicle (V n ) and a preceding vehicle (V n-1 ), the distance (d n ) does not increase linearly with (U n ), which means that the steps become smaller and smaller as shown in Fig. 4 between the horizontal dashed line and the horizontal solid line.

Falls (dn) gegen unendlich geht, nähert sich die Spannung (Un) dem Grenzwert (Uinf).If (d n ) goes to infinity, the voltage (U n ) approaches the limit (U inf ).

Wenn (Un=Uinf) ist, bedeutet das, dass ein Fahrzeug (Vn-1), das dem Fahrzeug (Vn) vorausfährt, nicht vorliegt, oder dass es sehr weit entfernt ist.If (U n = U inf ), it means that a vehicle (V n-1 ) ahead of the vehicle (V n ) is not present or that it is very far away.

Messungen im Bereich "offener Schaltkreis":Measurements in the "open circuit" area:

Falls der Schaltkreis zwischen den Kontakten des Konstantstromgenerators (Gn), das sind die der Referenzleiter (LG), der Messleiter (LD) und die beweglichen Kontakte Pn, Qn, Tn zwischen zwei aufeinanderfolgenden Fahrzeugen (Vn und Vn-1) offen ist, dann erreicht (Un) einen größeren Wert als (Uinf).If the circuit between the contacts of the constant current generator (Gn), that of the reference conductor (LG), the measuring conductor (LD) and the movable contacts P n , Q n , T n between two consecutive vehicles (V n and V n-1 ) is open, then (U n ) reaches a value greater than (U inf ).

Das Bild 7 illustriert nochmals die elektrischen Verhältnisse und den Verfahrensablauf von Wagen (Vn), der seinen Abstand zu dem vor ihm fahrenden Wagen (Vn-1) misst. Die Stromquelle von Wagen (Vn) prägt den Meßstrom (In) in die Meßschiene (LD) ein, der aufgrund der gewählten Polarität der Diodenkette nach links fließt. Befindet sich kein Wagen im Meßbereich, wird sich am Meßpunkt (En) die Spannung (U∞) einstellen. Befindet sich jedoch der Wagen (Vn-1) innerhalb des Erfassungsbereiches, wird ein Teil des Meßstroms (In) von der Spannungsquelle des Wagens (Vn-1) gleichspannungsmäßig kurzgeschlossen. Eine aufgeprägte Signalspannung (un-1(t)) kann über entsprechende Filter ausgekoppelt und ausgewertet werden. Durch den Kurzschluss wird die Spannung auf (un(t)) reduziert. Sobald die Meßspannung unterhalb von (Ulin), damit im linearen Bereich liegt, kann der Wagen (Vn) nun den Schätzwert der Entfernung zum Wagen (Vn-1) durch Messung der Spannung an der Stromquelle (un(t)) nach der vereinfachten Formel (dn = 1 * un(t)/UD) berechnen. Bei Annäherung an den Wagen (Vn-1) wird sich die gemessene Spannung (un(t)) bei jedem Übergang zum nächsten Segment stufenförmig um die Durchflußspannung einer Diode (UD) reduzieren.Figure 7 illustrates once again the electrical conditions and the procedure of carriage (V n ), which measures its distance to the preceding vehicle (V n-1 ). The power source of car (V n ) impresses the measuring current (I n ) in the measuring rail (LD), which flows to the left due to the selected polarity of the diode chain. If there is no carriage in the measuring range, the voltage (U ∞ ) will be set at the measuring point (E n ). However, when the carriage (V n-1 ) is within the detection range, a part of the measuring current (I n ) is DC-shorted by the voltage source of the carriage (V n-1 ). An impressed signal voltage (u n-1 (t)) can be coupled out and evaluated via appropriate filters. The short circuit reduces the voltage to (u n (t)). As soon as the measuring voltage lies below (U lin ), ie in the linear range, the carriage (V n ) can now estimate the distance to the carriage (V n-1 ) by measuring the voltage at the current source (u n (t)) according to the simplified formula (d n = 1 * u n (t) / U D ). When approaching the carriage (V n-1 ), the measured voltage (u n (t)) at each transition to the next segment will reduce stepwise by the forward voltage of a diode (U D ).

Zu beachten ist, dass die Genauigkeit der Abstandsmessung erhöht werden kann, indem zusätzlich die Höhe der Stufen, d.h. die Durchflußspannung der Dioden, gemessen werden. Diese ist hauptsächlich von der Temperatur abhängig.It should be noted that the accuracy of the distance measurement can be increased by additionally increasing the height of the steps, i. the forward voltage of the diodes are measured. This is mainly dependent on the temperature.

Zu beachten ist weiters, dass der Meßstrom I die Reichweite der Messung bestimmt. Er muß für eine Messung im linearen Bereich so dimensioniert sein, dass der Strom durch die Spannungsquelle (iQ) deutlich größer ist als der Strom durch die Widerstände (iR). Ist diese Bedingung erfüllt, wird (un(t)) nahezu unabhängig vom Meßstrom (I) sein. Wagen (Vn) kann dies überprüfen, indem er den Meßstrom (I) in seiner Größe verändert und die Auswirkung auf den Meßwert (un(t)) überprüft.It should also be noted that the measuring current I determines the range of the measurement. It must be dimensioned for a measurement in the linear range so that the current through the voltage source (i Q ) is significantly greater than the current through the resistors (i R ). If this condition is fulfilled, (u n (t)) will be almost independent of the measuring current (I). Carriage (V n ) can check this by resizing the measuring current (I) and checking the effect on the measured value (u n (t)).

Zu beachten ist weiters, dass die Richtung der Messung durch Umpolung des Meßstroms (I) umgekehrt werden kann. Dadurch ist es möglich, das erfindungsgemäße Abstandsmeßverfahren für beide Fahrtrichtungen der Wagen einzusetzen.It should also be noted that the direction of the measurement can be reversed by reversing the polarity of the measuring current (I). This makes it possible to use the Abstandsmeßverfahren invention for both directions of travel of the car.

Zu beachten ist überdies, dass sich die Meßgenauigkeit bei geringer werdender Entfernung kontinuierlich erhöht, da das Verhältnis von (UD) zur gemessenen Spannung (Un(t)) zunimmt.It should also be noted that the accuracy of measurement is lower as the ratio of (U D ) to the measured voltage (U n (t)) increases.

Es ist vorteilhaft, dass die Einrichtung der Erfindung bezüglich zwei Arten von möglichen Störungen sicher ist:It is advantageous that the device of the invention is safe with respect to two types of possible disturbances:

Eine Unterbrechung im Referenzleiter (LD) oder im Meßßleiter (LG) zwischen aufeinanderfolgenden Fahrzeugen (Vn und Vn-1) kann nach der im "offener Schaltkreis" beschriebenen Verfahren identifiziert werden. Falls eine oder mehrere Dioden (D) einen Kurzschluss haben, ist die gemessene Distanz (dn) immer kürzer als die tatsächliche. Diese Tatsache wird für Antikollisionssysteme als sicher angesehen.An interruption in the reference conductor (LD) or in the measuring conductor (LG) between successive vehicles (V n and V n-1 ) can be identified by the method described in the "open circuit". If one or more diodes (D) have a short circuit, the measured distance (d n ) is always shorter than the actual one. This fact is considered safe for anti-collision systems.

Ein Vorteil der Erfindung ist eine einfache sichere und zuverlässige Einrichtung zum Messen des Abstandes zwischen Fahrzeugen, die überdies in der Lage ist, Anomalien und Störungen aufzudecken.An advantage of the invention is a simple, safe and reliable means of measuring the distance between vehicles, which moreover is capable of detecting anomalies and disturbances.

Bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Bestimmen des Abstandes zwischen Fahrzeugen mit Hilfe der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung wird ein Verfahren angewendet, das auf der Messung der Flußspannung der Diodenkette beruht. Halbleiterdioden besitzen in Durchflußrichtung eine Charakteristik, die dadurch ausgezeichnet ist, dass die Diode kein iedealer Schalter ist, sondern dass sich in Durchlaßrichtung ein Spannungsabfall (UD) einstellt, der vom Strom im wesentlichen logarithmisch abhängig ist.In the inventive determination of the distance between vehicles with the aid of the device according to the invention, a method is used which is based on the measurement of the forward voltage of the diode chain. Semiconductor diodes have a characteristic in the flow direction, which is characterized in that the diode is not a real switch, but that sets in the forward direction of a voltage drop (UD), which is essentially logarithmically dependent on the current.

Das erfindungsgemäße Meßprinzip beruht nun darauf, dass man zwischen den Stromschleifern von zwei hintereinander fahrenden Wagen (Fahrzeugen) einen Meßstrom (I)einprägt und dann eine Spannung mißt, die n.UD beträgt, wobei (n) die Anzahl der Abschnitte (Sm) des unterbrochenen Schleifleiters (LD) mit der Länge (1) ist (d.h. die Flußspannung der Diodenkette). Die Entfernung zwischen den Wagen ist daher gleich dem Produkt aus der Länge (1) der Abschnitte (Sm) des Schleifleiters (LD) und der gemessenen Spannung (Umeß) gebrochen durch den Spannungsabfall über die Diode (UD) (1 * Umeß/UD) (dadurch ergibt sich ein Diagramm entsprechend der Treppenkurve von Fig. 4, in der die Treppenbreite der Länge (1) der Abschnitte (Sm) entspricht). Die Treppe ist im unteren Bereich näherungsweise, aber durch die Widerstände (R) nicht ganz linear. Der nicht lineare Bereich im oberen Teil stützt sich darauf, dass ein Teil des eingeprägten Meßstroms in jedem Abschnitt über dem Widerstand (R) abgeleitet wird. Irgendwann ist dann kein Strom mehr da und die Flußspannung über die letzten Dioden des Meßbereiches wird, wie oben erwähnt, kleiner. Der Meßstrom (I) definiert nur die Reichweite der Messung, nicht das Ergebnis an sich.The measuring principle according to the invention is based on the fact that a measurement current (I) is impressed between the current grinders of two consecutively running cars (vehicles) and then a voltage is measured which is n.UD, whereby (n) the number of sections (S m ) of the broken loop conductor (LD) of length (1) (ie, the forward voltage of the diode string). The distance between the carriages is therefore equal to the product of the length (1) of the sections (S m ) of the sliding conductor (LD) and the measured voltage (U meas ) broken by the voltage drop across the diode (UD) (1 * U meas / UD) (this results in a diagram corresponding to the staircase curve of Fig. 4, in which the staircase width corresponds to the length (1) of the sections (S m )). The stairs are approximate at the bottom but not quite linear due to the resistors (R). The non-linear The area in the upper part is based on the fact that a part of the impressed measuring current is diverted in each section above the resistor (R). At some point, then there is no more power and the Flußspannung over the last diodes of the measuring range, as mentioned above, smaller. The measuring current (I) defines only the range of the measurement, not the result itself.

Ein Vorteil bei der erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung ist es, dass durch die Verwendung der Dioden eine Entkopplung stattfindet, so dass jeder Wagen die Entfernung zu dem vor ihm fahrenden Wagen messen kann. Dieser Vorteil wird bewirkt durch die Sperrcharakteristik der Dioden, d.h. jene Dioden, die sich zwischen den beiden vom selben Wagen kontaktierten Abschnitten (Sm) (vorderer und hinterer Schleifkontakt) befinden, werden in Sperrichtung vorgepolt. Die Länge (1) der Abschnitte (Sm) muß daher immer kleiner sein als der Abstand zwischen dem vorderen und hinteren Schleifer eines Wagens. Damit ergibt sich die Situation, dass alle Dioden zwischen zwei Wagen in Durchlaßrichtung gepolt sind und damit zur Entfernungsmessung herangezogen werden können. Die Dioden unterhalb des Wagens sind aber in Sperrichtung gepolt und somit die Meßstrecken voneinander entkoppelt.An advantage of the device according to the invention is that decoupling takes place through the use of the diodes, so that each car can measure the distance to the car traveling in front of it. This advantage is brought about by the blocking characteristic of the diodes, ie those diodes which are located between the two sections (S m ) contacted by the same carriage (front and rear sliding contact) are reverse-biased. The length (1) of the sections (S m ) must therefore always be smaller than the distance between the front and rear grinder of a car. This results in the situation that all diodes between two cars are poled in the forward direction and thus can be used for distance measurement. However, the diodes below the carriage are poled in reverse direction and thus the measuring sections are decoupled from each other.

Zusammenfassend kann ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wie folgt beschrieben werden:In summary, an embodiment of the invention can be described as follows:

Die Einrichtung zur Messung des Abstandes (dn) zwischen einem beliebigen Fahrzeug (Vn) aus einer Vielzahl von Fahrzeugen (V) und dem ihm vorausfahrenden Fahrzeug (Vn-1) entlang einer (bestimmten) Strecke und für eine (bestimmte) Richtung.The device for measuring the distance (d n ) between any vehicle (V n ) from a plurality of vehicles (V) and the preceding vehicle (V n-1 ) along a (specific) route and for a (particular) direction ,

Die Einrichtung 1 enthält entlang der genannten Strecke einen Referenzleiter (LG) und einen Meßleiter (LD), letzterer besteht aus einer Vielzahl von aufeinanderfolgenden, voneinander getrennten Abschnitten (Sm), die eine vorbestimmte Länge 1 haben. Jeder Abschnitt (Sm) ist elektrisch mit dem vorhergehenden Abschnitt (Sm) durch eine Diode (D) verbunden.The device 1 includes along the said path a reference conductor (LG) and a measuring conductor (LD), the latter consists of a plurality of successive, separate sections (S m ) having a predetermined length 1. Each section (S m ) is electrically connected to the preceding section (S m ) by a diode (D).

In jedem Fahrzeug (Vn) ist ein Konstantstromgenerator (Gn) der Einrichtung 1 vorgesehen, dessen Kontakte jeweils mit einem der Position des Fahrzeugs (Vn) entsprechenden Abschnitt (Sm) des Meßleiters (LD) und mit dem Referenzleiter (LG) durch erste bewegliche elektrische Kontakte (Pn), und durch zweite bewegliche elektrische Kontakte (Qn) verbunden sind.In each vehicle (V n ) a constant current generator (G n ) of the device 1 is provided, whose contacts each with one of the position the vehicle (V n ) corresponding portion (S m ) of the Meßleiters (LD) and with the reference conductor (LG) by first movable electrical contacts (P n ), and by second movable electrical contacts (Q n ) are connected.

Jeder zweite elektrische Kontakt (Qn) ist durch einen entsprechenden dritten, beweglichen elektrischen Kontakt (Tn) mit einem dem Abschnitt (Sm) nachfolgenden Segment (Sk), bezogen auf die Richtung der hinter dem ersten elektrischen Kontakt (Pn) verbunden.Each second electrical contact (Q n ) is connected through a corresponding third, movable electrical contact (T n ) with a segment (S k ) following the section (S m ), relative to the direction behind the first electrical contact (P n ) connected.

Die Kontakte des Konstantstromgenerators (Gn) bilden einen Ausgang (En), der ein Spannungssignal zur Verfügung stellt, das mit der Distanz (dn) zwischen dem bezüglichen Fahrzeug (Vn) und dem ihm vorausfahrende Fahrzeug (Vn-1) korreliert ist.The contacts of the constant current generator (G n ) form an output (E n ) which provides a voltage signal which corresponds to the distance (d n ) between the relevant vehicle (V n ) and the preceding vehicle (V n-1 ) is correlated.

Claims (15)

  1. Means for measuring the interval (dn) between one vehicle (Vn) and another vehicle (Vn-1), the two vehicles travelling on a stretch, characterized in that along the stretch on which the vehicles (Vn) and (Vn-1) are moving there are a reference conductor (LG) and a measurement conductor (LD), that the measurement conductor (LD) is formed from several of segments (Sm) which are separated from one another, with a length (1), that the segments (Sm) of the measurement conductor (LD) are connected to adjacent segments (Sm-1) by a diode (D), that in each vehicle (Vn) there is a constant current generator (Gn), that the contacts of the constant current generator (Gn) are connected to the segment (Sm) of the measurement conductor (LD) which corresponds to the respective position of the vehicle (Vn) on the one hand and to the reference conductor (LG) on the other hand by first movable electrical contacts (Pn) and by second movable electrical contacts (Qn), that the second electrical contact (Qn) is connected by a third movable electrical contact (Tn) to a segment (Sk) which follows the segment (Sm) and which is located relative to the direction of travel downstream from the first electrical contact (Pn), that the terminals of the constant current generator (Gn) form an output (En) which delivers a voltage signal which is correlated with the interval (dn) between the vehicle (Vn) and the other vehicle (Vn-1).
  2. Means as claimed in claim 1, wherein each segment (Sm) is electrically connected via a resistor (R) to the reference conductor (LG).
  3. Means as claimed in claim 2, wherein the resistor (R) has a value of more than 50 kOHM
  4. Means as claimed in one of claims I to 3, wherein in each vehicle (Vn) there is a variable voltage generator (Wn) which is connected in series to the connection between the second electrical contact (Qn) and the third electrical movable contact (Tn).
  5. Means as claimed in one of claims I to 4, wherein the ends of successive segments (Sm) are electrically insulated from one another by interruptions or insulating spacers.
  6. Means as claimed in claim 5, wherein the length of the interruptions between successive segments (Sm) of the measurement conductor (LD) is less than half of the length (I) of the segments (Sm).
  7. Means as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the area of a branching-off or branching of the stretch into at least one first branch (2) and a second branch (3), after the branching-off at least one segment (Sm) of the first branch (2, 3), which segment follows the branches (2,3), is connected to the corresponding segment (Sm) of the other branch (3, 2) by interconnecting conductors (4).
  8. Means as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least three of the segments (Sm) of the first branch (2, 3) which follow the branching-off are connected to the corresponding segments (3, 2) of the other branch (3, 2).
  9. Means as claimed in one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the interconnecting conductors are connected in turn to a single diode (D) and alternately to the reference conductor (LG) of one branch (2, 3) or the other over a resistor (R).
  10. Means as claimed in one of claims I to 9, wherein all segments (Sm) have the same length (I).
  11. Means as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, wherein all diodes (D) have essentially the same electrical properties.
  12. Means as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the current intensity of the constant current generator (Gn) of the means is adjustable in operation.
  13. Means as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the polarity of the constant current generator (Gn) of the means is selectable in operation.
  14. Process for determining the interval between two transport means (Vn) using the means as claimed in one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the estimated value for the interval dn) to the vehicle travelling in front is determined from the DC voltage portion of the measured value of the voltage (Un(t)) on the terminal (En) by division by the forward voltage of the diodes (UD) and multiplication by the length (I) of the segments (Sm).
  15. Process as claimed in claim 14, wherein the forward voltage of the diodes is determined by at least one measurement of the voltage difference of the DC voltage portion of the measured value of the voltage (un(t)) before and after the transition from one segment (Sm) to the next segment (Sm-1).
EP05768010A 2004-08-06 2005-08-04 Method and device for measuring the separation between vehicles Not-in-force EP1776267B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000510A ITBO20040510A1 (en) 2004-08-06 2004-08-06 DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING THE DISTANCE BETWEEN VEHICLES
PCT/AT2005/000312 WO2006012662A1 (en) 2004-08-06 2005-08-04 Method and device for measuring the separation between vehicles

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1776267A1 EP1776267A1 (en) 2007-04-25
EP1776267B1 true EP1776267B1 (en) 2008-01-23

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05768010A Not-in-force EP1776267B1 (en) 2004-08-06 2005-08-04 Method and device for measuring the separation between vehicles

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US (1) US20080297144A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1776267B1 (en)
KR (1) KR20090043413A (en)
CN (1) CN101001776A (en)
AT (1) ATE384653T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2005269240A1 (en)
DE (1) DE502005002685D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2301038T3 (en)
IT (1) ITBO20040510A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2006012662A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2463700A (en) * 2008-09-23 2010-03-24 Robin Weber A signalling system to control the distance between two vehicles on the same track
CN112441080B (en) * 2019-08-30 2022-09-06 比亚迪股份有限公司 Train positioning method, equipment, system, computer equipment and storage medium
CN114397803B (en) * 2022-01-24 2022-09-13 同济大学 Time service method of driving equipment, driving equipment and time service system

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3459937A (en) * 1967-05-19 1969-08-05 Gen Electric Self-checking system for a vehicle separation system
BE711079A (en) * 1968-02-21 1968-08-21 Acec METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE DISTANCE TAKEN BY A GUIDED JOURNEY VEHICLE, FOR EXAMPLE RAILWAY OR THE LIKE.
US4014503A (en) * 1974-05-17 1977-03-29 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method and apparatus for control of central spacing of track-operated vehicles
US4683976A (en) * 1984-05-18 1987-08-04 Konrad Rosenbauer Kg Service vehicle
US5629595A (en) * 1995-06-19 1997-05-13 The Walt Disney Company Method and apparatus for an amusement ride having an interactive guided vehicle
FR2762810B1 (en) * 1997-04-30 1999-07-30 Soc Gle Techniques Etudes GROUND SUPPLY DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE WITH EARTHING

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DE502005002685D1 (en) 2008-03-13
AU2005269240A1 (en) 2006-02-09
ES2301038T3 (en) 2008-06-16
WO2006012662A1 (en) 2006-02-09
ATE384653T1 (en) 2008-02-15
EP1776267A1 (en) 2007-04-25
US20080297144A1 (en) 2008-12-04
CN101001776A (en) 2007-07-18
KR20090043413A (en) 2009-05-06
ITBO20040510A1 (en) 2004-11-06

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