EP2589264B1 - Led light signal - Google Patents

Led light signal Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2589264B1
EP2589264B1 EP11725717.0A EP11725717A EP2589264B1 EP 2589264 B1 EP2589264 B1 EP 2589264B1 EP 11725717 A EP11725717 A EP 11725717A EP 2589264 B1 EP2589264 B1 EP 2589264B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
signal
sensor
led
light
light intensity
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Not-in-force
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EP11725717.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2589264A1 (en
Inventor
Eike Berg
Rolf Eckl
Norbert PÖPPLOW
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Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
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Publication of EP2589264B1 publication Critical patent/EP2589264B1/en
Priority to HRP20180603TT priority Critical patent/HRP20180603T1/en
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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B5/00—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
    • G08B5/22—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
    • G08B5/36—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission using visible light sources
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L5/00—Local operating mechanisms for points or track-mounted scotch-blocks; Visible or audible signals; Local operating mechanisms for visible or audible signals
    • B61L5/12—Visible signals
    • B61L5/18—Light signals; Mechanisms associated therewith, e.g. blinders
    • B61L5/1809—Daylight signals
    • B61L5/1827—Daylight signals using light sources of different colours and a common optical system
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L5/00—Local operating mechanisms for points or track-mounted scotch-blocks; Visible or audible signals; Local operating mechanisms for visible or audible signals
    • B61L5/12—Visible signals
    • B61L5/18—Light signals; Mechanisms associated therewith, e.g. blinders
    • B61L5/1809—Daylight signals
    • B61L5/1881—Wiring diagrams for power supply, control or testing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/20—Controlling the colour of the light
    • H05B45/22—Controlling the colour of the light using optical feedback
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/30—Driver circuits
    • H05B45/32—Pulse-control circuits
    • H05B45/327—Burst dimming
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/50—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDs; responsive to LED life; Protective circuits
    • H05B45/58—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDs; responsive to LED life; Protective circuits involving end of life detection of LEDs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L2207/00—Features of light signals
    • B61L2207/02—Features of light signals using light-emitting diodes [LEDs]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an LED railway light signal with a signal generator for generating different colored points of light.
  • An LED railway light signal is for example from the EP 2 131 628 A2 known.
  • LEDs Light signals or LEDs on the basis of LEDs - light emitting diodes - instead of incandescent lamps are increasingly used in many areas, especially in railway signaling. LEDs are comparatively inexpensive, durable and bright. The trend is towards HLED - high current LED - whose light intensity is so high that even a single HLED emits enough light per light point to achieve the required brightness.
  • an actual current monitoring for each light point can be additionally provided.
  • SIL3 or SIL4 In order to be able to operate the light signal in safety level SIL3 or SIL4, it must be ensured that only the light spot is supplied with the intended color and that the other light points are not current-carrying.
  • RGB LEDs are known - red / yellow / blue LEDs - in which three LEDs with the colors red, yellow and blue are integrated into one LED housing. Due to the nature of these RGB LEDs, it is difficult or impossible to determine, based on a current measurement, through which of the three LEDs the current flows. However, this is required to achieve SIL3 or SIL4.
  • RGB LEDs it is possible to realize several colors in one light spot. However, LEDs of the same color are always energized so that the number of colors that can be displayed also the number of different colored LEDs is limited. In principle, however, RGB LEDs can be used to achieve a large number of colors, ie color locations, by simultaneously energizing differently colored LEDs or by means of PWM pulse width modulation, which results in mixed colors. This technology is already used for lighting and display purposes. From the DE 202 20 900
  • U1 is a navigation light with LEDs known which has an optical sensor for monitoring the color locus and the light intensity.
  • An adaptation to signal generator is problematic, however, because of the safety-relevant importance of the light signals in railway operation signal-technically secure monitoring of both the light intensity and the color location is required.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a multi-colored LED railway light signal that meets high safety requirements, with mixed colors should be feasible and evaluated in terms of a fail-safe operation of the light signal.
  • RGB LEDs Only by the safe detection of environmental conditions, in particular the ambient temperature, it is possible RGB LEDs for light signals with very high safety requirements, in particular SIL3 or SIL4. On color-specific current measurements, which are not possible with RGB LEDs at all or only with great difficulty, can be dispensed with. Due to the tendency for brighter LEDs and at the same time decreasing manufacturing costs, it is possible to use a single RGB LED instead of at least three individual HLEDs of different colors. The colors can also be safely mixed by signal technology.
  • the safe monitoring is based on the control for generating the required color location and the safe monitoring of the ambient conditions dependent, actually emitted light.
  • the control usually does not have to be safety-relevant, but the overall system can be classified as fail-safe in the sense of SIL3 or SIL4 by the fail-safe monitoring of the expected function.
  • At least two independent optical sensors are provided. This ensures that changes in a measurement channel can be revealed.
  • the error detection can be additionally supported by a method that increases and decreases the target brightness slightly in the tolerable range. If the actual brightness measured in the at least two channels follows the setpoint brightness as expected, a fault-free system can be assumed.
  • the same principle can also be applied alternatively or additionally by varying the color location, whereby even higher safety requirements can be realized.
  • the evaluation device additionally has means for comparing the actual color location and / or the actual light intensity with a desired color location and / or a desired light intensity, wherein deviations that exceed a threshold trigger an intrinsically safe reaction.
  • the feedback to the signal box can be based on the monitoring or the intrinsically safe reaction.
  • the evaluation device calculates an expected sensor signal from the drive signal for the signal transmitter and the spectral sensitivity of the optical sensor. This desired sensor signal is compared with the detected actual sensor signal. The deviation is evaluated, where appropriate, an intrinsically safe reaction, eg. B. a fail-safe shutdown occurs. In the event of a fault, the evaluation device ensures that current is supplied according to the fail-safe principle, ie in the case of a light signal for the signal indication indication that the red stop signal is lit.
  • the optical sensor has a plurality of color-specific individual sensors.
  • the color-specific single sensor registers only a brightness of the signal or a light intensity when the light spot was driven with the associated color. Errors of any kind are easily detected, since then either none of the color-specific individual sensors or a single sensor, which is not assigned to the desired color, generates an output signal.
  • the color-specific individual sensor can be realized, for example, by means of upstream color filters.
  • a brightness sensor can be used which is suitable for the entire color range, ie. H. for the entire visible light spectrum.
  • the color filter upstream of the single sensor causes the single sensor to react only to a specific color.
  • the optical sensor can also be designed as a broad-spectrum sensor according to claim 4.
  • the output signal of the optical sensor must be evaluated taking into account the spectral sensitivity of the sensor with regard to the spectral composition.
  • the senor is connected according to claim 5 via a sensor amplifier and an A / D converter with the digital evaluation device, in particular a controller, for determining the actual color location and the actual light intensity.
  • the optical sensor detects the emitted light.
  • the sensor amplifier is used to amplify and calibrate the output signal of the optical sensor. Calibration allows physical properties, For example, the sensitivity of the sensor or the input range of the evaluation, be compensated.
  • the output signals of the optical sensor can be normalized such that a conclusion on the color components is possible directly from the output signals.
  • the adjustment values follow from the properties of the sensor.
  • the environmental behavior, in particular the temperature behavior of the sensor is taken into account in the generation of the adjustment signal.
  • the adjustment can also be shifted from the sensor amplifier to the evaluation device.
  • a sensitivity profile is stored in the controller.
  • the sensor amplifier can thereby be simplified. Due to the required higher dynamics of the input values, however, the demands on the A / D converter, which precedes the controller, are increasing.
  • both narrowband sensors according to claim 3 and broadband sensors according to claim 4 can be used advantageously.
  • An LED railway light signal consists essentially of a signal generator 1, which is controlled by a signal box 2. 3 is and components for light emission and a monitoring device 4, which is connected via a feedback message 5 with the signal box 2.
  • the signal transmitted from the interlocking 2 to a control device 7 equipped with a temperature sensor 6 to the signal generator 1 contains information about the required signal image of the signal generator 1, in particular in terms of color and light intensity.
  • the request message is linked to the output signal of the temperature sensor 6 for generating a desired signal 8, which is converted via an LED driver 9 in three control signals for at least one RGB LED 10, wherein the RGB LED 10 individual LEDs 11, 12 and 13 in the colors red, yellow and blue.
  • the color of the light emitted via an optical system 14 is defined by the relative ratio of the three driving signals for the colors red, yellow and blue. This can be done for example via a pulse width modulation with corresponding pulse / pause ratios in conjunction with a variation of the respective LED current.
  • the light intensity results as the sum of the drive signals.
  • the monitoring device 4 consists essentially of an optical sensor 15, a sensor amplifier 16 and an evaluation device 17.
  • the optical sensor 15 detects the light of the RGB LED 10, while the sensor amplifier 16 is used to amplify and calibrate the sensor values. By means of calibration, physical properties of the sensor system, for example spectral sensitivity, are compensated.
  • the evaluation device 17 determines from the signals of the sensor amplifier 16, the color and the intensity of the emitted Light. By linking or synchronizing with the desired signal 8 generated by the control device 7, the reliability or the availability of the monitoring can be increased.
  • the evaluation device 17 is like the control device 7 provided with a temperature sensor 18, so that taking into account the ambient temperature feedback 5 of the state of the signal generator 1 can be done to the interlocking 2. Also possible is an intrinsically safe reaction of the signal generator 1, z. B. a shutdown, which may be included in the feedback 5.
  • FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the monitoring device 4 with an optical sensor 15.1, the color-specific, ie spectrally narrow-band, individual sensors 19 for red, 20 for yellow and 21 for blue includes.
  • the three output signals of this multi-color sensor 15.1 are adjusted in a three-channel sensor amplifier 16.1 such that a direct inference to the respective color components of the three channels is possible from the signals of the multicolor sensor 15.1.
  • the adjustment values follow from the properties of the multicolor sensor 15.1 and are preferably stored in a controller of the evaluation device 17. If the evaluation device 17 is connected to environmental sensors 22, for example temperature sensors 18, the adjustment signal 23 can additionally take into account the behavior of the multicolor sensor 15.1 which is dependent on environmental conditions.
  • FIG. 3 shows a variant of the monitoring device 4 according to FIG. 2 , in which the sensitivity adjustment does not take place in the sensor amplifier 16.1, but in the evaluation device 17.1.
  • the structure of the sensor amplifier 16 can thereby be simplified, while increasing the dynamics of the input values of the evaluation 17.1, however, the requirements of its upstream A / D converter.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a further variant for a monitoring device 4 according to FIG. 1 ,
  • a linkage of the measurement signal with the branched off from the control device 7 target signal 8
  • a calculation of the expected signal of the optical multi-color sensor 15.1 is possible in the evaluation device 17.
  • the factors for the calculation result from the spectral sensitivities of the multicolor sensor 15.1, ie from sensor-specific properties and the switching state of the signal generator 1 derived from the desired signal 8. In this way, the conversion of the sensor signal into a color information can be dispensed with.
  • FIG. 4 This monitoring variant with reference / actual comparison is shown in FIG. 4 for a sensor amplifier / evaluation device module 16.1 / 17 FIG. 2 and in FIG. 5 for a sensor amplifier / evaluation unit assembly 16 / 17.1 FIG. 3 shown.
  • a wide-spectrum sensor 15.2 is provided instead of the multi-color sensor 15.1. This generates an output signal, which is fed to a single-channel sensor amplifier 16.2.
  • the evaluation device 17 calculates an expected sensor signal from the desired signal 8 and the spectral sensitivity of the wide-spectrum sensor 15.2. This expected signal is compared with the detected signal of the wide-spectrum sensor 15.2. A deviation between the desired and actual signal is evaluated in a voter 24 and fed to the feedback signal 5 to the signal box 2.
  • FIG. 7 shows the principle for the calculation of the desired signal 8 for the wide-spectrum sensor 15.2.
  • the control device 7 generates for the colors red rt, yellow ge and blue bl PWM signals with different lengths of light and dark phases within a constant period t.
  • the period t is below the perception threshold.
  • By temporally high-resolution sampling of the measured sensor signal in combination with synchronous detection of the desired signal 8 is a failed or weakened color or LED recognizable.
  • the illustrated mixed colors for red rt, yellow and blue must also be bl as summation of the respective bright phases of the individual colors within the period t.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Spectrometry And Color Measurement (AREA)
  • Train Traffic Observation, Control, And Security (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
  • Led Devices (AREA)
  • Optical Communication System (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein LED-Eisenbahnlichtsignal mit einem Signalgeber zur Erzeugung verschiedenfarbiger Lichtpunkte.The invention relates to an LED railway light signal with a signal generator for generating different colored points of light.

Ein LED Eisenbahnlichtsignal ist beispielsweise aus der EP 2 131 628 A2 bekannt.An LED railway light signal is for example from the EP 2 131 628 A2 known.

Die nachstehenden Erläuterungen beziehen sich im Wesentlichen auf Eisenbahnlichtsignale in Form von Leuchtzeichen oder Lichtsignalen zur Darstellung von Signalbegriffen bei schienengebundenen Verkehrswegen, ohne dass der beanspruchte erfinderische Gegenstand auf diese Anwendung beschränkt sein soll.The following explanations essentially relate to railway light signals in the form of illuminated signs or light signals for representing signal terms in rail-bound traffic routes, without the claimed inventive subject matter being restricted to this application.

Lichtsignale oder Leuchtzeichen auf der Basis von LEDs - lichtemittierende Dioden - anstelle von Glühlampen werden in vielen Bereichen, insbesondere in der Eisenbahnsignaltechnik, zunehmend angewendet. LEDs sind vergleichsweise preiswert, langlebig und lichtstark. Dabei geht der Trend in Richtung HLED - Hochstrom-LED -, deren Lichtstärke derart hoch ist, dass bereits eine einzige HLED pro Lichtpunkt genügend Licht emittiert, um die geforderte Helligkeit zu erreichen.Light signals or LEDs on the basis of LEDs - light emitting diodes - instead of incandescent lamps are increasingly used in many areas, especially in railway signaling. LEDs are comparatively inexpensive, durable and bright. The trend is towards HLED - high current LED - whose light intensity is so high that even a single HLED emits enough light per light point to achieve the required brightness.

Bei den bisher üblichen LED-Matrizen mit einer Vielzahl von LEDs wird deren Funktionsfähigkeit durch eine Strommessung überwacht. Dabei ist gewährleistet, dass auch bei einigen defekten oder ausgefallenen LEDs über einen bestimmten Zeitraum eine Mindesthelligkeit erhalten bleibt. Bei HLEDs führt deren Ausfall dagegen schlagartig zu einem extremen Helligkeitsverlust, so dass das übliche Überwachungskonzept mittels Strommessung den sicherheitstechnischen Anforderungen, insbesondere bei den Sicherheitsstufen SIL3 und SIL4 nicht mehr genügt. Die Sicherheitsstufen sind in der Cenelec-Norm EN50129 von SILO - signaltechnisch nicht sicher - bis SIL4 - signaltechnisch hochgradig sicher - definiert. Um die Funktionsfähigkeit der LEDs, insbesondere der HLEDs, zu überprüfen, wird deshalb zunehmend anstelle der Bestromung oder zusätzlich die Lichtstärke des Signals gemessen. Die gemessene Ist-Lichtstärke kann auch als Führungsgröße für eine Regelung der Lichtstärke auf einen vorgegebenen Sollwert verwendet werden.In the usual LED matrixes with a large number of LEDs, their functionality is monitored by a current measurement. This ensures that even with some defective or failed LEDs over a certain period of time, a minimum brightness is maintained. With HLEDs their failure leads abruptly to an extreme loss of brightness, so that the usual monitoring concept by means of current measurement no longer meets the safety requirements, in particular for safety levels SIL3 and SIL4. The safety levels are defined in the Cenelec standard EN50129 by SILO - not technically safe - up to SIL4 - highly safe signaling - defined. In order to check the functionality of the LEDs, in particular the HLEDs, is therefore increasingly measured instead of the current or in addition the light intensity of the signal. The measured actual light intensity can also be used as a reference variable for controlling the light intensity to a predetermined desired value.

Bei Lichtsignalen mit verschiedenfarbigen Lichtpunkten kann zusätzlich eine Ist-Stromüberwachung für jeden Lichtpunkt vorgesehen werden. Um das Lichtsignal in Sicherheitsstufe SIL3 oder SIL4 betreiben zu können, muss sichergestellt sein, dass nur der Lichtpunkt mit der vorgesehenen Farbe bestromt isst und dass die weiteren Lichtpunkte nicht stromdurchflossen sind.For light signals with different colored light points, an actual current monitoring for each light point can be additionally provided. In order to be able to operate the light signal in safety level SIL3 or SIL4, it must be ensured that only the light spot is supplied with the intended color and that the other light points are not current-carrying.

Ein weiterer Trend in der LED-Technologie besteht darin, LEDs unterschiedlicher Farben in einer kompakten Baueinheit zusammenzufassen. Bekannt sind beispielsweise RGB-LEDs - Rot/Gelb/Blau-LEDs -, bei denen in einen LED-Gehäuse drei LEDs mit den Farben rot, gelb und blau integriert sind. Bei diesen RGB-LEDs ist es bauartbedingt nicht oder nur schwer möglich, aufgrund einer Strommessung zu ermitteln, durch welche der drei LEDs der Strom fließt. Dies ist jedoch erforderlich, um SIL3 oder SIL4 zu erreichen.Another trend in LED technology is to combine LEDs of different colors in a compact package. For example, RGB LEDs are known - red / yellow / blue LEDs - in which three LEDs with the colors red, yellow and blue are integrated into one LED housing. Due to the nature of these RGB LEDs, it is difficult or impossible to determine, based on a current measurement, through which of the three LEDs the current flows. However, this is required to achieve SIL3 or SIL4.

Mit RGB-LEDs ist es möglich, mehrere Farben in einem Lichtpunkt zu realisieren. Dabei werden jedoch immer LEDs gleicher Farbe bestromt, so dass die Anzahl der darstellbaren Farben auch die Anzahl verschiedenfarbiger LEDs begrenzt ist. Prinzipiell kann mit RGB-LEDs jedoch eine Vielzahl von Farben, d. h. Farborten, erreicht werden, indem gleichzeitig verschiedenfarbige LEDs bestromt oder mittels PWM - Pulsweitenmodulation - angesteuert werden, wodurch sich Mischfarben ergeben. Diese Technologie wird bereits für Beleuchtungs- und Anzeigezwecke verwendet. Aus der DE 202 20 900 With RGB LEDs it is possible to realize several colors in one light spot. However, LEDs of the same color are always energized so that the number of colors that can be displayed also the number of different colored LEDs is limited. In principle, however, RGB LEDs can be used to achieve a large number of colors, ie color locations, by simultaneously energizing differently colored LEDs or by means of PWM pulse width modulation, which results in mixed colors. This technology is already used for lighting and display purposes. From the DE 202 20 900

U1 ist eine Navigationsleuchte mit LEDs bekannt, die einen optischen Sensor zur Überwachung des Farbortes und der Lichtstärke aufweist. Eine Adaption auf Signalgeber ist jedoch problematisch, da wegen der sicherheitsrelevanten Bedeutung der Lichtsignale im Eisenbahnbetrieb eine signaltechnisch sichere Überwachung sowohl der Lichtstärke als auch des Farbortes erforderlich ist.U1 is a navigation light with LEDs known which has an optical sensor for monitoring the color locus and the light intensity. An adaptation to signal generator is problematic, however, because of the safety-relevant importance of the light signals in railway operation signal-technically secure monitoring of both the light intensity and the color location is required.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein mehrfarbiges LED-Eisenbahnlichtsignal anzugeben, das hohen Sicherheitsanforderungen genügt, wobei auch Mischfarben realisierbar und hinsichtlich einer signaltechnisch sicheren Funktionsweise des Lichtsignals auswertbar sein sollen.The invention has for its object to provide a multi-colored LED railway light signal that meets high safety requirements, with mixed colors should be feasible and evaluated in terms of a fail-safe operation of the light signal.

Erfindungsgemäß wird die Aufgabe durch den Gegenstand nach Anspruch 1 gelöst.According to the invention the object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1.

Erst durch die sichere Erfassung der Umgebungsbedingungen, insbesondere der Umgebungstemperatur, ist es möglich, RGB-LEDs für Lichtsignale mit sehr hohen Sicherheitsanforderungen, insbesondere SIL3 oder SIL4, verwenden zu können. Auf farbspezifische Strommessungen, die bei RGB-LEDs überhaupt nicht oder nur mit größten Schwierigkeiten möglich sind, kann verzichtet werden. Aufgrund der Tendenz zu lichtstärkeren LEDs und gleichzeitig sinkender Herstellungskosten ist es möglich, anstelle mindestens dreier einzelner HLEDs unterschiedlicher Farben eine einzige RGB-LED einzusetzen. Die Farben können außerdem signaltechnisch sicher gemischt werden.Only by the safe detection of environmental conditions, in particular the ambient temperature, it is possible RGB LEDs for light signals with very high safety requirements, in particular SIL3 or SIL4. On color-specific current measurements, which are not possible with RGB LEDs at all or only with great difficulty, can be dispensed with. Due to the tendency for brighter LEDs and at the same time decreasing manufacturing costs, it is possible to use a single RGB LED instead of at least three individual HLEDs of different colors. The colors can also be safely mixed by signal technology.

Die sichere Überwachung basiert auf der Ansteuerung zur Erzeugung des geforderten Farbortes und der sicheren Überwachung des von Umgebungsbedingungen abhängigen, tatsächlich emittierten Lichts. Die Ansteuerung muss üblicherweise nicht sicherheitsrelevant erfolgen, wobei das Gesamtsystem aber durch die signaltechnisch sichere Überwachung der erwarteten Funktion als signaltechnisch sicher im Sinne von SIL3 oder SIL4 eingestuft werden kann.The safe monitoring is based on the control for generating the required color location and the safe monitoring of the ambient conditions dependent, actually emitted light. The control usually does not have to be safety-relevant, but the overall system can be classified as fail-safe in the sense of SIL3 or SIL4 by the fail-safe monitoring of the expected function.

Vorzugsweise sind mindestens zwei unabhängige optische Sensoren vorgesehen. Dadurch ist gewährleistet, dass Änderungen in einem Messkanal offenbart werden können. Die Fehlererkennung kann zusätzlich durch ein Verfahren unterstützt werden, das die Soll-Helligkeit geringfügig im tolerierbaren Bereich erhöht und erniedrigt. Wenn die in den mindestens zwei Kanälen gemessene Ist-Helligkeit der Soll-Helligkeit erwartungsgemäß folgt, kann von einem fehlerfreien System ausgegangen werden. Das gleiche Prinzip kann auch durch Variation des Farbortes alternativ oder zusätzlich angewendet werden, wodurch noch höhere Anforderungen an die Sicherheit realisierbar sind.Preferably, at least two independent optical sensors are provided. This ensures that changes in a measurement channel can be revealed. The error detection can be additionally supported by a method that increases and decreases the target brightness slightly in the tolerable range. If the actual brightness measured in the at least two channels follows the setpoint brightness as expected, a fault-free system can be assumed. The same principle can also be applied alternatively or additionally by varying the color location, whereby even higher safety requirements can be realized.

Durch eine geeignete Verknüpfung mit Außeneinflüssen, beispielsweise Temperatur oder Umgebungslicht, können physikalische Eigenschaften von Bauelementen, z. B. deren Temperaturverhalten, oder des Einsatzortes, z. B. hinsichtlich der Umgebungslichtverhältnisse, kompensiert werden, so dass ein Rückmeldesignal an das Stellwerk gemeldet wird, welches direkt mit dem Ansteuersignal zur Beaufschlagung des Signalgebers vergleichbar ist. Im Stellwerk ist somit jederzeit eine zuverlässige Information über die ordnungsgemäße Funktion des LED-Lichtsignals vorhanden.By a suitable link with external influences, such as temperature or ambient light, physical properties of components, eg. B. their temperature behavior, or the site, z. B. with respect to the ambient light conditions, are compensated, so that a feedback signal is signaled to the interlocking, which is directly comparable to the drive signal for acting on the signal generator. In the interlocking is thus always reliable information about the proper operation of the LED light signal available.

Gemäß Anspruch 2 besitzt die Auswerteeinrichtung zusätzlich Mittel zum Vergleich des Ist-Farbortes und/oder der Ist-Lichtstärke mit einem Soll-Farbort und/oder einer Soll-Lichtstärke, wobei Abweichungen, die einen Schwellwert überschreiten, eine eigensichere Reaktion auslösen. Die Rückmeldung an das Stellwerk kann dabei auf Basis der Überwachung oder der eigensicheren Reaktion erfolgen.According to claim 2, the evaluation device additionally has means for comparing the actual color location and / or the actual light intensity with a desired color location and / or a desired light intensity, wherein deviations that exceed a threshold trigger an intrinsically safe reaction. The feedback to the signal box can be based on the monitoring or the intrinsically safe reaction.

Die Auswerteeinrichtung berechnet aus dem Ansteuersignal für den Signalgeber und der spektralen Empfindlichkeit des optischen Sensors ein erwartetes Sensorsignal. Dieses Soll-Sensorsignal wird mit dem erfassten Ist-Sensorsignal verglichen. Die Abweichung wird bewertet, wobei ggf. eine eigensichere Reaktion, z. B. eine signaltechnisch sichere Abschaltung, erfolgt. Im Fehlerfall sorgt die Auswerteeinrichtung dafür, dass eine Bestromung nach dem Fail-Safe-Prinzip erfolgt, d. h. im Falle eines Lichtsignals für die Signalbegriffsanzeige, dass das rote Haltsignal leuchtet.The evaluation device calculates an expected sensor signal from the drive signal for the signal transmitter and the spectral sensitivity of the optical sensor. This desired sensor signal is compared with the detected actual sensor signal. The deviation is evaluated, where appropriate, an intrinsically safe reaction, eg. B. a fail-safe shutdown occurs. In the event of a fault, the evaluation device ensures that current is supplied according to the fail-safe principle, ie in the case of a light signal for the signal indication indication that the red stop signal is lit.

Gemäß Anspruch 3 ist vorgesehen, dass der optische Sensor mehrere farbspezifische Einzelsensoren aufweist. Der farbspezifische Einzelsensor registriert nur dann eine Helligkeit des Signals bzw. eine Lichtstärke, wenn der Lichtpunkt mit der zugeordneten Farbe angesteuert wurde. Fehler jeglicher Art werden leicht erkannt, da dann entweder keiner der farbspezifischen Einzelsensoren oder ein Einzelsensor, der nicht der gewünschten Farbe zugeordnet ist, ein Ausgangssignal erzeugt.According to claim 3 it is provided that the optical sensor has a plurality of color-specific individual sensors. The color-specific single sensor registers only a brightness of the signal or a light intensity when the light spot was driven with the associated color. Errors of any kind are easily detected, since then either none of the color-specific individual sensors or a single sensor, which is not assigned to the desired color, generates an output signal.

Der farbspezifische Einzelsensor kann beispielsweise mittels vorgeschalteter Farbfilter realisiert werden. Auf diese Weise kann ein Helligkeitssensor verwendet werden, der für den gesamten Farbbereich, d. h. für das gesamte sichtbare Lichtspektrum, ausgelegt ist. Der dem Einzelsensor vorgeschaltete Farbfilter bewirkt, dass der Einzelsensor nur auf eine bestimmte Farbe reagiert.The color-specific individual sensor can be realized, for example, by means of upstream color filters. In this way, a brightness sensor can be used which is suitable for the entire color range, ie. H. for the entire visible light spectrum. The color filter upstream of the single sensor causes the single sensor to react only to a specific color.

Der optische Sensor kann aber gemäß Anspruch 4 auch als Breitspektrumsensor ausgebildet sein. In dem Fall muss das Ausgangssignal des optischen Sensors unter Berücksichtigung der spektralen Empfindlichkeit des Sensors hinsichtlich der spektralen Zusammensetzung ausgewertet werden.However, the optical sensor can also be designed as a broad-spectrum sensor according to claim 4. In that case, the output signal of the optical sensor must be evaluated taking into account the spectral sensitivity of the sensor with regard to the spectral composition.

Vorzugsweise ist der Sensor gemäß Anspruch 5 über einen Sensorverstärker und einen A/D-Wandler mit der digitalen Auswerteeinrichtung, insbesondere einem Controller, zur Ermittlung des Ist-Farbortes und der Ist-Lichtstärke verbunden. Der optische Sensor erfasst das emittierte Licht. Der Sensorverstärker dient der Verstärkung und Kalibrierung des Ausgangssignals des optischen Sensors. Durch die Kalibrierung können physikalische Eigenschaften, beispielsweise die Empfindlichkeit des Sensors oder der Eingangsbereich der Auswerteeinrichtung, ausgeglichen werden.Preferably, the sensor is connected according to claim 5 via a sensor amplifier and an A / D converter with the digital evaluation device, in particular a controller, for determining the actual color location and the actual light intensity. The optical sensor detects the emitted light. The sensor amplifier is used to amplify and calibrate the output signal of the optical sensor. Calibration allows physical properties, For example, the sensitivity of the sensor or the input range of the evaluation, be compensated.

Durch den Empfindlichkeitsabgleich können die Ausgangssignale des optischen Sensors derart normiert werden, dass direkt aus den Ausgangssignalen ein Rückschluss auf die Farbanteile möglich ist. Die Abgleichwerte folgen aus den Eigenschaften des Sensors. Vorzugsweise wird auch das Umweltverhalten, insbesondere das Temperaturverhalten, des Sensors bei der Erzeugung des Abgleichsignals berücksichtigt.By the sensitivity adjustment, the output signals of the optical sensor can be normalized such that a conclusion on the color components is possible directly from the output signals. The adjustment values follow from the properties of the sensor. Preferably, the environmental behavior, in particular the temperature behavior of the sensor is taken into account in the generation of the adjustment signal.

Der Abgleich kann aber auch von dem Sensorverstärker auf die Auswerteeinrichtung verlagert werden. Dabei wird ein Empfindlichkeitsprofil im Controller abgelegt. Der Sensorverstärker kann dadurch vereinfacht werden. Durch die erforderliche höhere Dynamik der Eingangswerte steigen jedoch die Anforderungen an den A/D-Wandler, der dem Controller vorgeschaltet ist.However, the adjustment can also be shifted from the sensor amplifier to the evaluation device. A sensitivity profile is stored in the controller. The sensor amplifier can thereby be simplified. Due to the required higher dynamics of the input values, however, the demands on the A / D converter, which precedes the controller, are increasing.

Durch geeignete Wahl des Auswerteverfahrens lassen sich sowohl schmalbandige Sensoren gemäß Anspruch 3 als auch breitbandige Sensoren gemäß Anspruch 4 vorteilhaft verwenden.By a suitable choice of the evaluation method, both narrowband sensors according to claim 3 and broadband sensors according to claim 4 can be used advantageously.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand figürlicher Darstellungen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Figur 1
wesentliche Baugruppen eines erfindungsgemäßen LED-Lichtsignals,
Figur 2
eine erste Ausführungsform einer Überwachungseinrichtung gemäß Figur 1,
Figur 3
eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Überwachungseinrichtung gemäß Figur 1,
Figur 4
eine dritte Ausführungsform einer Überwachungseinrichtung gemäß Figur 1,
Figur 5
eine vierte Ausführungsform einer Überwachungseinrichtung gemäß Figur 1,
Figur 6
eine fünfte Ausführungsform einer Überwachungseinrichtung gemäß Figur 1 und
Figur 7
ein Berechnungsschema bezüglich des Soll-Sensorsignals für eine Überwachungseinrichtung gemäß Figur 6.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figurative representations. Show it:
FIG. 1
essential assemblies of an LED light signal according to the invention,
FIG. 2
a first embodiment of a monitoring device according to FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3
a second embodiment of a monitoring device according to FIG. 1 .
FIG. 4
a third embodiment of a monitoring device according to FIG. 1 .
FIG. 5
A fourth embodiment of a monitoring device according to FIG. 1 .
FIG. 6
A fifth embodiment of a monitoring device according to FIG. 1 and
FIG. 7
a calculation scheme with respect to the target sensor signal for a monitoring device according to FIG. 6 ,

Ein LED-Eisenbahnlichtsignal besteht im Wesentlichen aus einem Signalgeber 1, der von einem Stellwerk 2 angesteuert 3 wird und Komponenten zur Lichtabstrahlung sowie eine Überwachungseinrichtung 4 aufweist, welche über eine Rückmeldung 5 mit dem Stellwerk 2 verbunden ist.An LED railway light signal consists essentially of a signal generator 1, which is controlled by a signal box 2. 3 is and components for light emission and a monitoring device 4, which is connected via a feedback message 5 with the signal box 2.

Die von dem Stellwerk 2 an eine mit einem Temperatursensor 6 ausgestattete Ansteuereinrichtung 7 übermittelte Anforderung an den Signalgeber 1 beinhaltet Information über das geforderte Signalbild des Signalgebers 1, insbesondere hinsichtlich Farbe und Lichtstärke. In der Ansteuereinrichtung 7 wird die Anforderungsmeldung mit dem Ausgangssignal des Temperatursensors 6 zur Erzeugung eines Soll-Signals 8 verknüpft, welches über einen LED-Treiber 9 in drei Ansteuerungssignale für mindestens eine RGB-LED 10 umgesetzt wird, wobei die RGB-LED 10 Einzel-LEDs 11, 12 und 13 in den Farben rot, gelb und blau aufweist.The signal transmitted from the interlocking 2 to a control device 7 equipped with a temperature sensor 6 to the signal generator 1 contains information about the required signal image of the signal generator 1, in particular in terms of color and light intensity. In the control device 7, the request message is linked to the output signal of the temperature sensor 6 for generating a desired signal 8, which is converted via an LED driver 9 in three control signals for at least one RGB LED 10, wherein the RGB LED 10 individual LEDs 11, 12 and 13 in the colors red, yellow and blue.

Die Farbe des über ein optisches System 14 ausgesendeten Lichts wird durch das relative Verhältnis der drei Ansteuerungssignale für die Farben rot, gelb und blau definiert. Das kann beispielsweise über eine Pulsweitenmodulation mit entsprechenden Puls/Pausen-Verhältnissen in Verbindung mit einer Variation des jeweiligen LED-Stromes erfolgen. Die Lichtstärke ergibt sich als Summe der Ansteuerungssignale.The color of the light emitted via an optical system 14 is defined by the relative ratio of the three driving signals for the colors red, yellow and blue. This can be done for example via a pulse width modulation with corresponding pulse / pause ratios in conjunction with a variation of the respective LED current. The light intensity results as the sum of the drive signals.

Die Überwachungseinrichtung 4 besteht im Wesentlichen aus einem optischen Sensor 15, einem Sensorverstärker 16 und einer Auswerteeinrichtung 17. Der optische Sensor 15 erfasst das Licht der RGB-LED 10, während der Sensorverstärker 16 der Verstärkung und Kalibrierung der Sensorwerte dient. Mittels Kalibrierung werden physikalische Eigenschaften der Sensorik, beispielsweise spektrale Empfindlichkeit, ausgeglichen.The monitoring device 4 consists essentially of an optical sensor 15, a sensor amplifier 16 and an evaluation device 17. The optical sensor 15 detects the light of the RGB LED 10, while the sensor amplifier 16 is used to amplify and calibrate the sensor values. By means of calibration, physical properties of the sensor system, for example spectral sensitivity, are compensated.

Die Auswerteeinrichtung 17 bestimmt aus den Signalen des Sensorverstärkers 16 die Farbe und die Lichtstärke des ausgesendeten Lichts. Durch eine Verknüpfung bzw. Synchronisierung mit dem von der Ansteuereinrichtung 7 erzeugten Soll-Signal 8 kann die Zuverlässigkeit bzw. die Verfügbarkeit der Überwachung erhöht werden. Die Auswerteeinrichtung 17 ist wie die Ansteuereinrichtung 7 mit einem Temperatursensor 18 versehen, so dass unter Berücksichtigung der Umgebungstemperatur die Rückmeldung 5 des Zustandes des Signalgebers 1 an das Stellwerk 2 erfolgen kann. Möglich ist auch eine eigensichere Reaktion des Signalgebers 1, z. B. eine Abschaltung, die in der Rückmeldung 5 enthalten sein kann.The evaluation device 17 determines from the signals of the sensor amplifier 16, the color and the intensity of the emitted Light. By linking or synchronizing with the desired signal 8 generated by the control device 7, the reliability or the availability of the monitoring can be increased. The evaluation device 17 is like the control device 7 provided with a temperature sensor 18, so that taking into account the ambient temperature feedback 5 of the state of the signal generator 1 can be done to the interlocking 2. Also possible is an intrinsically safe reaction of the signal generator 1, z. B. a shutdown, which may be included in the feedback 5.

Figur 2 zeigt eine Ausführungsform der Überwachungseinrichtung 4 mit einem optischen Sensor 15.1, der farbspezifische, d. h. spektral schmalbandige, Einzelsensoren 19 für rot, 20 für gelb und 21 für blau beinhaltet. Die drei Ausgangssignale dieses Mehrfarbsensors 15.1 werden in einem dreikanaligen Sensorverstärker 16.1 derart abgeglichen, dass aus den Signalen des Mehrfarbsensors 15.1 ein direkter Rückschluss auf die jeweiligen Farbanteile der drei Kanäle möglich ist. Die Abgleichwerte folgen aus den Eigenschaften des Mehrfarbsensors 15.1 und sind vorzugsweise in einem Controller der Auswerteeinrichtung 17 gespeichert. Wenn die Auswerteeinrichtung 17 mit Umgebungssensoren 22, beispielsweise Temperatursensoren 18, beschaltet ist, kann das Abgleichsignal 23 zusätzlich das von Umgebungsbedingungen abhängige Verhalten des Mehrfarbsensors 15.1 berücksichtigen. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the monitoring device 4 with an optical sensor 15.1, the color-specific, ie spectrally narrow-band, individual sensors 19 for red, 20 for yellow and 21 for blue includes. The three output signals of this multi-color sensor 15.1 are adjusted in a three-channel sensor amplifier 16.1 such that a direct inference to the respective color components of the three channels is possible from the signals of the multicolor sensor 15.1. The adjustment values follow from the properties of the multicolor sensor 15.1 and are preferably stored in a controller of the evaluation device 17. If the evaluation device 17 is connected to environmental sensors 22, for example temperature sensors 18, the adjustment signal 23 can additionally take into account the behavior of the multicolor sensor 15.1 which is dependent on environmental conditions.

Figur 3 zeigt eine Variante der Überwachungseinrichtung 4 gemäß Figur 2, bei der der Empfindlichkeitsabgleich nicht im Sensorverstärker 16.1, sondern in der Auswerteeinrichtung 17.1 stattfindet. Der Aufbau des Sensorverstärkers 16 kann dadurch vereinfacht werden, während durch höhere Dynamik der Eingangswerte der Auswerteeinrichtung 17.1 jedoch die Anforderungen an dessen vorgeschalteten A/D-Wandler steigen. FIG. 3 shows a variant of the monitoring device 4 according to FIG. 2 , in which the sensitivity adjustment does not take place in the sensor amplifier 16.1, but in the evaluation device 17.1. The structure of the sensor amplifier 16 can thereby be simplified, while increasing the dynamics of the input values of the evaluation 17.1, however, the requirements of its upstream A / D converter.

Figur 4 veranschaulicht eine weitere Variante für eine Überwachungseinrichtung 4 gemäß Figur 1. Zusätzlich zu der Ausführungsform gemäß Figur 2 erfolgt hier eine Verknüpfung des Messsignals mit dem von der Ansteuereinrichtung 7 abgezweigten Soll-Signal 8 Dadurch ist in der Auswerteeinrichtung 17 eine Berechnung des zu erwartenden Signals des optischen Mehrfarbsensors 15.1 möglich. Die Faktoren für die Berechnung ergeben sich aus den spektralen Empfindlichkeiten des Mehrfarbsensors 15.1, d. h. aus sensorspezifischen Eigenschaften und dem aus dem Soll-Signal 8 abgeleiteten Schaltzustand des Signalgebers 1. Auf diese Weise kann die Umrechnung des Sensorsignals in eine Farbinformation entfallen. FIG. 4 illustrates a further variant for a monitoring device 4 according to FIG. 1 , In addition to the embodiment according to FIG. 2 Here is a linkage of the measurement signal with the branched off from the control device 7 target signal 8 Thus, a calculation of the expected signal of the optical multi-color sensor 15.1 is possible in the evaluation device 17. The factors for the calculation result from the spectral sensitivities of the multicolor sensor 15.1, ie from sensor-specific properties and the switching state of the signal generator 1 derived from the desired signal 8. In this way, the conversion of the sensor signal into a color information can be dispensed with.

Diese Überwachungsvariante mit Soll/Ist-Vergleich ist in Figur 4 für eine Sensorverstärker/Auswerteeinrichtung-Baugruppe 16.1/17 nach Figur 2 und in Figur 5 für eine Sensorverstärker/Auswerteeinrichtung-Baugruppe 16/17.1 nach Figur 3 dargestellt.This monitoring variant with reference / actual comparison is shown in FIG. 4 for a sensor amplifier / evaluation device module 16.1 / 17 FIG. 2 and in FIG. 5 for a sensor amplifier / evaluation unit assembly 16 / 17.1 FIG. 3 shown.

Bei der in Figur 6 dargestellten Ausführungsform der Überwachungseinrichtung 4 ist anstelle des Mehrfarbsensors 15.1 ein Breitspektrumsensor 15.2 vorgesehen. Dieser erzeugt ein Ausgangssignal, welches einem einkanaligen Sensorverstärker 16.2 zugeführt ist. Wie bei den Ausführungsformen der Figuren 4 und 5 berechnet die Auswerteeinrichtung 17 aus dem Soll-Signal 8 und der spektralen Empfindlichkeit des Breitspektrumsensors 15.2 ein erwartetes Sensorsignal. Dieses erwartete Signal wird mit dem erfassten Signal des Breitspektrumsensors 15.2 verglichen. Eine Abweichung zwischen Soll- und Ist-Signal wird in einem Voter 24 bewertet und der Rückmeldung 5 an das Stellwerk 2 zugeführt.At the in FIG. 6 illustrated embodiment of the monitoring device 4, a wide-spectrum sensor 15.2 is provided instead of the multi-color sensor 15.1. This generates an output signal, which is fed to a single-channel sensor amplifier 16.2. As with the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 the evaluation device 17 calculates an expected sensor signal from the desired signal 8 and the spectral sensitivity of the wide-spectrum sensor 15.2. This expected signal is compared with the detected signal of the wide-spectrum sensor 15.2. A deviation between the desired and actual signal is evaluated in a voter 24 and fed to the feedback signal 5 to the signal box 2.

Figur 7 zeigt das Prinzip für die Berechnung des Soll-Signals 8 für den Breitspektrumsensor 15.2. Die Ansteuereinrichtung 7 erzeugt für die Farben rot rt, gelb ge und blau bl PWM-Signale mit unterschiedlich langen Hell- und Dunkelphasen innerhalb einer konstanten Periodendauer t. Die Periodendauer t liegt dabei unterhalb der Wahrnehmungsschwelle. Durch zeitlich hoch aufgelöste Abtastung des gemessenen Sensorsignals in Kombination mit synchroner Erfassung des Soll-Signals 8 ist eine ausgefallene oder geschwächte Farbe bzw. LED erkennbar. Bei dem Beispiel gemäß Figur 7 müssen sich bei der Überwachung ebenfalls die dargestellten Mischfarben für rot rt, gelb ge und blau bl als Summation der jeweiligen Hellphasen der einzelnen Farben innerhalb der Periodendauer t ergeben. FIG. 7 shows the principle for the calculation of the desired signal 8 for the wide-spectrum sensor 15.2. The control device 7 generates for the colors red rt, yellow ge and blue bl PWM signals with different lengths of light and dark phases within a constant period t. The period t is below the perception threshold. By temporally high-resolution sampling of the measured sensor signal in combination with synchronous detection of the desired signal 8 is a failed or weakened color or LED recognizable. In the example according to FIG. 7 During monitoring, the illustrated mixed colors for red rt, yellow and blue must also be bl as summation of the respective bright phases of the individual colors within the period t.

Claims (5)

  1. LED railway light signal comprising a signal generator (1) for generating variously coloured light spots, wherein the signal generator (1) has at least one LED (10), at least one optical sensor (15, 15.1, 15.2) and a digital evaluation device (17, 17.1) for monitoring the colour locus and the light intensity of the LED (10) reliably in terms of signaling technology wherein the evaluation device (17, 17.1) generates a feedback signal (5) dependent on environmental conditions and forwards said signal to a signal box (2), wherein the signal box generates an activation signal (3) to be applied to the signal generator (1), and means for comparing the feedback signal (5) with the activation signal (3) are provided,
    characterized in that
    the at least one LED is an RGB LED - red (11)/yellow (12)/blue (13) LED - for generating mixed colours, and the colour locus and the light intensity are the colour locus and the light intensity of the mixed colours generated.
  2. LED railway light signal according to Claim 1,
    characterized in that the evaluation device (17, 17.1) has means for comparing the actual colour locus and/or the actual light intensity with an intended colour locus and/or an intended light intensity, wherein deviations which exceed a threshold value trigger an inherently safe reaction.
  3. LED railway light signal according to Claim 1 or 2,
    characterized in that the sensor (15.1) has a plurality of colour-specific individual sensors (19, 20, 21).
  4. LED railway light signal according to Claim 1 or 2,
    characterized in that the sensor is designed as a wide-spectrum sensor (15.2).
  5. LED railway light signal according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that the sensor (15, 15.1, 15.2) is connected via a sensor amplifier (16, 16.1, 16.2) and an A/D converter to the evaluation device (17, 17.1) in order to determine the actual colour locus and the actual light intensity.
EP11725717.0A 2010-06-29 2011-06-09 Led light signal Not-in-force EP2589264B1 (en)

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