JP7303705B2 - Rail break detector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a rail break detection device for detecting breakage of railroad rails.

2. Description of the Related Art As a device for detecting breakage of railroad rails, there is known a device that utilizes return current, as exemplified in Patent Document 1, for example.

However, for example, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since it is possible to detect a breakage by using the return current, when the return current is not flowing, that is, when the train is not running , rail breaks cannot be detected. For this reason, for example, it is not always possible to respond to a request for constant detection of rail breakage.

Japanese Patent No. 5827465

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points. For example, a rail breakage detection device capable of detecting a rail breakage even when a return current is not detected because the train is not running. intended to provide

A rail break detection device for achieving the above object includes a signal generator that applies a detection DC signal to the rail, and a break detection unit that detects rail breakage based on the detection DC signal.

In the above rail break detection device, the signal generator applies a detection DC signal to the rail, and the break detection unit detects a rail break based on the detection DC signal, so that, for example, the train runs. Even if the retrace current is not detected because it is not connected, it is possible to detect the breakage of the rail based on the DC signal for detection.

In a specific aspect of the present invention, the signal generator applies a DC signal for detection to two rails configured as a pair, and the break detector detects an imbalance in the current flowing through the two rails. The occurrence of breakage in either one of the two rails is detected based on the rate. In this case, by applying a DC signal for detection to the paired rails, breakage in each rail can be detected.

In another aspect of the present invention, the break detection unit detects the occurrence of breakage in both of the two rails based on predetermined threshold values for one and the other of the detection DC signals. In this case, it is possible to detect the occurrence of breakage in both rails based on a predetermined threshold value, for example, without obtaining a relative difference between two rails that form a pair.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the signal generator applies the sensing DC signal at least when no retrace current is flowing. In this case, rail breakage can be detected based on the detection DC signal even when no return current is flowing.

In still another aspect of the present invention, the break detection unit detects breakage based on the sum of the return current and the detection DC signal when the return current is flowing. This makes it possible to detect rail breakage even when a return current is flowing.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the signal generator has a diode that blocks reverse flow of retrace current. In this case, the diode can prevent the retrace current from flowing back into the signal generator.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the signal generator applies a sensing DC signal across the rail from one end to the other in correspondence with the rail's insulated joint. In this case, the range in which rail breakage can be detected can be made appropriate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram which shows an outline about an example of the rail break detection apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing a track on which a rail break detection device is installed and a running train. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of a rail break detection apparatus. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing how breakage is detected when there is no rail breakage while the train is running; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing how breakage is detected when a rail breakage occurs while a train is running; (A) is a block diagram showing how breakage detection is performed when there is no rail breakage except when the train is running, and (B) is a block diagram illustrating how breakage detection is when there is a rail breakage. It is a flow chart for explaining an example of one operation of a rail break detection device.

An example of a rail break detection device according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 and the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , a rail break detection device 100 of this embodiment includes a signal generator 10 and a break detection section 20 . One rail breakage detection device 100 detects the presence or absence of rail breakage on the rail RL within one detection section defined by the insulation seam IN.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the rail break detection device 100 is installed in the vicinity of the rail RL on the ground at a position that does not hinder the running of the train TR. In addition, as illustrated, each part of the rail break detection device 100 is connected to the rail RL.

Returning to FIG. 1, the signal generator 10 of the rail break detection device 100 constantly applies the detection DC signal DDS to the rail RL. More specifically, the signal generator 10 has two rails RL (hereinafter referred to as first and second rails RL1 and RL2) configured as a pair, as shown in the figure. One closed circuit is formed for each rail RL1, RL2. Further, the signal generator 10 generates a DC current as a signal for detection, and supplies it as a DC signal DDS for detection to the pair of rails RL.

In the rail breakage detection device 100, the breakage detection unit 20 detects the breakage of the rail RL based on not only the return current RC (see FIG. 2) but also the detection DC signal DDS. That is, from the state of the detection DC signal DDS applied to the pair of rails RL, it is detected whether rail breakage has occurred in the rail RL within the detection range. A detailed configuration example will be described later.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a train TR running on a rail RL runs from an overhead wire (trolley wire) WI from a substation (not shown) or the like via a pantograph PA provided on the roof. A feeding current FC is supplied as a power source for this purpose. In other words, the train TR rotates the motor MM with the feeding current FC, and the axles and wheels connected to the motor MM rotate to enable the train TR to run. At this time, a return current RC corresponding to the feeding current FC is returned to the substation or the like via the rail RL. In order for the train TR to run, a voltage and current (direct current) of about 1500 V and 100 A to 1000 A are generally fed, ie, fed.

In the present embodiment, the rail break detection device 100 is configured to detect both the detection DC signal DDS described with reference to FIG. 1 and the return current RC described with reference to FIG. there is More specifically, in the break detection unit 20, when only the DC signal for detection DDS is flowing, that is, when it is applied, and when both the DC signal for detection DDS and the retrace current RC are flowing, It is possible to detect current values, voltage values, and the like. For this purpose, the measurable range of the current value and the voltage value may be appropriately adjusted in the break detection unit 20 .

In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the detection DC signal DDS and the return current RC flow in the same direction (+Z direction) on the rail RL. However, depending on the location of the substation, the return current RC may flow in the opposite direction (-Z direction).

Hereinafter, a more specific configuration example of the rail break detection device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and the like.

First, as illustrated, the signal generator 10 of the rail break detection device 100 includes a DC power supply 11, a diode 12, and a resistor 13. As shown in FIG. The signal generator 10 also has a conducting wire PW extending from the + pole side and a conducting wire NW extending from the - pole side. It is connected to one end and the other end of rails RL1 and RL2.

The DC power supply 11 is a main part of the signal generator 10, and is a power supply for constantly generating a DC current of, for example, several tens of volts and a maximum of several tens of amperes as a detection DC signal DDS. In this case, the current to be the detection DC signal DDS is smaller than the return current RC.

The diode 12 has a characteristic of allowing current to flow in one direction and not allowing current to flow in the opposite direction, and is provided on the + pole side of the DC power supply 11 here. The diode 12 allows current to flow in the direction in which the detection DC signal DDS applied from the DC power supply 11 flows, but prevents current to flow in the opposite direction. That is, in the illustrated case, the diode 12 in the signal generator 10 blocks (prevents) the reverse flow of the retrace current CR.

The resistor 13 is provided on the negative pole side of the DC power supply 11 and has a resistance value corresponding to the value of the voltage or current generated in the DC power supply 11 . For example, depending on the position of the substation, it is assumed that the diode 12 cannot block (prevent) the reverse flow of the return current CR. On the other hand, by setting the impedance of the resistor 13 to a sufficiently high value with respect to the impedance of the rail RL, the reverse flow of the retrace current CR can be considerably reduced.

In the illustrated example, the conducting wire PW positioned on the + side of the signal generator 10 branches into a first conducting wire PW1 connected to the first rail RL1 and a second conducting wire PW2 connected to the second rail RL2. are doing. Conversely, the conducting wire NW positioned on the negative side of the signal generator 10 is divided into a first conducting wire NW1 connected to the first rail RL1 and a second conducting wire NW2 connected to the second rail RL2. converged into one.

In other words, here, one closed circuit RP1 branched from one signal generator 10 and connected to the first conductor NW1 from the first conductor PW1 via the first rail RL1, and one closed circuit RP1 from the second conductor PW2. Another closed circuit RP2 connected to the second conductor NW2 via the second rail RL2 is formed. The two branched closed circuits RP1 and RP2 are symmetrical, and when there is no rail breakage or the like, substantially the same current is equally distributed to both of them.

In the above case, the signal generator 10 generates the first detection DC signal DDS1 and the second detection DC signal DDS1 for the pair of rails RL1 and RL2 as shown in the figure. and the DC signal DDS2 for application, and applied to the corresponding first rail RL1 and second rail RL2.

Also, as shown, in the signal generator 10, each conductor PW1, PW2, NW1, NW2 is connected to each rail RL1, RL2 in correspondence with the insulation seam IN that defines the boundary of each rail RL1, RL2. First and second detection DC signals DDS1 and DDS2 are applied from one end to the other end. In the illustrated example, each conductor PW1, PW2, NW1, NW2 is connected to each rail RL1, RL2 in the vicinity of the insulating seam IN. Thereby, rail breakage can be detected in most of the range of one detection section that can be detected by one rail breakage detection device 100 . That is, the range in which rail breakage can be detected can be made appropriate.

With the configuration described above, the signal generator 10 generates the detection DC signal DDS not only when the retrace current RC (see FIG. 2) is flowing but also when the retrace current RC is not flowing. (First and second detection DC signals DDS1, DDS2) are generated.

Next, an example of the configuration of the break detection unit 20 in the rail break detection device 100 will be described. Regarding the break detection unit 20 here, not only the return current RC but also the current for the detection DC signal DDS Except for the detectable range, that is, the detectable range of current and the like, it is possible to use the same configuration as the detection section, the signal processing device, etc. in the cited document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 5827465), for example. Therefore, only the outline will be described here.

As illustrated, the break detection unit 20 includes first and second connection parts CN1 and CN2, first and second detection parts 21a and 21b, and a signal processing device 22. As shown in FIG.

The first and second connection portions CN1 and CN2 are configured with a pair of conductive wires, and are connected to the first and second rails RL1 and RL2, respectively. As shown in the figure, each of the connecting portions CN1 and CN2 is arranged such that the pair of conductor wires are arranged at a predetermined interval (for example, a predetermined interval within the range of about 3 to 6 m) along the extending direction (Z direction) of the rails RL1 and RL2. They are separated by D1 and D2 and connected, and the intervals D1 and D2 are detection intervals for current or voltage conditions by the first and second detection units 21a and 21b.

The first and second detection units 21a and 21b are composed of various circuits and the like, and process signals from the connection units CN1 and CN2 respectively connected thereto to detect currents or voltages flowing through the first and second rails RL1 and RL2. to detect the status of Here, as an example, the potential difference occurring along with the size of the detection section at the first and second connection portions CN1 and CN2 is detected.

The signal processing device 22 is composed of various circuits and the like, and compares the information from the first and second detection units 21a and 21b, that is, the potential difference between the currents flowing through the rails RL1 and RL2, and obtains Based on the results, a decision regarding rail breakage is made.

An example of breakage detection by the rail breakage detection device 100 having the above configuration will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. First, as a premise, here, the signal generator 10 constantly applies the detection DC signal DDS (first and second detection DC signals DDS1, DDS2) to the first and second rails RL1, RL2. It shall be

On the other hand, the return current RC flows only when the train TR is running. That is, when the train TR is not running, the return current RC does not flow. Only DDS1 and DDS2 flow.

FIG. 4 shows how breakage is detected when there is no rail breakage while the train TR is running. On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows how rail breakage is detected when a rail breakage occurs while the train TR is running. In this case, the rupture point RR indicating the rail rupture is positioned ahead of the train TR in the traveling direction (+Z direction) of the return current RC.

Further, as a premise, as described above, the train TR receives feeding current FC from the substation SS via the overhead wire WI and the pantograph PA, and runs by rotationally driving the motor MM.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, if there is no rail breakage or the like, the return current RC caused by the running train TR is a first return current RC which is a component flowing through the first rail RL1 in the train TR. The current RC1 and the second return current RC2, which is a component that flows through the second rail RL2, are branched and flow out. Therefore, in the illustrated case, a first return current RC1 and a first detection DC signal DDS1 are flowing through the first rail RL1, and the first detection portion 21a is connected to the first rail RL1 via the first connection portion CN1. A potential difference is sensed for these sums. Here, the potential difference caused by the first return current RC1 is V1, and the potential difference caused by the first detection DC signal DDS1 is V1'. That is, the potential difference V1+V1' indicates the potential difference detected by the first detection section 21a.

Similarly, a second return current RC2 and a second detection DC signal DDS2 flow through the second rail RL2. senses a potential difference about Here, the potential difference caused by the second return current RC2 is V2, and the potential difference caused by the second detection DC signal DDS2 is V2'. That is, the potential difference V2+V2' represents the potential difference detected by the second detection section 21b.

As described above, in the break detection unit 20 here, when the return current RC is flowing, the total value of the return current RC and the detection DC signal DDS (that is, the current caused by the detection DC signal DDS) The rupture is detected based on the information of the potential difference corresponding to .

The method of detection by the break detection unit 20 will be described in more detail below. First, as exemplified in FIG. 4, if there is no rail breakage and branching of the detection DC signal DDS and return current RC is performed in an equal configuration, among the above, for example, the first detection The detection DC signal DDS1 and the second detection DC signal DDS2 are equally divided and exhibit the same value, and the same can be said for the first return current RC1 and the second return current RC2. Further, the same applies to the potential difference V1 and the potential difference V2, or the potential difference V1' and the potential difference V2', and the sum or total value thereof.

However, as illustrated in FIG. 5, one of the first and second rails RL1 and RL2 is broken (in the illustrated example, the first rail RL1 has a broken portion RR). ), the current will flow in only one of the unbroken rails, resulting in a current imbalance between the first rail RL1 and the second rail RL2. In view of this point, in the present embodiment, as an example, in the signal processing device 22, the following equation (1) is defined as the unbalance rate, and based on the magnitude of the unbalance rate, in order to grasp the unbalance, It determines whether or not there is a rail break.
(|V1+V1'|-|V2+V2'|)/(|V1+V1'|+|V2+V2'|)×100% (1)
Here, |V1+V1'|-|V2+V2'| in the numerator of the unbalance rate shown in the above equation (1) corresponds to the difference between the current flowing through the first rail RL1 and the current flowing through the second rail RL2. values are shown. If this value is large, there is a high possibility that the current is biased to one side, that is, rail breakage has occurred in the other side.

In addition, in the unbalance rate shown in the above formula (1), the denominator indicates a value corresponding to the sum of both currents.

From the above, after predetermining a threshold for the unbalance rate shown in the above formula (1), in the breakage detection unit 20, the signal processing device 22 causes the first and second detection units 21a and 21b to With respect to the measured potential difference, the unbalance rate shown in the above formula (1) is calculated, and if the calculated unbalance rate is equal to or less than the threshold value, it is determined that the rail is not broken, assuming that the state is as shown in FIG. If it is larger than the threshold value, it is determined that there is a rail breakage assuming that a breakage point RR as shown in FIG. 5 has occurred.

When the signal processing device 22 determines that there is a rail breakage, the signal processing device 22 notifies the other device of the determination result. For example, the signal processing device 22 sends the determination result to a monitoring device (not shown) or the like. Based on the result sent from the signal processing device 22, the monitoring device performs processing such as preventing the train TR from entering the target area to be monitored.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, by using the always-flowing detection DC signal DDS, it is possible not only when the train TR is running as described above, but also when the train TR is not running, that is, when the return line is detected. Even when the first return current RC1 or the second return current RC2 branching from the current RC is not generated, rail breakage can be determined in the same manner as described above.

Specifically, even when the train TR is not running, for example, as shown in FIG. 6A, there is no rail breakage, and as shown in FIG. is occurring), determination is made from the states of the first detection DC signal DDS1 and the second detection DC signal DDS2. In this case, in the signal processing device 22, the potential difference caused by the first and second return currents RC1 and RC2 in the above equation (1) is calculated by the following equation (2), excluding V1 and V2. Presence or absence is determined.
(|V1'|-|V2'|)/(|V1'|+|V2'|)×100% (2)
Also in this case, if the numerator difference is large, there is a high possibility that the current is biased to one side, that is, rail breakage has occurred in the other side. Therefore, if the unbalance rate calculated from the above equation (2) is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the signal processing device 22 determines that there is no rail break assuming that the state shown in FIG. If it is larger than , it is determined that there is a rail breakage, assuming that a breakage point RR as shown in FIG. 6(B) has occurred.

As described above, the rail break detection device 100 detects the occurrence of a break in either one of the rails RL1 and RL2 based on the unbalance rate of the currents flowing through the two rails RL1 and RL2 in the break detection unit 20. It is configured.

It should be noted that when both the detection DC signal DDS and the return current RC are detected as shown in FIG. 4 and the like, and when only the detection DC signal DDS is detected as shown in FIG. Since it is assumed that the value of the detected potential difference is greatly different between and, for example, it is possible to distinguish which state is in the breakage detection unit 20, but in the determination of rail breakage here, It uses something like the unbalance rate mentioned above.

A brief consideration will be given below to the difference between the rail breakage detection device that does not have the signal generator 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the like and the rail breakage detection device 100 of the present embodiment.

Even if the signal generator 10 is not provided, when the train TR is running, a first return current RC1 and a second return current RC2 obtained by branching the return current RC are generated. can be used to determine the presence or absence of rail breakage. However, the presence or absence of rail breakage cannot be determined except when the train is running. In particular, as shown in FIG. 6B, if there is no signal generator 10 except when the train is running, even if a rail break (break point RR) has occurred, it cannot be determined.

In this embodiment, such a situation is avoided by using the detection DC signal DDS which is constantly flowing. That is, it is possible to detect rail breakage even when there is no return current RC.

Further, in the rail break detection device 100, separate thresholds are determined for |V1'| or |V1+V1'|, and separate thresholds are determined for |V2'| or |V2+V2'| It may be possible to detect a case where rail breakage has occurred on both sides (breakage of both rails).

When both rail breaks occur, both the value of |V1'| or |V1+V1'| and the value of |V2'| or |V2+V2'| become smaller. Especially when the train is not running, the value of |V1'| and the value of |V2'| caused by the detection DC signal DDS are detected. be done. Therefore, the above threshold is determined in advance based on, for example, values of |V1'| and |V2'| assumed to be values at the time of rail breakage, and whether or not the threshold is equal to or higher than the threshold is calculated as the unbalance rate. By making a determination before starting, it is possible to first confirm whether or not both rails have broken. That is, in the break detection unit 20, the first detection DC signal DDS1, which is one of the branched detection DC signals DDS, and the second detection DC signal DDS2, which is the other, are determined based on predetermined threshold values. Occurrence of breakage in both of the two rails RL1 and RL2 is detected. In this case, it is possible to detect that both the rails RL1 and RL2 are broken based on the predetermined threshold value without obtaining the relative difference between the rails RL1 and RL2 as described above.

An operation example of the rail break detection device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, an example in which both rail breakage is also detected as described above will be described. Therefore, as a premise, the threshold for |V1'| or |V1+V1'| is defined as V1t, and the threshold for |V2'| or |V2+V2'| is defined as V2t. In addition, it is assumed that a threshold for the imbalance rate is also determined in advance.

First, due to the DC signal DDS for detection by the signal generator 10 in the rail break detection device 100 and the return current RC from the train TR, the first detection unit 21a of the break detection unit 20 and the signal processing device 22 , a value corresponding to |V1'| or |V1+V1'| is calculated for the potential difference. The signal processing device 22 determines whether the calculated value is equal to or greater than the threshold value V1t (step S101a). In parallel, the second detection unit 21b of the breakage detection unit 20 and the signal processing device 22 calculate a value corresponding to |V2'| or |V2+V2'| for the potential difference, and the signal processing device 22 calculates It is determined whether or not the obtained value is equal to or greater than the threshold value V2t (step S101b).

In step S101a, if it is determined that it is not equal to or greater than (less than) the threshold value V1t (step S101a: No), or if it is determined that it is not equal to or greater than (is less than) the threshold value V2t in step S101b (step S101b: No ), the signal processing device 22 determines whether both the value of |V1'| or |V1+V1'| and the value of |V2'| or |V2+V2'| are less than a predetermined threshold. (step S102).

In step S102, the value of |V1'| or |V1+V1'| is not equal to or greater than (is less than) the threshold value V1t, and the value of |V2'| or |V2+V2'| is not equal to or greater than (is less than) the threshold value V2t. (Step S102: Yes), that is, when both the value of |V1'| or |V1+V1'| and the value of |V2'| or |V2+V2'| , the signal processing device 22 determines that both rails are broken (step S103), and terminates the series of operations. In this case, the signal processing device 22, that is, the rail break detection device 100 detects that both rails are broken without obtaining the unbalance rate or the like.

On the other hand, in step S102, if it is determined that the value of |V1'| or |V1+V1'| is equal to or greater than the threshold value V1t, or that the value of |V2'| or |V2+V2'| is equal to or greater than the threshold value V2t ( Step S102: No), the signal processing device 22 returns to the operations of steps S101a and S101b. In this case, the threshold value V1t or more is reached in the next step S101a (step S101a: Yes), or the threshold value V2t or more is reached in step S101b (step S101b: Yes).

If it is determined in step S101a that the value is equal to or greater than the threshold value V1t (step S101a: Yes) or if it is determined that the value is equal to or greater than the threshold value V2t in step S101b (step S101b: Yes), then both rails have not broken. Assuming that there is no rail breakage, various processes are started to detect whether or not a rail breakage has occurred for either one of them. Specifically, the signal processing device 22 calculates the unbalance rate based on the potential difference measured by the first and second detection units 21a and 21b. That is, the calculation result of the above formula (1) or the above formula (2) is obtained (step S104). Further, the signal processing device 22 determines whether or not rail breakage has occurred based on the magnitude comparison between the result calculated in step S104 and a predetermined threshold value regarding the unbalance rate, and (step S105) a series of operations. exit.

As described above, the rail break detection device 100 according to the present embodiment includes the signal generator 10 that applies the detection DC signals DDS (DDS1, DDS2) to the rails RL (RL1, RL2), and the detection DC signals DDS (DDS1, DDS2). A break detection unit 20 for detecting breakage of the rails RL1 and RL2 based on the signals DDS1 and DDS2 is provided. In this case, the signal generator 10 applies detection DC signals DDS1 and DDS2 to the rails RL1 and RL2, and the break detector 20 detects breakage of the rails RL1 and RL2 based on the detection DC signals DDS1 and DDS2. By doing so, for example, even if the return current RC is not detected, it is possible to detect breakage of the rails RL1 and RL2 based on the detection DC signals DDS1 and DDS2.

〔others〕
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the invention.

First, in the above description, the train TR receives power from the pantograph PA. can be applied. Furthermore, it is conceivable to apply the present application to non-electrified sections.

In the above description, the signal generator 10 is branched to form the closed circuit RP1 related to the first rail RL1 and the closed circuit RP2 related to the second rail RL2. Instead, one closed circuit is formed, the potential difference V for one rail is measured in the closed circuit, and the potential difference V is compared with a predetermined threshold to determine the one rail. It is also conceivable to

In addition, in the above description, one rail break detection device 100 detects the presence or absence of a rail break for the rail RL in one detection section separated by the insulation seam IN. Various other modes are conceivable for the detection range by . For example, rail breakage may be performed by dividing one detection section into smaller ranges than the section divided by the insulating seam IN.

As for the unbalance rate, the above formula (1) and the following formula (2) are shown as examples, but other than this can be used as long as it indicates an unbalance rate that can be determined for rail breakage in the above mode. It may be a calculation method.

In the above description, the signal generator 10 always generates the DC signal DDS for detection. Thus, the object can be achieved. For example, it is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which the detection DC signal DDS is not applied when the return current RC is flowing.

Further, each of the above-described thresholds can be appropriately determined based on the ranges of the current value and voltage value of the detection DC signal DDS and the return current RC, taking into account possible noise and the like.

Further, the signal generator 10 can be of various modes as long as it can apply the required DC signal DDS for detection, and the diode 12 and the resistor 13 can be configured in a plurality of ways and arranged in various ways. can

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Signal generator, 11... DC power supply, 12... Diode, 13... Resistor, 20... Break detection part, 22... Signal processing device, 100... Rail break detection device, 100A... Rail break detection device, CN1, CN2... Connection Part, CR... Return line current, D1, D2... Interval, DDS... DC signal for detection, DDS1... DC signal for first detection, DDS2... DC signal for second detection, FC... Feeding current, IN... Insulation seam, MM...Motor, PA...Pantograph, PW, PW1, PW2, NW, NW1, NW2...Conducting wire, RC...Return current, RL...Rail, RL1...First rail, RL2...Second rail, RP1, RP2...Closed circuit , RR... Breaking point, SS... Substation, TR... Train, V1, V1', V2, V2'... Potential difference, WI... Overhead line

Claims (7)

a signal generator that applies a DC signal for detection to two rails configured as a pair ;
A rail break detection device comprising: a break detection unit that detects a break in the rail based on an imbalance that occurs between the two rails with respect to the DC signal for detection. 2. The rail breakage detection device according to claim 1, wherein said breakage detection unit detects occurrence of breakage in either one of said two rails based on an unbalance rate of currents flowing through said two rails. 3. The rail breakage detection device according to claim 2, wherein said breakage detector detects occurrence of breakage in both of said two rails based on predetermined threshold values respectively for one and the other of said DC signals for detection. The rail break detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the signal generator applies the detection DC signal at least when no return current is flowing. 5. The rail break detection device according to claim 4, wherein when the return current is flowing, the break detection unit detects the break based on a sum of the return current and the detection DC signal. The rail break detection device according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the signal generator has a diode that prevents reverse flow of the return current. The rail according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the signal generator applies the sensing DC signal from one end to the other end of the rail corresponding to an insulating joint of the rail. Break detection device.

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