Impedance matcher of track circuit, monitoring system and track circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to an impedance matcher of a track circuit, a monitoring system and the track circuit. The impedance matcher comprises a transformation ratio adjustable transformation module, a blocking module and an electrical information acquisition module. The transformation ratio adjustable transformation module is connected with a steel rail, the transformation ratio can be dynamically adjusted according to working conditions, and impedance matching of a track circuit is optimized; the direct current blocking module is connected in series between the voltage transformation module and an external terminal to effectively block a traction current direct current component and unbalanced alternating current interference and ensure that a frequency shift signal is pure; the electrical information acquisition module acquires key parameters such as steel rail lead wire current, voltage and current at two ends of the blocking module and the like in real time through multi-terminal connection, and transmits the key parameters to an external terminal. The impedance matcher not only realizes transformation ratio adjustment and unbalanced traction current suppression, but also can accurately monitor the signal transmission state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of track circuits, and in particular to an impedance matcher, a monitoring system, and a track circuit for a track circuit. Background Art

[0002] In the railway signal transmission system, track circuits, as key equipment, undertake important functions such as train occupancy detection and signal transmission. Their performance is directly related to the safety and efficiency of railway operations.

[0003] The outdoor transmission equipment of existing track circuits generally has significant technical bottlenecks. On the one hand, its transformation ratio is fixed and lacks an adjustment mechanism, which makes it impossible to effectively suppress the unbalanced traction current according to actual operating conditions, resulting in signal transmission being susceptible to interference, which in turn affects the safety of train operation. On the other hand, due to the lack of precise monitoring methods, it is impossible to obtain signal transmission status information in real time and accurately, making it difficult to predict and locate equipment failures, making maintenance work blind, which not only increases operating and maintenance costs, but also reduces the reliability and stability of the railway transportation system.

[0004] As railway transportation develops towards high speed and heavy load, the above-mentioned problems become increasingly prominent. There is an urgent need for track circuit outdoor transmission equipment and related technologies that can adjust the transformation ratio and suppress unbalanced traction current, while having the function of accurate signal transmission status monitoring, in order to meet the strict requirements of modern railway transportation for safety and efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide an impedance matcher for a track circuit.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides an impedance matcher for a track circuit, the impedance matcher comprising:

[0007] A transformer module with an adjustable ratio, wherein a first end of the transformer module is used for connecting to a rail;

[0008] A DC isolation module, wherein a first end of the DC isolation module is connected to a second end of the ratio-adjustable transformer module, and the second end of the DC isolation module is used to connect to an external terminal; the external terminal is used to transmit a frequency-shifted signal to the rail;

[0009] An electrical information acquisition module, wherein a first acquisition terminal of the electrical information acquisition module is used to connect to the rail, a second acquisition terminal of the electrical information acquisition module is connected to the first terminal of the DC isolation module, a third acquisition terminal and a fourth acquisition terminal of the electrical information acquisition module are both connected to the second terminal of the DC isolation module, and an output terminal of the electrical information acquisition module is further used to connect to an external terminal;

[0010] The electrical information acquisition module is used to collect the lead wire current of the rail, the voltage of the first end of the DC isolation module, and the voltage and current of the second end of the DC isolation module.

[0011] In one embodiment, the ratio-adjustable transformer module includes:

[0012] A multi-tap transformer, wherein a first side of the multi-tap transformer is used to connect to the rail, and a second side of the multi-tap transformer is connected to a first end of the DC isolation module;

[0013] A ratio controller is provided, wherein a control end of the ratio controller is connected to a controlled end of the multi-tap transformer.

[0014] In one embodiment, the DC isolation module is a DC isolation capacitor.

[0015] In one embodiment, the impedance matching box further comprises:

[0016] The temperature acquisition module is connected to the external terminal and is used to collect the temperature inside the impedance matching box.

[0017] In one embodiment, the impedance matching box further comprises:

[0018] A lightning protection module, wherein a first end of the lightning protection module is connected to a second end of the DC isolation module, and the second end of the lightning protection module is used to connect to an external terminal.

[0019] In one embodiment, the impedance matching box further comprises a cable box;

[0020] The second end of the DC isolation module is connected to an external terminal through a cable box, and the electrical information acquisition module is connected to an external power supply through the cable box.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present application further provides a track circuit monitoring system, the monitoring system comprising:

[0022] The impedance matching device of the track circuit in the above embodiment;

[0023] External terminal, the external terminal is connected to the impedance matching box.

[0024] In one embodiment, the external terminal is used to obtain the lead wire current of the rail, the voltage of the first end of the DC isolation module, and the voltage and current of the second end of the DC isolation module, and determine the signal transmission status of the track circuit based on the lead wire current of the rail, the voltage of the first end of the DC isolation module, and the voltage and current of the second end of the DC isolation module.

[0025] In one embodiment, when the impedance matching box further includes a temperature acquisition module, the external terminal is further used to determine the operating state of the impedance matching box.

[0026] In a third aspect, the present application further provides a track circuit, which includes:

[0027] rails;

[0028] And the monitoring system in the above embodiment.

[0029] The above-mentioned impedance matching device, monitoring system and track circuit have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0030] The variable-ratio transformer module dynamically adjusts the transformer ratio based on operating conditions, optimizing track circuit impedance matching, improving signal transmission efficiency and quality, reducing signal loss, and ensuring signal transmission stability and flexibility. The DC isolation module effectively suppresses unbalanced traction current, blocks DC components, and reduces AC interference, ensuring pure and accurate frequency-shifted signals, avoiding signal misjudgment caused by traction current interference and improving signal transmission reliability. The electrical information acquisition module collects key electrical information from multiple terminals, providing data support for track circuit operating status analysis and fault diagnosis, helping personnel quickly locate faults, achieve precise maintenance, and improve system maintenance efficiency and accuracy. The coordinated operation of these three modules not only overcomes the technical shortcomings of existing track circuit outdoor transmission equipment, but also significantly reduces operating and maintenance costs, effectively ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the railway signal transmission system and laying a solid technical foundation for the intelligent and reliable development of railway transportation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the conventional technology, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the conventional technology descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an impedance matcher for a track circuit in one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of an impedance matcher of a track circuit in one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of a voltage transformer module with adjustable ratio in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] To facilitate understanding of the present application, the present application will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings provide embodiments of the present application. However, the present application may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present application more thorough and comprehensive.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0037] It will be understood that the terms "first," "second," and the like, as used herein, may be used to describe various elements herein, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish a first element from another element. For example, a first end may be referred to as a second end, and similarly, a second end may be referred to as a first end, without departing from the scope of this application. The first end and the second end are both resistors, but they are not the same resistor.

[0038] It can be understood that the “connection” in the following embodiments should be understood as “electrical connection”, “communication connection”, etc. if there is transmission of electrical signals or data between the connected circuits, modules, units, etc.

[0039] It is understood that “at least one” refers to one or more, “a plurality” refers to two or more, and “at least a portion of an element” refers to a portion or all of an element.

[0040] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "include," "comprising," "having," and the like specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of the relevant listed items.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the application scenario of the impedance matching device of the track circuit of the present application is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, two ends of the impedance matcher are connected to the rails, one end can be used to pull the return current, one end is used to connect the power lines (L and N) to achieve power supply, and one end is used to send and receive the frequency-shifted signal sent by the external terminal through the cable.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2As shown, the present application provides an impedance matcher for a track circuit, which includes a transformer module 2 with an adjustable ratio, a DC isolation module 4, and an electrical information acquisition module 6. The first end of the transformer module 2 with an adjustable ratio is used to connect to the rail; the first end of the DC isolation module 4 is connected to the second end of the transformer module 2, and the second end of the DC isolation module 4 is used to connect to an external terminal; the external terminal is used to transmit a frequency-shifted signal to the rail; the first acquisition end of the electrical information acquisition module 6 is used to connect to the rail, the second acquisition end of the electrical information acquisition module 6 is connected to the first end of the DC isolation module 4, the third acquisition end and the fourth acquisition end of the electrical information acquisition module 6 are both connected to the second end of the DC isolation module 4, and the output end of the electrical information acquisition module 6 is also used to connect to an external terminal; wherein, the electrical information acquisition module 6 is used to collect the lead wire current of the rail, the voltage of the first end of the DC isolation module 4, and the voltage and current of the second end of the DC isolation module 4.

[0043] Among them, the ratio-adjustable transformer module 2 can dynamically adjust its own transformation ratio according to the actual working conditions, breaking through the limitations of the fixed transformation ratio of the traditional track circuit outdoor transmission equipment. By changing the transformation ratio, the input and output impedance relationship of the track circuit can be optimized, making the signal transmission between the rails and the external terminals more efficient and stable, effectively improving the signal transmission quality and reducing signal loss. The DC isolation module 4 is mainly used to suppress unbalanced traction current. In the railway track system, the traction current has DC components and imbalance problems, which will interfere with the track circuit signal transmission. The DC isolation module 4 uses its own DC isolation characteristics to effectively block the DC component and prevent it from entering the signal transmission loop, thereby eliminating the adverse effects of the DC component on signal transmission, reducing the interference caused by the imbalance of the traction current, ensuring the purity and accuracy of the frequency-shifted signal, and making the signal stably transmitted between the rails and the external terminals. The electrical information acquisition module 6 is connected to the rails and the DC isolation module 4 through multiple acquisition terminals. It can collect key electrical information such as the rail lead wire current, as well as the voltage and current at both ends of the DC isolation module 4 in real time and comprehensively, so as to provide detailed data support for subsequent analysis of the operating status of the track circuit and diagnosis of potential faults, helping staff to promptly discover signal transmission anomalies and accurately locate the fault location, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of track circuit system maintenance and ensuring the reliable operation of the railway signal transmission system.

[0044] For example, in the track circuit impedance matcher of this embodiment, the coordinated operation of the variable-ratio transformer module 2, the DC isolation module 4, and the electrical information acquisition module 6 achieves the functions of adjusting the transformation ratio, suppressing unbalanced traction current, and accurately monitoring signal transmission status. Specifically, with respect to the transformation ratio adjustment, the first end of the variable-ratio transformer module 2 is directly connected to the rail. When the signal transmission impedance of the rail changes due to actual operating conditions such as train operation and line status changes, the variable-ratio transformer module 2 can dynamically adjust its own transformation ratio based on a preset algorithm or external control instructions. For example, when the rail impedance increases, the variable-ratio transformer module 2 reduces the transformation ratio, increases the output voltage, and optimizes the input and output impedance matching relationship of the track circuit, thereby ensuring efficient and stable signal transmission between the rail and the external terminal, reducing signal loss and distortion caused by impedance mismatch, and greatly improving the flexibility and stability of signal transmission compared to traditional fixed-ratio devices. The DC isolation module 4 is connected in series between the variable-ratio transformer module 2 and the external terminal. During rail operation, the DC component and unbalanced AC component in the traction current can interfere with the track circuit signal. The DC isolation module 4 effectively blocks the DC component from passing through, blocking it from the signal transmission loop. At the same time, the DC isolation module 4 reduces the interference intensity of the unbalanced AC component on the frequency-shifted signal through its own filtering and impedance adjustment functions. This ensures that the frequency-shifted signal transmitted from the external terminal to the rail remains pure and accurate, ensuring the reliability of track circuit signal transmission and avoiding problems such as signal misjudgment caused by traction current interference. The electrical information acquisition module 6 features a multi-terminal acquisition design. The first acquisition terminal of the module is connected to the rail, enabling real-time acquisition of the rail lead current, reflecting the signal energy transmission status on the rail side. The second acquisition terminal is connected to the first terminal of the DC isolation module 4, collecting the voltage there and monitoring the signal status at the front end of the DC isolation module 4. The third and fourth acquisition terminals are connected to the second terminal of the DC isolation module 4, collecting voltage and current parameters for analyzing the transmission characteristics of the signal processed by the DC isolation module 4. This collected electrical information is transmitted in real time to an external terminal, which uses data analysis algorithms to assess the overall operating status of the track circuit. Once abnormal current or voltage fluctuations are detected, the fault point can be quickly located, such as a rail connection problem, a fault in the DC isolation module 4, or an abnormality in the signal transmission line. This provides precise data for subsequent maintenance personnel to conduct targeted inspections, significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of track circuit system maintenance and effectively ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the railway signal transmission system.

[0045] The track circuit's impedance matcher, the adjustable-ratio transformer module 2, dynamically adjusts the transformer ratio based on operating conditions, optimizing the track circuit's impedance matching, improving signal transmission efficiency and quality, reducing signal loss, and ensuring the stability and flexibility of signal transmission. The DC isolation module 4 effectively suppresses unbalanced traction current, blocks DC components, and reduces AC interference, ensuring a pure and accurate frequency-shifted signal, avoiding signal misjudgment caused by traction current interference and improving signal transmission reliability. The electrical information acquisition module 6 collects key electrical information from multiple terminals, providing data support for track circuit operating status analysis and fault diagnosis, helping personnel quickly locate faults, achieve precise maintenance, and improve system maintenance efficiency and accuracy. The coordinated operation of these three components not only overcomes the technical shortcomings of existing track circuit outdoor transmission equipment, but also significantly reduces operating and maintenance costs, effectively ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the railway signal transmission system and laying a solid technical foundation for the intelligent and reliable development of railway transportation.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the variable-ratio transformer module 2 includes a multi-tap transformer and a ratio controller. The first side of the multi-tap transformer is connected to the rails, and the second side of the multi-tap transformer is connected to the first end of the DC isolation module 4. The control end of the ratio controller is connected to the controlled end of the multi-tap transformer.

[0047] For example, in a specific embodiment, the specific structure of the multi-tap transformer is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, one winding on a multi-tap transformer is connected to the rails, while multiple windings on the other side are connected in series through multiple actuators and then to external terminals via cables. Several of these actuators are also connected to a ratio controller. The first winding on the multi-tap transformer is directly connected to the rails, receiving signal energy from the track. The second winding on the multi-tap transformer has multiple taps, each corresponding to a different turns ratio. By switching the tap connection points, the transformer's ratio can be changed. The ratio controller serves as a control unit, with its control terminal connected to the controlled terminal (i.e., the actuator array) of the multi-tap transformer. It is responsible for making decisions and executing ratio adjustments based on real-time operating conditions. In a specific implementation, the multiple winding taps on the second side of the multi-tap transformer are selectively connected through corresponding actuators (such as solid-state relays or electric switches), all of which are centrally managed by the ratio controller. When the electrical information acquisition module 6 detects a change in rail impedance (e.g., an increase in impedance due to an approaching train), or when an external terminal issues an adjustment command based on system parameters, the ratio controller receives the rail current and voltage data provided by the electrical information acquisition module 6 and, in conjunction with a preset impedance matching algorithm, calculates the current optimal ratio parameters. It then sends a switching command to the corresponding actuator, disconnecting the current tap and closing the target tap. For example, if a reduction in the ratio is required, the controller switches to a tap combination with a smaller turns ratio. After the switch is complete, the controller monitors signal transmission quality parameters (such as voltage stability and signal strength) in real time to verify the effectiveness of the ratio adjustment, thus forming a closed-loop control system.

[0048] In this embodiment, when rail impedance fluctuates due to train operation or environmental changes, the ratio controller, based on real-time data fed back by the electrical information acquisition module 6 and a preset algorithm, accurately calculates and switches the turns ratio of the multi-tap transformer, optimizing the track circuit's input-output impedance matching, effectively reducing signal transmission losses and improving the transmission efficiency and stability of frequency-shifted signals. Furthermore, the contactless tap switching method based on the actuator array reduces equipment wear, extends service life, and reduces maintenance costs compared to traditional mechanical adjustment methods. The closed-loop control mechanism ensures that after each ratio adjustment, the system automatically verifies signal transmission quality, achieving continuous optimization. This significantly improves the track circuit's adaptability to complex operating conditions, ensures the reliability and efficiency of railway signal transmission, and provides solid technical support for the safe and stable operation of railway transportation.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the DC isolation module 4 is a DC isolation capacitor C.

[0050] In this embodiment, during railway track operation, the DC component and unbalanced AC component contained in the traction current can easily interfere with the track circuit signal transmission. The DC blocking capacitor C, by virtue of its basic electrical characteristics of blocking DC and passing AC, can effectively block the DC component from entering the signal transmission loop, fundamentally reducing the adverse effects of DC interference on the frequency-shifted signal. At the same time, its capacitive reactance characteristics can also attenuate and filter the unbalanced AC component to a certain extent, reducing the intensity of AC interference, thereby ensuring that the frequency-shifted signal transmitted from the external terminal to the rail is pure and accurate, avoiding signal misjudgment, and significantly improving the reliability of track circuit signal transmission. In addition, the DC blocking capacitor C has a simple structure, low cost, and easy installation. Compared with complex filtering circuits, it has high stability and low failure rate, which not only reduces equipment cost and maintenance difficulty, but also can effectively cooperate with the variable ratio transformer module 2 and the electrical information acquisition module 6 to ensure the safe and stable operation of the railway signal transmission system.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the impedance matching box further includes a temperature acquisition module 8. The temperature acquisition module 8 is connected to an external terminal and is used to acquire the temperature inside the impedance matching box.

[0052] In this embodiment, during the long-term operation of the track circuit, internal components such as the variable ratio transformer module 2 and the DC isolation module 4 will generate heat under continuous operation. If the temperature is too high, it may cause the performance of the components to degrade or even cause failures, threatening the safety of railway signal transmission. The temperature acquisition module 8 collects the internal temperature of the impedance matcher in real time and transmits the data to an external terminal, so that maintenance personnel can promptly grasp the internal thermal status of the equipment. By analyzing the temperature data, not only can early warning of overheating risks be provided to avoid component damage and signal transmission abnormalities caused by high temperature, but also, combined with the temperature change trend, potential equipment failures can be predicted, preventive maintenance can be achieved, and the probability of sudden failures can be reduced. In addition, the setting of this module improves the status monitoring system of the impedance matcher, and cooperates with the electrical information acquisition module 6 to provide richer data support for the comprehensive evaluation of the equipment operating status, further improving the scientificity and efficiency of track circuit system maintenance, and effectively ensuring the stable and reliable operation of the railway signal transmission system.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the impedance matcher further includes a lightning protection module 10. A first end of the lightning protection module 10 is connected to a second end of the DC isolation module 4, and a second end of the lightning protection module 10 is used to connect to an external terminal.

[0054] In this embodiment, since the railway track environment is exposed to the outdoors and is susceptible to lightning, the transient overvoltage and surge current generated by lightning strikes can cause irreversible damage to precision electronic components such as the DC isolation module 4 and the variable ratio transformer module 2 in the track circuit, and even interrupt signal transmission, endangering railway traffic safety. The lightning protection module 10 is connected between the DC isolation module 4 and the external terminal, and can respond quickly at the moment of lightning strike. Through its own lightning protection devices such as varistors and gas discharge tubes, it limits the overvoltage to a safe range and directs the surge current into the earth, effectively blocking the impact of lightning energy on the equipment. This not only protects the internal components of the impedance matcher, extends the service life of the equipment, and reduces maintenance costs, but also ensures the integrity of the frequency-shifted signal transmission link, avoids signal interruption or misjudgment due to lightning strikes, and ensures that the railway signal system can still operate stably and reliably in bad weather, providing protection for railway transportation safety.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the impedance matcher further includes a cable box 12. The second end of the DC isolation module 4 is connected to an external terminal through the cable box 12, and the electrical information acquisition module 6 is connected to an external power supply through the cable box 12.

[0056] In this embodiment, due to the complex on-site environment of the railway track, the cable is exposed for a long time and is susceptible to mechanical damage, corrosion, and electromagnetic interference, which affects the stability of signal transmission and equipment power supply. The cable box 12 serves as an integrated connection hub, which uniformly stores and protects the signal transmission line of the DC isolation module 4 and the external terminal, and the power supply line of the electrical information acquisition module 6. Its sturdy shell and sealing design can effectively resist external physical impact and environmental erosion, extend the service life of the cable, and reduce the probability of line failure; the standardized wiring port and fixed structure ensure that the line connection is tight and stable, reduce signal attenuation and power supply abnormalities caused by poor contact, and ensure the accuracy of frequency-shift signal transmission and the normal operation of the electrical information acquisition module 6. At the same time, the cable box 12 centrally manages the power supply line, facilitates the access and distribution of external power supply, and provides stable power supply for the electrical information acquisition module 6, enabling it to continuously and accurately collect various electrical parameters; and the cable box 12 can also play a certain electromagnetic shielding role, reducing the impact of external electromagnetic interference on the internal line, further improving the safety and reliability of the track circuit system, reducing the difficulty and cost of maintenance, and providing a strong guarantee for the stable operation of the railway signal transmission system.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the present application further provides a monitoring system for a track circuit, the monitoring system comprising the impedance matcher and an external terminal of the track circuit in the above embodiment. The external terminal is connected to the impedance matcher.

[0058] In this embodiment, the monitoring system combines a track circuit impedance matcher with an external terminal. The impedance matcher optimizes signal transmission impedance through an adjustable-ratio transformer module 2 and suppresses unbalanced traction current interference using a DC isolation module 4. Together with an electrical information acquisition module 6, a temperature acquisition module 8, a lightning protection module 10, and a cable box 12, the system achieves stable signal transmission, effective interference suppression, multi-dimensional status monitoring, and reliable equipment protection. The external terminal, serving as the data processing and control core, receives information such as electrical parameters and temperature data transmitted by the impedance matcher. It uses data analysis algorithms to accurately assess the track circuit's operating status, promptly detect anomalies and locate fault points. Simultaneously, it issues control commands, such as ratio adjustment, to the impedance matcher based on actual operating conditions. The coordinated operation of these two systems not only significantly improves the quality and reliability of track circuit signal transmission but also enables intelligent management of the entire process, from signal optimization to fault diagnosis. This effectively reduces equipment failure rates and maintenance costs, providing a comprehensive technical support system for the safe and stable operation of railway signal systems.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the external terminal is used to obtain the lead-in wire current of the rail, the voltage of the first end of the DC isolation module 4, and the voltage and current of the second end of the DC isolation module 4, and determine the signal transmission status of the track circuit based on the lead-in wire current of the rail, the voltage of the first end of the DC isolation module 4, and the voltage and current of the second end of the DC isolation module 4.

[0060] For example, the electrical information acquisition module 6 serves as the data acquisition front end. Its first acquisition terminal connects to the rail to acquire the lead wire current, a current parameter that directly reflects the transmission strength of the signal energy on the rail. A second acquisition terminal connects to the first terminal of the DC isolation module 4 to acquire voltage, which is used to monitor the signal status at the front end of the DC isolation module 4. The third and fourth acquisition terminals connect to the second terminal of the DC isolation module 4 to acquire the voltage and current there to analyze the signal transmission characteristics after processing by the DC isolation module 4. This critical electrical data is transmitted to an external terminal in real time and synchronously. After receiving data such as the rail lead wire current and the voltage and current at both ends of the DC isolation module 4, the external terminal can use built-in data analysis algorithms to perform in-depth data processing. For example, the current and voltage amplitudes and phase differences are calculated and compared with preset standard thresholds or historical normal data for analysis. Abnormal fluctuations in the rail lead wire current may indicate a loose connection or short circuit. Deviating voltage or current at both ends of the DC isolation module 4 indicates abnormal performance or external interference. The external terminal also conducts comprehensive analysis based on multiple sets of data, using machine learning algorithms to build a signal transmission status model and explore potential correlations between the data. Based on the data analysis results, it accurately determines the current signal transmission status of the track circuit, such as normal transmission, minor interference, or severe failure, and generates a corresponding status report, providing a clear and reliable basis for subsequent maintenance personnel to take targeted measures, thus realizing intelligent monitoring and diagnosis of the track circuit signal transmission status.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, when the impedance matching box further includes a temperature acquisition module 8 , the external terminal is further used to determine the operating state of the impedance matching box.

[0062] For example, the temperature acquisition module 8 collects real-time temperature data from key components within the impedance matcher and the operating areas of each module. This temperature information is transmitted to the external terminal in the form of a digital signal, which is frequently and stably transmitted via a connection to the external terminal. Upon receiving this temperature data, the external terminal combines it with electrical parameters such as the rail lead current and the voltage and current across the DC isolation module 4, as acquired by the electrical information acquisition module 6. First, the external terminal performs a preliminary screening of the temperature data based on preset temperature thresholds. For example, if the temperature in a certain area exceeds the upper limit of the normal operating temperature by 10°C, an early warning mechanism is triggered. Second, the external terminal performs a correlation analysis based on the changing trends of the electrical parameters and temperature data. If a sudden increase in the rail lead current is accompanied by a rapid rise in the temperature near the variable-ratio transformer module 2, it can be inferred that overload heating or abnormal power consumption due to poor contact between internal components of the module is occurring. The external terminal also utilizes a machine learning algorithm to construct a joint temperature-electrical parameter analysis model based on historical operating data, exploring potential correlations between the data and predicting the operating trends of the impedance matcher. The external terminal integrates multi-source data to make accurate judgments on the operating status of the impedance matcher, such as normal operation, temperature anomaly warnings, potential fault prompts, etc., and generates a detailed operating status report, providing a comprehensive and reliable basis for maintenance personnel to formulate scientific and reasonable maintenance plans and timely detect hidden dangers, effectively improving the safety and stability of the impedance matcher operation.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the present application further provides a track circuit, which includes a rail and the monitoring system in the above embodiment.

[0064] In this embodiment, the rails serve as signal transmission carriers and are directly connected to the impedance matcher in the monitoring system. The impedance matcher optimizes the signal transmission impedance between the rails and the external terminal using an adjustable-ratio transformer module 2. A DC isolation module 4 suppresses traction current interference. Together with an electrical information acquisition module 6, a temperature acquisition module 8, a lightning protection module 10, and a cable box 12, the system achieves stable signal transmission, effective interference suppression, multi-dimensional status monitoring, and equipment protection. The external terminal, the core of the monitoring system, receives data such as rail lead current, voltage, and temperature from various modules. Through algorithmic analysis and fusion processing, it accurately determines the signal transmission status of the track circuit and the operational status of the impedance matcher. This not only enables timely detection of issues such as rail connection anomalies and signal interference, but also uses temperature data to warn of equipment overheating risks and predict potential failures. The two work together to form a closed-loop management system, from signal transmission optimization to equipment status monitoring. This significantly improves the reliability and safety of the track circuit system, reduces equipment failure rates and maintenance costs, and provides a solid foundation for the efficient and stable operation of railway transportation.

[0065] In the description of this specification, reference to the terms "some embodiments" or "other embodiments" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0066] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0067] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An impedance matching device for a track circuit, characterized in that: The impedance matching box includes: A transformer module with an adjustable ratio, wherein a first end of the transformer module is used for connecting to a rail; a DC isolation module, wherein a first end of the DC isolation module is connected to a second end of the variable ratio transformer module, and a second end of the DC isolation module is used to connect to an external terminal; the external terminal is used to transmit a frequency shift signal to the rail; An electrical information acquisition module, wherein a first acquisition terminal of the electrical information acquisition module is used to connect to the rail, a second acquisition terminal of the electrical information acquisition module is connected to the first terminal of the DC isolation module, a third acquisition terminal and a fourth acquisition terminal of the electrical information acquisition module are both connected to the second terminal of the DC isolation module, and an output terminal of the electrical information acquisition module is further used to connect to the external terminal; The electrical information acquisition module is used to acquire the lead wire current of the rail, the voltage of the first end of the DC isolation module, and the voltage and current of the second end of the DC isolation module.

2. The impedance matching device for the track circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ratio-adjustable transformer module comprises: a multi-tap transformer, wherein a first side of the multi-tap transformer is used to connect to the rail, and a second side of the multi-tap transformer is connected to the first end of the DC isolation module; A transformation ratio controller, wherein a control end of the transformation ratio controller is connected to a controlled end of the multi-tap transformer.

3. The impedance matching device for the track circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The DC isolation module is a DC isolation capacitor.

4. The impedance matching device for the track circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The impedance matching box further includes: A temperature acquisition module is connected to the external terminal and is used to acquire the temperature inside the impedance matcher.

5. The impedance matching device for the track circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The impedance matching box further includes: A lightning protection module, wherein a first end of the lightning protection module is connected to a second end of the DC isolation module, and the second end of the lightning protection module is used to connect to the external terminal.

6. The impedance matching device for the track circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The impedance matcher also includes a cable box; The second end of the DC isolation module is connected to an external terminal through the cable box, and the electrical information acquisition module is connected to an external power supply through the cable box.

7. A track circuit monitoring system, characterized in that: The monitoring system comprises: The impedance matching device for a track circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 6; An external terminal is connected to the impedance matching box.

8. The track circuit monitoring system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The external terminal is used to obtain the lead wire current of the rail, the voltage of the first end of the DC isolation module, and the voltage and current of the second end of the DC isolation module, and determine the signal transmission state of the track circuit based on the lead wire current of the rail, the voltage of the first end of the DC isolation module, and the voltage and current of the second end of the DC isolation module.

9. The track circuit monitoring system according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the case that the impedance matching box further includes a temperature acquisition module, the external terminal is further used to collect the temperature according to the operating state of the impedance matching box.

10. A track circuit, characterized in that: The track circuit comprises: rails; And a monitoring system for a track circuit as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9.

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