Test device and test method for testing a horn of a track-bound vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a test device (20) and a test method for testing a horn (10) of a track-bound vehicle (40). The test device (20) comprises an acoustic detection element (26) which is designed to detect an acoustic signal (12). The test device (20) also comprises an acoustic damping element (22) which can be moved into a damping position (34) in which the acoustic damping element (22) acoustically damps an acoustic signal (12) generated by means of the horn (10). In order to improve the testing of the horn (10), the acoustic detection element (26) is mechanically connected to the damping element (22). Furthermore, the acoustic detection element (26) is arranged on the damping element (22) in such a way that the acoustic detection element detects the acoustic signal (12) generated by means of the horn (10) in the damping position (34).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Test device and test method for testing a macrophone of a track-bound vehicle

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a test device and a test method for testing a macrophone of a rail-bound vehicle. The invention further relates to a rail-bound vehicle with a macrophone. The test device comprises an acoustic detection element configured to detect an acoustic signal. The test device further comprises an acoustic damping element movable into a damping position in which the acoustic damping element acoustically dampens an acoustic signal generated by the macrophone.

[0005] Technical background

[0006] Test devices and procedures for testing macrophones are generally known. For example, a test of the macrophone of a rail-bound vehicle is usually initiated by the driver, who activates the macrophone and, by listening, determines whether the macrophone produces the desired acoustic signal. It is the driver's responsibility to conduct the test and determine whether the macrophone is functioning correctly.

[0007] DE 10 2021 202 090 A1 describes a functional test method for an acoustic warning signal system. During test operation, the warning signal system is controlled in such a way that a sound emission of the warning signal system intended as an acoustic warning signal is reduced. Furthermore, the invention relates to a warning signal system with a control device by means of which a sound emission of a sound emitter of the warning signal system can be reduced during a test operation of the warning signal system compared to a sound emission of the sound emitter during normal operation of the warning signal system.

[0008] Summary of the invention

[0009] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to improve the testing of the macrophone of the rail-bound vehicle. This object is achieved according to the invention by a test device of the type mentioned above, in which the acoustic detection element is mechanically connected to the damping element. The acoustic detection element is further arranged on the damping element in such a way that it detects the acoustic signal generated by the macrophone in the damping position.

[0010] The invention is based on the realization that testing the macrophone with previous solutions (by manual operation by the driver) can lead to noise disturbances, especially in cities.

[0011] Furthermore, the invention recognizes that testing by manual actuation by the driver is a preparatory task that can be performed automatically. This reduces the driver's workload and shortens processing times.

[0012] The inventive solution solves these problems by allowing the macrophone to be tested while the damping element dampens the acoustic signal. This significantly reduces the noise generated in the vehicle's surroundings. Furthermore, it prevents the test signal from being misinterpreted as a warning signal by people or devices in the vehicle's vicinity. The acoustic detection element has the advantage that the macrophone testing can be automated.

[0013] The acoustic detection element is, for example, a microphone, which generates an electrical signal based on the detected acoustic signal. This electrical signal can be evaluated using an evaluation device. The evaluation includes, for example, detecting whether the microphone generates an electrical signal with the appropriate volume. Based on this, it can be determined whether the microphone is functioning properly.

[0014] The acoustic signal is, for example, a warning signal that serves to draw attention to a potential hazard. In particular, vehicles are usually equipped with acoustic warning signal systems. In addition to their warning function, these acoustic warning signal systems can also serve as a means of communication with other road users. Embodiments of the invention

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the test device according to the invention, the macrophone has a sound cup with a sound opening. The damping element is designed to be applied to the sound opening in such a way that it substantially covers the sound opening in the damping position. Furthermore, the damping element is configured to correspond to the sound opening in such a way that it substantially covers the sound opening in the damping position.

[0016] The term "corresponding" is preferably to be understood as meaning that the damping element covers the sound opening in a snug fit. Further preferably, the damping element is shaped at least partially to correspond to an inner surface of the sound cup, such that it extends snugly to the inner surface of the sound cup.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment of the test device according to the invention, the acoustic damping element is configured to be pivoted into the damping position. In this way, the desired movement of the damping element is carried out particularly effectively and with minimal effort.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the acoustic damping element is mechanically connected to the sound cup of the macrophone via a pivot joint. The damping element pivots into the damping position by a linear movement of a thrust element.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the thrust element is held in a position by a return spring such that the damping element releases the sound opening in an open position. The thrust element can be moved linearly by a magnetic drive device such that the damping element reaches the damping position.

[0020] In a further preferred development, the thrust element is connected to the rotary joint via a pivot arm in such a way that the linear movement causes a rotation of the rotary joint.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment of the test device according to the invention, testing is carried out while the rail-bound vehicle is parked in a rigged state. The phrase "parked in a rigged state" is preferably understood by those skilled in the art to mean that the pantograph is raised and the main switch and the train busbar are switched on.

[0022] The aforementioned object is further achieved by a macrophone system. The macrophone system comprises a macrophone for generating an acoustic signal and a test device of the type described above.

[0023] The object mentioned at the outset is further achieved by a track-bound vehicle which comprises a macrophone system of the type described above.

[0024] The aforementioned object is further achieved by a test method for testing a macrophone of a rail-bound vehicle. In the test method, an acoustic damping element is moved into a damping position. Furthermore, an acoustic signal is generated by the macrophone. Furthermore, the damping element, in the damping position, dampens the acoustic signal generated by the macrophone. A detection element mechanically connected to the damping element detects the acoustic signal generated by the macrophone while the damping element is in the damping position.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the test method according to the invention, testing is carried out while the vehicle is parked in an upgraded state.

[0026] For advantages, embodiments and design details of the macrophone system according to the invention, the track-bound vehicle according to the invention and the test method according to the invention, reference can be made to the above description of the corresponding device features of the test device according to the invention for testing a macrophone of a track-bound vehicle.

[0027] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the drawing

[0029] Figure 1 shows schematically a macrophone with an embodiment of a test device according to the invention in an opening position, Figure 2 shows schematically the macrophone shown in Figure 1 together with the

[0030] Test device in a damping position,

[0031] Figure 3 shows a track-bound vehicle with an inventive

[0032] Test device and

[0033] Figure 4 shows schematically the sequence of an embodiment of a test method according to the invention.

[0034] Detailed description of the implementation examples

[0035] Figure 1 shows a macrophone 10 together with a test device 20. The test device 20 is arranged on the macrophone 10 and mechanically connected to the macrophone 10. The macrophone 10 can generate an acoustic signal 12, for example, a warning signal. The macrophone 10 has a sound cup 14 with a sound opening 15, which serves to shape the acoustic signal in terms of its timbre, intonation, volume, and orientation.

[0036] The test device 20 has a damping element 22, which is shown in Figure 1 in an open position 32. In the open position 32, the sound opening 15 is exposed, and the acoustic signal 12 is slightly influenced by the damping element 22.

[0037] The test device 20 also has a pivot joint 24, via which the damping element 22 can be moved by a pivoting movement 30 into a damping position 34 shown in Figure 2. In the damping position 34, the acoustic signal is acoustically damped. The damping element 22 extends at least partially into the sound cup 14 and essentially covers the sound opening 15 (shown schematically in Figure 2).

[0038] The pivoting movement 30 is effected by a linear movement 51 of a thrust element 52, which is mechanically connected to the pivot joint 24 via an articulated arm 54. The thrust element 30 is held in a position 57 by a return spring 56, which causes the damping element 22 to remain in the opening position 32 (as long as no further forces counteract the spring force). A magnetic linear drive 58 can move the thrust element 52 to a position 59, thereby moving the damping element to the damping position 34.

[0039] An acoustic detection element 26, designed as a microphone 27, is integrated into the damping element 22. The acoustic detection element 26 is oriented such that it can detect the acoustic signal 12 in the damping position 34. For example, in the damping position 34 of the damping element 22, the acoustic detection element 26 is oriented into the sound cup 14.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a track-bound vehicle 40 as a rail vehicle 41. The macrophone 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 with a test device 20 is installed on the track-bound vehicle 40.

[0041] The test device 20 is configured to be used for the test method described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows a schematic flow diagram representing the method steps of the test method.

[0042] In a method step A, the rail-bound vehicle 40 is operated in a ferry mode, and in a method step B, the acoustic signal 12 is generated by the microphone 10 to emit a warning signal. This serves, for example, to warn people and other road users on platforms or at non-technically secured level crossings of the approaching vehicle 40. In a method step C, the rail-bound vehicle 40 is placed in a rigged, parked state.

[0043] To test the macrophone while the vehicle is parked in its rigged state, the acoustic damping element 22 is moved into the damping position 34 by the pivoting movement 30 in a method step D. In a method step E, the macrophone 10 generates the acoustic signal 12 as a test signal. The damping element 22 attenuates this test signal in the damping position 34 (according to a method step F). The detection element 25 detects the test signal in a method step G while the damping element 22 is in the damping position. Based on the detection, an electrical signal is generated which represents the test signal and can be evaluated. For example, an evaluation device (not shown) of the vehicle 40 receives the electrical signal and uses this signal to determine whether the macrophone is functioning correctly.

[0044] The acoustic dampening during the generation of the test signal at least partially protects the surroundings of the vehicle 40 from noise pollution. It also prevents the test signal from being misinterpreted as a warning signal by people or devices in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0045] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0046] List of reference symbols

[0047] 10 - Macrophone

[0048] 12 - Acoustic signal

[0049] 14 - Bell

[0050] 15 - Sound opening

[0051] 20 - Test device

[0052] 22 - Damping element

[0053] 24 - Swivel joint

[0054] 26 - Acoustic detection element

[0055] 27 - Microphone

[0056] 30 - Swivel movement

[0057] 32 - Opening position

[0058] 34 - Damping position

[0059] 40 - Rail-bound vehicle

[0060] 41 - Rail vehicle

[0061] 51 - Linear motion

[0062] 52 - Shear element

[0063] 54 - Articulated arm

[0064] 56 - Return spring

[0065] 57 - Position

[0066] 58 - Magnetic linear actuator

[0067] 59 - Position

Claims

Patent claims 1. Test device for testing a macrophone (10) of a track-bound vehicle (40), comprising: • an acoustic detection element (26) which is arranged to detect an acoustic signal (12), and • an acoustic damping element (22) which is movable into a damping position (34) in which the acoustic damping element (22) acoustically dampens an acoustic signal (12) generated by means of the macrophone (10), characterized in that the acoustic detection element (26) • is mechanically connected to the damping element (22) and • is arranged on the damping element (22) in such a way that it detects the acoustic signal (12) generated by the macrophone (10) in the damping position (34).

2. Test device according to claim 1, characterized in that • the macrophone (10) has a bell (14) with a sound opening (15) and • the damping element (22) can be applied to the sound opening (15) and is configured to correspond to the sound opening (15) in such a way that it substantially covers the sound opening (15) in the damping position (34).

3. Test device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the acoustic damping element (22) is designed to be moved into the damping position (34) by pivoting (30).

4. Test device according to claim 3, characterized in that • the acoustic damping element (22) is mechanically connected to the bell (14) of the macrophone (10) via a rotary joint (24) and • the pivoting (30) of the damping element (22) into the damping position (34) is effected by a linear movement (51) of a thrust element (52).

5. Test device according to claim 4, characterized in that • the thrust element (52) is held in a position (57) by means of a return spring such that the damping element (22) releases the sound opening (15) in an opening position (32), and • the thrust element (52) can be moved linearly by means of a magnetic drive device (58) such that the damping element reaches the damping position.

6. Test device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the pushing element (52) is connected to the rotary joint (24) via a pivoting arm (54) in such a way that the linear movement (51) causes a rotation of the rotary joint (24).

7. Test device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the testing takes place while the track-bound vehicle (40) is parked in an equipped state.

8. Macrophone system, comprising: • a macrophone (10) for generating an acoustic signal (12) and • a test device (20) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 7 9. A track-bound vehicle (40) comprising a macrophone system according to claim 8.

10. Test method for testing a macrophone of a track-bound vehicle (40), in which • an acoustic damping element (22) is moved into a damping position (34) (D), • an acoustic signal (12) is generated by means of the macrophone (10) (E), and • the damping element (22) in the damping position (34) acoustically dampens (F) the acoustic signal (12) which is generated by means of the macrophone (10), characterized in that » a detection element (26) mechanically connected to the damping element (22) detects (G) the acoustic signal (12) generated by means of the macrophone (10) while the damping element (22) is in the damping position (34).

11. Test method according to claim 10, characterized in that the testing is carried out while the vehicle is parked in its upgraded state.

Images