CZ2014234A3 - Method of determining actual distance of coupler and buffing gear of two approaching rail vehicles and circuit arrangement for making the method - Google Patents

Abstract

The wiring for the method of detecting the instantaneous distance of the couplers and the thrust devices of the two approaching railway vehicles comprises at least one remote detection ultrasonic sensor (7) and at least one near-detection ultrasonic sensor (8), the ultrasonic sensor outputs (7 and 8) both far and near detection are coupled to a distance measurement evaluation unit (16) provided with an output (15) of information about the distance of the couplers and the pushing devices, wherein both the far and near detection ultrasonic sensors (7 and 8) and the distance measuring unit (16) are connected to the power supply unit source (17). Said instantaneous distance detection method is such that, in a first phase of mutual approach of the railway vehicles, the front of the first vehicle (1) is detected and the distance (x1) between the ultrasonic sensor (7) and the front of the first vehicle (1) is measured by an ultrasonic sensor (7). ) remote detection. In the second phase of the mutual approach of the railway vehicles, the distance (x1) is still measured according to the first phase and in addition at least one coupler and ram of the second vehicle (2) is detected and the distance between the near-detection ultrasonic sensor (8) and the coupling and ramming device of the second vehicle is measured (2) by means of a near-detection ultrasonic sensor (8) from which a distance (x2) is established between the near-detection ultrasonic sensor (8) and the coupling and ramming device of the second vehicle (2). The length of the coupling and ramming device 12 of the second vehicle (2) is obtained by subtracting from the instantaneous distance value (x1) between the ultrasonic sensor of the far detection (7) and the face of the second vehicle (2) by the difference in distance between the near-detection ultrasonic sensor (8) and the ultrasonic sensor ( 7) remote detection from the front of the first vehicle (1) and, on the other hand, the instantaneous spacing (x2) between the near-detection ultrasonic sensor (8) and the coupling and ramming device of the second vehicle (2) obtained at one time. In the third phase of the mutual approach of the railway vehicles, the distance (x1) between the ultrasonic sensor (7) and the front of the second vehicle (2) is still measured. The instantaneous value of the distance (x3) between the coupling and striking means of the first vehicle (1) and the coupling and striking means of the second vehicle (2) is obtained by subtracting the length of the coupling and striking means I2 of the second vehicle (2) and the construction of the first vehicle (1) of a predetermined difference the distances of the far detection ultrasonic sensor (7) and the coupling and ramming means of the first vehicle (1) from the face of the first vehicle (1) 11 from the instantaneous distance value (x1) between the ultrasonic sensor (7) of the far detection and the face of the second vehicle (2).

Description

METHOD OF DETERMINING THE IMMEDIATE DISTANCE OF SPRAY AND STRAPPING INSTRUMENTS OF TWO APPROACHING RAILWAY VEHICLES AND CONNECTIONS

PR0i performs the CT scan

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is in the field of railway operation technology, and more particularly relates to a method and an engagement for detecting the instantaneous distance of the coupler and ram devices of two approaching railway vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, the rolling stock is driven manually by the shunting, the driver drives the locomotive (traction vehicle) manually. However, the driver can misjudge the distance between the vehicles during this maneuver and hit hard on the stationary vehicle (s), causing considerable material damage or personal injury or death. Although there are automatic train guidance devices (similar to autopilot for airplanes) that are used when the train is running, they are not adapted for shunting or moving operations. for hanging vehicles since they do not have information about the distance between the bumpers or the central couplers of the two vehicles as they approach each other.

EP1593576 discloses a method for determining the mutual distance of rail vehicles which utilizes the electromagnetic properties of rails. However, this system does not provide the required accurate information on the distance between the coupler and ram devices of the two vehicles as they move relative to each other.

EP2349811 discloses a method and apparatus for determining the distance between two points, eg a waypoint and a rail vehicle, which uses RFID technology to measure distance. Other radar-based distance detection solutions are known from the patent literature, but such solutions are relatively expensive and difficult to deploy because they require the use of complex electronics and antenna systems. Two-point distance detection systems using a laser or camera are also known, but the functionality of these systems may be impaired due to, for example, adverse weather conditions (the laser beam is scattered in rain and fog, the camera may be dazzled by eg sun or reflector) ). When determining the distance of two points using cameras is necessary

• observe the condition of their stereoscopic arrangement, thus limiting the variability of the location of cameras on the front of the locomotive. In addition, the above methods make it possible to obtain information about the direct distance between the points provided with the distance measuring sensors, which is not possible in the case of vehicles hanging because the sensors cannot be placed on the couplers and buffers of the vehicles (bumpers, couplers).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of determining the instantaneous distance between bumper plates or central coupler heads, i.e., couplers and buffers, of two approaching rail vehicles, which would facilitate or reduce automation by integrating it into existing automatic train guidance systems. the risk of material damage or injury or death could be reduced.

The above object is achieved by a method of detecting the instantaneous distance of the coupler and impact devices of two approaching railway vehicles, wherein the first vehicle is equipped with at least one ultrasonic remote detection sensor and at least one near detection ultrasonic sensor, comprising the following steps:

a) In the first phase of rail vehicle approach, the front of the first vehicle is detected and the distance x1 between the ultrasonic long-range sensor and the front of the first vehicle is measured using the ultrasonic long-distance sensor

b) In the second phase of the rail vehicle approach, the distance x1 according to step a) is still measured and, in addition, the coupler and impact device of the second vehicle is detected and the distance between the near-detection ultrasonic sensor and the coupler and hammer of the second vehicle is detected by an near-detection ultrasonic sensor. which determines the distance x2 between the ultrasonic proximity sensor and the coupler and ram of the second vehicle

c) The length of the second vehicle coupler and striker I2 is obtained by subtracting from the instantaneous value of the distance x1 between the ultrasonic remote sensor and the front of the second vehicle the difference between the proximity detection ultrasonic sensor and the long distance ultrasonic sensor. an ultrasonic proximity detection sensor and the coupler and impact devices of the other vehicle, which were obtained at one time.

d) In the third phase of mutual approach of rail vehicles, the distance x1 between the ultrasonic sensor of the long-distance detection and the front of the second vehicle is still measured

e) The instantaneous value of the distance x3 between the coupler and ram of the first vehicle and the coupler and ram of the second vehicle is obtained by subtracting the length of the coupler and ram of the second vehicle and the design of the first vehicle a predetermined distance difference of the ultrasonic distance sensor and the coupler and ram. from the face of the first vehicle 11 from the instantaneous value of the distance x1 between the ultrasonic remote detection sensor and the face of the second vehicle.

The invention employs a combination of two or more ultrasonic sensors for distance measurement. The long-range ultrasonic sensor usually has a narrow long-range beam. This ultrasonic remote detection sensor detects the forehead (in the case of a vehicle equipped with buffers preferably at a location between the buffers) of a second railway vehicle over a sufficiently large distance. Ultrasonic sensor, respectively. near-detection ultrasonic sensors typically have a shorter-range radiating lobe as opposed to a long-range ultrasonic sensor. Once the vehicle front is simultaneously detected by the ultrasonic remote sensing sensor and the coupler and pusher (bumper plate or central coupling head) by the near detection ultrasonic sensor, it is possible to determine from the difference of the measured distance x1 and the specified distance x2 between the ultrasonic sensor and near detection by means of the coupler and ram of the second vehicle and the difference in the distance between the near-ultrasonic sensor and the far-off ultrasonic sensor from the front of the first vehicle, the length of the coupler and ram of the second vehicle. When the vehicle is approached further, when the near-detection ultrasonic sensor stops working (couplers and pusher devices are outside the radiation lobe, or the ultrasonic sensor's dead-end distance is reached), the distance obtained from the remote sensing ultrasonic sensor is corrected by the length of the other vehicle the coupling of the first vehicle from this ultrasonic remote detection sensor, and it is possible to control the stopping of the traction vehicle so that the coupling of the couplers and the buffers at almost zero relative speed of the vehicles. This distance may also be signaled to the driver and / or transmitted to the automatic train guidance system.

• · · ·

-¼

Couplers and buffers are meant bumper plates or central coupler heads.

The longitudinal distance x2 between the ultrasonic proximity sensor and the second vehicle coupler and pusher is determined by a standard mathematical procedure (not patented) using the right-angled triangle principle, where the hypotenuse is given by the distance between the near detection ultrasonic sensor and the pusher and pusher proximity detection and off-hook, represented by the transverse distance between the proximity detection ultrasonic sensor and the second vehicle coupler and ram, is given by the construction of the first vehicle (i.e., the known location of the near detection ultrasonic sensor on the first vehicle) and the known location of the second vehicle coupler and ram the centreline of the bumpers is laid down uniformly by the standard for railway vehicles, the central coupler being located in the vehicle axis).

In a preferred embodiment, the near detection ultrasonic sensors and the far detection ultrasonic sensor are arranged equidistant from the front of the first vehicle. In this case, the bumper length of the second vehicle is determined directly from the difference between the measured distance x1 and the specified distance x2.

In the second approach phase, the instantaneous distance x3 between the coupler and pusher of the first vehicle and the coupler and pusher of the second vehicle may be continuously obtained from a predetermined distance x2 between the ultrasonic sensor of near detection and the coupler and pusher of the second vehicle by subtracting the vehicle near detection and coupling and ram of the first vehicle from the front of the first vehicle

11. However, this is only possible until the near-detection ultrasonic sensor stops working, ie giving information for determining the distance x2.

Said method allows arbitrary deployment of ultrasonic sensors on the front of the vehicle, typically a locomotive. The sensors need not be arranged stereoscopically, they can even be located directly in the longitudinal axis of the locomotive, nor need they be arranged in a plane perpendicular to the vehicle axis. This allows total variability in the location of the sensors, which brings benefits to designers and engineers when installing the system on the locomotive. Another advantage of using ultrasonic sensors is that they operate without any limitation under any weather conditions, even in poor weather conditions. _In visibility (fog, rain, snow) and work even when dazzled eg by the sun or the headlight of another vehicle.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a circuit for detecting the instantaneous distance of the coupler and ram devices of two railway vehicles. Said connection should be suitable for carrying out the above method, applicable under any weather conditions and cheap to ensure massive deployment.

The principle of the instantaneous distance detection of the coupler and impact devices of two approaching railway vehicles is that it comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor of near detection and at least one ultrasonic sensor of near detection, the outputs of ultrasonic sensors of both near and near detection being connected to a distance measuring evaluation unit provided output with information about the distance of couplers and pusher devices, whereby both ultrasonic sensors of far and near detection and the distance measuring evaluation unit are connected to the power supply.

Complementing this circuit for detecting the instantaneous distance of the coupler and ram devices of two approaching rail vehicles to an automatic train guidance device (not the subject of the invention), it would be possible to automate the approach of the traction vehicle to another (stationary) vehicle. The traction vehicle would stop precisely when the coupler and ram members contact. Another advantage of the present invention is the possibility of detecting persons or obstacles in front of the vehicle where the driver cannot see, i.e. in a space outside the visual control of the driver. Upon detection of a person or obstacle, wiring by means of a display or other device (not the subject of the present invention) would alert the driver to the impending danger while signaling the distance to be measured (the method of signaling is not an object of the present invention).

Secondly, both the method and the wiring according to the invention are useful for detecting persons and obstacles in the vicinity of the driving vehicle which is not under the direct visual control of the driver. This will reduce the risk of injury or death to persons who may be in this area.

-G OVERVIEW OF THE DRAWINGS

The solution according to the invention is demonstrated in the figures. Giant. 1 shows the first approach phase, FIG. 2 shows the second approach phase, and FIG. 3 shows the third approach approach for rail vehicles equipped with buffers using one ultrasonic remote detection sensor and one near detection ultrasonic sensor. Giant. Fig. 4 shows the first approach phase, Fig. 5 shows the second approach phase, and Fig. 6 shows the third approach approach for railway vehicles equipped with buffers using one ultrasonic long-range sensor and two ultrasonic proximity sensors. Giant. Fig. 7 shows the first approach phase and Fig. 8 shows the second approach phase for railway vehicles equipped with central couplers using one ultrasonic remote detection sensor and one near detection ultrasonic sensor. FIG. 9 illustrates an engagement for performing the instantaneous distance detection of bumpers or central coupler heads of two approaching rail vehicles equipped with one near-detection ultrasonic sensor and one near-detection ultrasonic sensor, and FIG. ultrasonic remote detection sensor.

MEMBERS OF THE PERFECT PERFORMANCE

The examples presented are exemplary variants of the invention, but they do not have any limiting effect on the scope of protection.

An exemplary embodiment of the method of determining the instantaneous distance of the coupler and ram devices of two approaching rail vehicles according to the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 3. The first vehicle (1) in this case moves towards the second vehicle (2) which is stationary. Railway vehicles equipped with buffers in this embodiment utilize one ultrasonic sensor (7) of far detection and one ultrasonic sensor (8) of near detection, both sensors being located at the same longitudinal axis of the first vehicle (1). from the front of the first vehicle (1).

In the first approach phase (Fig. 1), the front of the second vehicle (2) is detected by a long-range ultrasonic sensor (7) having a narrow radiating lobe (10) according to the prior art of approximately 10 meters and arranged on the first vehicle. (1). It is thus possible to measure the distance x1 between the ultrasonic sensor (7) of the remote detection and the face of the second vehicle (2).

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In the second approach phase (Fig. 2), the first vehicle (1) approaches the second vehicle (2) and the right bumper plate (5) or the left bumper plate (6) of the second vehicle (2) is detected by a first ultrasonic sensor (8) near a detection having a radiating lobe (11) according to the state of the art of approximately 5 meters and arranged on the first vehicle (1). It is thus possible to measure the distance between the first near-detection ultrasonic sensor (8) and the plate of at least one of the bumpers (5) or (6) of the second vehicle (2) from which the distance x2 between the near-detection ultrasonic sensor (8) is determined. bumper of the second vehicle (2). By subtracting the distance x2 from the distance x1 (the difference between the distances of the first near-ultrasonic sensor (8) and the near-ultrasonic sensor (7) from the front of the first vehicle (1) is zero), the bumper length (s) I2 of the second vehicle (2) is obtained. Next, subtract the difference between the distance of the ultrasonic sensor (7) of the far detection and the left bumper plates (3) of the first vehicle (1) from the front of the first vehicle (1) 11 (this is constant, known in advance the distance x2 to obtain the distance x3 between the left bumper plate (3) of the first vehicle (1) and the right bumper plate (5) of the second vehicle (2) or between the right bumper plate (4) of the first vehicle (1) and the left bumper (6) of the second vehicle (2).

In the third approach phase (Fig. 3), both the bumper plates (5) and (6) of the second vehicle (2) are outside the near-detection radiation beam (11) of the ultrasonic sensor (8), so that x2 cannot be obtained, measure the distance x1 with the ultrasonic sensor (7) of the remote detection. Subtracting the distance x3 between the bumper plate (3) by subtracting the difference of the distance 11 (this is constant, known in advance, given the design of the first vehicle (1)) and the distance I2 (this is known in the second approach phase). ) or (4) of the first vehicle (1) and the corresponding bumper plate (5) or (6) of the second vehicle (2), even when x2 cannot be obtained.

Another exemplary embodiment of the method of determining the instantaneous distance of the coupler and ram devices of two approaching railway vehicles according to the invention is shown in Figures 4 to 6. Here again, the first vehicle (1) moves towards the second vehicle (2) at rest . In railway vehicles equipped with buffers in this exemplary embodiment, one ultrasonic sensor (7) located at the location of the vehicle axis and two ultrasonic sensors (8) and (9) near detection located on both sides of the ultrasonic sensor (7) are used. far

• «detection, with all sensors located equidistant from the front of the first vehicle (1).

In the first approach phase (Fig. 4), the face of the second vehicle (2) is detected by a long-range ultrasonic sensor (7) having a radiating lobe (10) and arranged on the first vehicle (1). It is thus possible to measure the distance x1 between the ultrasonic sensor (7) of the remote detection and the face of the second vehicle (2).

In the second approach phase (Fig. 5), the first vehicle (1) approaches the second vehicle (2) and the bumper plate (5) or (6) of the second vehicle (2) is detected by the first ultrasonic sensor (8) near detection and / or a second near-detection ultrasonic sensor (9) having radiating lobes (11) and (12) and arranged on the first vehicle (1). It is thus possible to measure the distance between the first near-detection ultrasonic sensor (8) and the bumper plate (5) of the other vehicle (2) from which the distance x2 between the near-detection ultrasonic sensor (8) and this bumper plate of the second vehicle (2) is determined. . By subtracting the distance x2 from the distance x1, the length of the bumper I2 of the second vehicle (2) is obtained. Subsequently, the difference between the distance of the ultrasonic sensor (7) and the left bumper plates (3) of the first vehicle (1) is subtracted from the front of the first vehicle (1) 11 (this is constant, known since a distance x2 to obtain a distance x3 or x4 between the bumper plate (3) or (4) of the first vehicle (1) and the bumper plate (5) or (6) of the second vehicle (2).

In the third approach phase (Fig. 6), both the bumper plates (5) and (6) of the second vehicle (2) are outside the radiation lobes (11) and (12) of the ultrasonic sensors (8) and (9) near detection. distance x2, but it is still possible to measure the distance x1 by means of an ultrasonic remote sensor (7). Subtracting the distance x3 or x4 between the bumper plate (subtracting the difference of the distance 11 (this is constant, known in advance as it is given by the construction of the vehicle (1)) and the distance I2 (this is known in the second approach phase). (3) or (4) of the first vehicle (1) and the bumper plate (5) or (6) of the second vehicle (2) even when x2 cannot be obtained.

A third exemplary embodiment of the method of the invention is to determine the instantaneous distance between the central coupler heads of two railway vehicles and is shown in Figures 7 and 8. For railway vehicles equipped with central couplers, one ultrasonic remote sensor (7) located off the vehicle axis and one is used.

A near-detection ultrasonic sensor (8) located in the vehicle axis, both sensors being equidistant from the front of the first vehicle (1).

In the first approach phase (Fig. 7), the face of the second vehicle (2) is detected by a long-range ultrasonic sensor (7) having a radiating lobe (10) and arranged on the first vehicle (1). It is thus possible to measure the distance x1 between the ultrasonic sensor (7) of the remote detection and the face of the second vehicle (2).

In the second approach phase (Fig. 8), the first vehicle (1) approaches the second vehicle (2) and the central coupling head (14) is detected by a near detection ultrasonic sensor (8) having a radiating lobe (11) and the first vehicle (1). It is thus possible to measure the distance between the near detection ultrasonic sensor (8) and the central coupling head (14) of the second vehicle (2) from which the distance x2 is determined between the near detection ultrasonic sensor (8) and the second vehicle central coupling head (14). (2). By subtracting the distance x2 from the distance x1, the length I2 of the central coupling head (14) of the second vehicle (2) is obtained. Furthermore, the difference between the distance of the ultrasonic sensor (7) and the head of the central coupling (14) of the first vehicle (1) is subtracted from the front of the first vehicle (1) 11 (this is constant, known since a distance x2 to obtain a value of the distance x3 between the central coupling head (13) of the first vehicle (1) and the central coupling head (14) of the second vehicle (2).

In the third approach stage (not shown), the central coupling head (14) of the second vehicle (2) is so close to the near detection ultrasonic sensor (8) that the near detection distance of the ultrasonic sensor (8) is reached so that x2 cannot be obtained. but it is still possible to measure the distance x1 by means of an ultrasonic remote sensor (7). Subtracting the distance x3 between the central coupler head (14) by subtracting the difference of the spacing 11 (this is constant, known in advance because of the design of the vehicle (1)) and the distance I2 (this is known in the second approach phase). ) of the second vehicle (2) and the central coupling head (13) of the first vehicle (1) even in the case where the distance x2 cannot be obtained.

The connection for performing the method of determining the instantaneous distance of the coupler and impact devices of two approaching rail vehicles equipped with one ultrasonic sensor (8) near detection and one ultrasonic sensor (7) of the far detection is shown in Fig. 9. This connection consists of one ultrasonic sensor (7). ) remote detection and one ultrasonic sensor (8) near detection, both *

The ultrasonic sensors (7) and (8) are connected both to the distance measuring evaluation unit (16) and to the power supply (17). The distance measuring evaluation unit (16) is also connected to the power supply (17) and is provided with an output (15) with information about the distance of couplers and buffers, bumper plates or central coupler heads which can serve to convey information to the driver via a display device; / ik handover to automatic train guidance equipment.

Fig. 10 shows an alternative circuit for carrying out the method according to the invention, which additionally comprises a second ultrasonic (9) proximity detection sensor which is connected both to the power supply (17) and to the distance measuring evaluation unit (16).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Primarily, the solution according to the invention is used to automate the process of hanging railway vehicles, secondly to locate people (obstacles) in the vicinity of the traction vehicle which is not under the direct visual control of the driver.

LIST OF RELATED MARKS

1. First vehicle

2. second vehicle

3. the left bumper of the first vehicle

4. Right bumper of the first vehicle

5. Right bumper of second vehicle

6. the left bumper of the second vehicle

7. ultrasonic remote sensor

8. the first ultrasonic near detection sensor

9. a second ultrasonic proximity detection sensor

10. Radiant lobe of the ultrasonic remote detection sensor

11. the radiating lobe of the first near-detection ultrasonic sensor

12. the radiating lobe of the second near-detection ultrasonic sensor

13. the central coupling head of the first vehicle

14. Central coupling head of second vehicle

15. output with information about the distance of couplers and buffers

16. Distance measurement evaluation unit

17. power supply

Claims (1)

PATENT CLAIMS Method for detecting the instantaneous distance of coupler and impact devices of two approaching railway vehicles, wherein the first vehicle (1) is equipped with at least one ultrasonic sensor (7) of near detection and at least one ultrasonic sensor (8) of near detection, characterized in that consists of the following steps: a) In the first phase of the rail vehicle approach, the front of the first vehicle (10) is detected and the distance x1 measured between the ultrasonic remote sensor (7) and the front of the first vehicle (fj) by the ultrasonic remote sensor (7). b) In the second phase of mutual approach of railway vehicles the distance x1 according to step a) is still measured and in addition at least one coupling and impact device of the second vehicle (2) is detected and the distance between the near detection ultrasonic sensor (8) and the coupling and impact device vehicle (2) by means of an ultrasonic sensor (8) of near detection, from which the distance x2 is determined between the ultrasonic sensor (8) of near detection and the coupling and impact devices of the second vehicle (2) c) The length of the coupling and striking device 12 of the second vehicle (2) is obtained by subtracting from the instantaneous value of the distance x1 between the ultrasonic remote sensor (7) and the front of the second vehicle (2). (7) remote detection from the front of the first vehicle (1) and (ii) the instantaneous x2 spacing values between the near-detection ultrasonic sensor (8) and the second vehicle coupling (2), which were obtained at one time d) In the third phase of the mutual approach of railway vehicles, the distance x1 between the ultrasonic sensor (7) of the remote detection and the front of the second vehicle (2) is still measured. e) The instantaneous value of the distance x3 between the coupler and ram of the first vehicle (1) and the coupler and ram of the second vehicle (2) is obtained by subtracting the length of the coupler and ram of the second vehicle (2) and the design of the first vehicle (1) the distances of the ultrasonic sensor (7) of the long-range detection and of the coupler and ram of the first vehicle (1) from the front of the first vehicle (1) 11 to an instantaneous value of <3 The distance x1 between the ultrasonic sensor (7) of the far detection and the face of the second vehicle (2). Circuit for detecting the instantaneous distance of a coupling and impact device of two approaching railway vehicles, characterized in that it comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor (7) of near detection and at least one ultrasonic sensor (8) of near detection, the outputs of the ultrasonic sensors (7) and (7); 8) the far and near detections are connected to a distance measuring evaluation unit (16) provided with an output (15) with information on the distance of the coupler and pusher devices, wherein both ultrasonic sensors (7) and (8) both the near and near detection 16) the distance measurements are connected to the power supply (17).