DE102009022263A1 - Method and device for traffic control at a railway crossing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for traffic control at a level crossing (BÜ), at which a street (S) and a railway line (B) cross at the same height in a danger area (G), wherein the street (S) has at least one access road (S). Z) in the danger area (G) and then an exit (A) from the danger area (G). The access (Z) for vehicles (F) in front of the danger area (G) is blocked or released by securing means (11, 12). By detecting a flow of traffic of vehicles (F) in the exit (A), from the traffic flow detected is closed to a position of an end (E) of a backlog of vehicles (F) in the exit (A), and in critical approximation of Damping (E) to the danger area (G) the access (Z) is blocked, the traffic safety at the level crossing (BÜ) can be improved.

Description

The The invention relates to a method for traffic control on a Railway crossing according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a device for carrying out the method according to claim 6.

At level crossings cross each other a road with one or more lanes for Road vehicles, hereafter referred to as vehicles, and a single or multi-track railway track for rail vehicles, which share a common danger area. The danger area includes a conflict surface on which the movement stripes of incompatible traffic flows. To secure the level crossings are visible surfaces from both sides of the road to both sides of the railroad track kept clear and danger signs, beacons and other traffic signs situated on the street. In particular, the road users the priority of the track indicated by the setting up of St. Andrew's crosses. In addition, railroad crossings are common through technical fuses, such as light signals with yellow and red signal, red flashing lights, barriers or Half barriers, secured.

If road intersections are so close to level crossings that the securing of the level crossing or the traffic handling at the intersection is impaired when the level crossing is closed, then according to "Guidelines on dependencies between the technical safety of level crossings and traffic control at adjacent intersections and junctions (BÜSTRA)", BMV Decree StV 4 / 36.42.37-01- of 17.07.1972, taking into account the amendments of 19.01.1977 and 13.01 .1984 to coordinate the regulations of road traffic and those of level crossing protection. Accordingly, measures at the level crossing and at the intersection or junction should interrupt road traffic to the level crossing early, so that the respective level crossing protection can be effective without obstructing the rail traffic.

Light sign at the railroad crossing are in a traffic signal program for traffic control at the crossroads. For dependent investments the relevant time constant of the railroad crossing a first part-time, the time required for the influence Road traffic corresponds to securing the railroad crossing and a second part-time together, which the Time required for securing the level crossing, if no adjacent intersection influences the traffic flow would. In determining the time required for the influence of the road traffic is to be considered, that the first part time at the moment of influencing the traffic light system begins; it ends as soon as the railroad crossing is secured can be started.

The required minimum green times and split times as well certain delays for rooming the railway crossing in case of disabilities by turning at the Crossing are to be considered. Here is one of Influence to be assumed in the signaling state, the the greatest amount of time until the beginning of full control requires. When calculating the largest time requirement It may be recommended, in special cases - about in a green wave - also the conditions of road transport, provided that the not overwhelming interests of rail transport stand against. Before a train ride, all the lightsignals switched so that the speedy clearing of the railroad crossing is ensured and the access roads to the railroad crossing blocked become. For this an BÜSTRA interface sends a registration signal to the traffic light system of the junction when a rail vehicle approaches the railroad crossing.

These Pre-registration is very short and creates big problems the definition of the above time constants. The accompanying high Engineering costs are rarely accepted by customers. Although according to BÜSTRA a backwater avoided on the railroad crossing and the intersection should still occur and cause accidents, many lives and railways cost high operating losses.

To reduce the accident risk is from the utility model DE 20 2008 003 947 U1 a warning signal device for warning motor vehicle drivers before approaching railway vehicles at level crossings railroad without technical assurance known. At railroad locomotives a constantly active low-power radio station is installed. At the level crossings, a transmitter of another low power, variable range radio signal is also installed, activated by the signals of approaching traction vehicles. A receiver of signals from the transmitters at the level crossings are in the motor vehicles, where the received signal generates a warning tone and / or possibly an additional light signal for the motor vehicle driver as a sign that a railway vehicle is approaching the railroad crossing.

The patent DE 10 2007 032 091 B3 discloses an apparatus for monitoring a level crossing with a railway line, a road and barriers located on either side of the railway line. The road is from the train divided into a first and a second road section, between which there is a danger area. The device comprises in each case two cameras, which are arranged in front of and behind the danger zone and are designed to receive the first and second road sections in first and second viewing directions, respectively, and an electrical control, which is designed to successively take pictures of an object. which approaches the railroad crossing, crosses it and moves away from it again, wherein the recorded images are compared for the recognition of the object.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a method and an apparatus of the type mentioned above, with the traffic safety can be improved at the railroad crossing.

The Sub-task related to the method is achieved according to the invention by a method having the features of claim 1. It A traffic flow of vehicles in the exit is detected. typical Traffic variables describing the traffic flow are the traffic volume, ie the number of times per unit of time a measuring cross section passing vehicles, as well as the speed of the vehicles at the measuring cross section, averaged over one predetermined period of time. From the measured traffic variables can be determined, if at the measuring cross section free, halting or stationary traffic. In particular, can be So determine if there is a backwater in the exit constructive backwater of vehicles the measuring cross section, for example, through a series of in the road surface laid induction loops is formed has reached. In the event of other traffic detectors operating on magnetic field, radar, infrared, Ultrasonic or video recording techniques based, can be the location of a tailback within a coverage area localize even more precisely. Approaches the tailback critically the danger zone of the railway crossing, what by falling below a predefinable distance threshold be indicated between the backwater end and the danger zone If so, the access road in front of the danger zone is blocked. These Blocking can be done by emitting a light signal or other traffic-inhibiting Facilities are made. This should be a further retraction in the Hazardous area can be prevented, resulting in a dangerous Increase of the backwater in the danger zone of the railroad crossing into it and thus to a dangerous situation at the approach of one Rail vehicle could lead. In this way will be a simple and inexpensive solution of Security issues provided. Besides, the solution may be independent of technical safety devices of the railway company, the different security classes must comply be designed as road traffic signal systems. By the decoupling of control devices of the road and Rail transport also eliminates a corresponding need for coordination. The signaling can be independent of an actual Proximity of a rail vehicle triggered preventively become.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention Procedure is an intrusion of the backwater end in the Danger zone of a traffic signal system, which signals the traffic at a road junction following the railway crossing, being waiting or arriving at the exit before the follower node Vehicles a release phase is signaled. The message can wirelessly by radio or wired between the parties involved Controllers done. By initiating a green phase At the follower node, the backwater can be via the follower node dismantled and leave the vehicle located in the danger area the railroad crossing.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention Procedure becomes a critical approach of tailback to the danger area or intrusion of the tailback end reported in the danger zone of a traffic signal system, which the traffic at a road junction preceding the railway crossing regulates, whereby the traffic at the Vorknoten in dependence is regulated by the position of the tailback end. This can that of the preliminary node on the approach to the level crossing inflowing traffic are throttled so that the Total traffic flowing from Vorknoten traffic no backlogging in the exit effected.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention Procedure is an intrusion of the backwater end in the Hazardous area or detection of a stationary object in the danger area of a rail traffic on the railway line assigned control center reported. Remains a vehicle or a other object, despite the aforementioned measures, in the danger zone can influence the understanding of the railway control center be taken on the rail. So can by remote message from the control center, approaching the railroad crossing Rail vehicle held from his onward journey or to a Emergency braking be forced to prevent an accident.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, video images are taken of the exit and / or the danger zone and evaluated digitally for detecting the position of the tailback end or for detecting a stationary object. By image evaluation algorithms in a video camera can on the one hand an object detection takes place, on the basis of which result further security measures can be taken, but also recordings for documentation purposes are stored. The video footage can be used to analyze local events and, if necessary, to prosecute deliberate traffic violations. Advantageously, in the method according to the invention, a length of a vehicle approaching the backflow end is determined by digital evaluation of the recorded video images. Depending on the determination result, a passenger car with a short length, the passage through the. Danger zone still be released while the access for a truck with trailer is locked in order to prevent a blockade of the danger zone.

The on the device related subtask is solved by an apparatus for performing a method according to one of claims 1 to 5, with a traffic detector, which is adapted to the position of the end of a on the Exit forming backwater of vehicles capture and a critical approach of the tailback end to report to the danger area, and with a traffic signal, which is adapted to a message from the traffic detector received and signaled the vehicle traffic in the area to control the level crossing.

Further Advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following Drawing, in the sole figure of an inventive Device for traffic control at a railway crossing schematically is illustrated.

According to the single figure intersect at a level crossing BÜ one Road S, the two adjacent road nodes VK or FK connects, and a single-track railway line B. In the area the level crossing BÜ is a danger area G, in which the lanes of the enemy road and Overlay rail traffic flows. The problem one in the danger area G reaching vehicle backlog can occur in any of the two directions of the road S, but is described below for vehicles F, the on the road S from the preliminary node VK on the driveway Z to the level crossing BÜ and from there on the exit Move A to the next node FK.

Due to increased traffic on the exit A or due to low traffic flow through the sequence node FK, but also by an accident or a broken-down vehicle F on the exit A may be a backwater of vehicles F form. According to the invention by means of a traffic detector 10 , preferably a video camera with image evaluation unit, the traffic flow - traffic intensity, average speed, occupancy, and the like - and detects the length of vehicles F on the exit A and from there on the position of an end E of the backstopping vehicle snake. The field of vision of the video camera 10 detects the danger zone G and an adjoining section of the exit A, in order to detect the stowed end E or other stationary objects lying in the danger zone G and to recognize.

If the distance between the tailback E and the danger zone G falls below a critical threshold or even penetrates the tail end E into the danger zone G, then the video camera is used 10 a corresponding message to a control unit 11 transferred at the level crossing BÜ. The same applies if a stati onäres object - such as a left-over vehicle F - in the danger zone G is detected. The control unit 11 switches over a signal generator 12 at the level crossing B a blocking light signal for the level crossing B on the driveway Z approaching vehicles F. This prevents further vehicles F drive into the danger area G, which might not leave this immediately. This considerably reduces the collision risk of a rail vehicle with a vehicle F or other object located in the danger zone G. The blocking of the access Z in front of the danger zone G can additionally by lowering a barrier 13 get supported.

By Detecting the vehicle length of the backwater end E approaching vehicle F may be the decision over a blockage of access to the danger area G can be improved. Thus, shorter vehicles F can still pass freely while longer vehicles F, the backwater in the Danger area G would extend into it, the Entry would be denied.

The control unit 11 reports a critical backwater on exit A to a control unit 21 a traffic signal system 20 , which regulates the traffic at the successor node FK. In the signal program sequence of the control unit 21 a green phase is requested for or approaching the exit A at the follower node FK or approaching this vehicle F and initiated with high priority. As a result, the accumulated backwater can degrade in order to make it possible for a vehicle F, which has come to a standstill in the danger zone G, to leave the danger zone G quickly.

The control unit 11 reports a critical backwater on the exit A also a control unit 31 a traffic signal system 30 , which regulates the traffic at the Vorknoten VK. The signaling via the signal transmitter 32 can then be calculated so that the preliminary notes VK only sufficiently small driving leave the pulser via the access Z, which then cause no critical backpressure lengths in the exit A. This measure can also be taken as a precaution independent of an already recorded critical back-up length.

The control unit 11 in particular, reports a stationary object detected in danger zone G to a control center 40 which can influence a railway vehicle B traveling rail vehicle. Thus, to avoid a collision in the danger zone G, the rail vehicle can be denied the exit from a station used or it can be caused by signal or remote message to a slow speed or even emergency braking.

All in all Rail and road control devices are not together connected, so that no voting difficulties between different Security classes can arise. The problem of backwater is always immediately corrected when it arises, so that a temporal Decoupling with the time of Zugzugäherung arises. The resulting situation can be additional in the case of a video detector yet to be documented.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 202008003947 U1 [0007]
• - DE 102007032091 B3 [0008]

Cited non-patent literature

• - "Guidelines on dependencies between the technical safety of level crossings and the traffic control at adjacent intersections and junctions (BÜSTRA)", BMV decree StV 4 / 36.42.37-01- of 17.07.1972 taking into account the changes of 19.01.1977 and 13.01.1984 [0003]

Claims (7)

Method of traffic control at a level crossing (BÜ), at which a street (S) and a railway line (B) cross at the same height in a danger zone (G), - the street (S) has at least one access road (Z) into the danger zone (B) G) and then an exit (A) from the danger area (G), - wherein the access (Z) for vehicles (F) in front of the danger area (G) by securing means ( 11 . 12 ) is blocked or released, characterized in that - a traffic flow of vehicles (F) in the exit (A) is detected, - from the detected traffic flow to a position of an end (E) of a backwater of vehicles (F) in the exit (A) is closed, - and in case of critical approach of the tailback end (E) to the danger area (G) the access road (Z) is blocked. Method according to claim 1, - wherein an intrusion of the backflow end (E) into the danger zone (G) of a traffic signal system ( 20 ) which controls the traffic at a road junction (FK) following the level crossing (BÜ), and wherein a release phase is signaled on the exit (A) in front of the sequence node (FK) of waiting or entering vehicles (F). Method according to claim 1 or 2, - wherein a critical approach of the tailback end (E) to the danger zone (G) or an intrusion of the tailback end (E) into the danger zone (G) of a traffic light system ( 30 ), which regulates the traffic at a road junction (VK) preceding the railroad crossing (BÜ), - and wherein the traffic at the preliminary node (VK) is regulated as a function of the position of the backflow end (E). Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, - wherein penetration of the tailback end (E) into the danger zone (E) or detection of a stationary object in the danger zone (G) of a rail traffic on the railway line (B) associated control center ( 40 ) is reported. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, - being from the exit (A) and / or the danger area (G) recorded video images and to detect the position of the tailback (E) or for detecting a stationary object digital be evaluated. Method according to claim 5, - in which by digital evaluation of the recorded video images a length a vehicle approaching the tailback end (E) (F) is determined. Device for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 6, - with a traffic detector ( 10 ) designed to detect the position of the end (E) of a backlog of vehicles (F) forming on the exit (A) and to report a critical approach of the tailback end (E) to the danger zone (G); and a traffic signal system adapted to receive a message from the traffic detector ( 10 ) and via signaling devices ( 12 . 22 . 32 ) to control vehicle traffic in the area of the level crossing (BÜ).