EP0979765A2 - Method for transmitting the counting value from a counting point to a central evaluation device - Google Patents

Abstract

The transmission method allows a count value to be transmitted from a count point (ZP1-ZP3) to a central evaluation device (AWE), for providing a track free or track occupied indication for a railway track section, using an existing communication network, e.g. a mobile communications network (MSC,BTS). The communication link between the count point and the central evaluation device is established after a given delay from the passage of the last wheel axle of the train. An Independent claim for an electronic termination box for a count point is also included.

Description

The invention relates to a method for transmitting one from a metering point determined meter reading to a central evaluation device, the free or busy messages generated for a route section. The invention further relates to a Procedure for free notification of a route section and an electronic connection box for a point of delivery.

Axle counters are used in rail traffic in particular in connection with track vacancy detection systems. Modern axle counters, such as B. from an article by G. Poppe with the title field of application of the new microcomputer metering point Zp30C, ETR, 41 (1992), H. 7-8, pages 519 - 522, are known, consist of several metering points arranged along the route and a central evaluation device usually housed in a signal box. Each metering point comprises two rail contacts and a control circuit, which is referred to as an electronic junction box (EAK). The metering points transmit their meter readings to the central evaluation device upon request. The evaluation device compares the incoming meter readings with one another, corrects them if necessary, and generates free or busy messages. In the case of simple axle counters, the metering points do not transmit meter readings to the evaluation device, but rather in real time the output signals generated by the rail contact (possibly amplified). Only the central evaluation device generates counting pulses and counter readings from it.

From an essay by H. Materne and A. Baer entitled Radio-based integral control, information and security technology for regional railways, ZEV + DET glass. Ann. 120 (1996) No. 11/12, pages 461-467, a railroad safety system is also known in which decentralized safety devices, to which one or more track elements are connected, communicate with locomotives in an event-oriented manner via public mobile radio networks. This known system is particularly suitable for regional trains and enables operation in which the locomotives request status reports by radio even with decentralized route protection devices (switches, track vacancy detection devices, etc.) affected by the intended journey. The status reports received in the locomotive are compared with reference data stored there. The driver is only shown a driver's license if there is a match. Central line security devices (signal boxes) are not required in this known system.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for the transmission of a point of delivery to determine determined meter reading to a central evaluation device. The The method should be particularly suitable for low-traffic secondary routes and neither high costs for the railway operator in terms of acquisition while still in operation cause.

This object is achieved by the invention, which are listed in claim 1 Has characteristics. According to the invention, the meter reading is transmitted to the central evaluation device via a communication network which is switched is based. This communication network can be, for example public landline or a mobile network. Which network in individual cases to be preferred will depend on local conditions. Exists in the in the immediate vicinity of the point of delivery a connection to a public Landline, so it will. U. mainly for reasons of reliability and cost be the cheapest to connect the point of delivery to this landline. Often, however the metering points are far from public landlines. In these cases communication over a public cellular network may be preferable. Conceivable is also, communication lines of the track operator laid along the rail routes - often implemented as glass fibers - for this communication.

All variants have in common that no counts, but a counter reading from Point of delivery is transferred directly to the central evaluation device. The central one Evaluation device, for example, in a signal box or in an operations control center located, relates the counter readings to one another and generates them Free or busy messages. If necessary, takes place in the central evaluation device an error correction also takes place. The free and busy messages generated are then displayed or processed in an interlocking logic. Since communication with the central evaluation device via radio or existing communication networks takes place, there is no effort for that Laying and maintenance of dedicated lines to be set up for this purpose. This is one of the main advantages of the solution according to the invention.

However, there are costs for the use of the communication network The height usually depends on the duration of the connection. Too To keep these running costs as low as possible, it is also envisaged that a Metering point only dials into the communication network if after the last one a defined period of time has elapsed. Thereby is achieved that a connection only after completion of a train journey through the Point of delivery is established.

Messages from the central evaluation device to the point of delivery are also sent transmitted via the communication network based on switching. Everyone Metering point, which should be addressable, has an address, which is basically is nothing more than a normal phone number. Security requirements can be matched by suitable coding of the data to be transmitted.

Since it takes time to set up the communication connection, the inventive method Procedure u. U. not as high train density as possible with the known communication via permanently available dedicated lines. Therefore, this method is particularly suitable for use on vehicles with less traffic Branch lines on. Since the profitability of such routes largely depends on the investments and operating expenses required for railway signaling depends, the invention can contribute to many previously unprofitable routes can be operated again profitably.

If, as mentioned above, the communication to the central evaluation device done via mobile radio, it can be particularly useful for remote metering points be a local power supply, such as a battery or solar panel. Then neither communication nor power supply cables are required to be relocated.

Fig. 1:

Schematische Darstellung zur Erläuterung eines Ausführungsbeispiels der Erfindung, bei der Zählpunkte ZP1...ZP3 über ein öffentliches Telefonnetz PSTN mit einer zentralen Auswerteeinrichtung AWE kommuniziert;

Fig. 2:

Schematische Darstellung zur Erläuterung eines anderen Ausführungsbeispiels der Erfindung, bei der Zählpunkte ZP1...ZP3 über ein Mobilfunknetz mit einer zentralen Auswerteeinrichtung AWE kommuniziert;

Fig. 3:

Darstellung eines elektronischen Anschlußkastens nach Anspruch 4. Bei dem in Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausschnitt aus einem Schienennetz zweigt eine Nebenstrecke NS von einer Hauptstrecke HS ab. Entlang der Nebenstrecke NS sind Zählpunkte ZP1...ZP3 angeordnete. Die sicherheitstechnische Überwachung und Steuerung des gezeigten Streckenbereichs findet in einer zentralen Auswerteeinrichtung AWE statt. Diese kann beispielsweise in einem (Block)Stellwerk untergebracht sein.

The invention is explained in detail below using the exemplary embodiments and the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1:

Schematic representation to explain an embodiment of the invention, in which metering points ZP1 ... ZP3 communicate with a central evaluation device AWE via a public telephone network PSTN;

Fig. 2:

Schematic representation for explaining another embodiment of the invention, in which metering points ZP1 ... ZP3 communicate with a central evaluation device AWE via a mobile radio network;

Fig. 3:

Representation of an electronic junction box according to claim 4. In the section of a rail network shown in FIG. 1, a branch line NS branches off from a main line HS. Metering points ZP1 ... ZP3 are arranged along the branch line NS. The safety-related monitoring and control of the route area shown takes place in a central evaluation device AWE. This can, for example, be accommodated in a (block) signal box.

The central evaluation device AWE communicates with metering points ZP1 ... ZP3, whereby communication connections are only established if necessary. At the in 1 illustrated example, this communication link includes transmission paths a public telephone network PSTN. The metering points and the central Evaluation device AWE are here with conventional telephone connections equipped that allow a connection to be established if required. Instead of the public The operator of the railways can of course also use a telephone network non-public or a telephone or data network maintained by himself use. In general, any communication network comes into question here, which one guarantees a need-based connection establishment based on mediation. In this way, the cabling effort compared to solutions is fixed switched point-to-point connections significantly reduced.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the communication connection is between the metering points ZP1 ... ZP3 and the central evaluation device AR a radio connection. It is essential here that there is no communication own, constantly available radio channel is reserved, but that, as in the above shown wired case, a channel is assigned only when needed. In An area with a large number of field elements can thus have one or a few Channels all communications are handled because of the existing Bandwidth scarcity brings significant cost advantages. Especially in Areas of low traffic routes are those due to the establishment of a connection or the channel assignment due to time delays acceptable.

The radio connection is preferably a mobile radio connection. In the electronic connection boxes of metering points ZP1 ... ZP3 are in this Case integrated mobile devices that dial into a public mobile network allow. The data arrive at a base station via the radio interface BTS and from there to a mobile switching center MSC, which sends the data to a line Network PSTN relayed. The central evaluation device AWE is directly connected to the PSTN network. The communication link in this case includes both transmission paths of a wired and also of a radio-based communication network. By including one (Mobile) radio connection is - apart from the connection of the electronic junction boxes with the rail contacts - no wiring required.

According to the invention it is also provided that a metering point only then in the Communication network dials in if after the last registered axis pass a specified period of time has passed. This means a departure from the process, as it is hard-wired from known, with a central evaluation device Meter points knows. Meter readings are transmitted there on request through the evaluation device. In contrast, in the method according to the invention communication takes place only after the end of a train journey. So that will achieves that the central evaluation device on the one hand immediately on every traffic event informs, but only a communication link for the period of time that is absolutely necessary for the transmission of the counting result is.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of an electronic connection box EAK according to the invention in a schematic representation. The electronic junction box EAK is connected to rail contacts SK1 and SK2 via an interface IFSK. The signals picked up by the receiver coils of the rail contacts are fed to an evaluation circuit AS via this interface IFSK. The evaluation circuit AS has the task of driving the two rail contacts SK1 and SK2, generating counting pulses from the signals supplied via the rail contact interface IFSK and determining a counter reading therefrom. For the construction of such a circuit, reference is made to an article by G. Hoffmann and H. Uebel with the title "New metering points (Zp 30) for axle counters", Signal + Draht 77 (1985) 4, pages 72-77.

A second interface IFGSM provides the connection to the communication network In the example shown, the communication network is a public mobile radio network according to the GSM standard. The interface is therefore known as such GSM transceiver part executed. If the communication network is a landline, for example, the IFGSM interface can be a simple X.25 interface, as is often the case in public data networks for packet-switched data communication used.

The evaluation circuit AS is connected to a timer circuit TIM. This Timer circuit TIM is designed so that when one of the evaluation circuit is received AS supplied counting pulse a timer is started. The timer runs as long until the next count pulse is received and the timer is reset. Exceeds the timer has a predetermined value, e.g. B. 15 seconds, it is assumed that the end of the rail vehicle or the train set the rail contacts happened. The timer then issues a send command to cause that the determined meter reading is transmitted to the central evaluation device becomes.

In an advantageous embodiment, the time period after its elapse a send command is issued, not fixed once, but instead from the timer circuit after evaluating the chronological sequence of the previously received Count pulses set. The reasoning behind it is that it depends on the speed of the passing rail vehicle depends on when you fail to arrive of counting pulses with a very high probability can assume that no axes pass the rail contacts. For example, at the counting impulses for a fast moving train association at short intervals on each other. The timer circuit evaluates these time intervals and, for example, provides determined that the longest occurring interval does not exceed 1 second. From this size, the time period is then calculated, after which a Send command is issued. For example, the calculation can be done in a simple Multiplication by a fixed value, such as 5, exist. This means five seconds the send command is issued after the last registered axis pass becomes. With a slow train, on the other hand, with a train between two axles can pass several seconds, the calculated value will be correspondingly higher lie.

The electronic junction box EAK relates to an advantageous embodiment the electrical energy required from a local power supply. In Fig. 3 this is designed as a rechargeable battery ACCU. For loading the rechargeable battery, a solar panel SOL is provided.

In addition, the electronic junction box EAK has a memory SP with input means KL. Your own address and address are stored in this memory can be stored in the central evaluation device. The addresses can be, for example are normal phone numbers. The input means KL can be used as Wire jumpers or, as indicated in Fig. 3, be designed as a card reader. With A card reader can be particularly easily integrated into the electronic Junction box EAK addresses entered. Such card readers are preferred also available in the central evaluation facilities to find the addresses of the to enter metering points arranged along the rail route. On the cards codes can also be stored, with the aid of which the data transmission can also be carried out can be backed up to any existing data backup measures.

For safety reasons it should be agreed that a section of the route is only then is released if all metering points involved are within a defined time window have transmitted their meter readings to the central evaluation device. If there is not a message from all metering points within this time window, the central evaluation unit takes the initiative and selects it Metering points whose last meter reading was sent too long ago. Moreover can be provided that before the final free declaration of the route section a functional check once again triggered by the central evaluation device of the metering points involved.

With regard to failure disclosure times to be complied with can also be provided be that the central evaluation device in addition in regular time intervals establishes a connection to the metering points and meter readings queries. If the metering points are equipped with means for carrying out self-tests , they are preferably used as part of the regular meter reading queries initiated and their result transmitted to the evaluation device. In this way, defects in metering points can be made within the required disclosure period identify.

Claims (8)

Method for transmitting a meter reading determined by a metering point (ZP1 ... ZP3) to a central evaluation device (AWE), which generates free or busy messages for a route section,
characterized by a) that the transmission takes place via a communication network (PSTN), which is based on switching, and that b) the point of delivery only dials into the communication network when a specified period of time has elapsed after the last registered axis pass. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication network is a cellular network is. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the time period during operation by evaluating the chronological sequence of the previously registered Axis passages is set. Method for the free notification of a route section along whose metering points (ZP1 ... ZP3) are arranged by a central evaluation device (AWE),
characterized in that a) the metering points of the meter readings determined by them are transmitted to the central evaluation device according to the method of claim 1, and that b) the central evaluation device only releases the route section if all metering points have transmitted their meter readings to the central evaluation device within a defined time window. The method of claim 4, wherein if not all meter points within their meter readings to the central evaluation device within a defined time window have transmitted the metering points to the central evaluation device dials whose last meter reading was sent too long ago. Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the central evaluation device only releases the route section if all metering points involved the result of a function check within the defined time window have transmitted to the central evaluation device. Electronic junction box (EAK) for a metering point with a rail contact interface (IFSK) for connecting at least one rail contact (SK1, SK2),
marked by a) an evaluation circuit (AS) for controlling the at least one rail contact, for generating counting pulses from signals supplied by the rail contact interface and for determining a counter reading from the generated counting pulses, b) a communication interface (IFGSM) to a communication network based on switching, c) a timer circuit (TIM), which is designed so that it issues a command to send the counter reading via the communication interface (IFGSM) to a central evaluation device if a predetermined time has passed after the last registered axis passage. An electronic junction box according to claim 4, wherein the time period is ongoing Operation by evaluating the chronological order of those registered so far Axis passages can be determined.

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