EP0988207B1 - Device for controlling level crossings - Google Patents

Abstract

The inventive control system for a level crossing (BU) consists of a plurality of identically designed modules or travel way objects (X1 to X5). The number of travel way objects corresponds to the number of travel ways (1 to 5) which can be placed on the level crossing. The process peripheral system (P) can only access the travel way object allocated to a specific travel way using an individual linkage logic (VL) consisting of simple standard linkages (Vo, Vu, Vn, Vv, Va). Said travel way object can only transmit individually allocated monitoring information to a monitoring signal (US1, US2) which is allocated to the appropriate travel way. Disconnection also occurs via said linkage logic solely in relation to the travel way. A common allocational unit (Z) is provided to control the safety components (S) of the level crossing. Said unit receives control instructions from the individual travel way objects and transmits monitoring information thereto. Control is adapted to various topographical data and varying functional requirements exclusively via the linkage logic.

Description

The invention relates to a device according to the Preamble of claim 1. Such a device is from Signal + Draht 84 (1962) Issue 6, pages 166 to 171 or from Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 017, no. 99 (M-1373) & JP 04292261 A known.

Level crossings vary in their topographical design in manifold ways by the number of those leading over them Railroad tracks used for securing cross traffic Switching means, the required switching behavior of this Switching means and with regard to monitoring the level crossing; a distinction must also be made as to whether activation the level crossing, d. H. the activation of its security components, vehicle operated by track switching means or from a signal box or other control center is made from. If necessary, a level crossing also temporarily or permanently adapted to new circumstances become. This is the case with a computer-controlled level crossing technology to provide appropriate control software, which takes into account the individual project planning cases and if necessary can be adapted to new conditions. The configuration parameters are usually determined using a suitable input device, preferably by means of a Computer, in a central software memory of the level crossing stored. Because of the diversity of the topographical design The control software varies from level crossings computer controlled level crossings from case to case more or less significant. Every new level crossing and every change at an existing level crossing requires one almost complete new creation of the control software with the resulting requirements with regard to simulation, Test and ultimately also a safety certificate. The same applies to non-computer-controlled, exclusively or predominantly hardware-controlled level crossings.

The object of the present invention is a device specify according to the preamble of claim 1 with which is possible, the control software of a level crossing in a simple, manageable way the given adapt topographical requirements, whereby for the so generated level crossing-specific control software Because of its manageability, it is only an inexpensive safety certificate can be provided.

The invention solves this problem by the characterizing Features of claim 1. The control is then from any number that can be arranged in a row Modules, the so-called track objects, which are completely identical are designed and for which a security certificate once provided can be used again and again. The The safety components of the level crossing are connected through a common assignment module controlled by the modules, for which even a single proof of security must be provided. The individual adaptation the one consisting of the modules and the assignment module Control of a concrete level crossing to the respective one Topography happens through an individual logic, that consists of a series of simple logic modules is formed. Only this logic is redesign for each new level crossing, whereby by the assignment of the controlling process elements to those after Invention provided route-oriented modules (route objects) a clear, easily understandable definition the linkage parameter is given.

Advantageous refinements and developments of the invention Facility are specified in the subclaims. So can be according to the teaching of claim 2 Linking logic provided according to the invention each from a Build a plurality of standard links, the number of these standard links on z. B. five different logic modules is limited.

According to claim 3, the track objects are including them Modules and the assignment module part of a computer or Computer system that controls a level crossing or also controls multiple level crossings.

The central assignment module, the switching on and off the security components of a level crossing and their Surveillance causes, according to the teaching of the claim 4 have a memory in which the topography of a level crossing predetermined interaction of the process periphery with the security components of the level crossing is deposited. This makes it possible to have a uniform assignment module to be used for different level crossings and adapting this assignment module to one to effect concrete level crossing by the fact that for the Level crossing provided modules very specific entrances of the assignment module or very specific address areas of the assignment block.

The invention is based on one in the drawing illustrated embodiment for a computer-controlled Level crossing explained in more detail.

The drawing shows a level crossing in the upper part Area of two parallel tracks G1 and G2; the two tracks are connected by switches W1 and W2. Left of the level crossing Switch-on contacts AzE1 and AzE2 are shown above the level crossing switched on when a train approaches can be. In the present case then takes over software securing the level crossing by z. B. turns on a light signal system, not shown and / or lowers barriers, also not shown. Switched off the level crossing is made via break contacts AzA2 or AzA4 through the train passing the level crossing. As long as the switch-off contacts within a predetermined time As a result, the fuse components remain the level crossing is still effective, d. H. the traffic light system blocks the level crossing against cross traffic and any intended Barriers remain lowered. Only when the switch-off contacts are not operated after actuation, occurs after a specified delay time Switching off the level crossing and the level crossing is for the cross traffic released. Requirement for switching off the level crossing should still be that each Do not drive on the associated siding at the time of switching off is.

There are no make contacts for the opposite direction. Here it is rather assumed that the activation of HpE1, HpE2 Level crossing if necessary from a not shown Signal box is made. For switching off the level crossing are behind in the direction of travel from right to left switch-off contacts AzA1 and AzA3 are provided at the level crossing, which act analogously to the switch-off contacts AzA2 and AzA4.

The level crossing has been switched on and thereupon the security components of the level crossing the security of the level crossing, leads a corresponding monitoring message for switching on a monitoring signal ÜS1 or ÜS2 or to output a corresponding monitoring message to the signal box. The monitoring signal lights up ÜS1 or ÜS2 tells the driver of an approaching vehicle Train that the level crossing secured against cross traffic is; correspondingly give from the signal box the monitoring message of the level crossing switched on Route signals Hp1 or Hp2 the train journey towards the Level crossing free. Comes monitoring the level crossing not established, then the signals ÜS1, ÜS2, Hp1 resp Hp2 the further advancement on the level crossing. The driver an approaching train then has the Initiate braking, the initiation of this braking process also brought about by additional track switching means can be. It is more appropriate by default Driving speeds and arrangement of the signals in given Clearances to the level crossing ensure that an approaching Train if the monitoring message does not appear brought to a standstill in good time before the level crossing can.

Depending on which side and on which track a train approaches a level crossing are different Switch on monitoring or track signals; for switching off the level crossing also depends on the actuation very specific switch-off contacts. With topographical elaborate level crossings, it can also be that after the track on which a train approaches a level crossing, Different security components at the level crossing are to be switched on. All of this can be done from level crossing to level crossing be different and is not necessarily the only one depending on which track a train on the level crossing tapers. For example, if a train is from the left coming to the right via the switch-on contact AzE2 on the Track G2 advances, the corresponding monitoring message that Switch on monitoring signal ÜS2. If the same move however over the turnouts W1 and W2 and the track G1 to the Level crossing is advancing, the corresponding monitoring message should Switch on the monitoring signal ÜS1. This shows, that the control of the security components of a level crossing including the signaling of the monitoring message on an approaching train is heavily dependent on the signaling environment of the level crossing. The different Dependencies must be specified in detail and appropriately implemented in the control software be in an individual safety certificate It must be demonstrated that the level crossing is safe guaranteed for all conceivable operational journeys is. The software to control and monitor one Level crossing is particularly confusing for the technicians just like the pure programmer difficulties has the interaction of the technical components of the level crossing to record and in an appropriate control software implement.

The invention makes the project planning software for a level crossing for everyone involved, i.e. both the technician as well as the programmer, manageable and understandable; this also makes it easier for every level crossing safety proof for the Control software.

According to the invention, the control software is provided Level crossing in uniformly trained software modules to divide and organize them by road. Based on the level crossing shown in the upper part of the drawing there are five different routes over this. The Routes are indicated by arrows next to the tracks and bear the numbers 1 to 5. These five possible ones in the example There are five modules in the control software, so-called Route objects assigned to X1 to X5. All track objects are designed in the same way and work together with three software modules E each of the same design for switching on, A for switching off and Ü for monitoring the Level crossing. Coming on the route marked 1 the route object X1 for use and causes one Switch-on order for this route via one for all route objects common assignment block Z the connection certain safety components S of the level crossing. at the assumed constellation of the level crossing are fuse components to be connected always the same, independent of which route takes up the level crossing.

Specifically, that means receiving a switch-on signal (Software module E) the affected track object, e.g. B. X1, via the assignment module Z and the only briefly indicated Software modules Li and Schr for control and monitoring the light signals of the level crossing and the barriers acts on them and activates them. For level crossings with a more complex topography, for example with three or more tracks and island areas between the tracks, but it is also conceivable that different track objects via the assignment block to different fuse components S act on the level crossing, for example on light signs installed in different locations and / or on different barrier systems, whereby z. B. lowering the barrier systems in a known manner Can still be dependent on certain defined danger zones at the time of lowering the Barriers must be cleared so that it is not included of cross traffic between interacting barriers can come.

If a route object has the security components via the assignment block level crossing activated, there is one corresponding monitoring message from the security components via the assignment module to the initiating one Path object. The route object then causes via his software module Ü switching on the monitoring signal, on which the announced train advances or it initiates the Output of a corresponding monitoring message to the Signal box, which in turn is now the journey across the level crossing for the train for which the level crossing was activated, releases.

The link between the individual route objects Software modules E, A and Ü with the process periphery P des Level crossing and the signals that the approaching Inform trains of the switched-on state of the level crossing, happens via a logic logic VL between the software modules the control system and the periphery of the level crossing. This logic logic consists of one or each several standard links of the functions AND, OR, NOT, distribute or connect; those in the lower part of the The legend given in the drawing describes the function of each Standard shortcuts.

In the assumed route 1, the level crossing is caused approaching from left to right on track G2 Vehicle with the activation of the switch-on contacts AzE2 a switch-on order to that assigned to route 1 Track object X1. This is done by an AND operation Vu of a switch-on signal originating from the switch-on contacts AzE2 with the switch position indicator + for the in Track switch W1. Both conditions, the actuation the switch-on contacts and the specification of the specific switch position, clearly describe the route over the level crossing and thus clearly determine on which signal the Monitoring message is to be displayed. The route 1 and thus the route object X1 is the monitoring signal ÜS2 permanently assigned. The route object X1 has no possibility who meet the security requirements of the Level crossing monitoring message coming up at him pass his software module Ü on to a signal other than to the monitoring signal claimed by route 1 ÜS2.

For route 3, when the level crossing is approaching Zug also actuated the switch contacts AzE2; however, the position stress of the switch W1 is different than with the previously assumed route 1. For this Basically, the trigger for switching on the level crossing takes place via route object X3 depending on one AND operation Vu of the switch contact actuation AzE2 and the negation of the turnout position W1 +; the latter happens via a negation element Vn. Because of the multiple use both the switch-on contact actuation as well as the switch position indicator the switch W1 both for the application of the Route object X1 as well as the route object X3 takes place the activation of the switch-on software modules E of these objects via standard linkage Va for decoupled division of the Entry report and the switch position stress on the two track objects; the standard links Va and Vu are cascaded.

Has the route object X3 due to the activation trigger the switch-on contacts AzE2 via the assignment module Z the Activation of the level crossing prompted and thereupon the security components S of the level crossing securing it accepted, there is a via the assignment block Appropriate feedback to route object X3. This then initiates switching on via its software module Ü the monitoring signal ÜS1 in the further course of the route Third

Since this monitoring signal is also switched on in route 2 is to be an OR operation of the monitoring signal Vo upstream in which the monitoring orders of the two route objects X2 and X3 are linked.

Switching off the level crossing (deactivating its safety components) happens vehicle-controlled with the actuation the switch-off contacts AzA4 (route 1) or AzA2 (Route 2 and 3). For the trigger to the respective Switch-off software module A of the route objects X1 to X5 are available in the drawing, the switch-off functions A2 and A1, the circuitry depending on the direction of actuation the opening contacts AzA3 or AzA4 or AzA1 or AzA2 and the expiry of a predetermined delay time for the switch-off process include. The elimination of the level crossing but is not only intended to operate the switch-off contacts and the expiry of the specified delay time his; the switch-off process should only take place if the inlet route specified by the route to be negotiated is released on the level crossing. So is supposed to prevent be that a level crossing by a first train is switched off while on the same route the next train to the level crossing does not approach a new one Switch-on order sets. Free reporting of the inflow routes between the switch-on contacts AzE1 or AzE2 and the switch-off contacts AzA1 or AzA3 is shown in the drawing the peripheral messages E1 and E2 are indicated.

For route 1, the switch-off is except for the switch-off function A2 (e.g. switch-off contacts AzA4 actuated and Delay time elapsed) made dependent on the existence the free report E2; both peripheral messages are over the standard link Vu AND-linked. If the Switch-off conditions are caused by the switch-off software module A the route object X1 via the assignment block Z the deactivation the security components of the level crossing. The Corresponding feedback of the message status via the deactivation of the security components causes the route object X1, the monitoring signal via its monitoring software module Ü Switch off ÜS2.

Switching off the level crossing is excluded for route 2 from the presence of peripheral message A1 (e.g. AzA2 actuated, Delay time expired) depending on the free message of the inlet track claimed by route 2 the level crossing. If the feed track between the switch contacts AzE1 and the switch-off contacts AzA1 released the corresponding peripheral message E1 in cooperation with the other switch-off conditions Switch off the level crossing. The interaction of the switch-off conditions is realized through the AND link of the corresponding peripheral signals, each cascaded with Standard links for the non-reactive division of the corresponding message to switch off the via other routes level crossing switched on.

The switch-off conditions are present for route 3 the switch-off function A1 (e.g. use switch-off contacts AzA2, Delay time has elapsed) and the clearing of the incoming track between the switch-on contacts AzE2 and the switch-off contacts AzA1 (peripheral message E1). The corresponding, initiate AND-linked peripheral messages the switch-off software module A of the route object X3, to deactivate the safety components of the level crossing. The feedback of the reporting status of these security components via the assignment block to route object X3 shutdown there via the monitoring software module the monitoring signal ÜS1.

For routes 4 and 5 the level crossing is switched off solely depending on the presence of the switch-off function A1 or A2. The additional required monitoring of the free state the incoming tracks are done by the controlling signal box or another switching device.

Basically, it is possible to release the incoming tracks also to be effected by separate track vacancy detection devices and / or the length of the tracks to be monitored limit.

The software modules for switching on, switching off and Monitoring as well as the software modules of the route objects together with the software modules for the control and Monitoring of the fuse components and the assignment module the control software of a computer or computer system R for the control and monitoring of one or more Level crossings. The aforementioned software modules are always and constantly trained the same; only the number of route objects and thus also the number of software modules for switching on, switching off and monitoring the level crossing and the number of software modules for the control and Monitoring of the fuse components may vary from case to case vary. So there is for the control of the level crossing uniform software that is only created once and for which even a single proof of security is given to provide. The adaptation of this software to the topography of the level crossing to be controlled takes place exclusively about the link logic, which in turn is made up of there are a few standard links each. Which Standard links to be used in detail is easy to deduce and therefore also for the proof of safety easy to understand. Where there is a dependency of two Given different input variables, there is an AND operation for use; there where either of the one to access the periphery an OR operation is used; where conditions play a role in more than one track object, an allocation table Va is used and where there is a negation a negation element is used.

A similar control function as described above a computer-controlled level crossing was explained, can also be used for hardware-controlled level crossings or mixed forms of hardware and software controlled level crossings be used. There also results from modular construction the control elements and input side linkage of these elements according to the topography of the level crossing a manageable structure of the control of the level crossing.

Claims (4)

1. Apparatus for the control of level crossings (Bü) which are switched on from a control point or, under vehicle control, by section-side process elements (AzE1, AzE2) and are switched off, under vehicle control, by section-side process elements (AzA1 - AzA4), planning software ensuring the topography-related conversion of the switch-on and switch-off signals into control instructions for the safety components (S) of the level crossing, and the process elements (AzA1-AzA4, AzE1, AzE2), signals (ÜS1, ÜS2, Hp1, Hp2) and points (W1, W2) forming a process periphery (P) of the level crossing (Bü), characterized in that the control for each level crossing (BÜ) consists of a number of identically designed modules, so-called route objects (X1 to X5), the said number corresponding to the number of routes (1 to 5) capable of being controlled over the said level crossing, which route objects are each assigned a module for handling the switching-on (E), a module for handling the switching-off (A) and a module for handling the monitoring (Ü) of the level crossing, these modules for the switching-on, switching-off and monitoring of the level crossing having identically designed interfaces with the process periphery (P), in that all the route objects (X1-X5) are connected via uniform interfaces to a common assignment unit (Z) which, via further modules (Li, Schr), converts the switch-on and switch-off signals, supplied to it by a route object, respectively into cut-in and cut-off commands for the safety components (S) of the level crossing, the said safety components being claimed by the said route object, and in that, between the process periphery (P) of an actual level crossing and the modules for the switching-on, switching-off and monitoring of the level crossing of the associated route objects (X1 to X5), there is linking logic (VL), in which the route occupations of the individual modules for the switching-on, switching-off and monitoring of the level crossing are filed by the process periphery of the level crossing and which is such that it executes corresponding linking of the process periphery (P) to the modules (A, E, Ü) for the switching-on, switching-off and monitoring of the level crossing, of the route objects (X1 to X5).
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the linking logic (VL) for each of the modules, of a route object (X1-X5) is represented by one or more, in that case cascaded standard operations (Va, Vu, Vo, Vn, Vv) of the distribution, AND, OR, negation or connection functions.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each level crossing is assigned a computer or computer system (R), in which at least the functions of the common assignment unit (Z) and those of the route objects (X1 to X5) and those of the modules (A, E, Ü) for the switching-on, switching-off and monitoring of the level crossing, and of the further modules (Li, Schr) are implemented.
4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the computer or computer system (R) has a memory which files the interaction of the process elements of the level crossing with its safety components (S), the said interaction being predetermined by the topography of the level crossing.

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