EP2188167B1 - Method for operating a vehicle train, communication devices, tractive unit, vehicle and a vehicle train - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle train (200) having a tractive unit (10) and at least one vehicle (110), as well as for determining the association of the vehicle (110) with the vehicle train (200), in which according to the invention - the value of at least one kinematic measured variable of the vehicle (110) is determined at the vehicle end, - the value of the measured variable which is determined at the vehicle end is compared with a value of the measured variable which is determined at the tractive unit end, and - the vehicle (110) is detected as being associated with the vehicle train (200) if the comparison reveals correspondence. Furthermore, the invention relates to a tractive-unit-end communication device (15), a vehicle-end communication device (115), a tractive unit (10), a vehicle (110) and a vehicle train (200).

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle association with a traction vehicle and at least one vehicle and for determining the affiliation of the vehicle to the vehicle association, wherein the value of at least one kinematic measured variable of the vehicle is determined on the vehicle side, determining the vehicle-specific value of the measured variable with a traction vehicle side Value of the measured variable is compared and the vehicle is recognized as belonging to the vehicle association, if the comparison results in a match.

A method for operating a vehicle association with a traction vehicle and at least one vehicle and for determining the affiliation of the vehicle to the vehicle body is known from the German patent specification DE 198 30 053 C1 known. The known method relates to a vehicle body in the form of a train with a traction vehicle and vehicles in the form of wagons. In this case, both the traction vehicle and the wagons on communication equipment, the communication equipment of the wagons emit in the polling operation by means of electromagnetic waves records for the identification of each wagon. In the known method, a mobile data collection device makes it possible to detect vehicle data with logistics information electronically stored in on-board computers of the communication equipment of the wagons, and thereby to determine the affiliation of a wagon to the train.

However, a disadvantage of the known method is precisely that the determination of those vehicles belonging to the vehicle association is comparatively complicated and requires an additional work step. It should be taken into account in general that neither in a marshalling yard nor on a free route can it be assumed that only data records are received from such vehicles that actually belong to the vehicle association. Thus, corresponding records can be sent, in particular when using a radio link between the locomotive and the vehicles, for example, also located on a neighboring track vehicles.

A method according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from the published international application WO 01/49546 A1 known, here is used as a kinematic measure of the place.

The present invention has for its object to provide a particularly simple and efficient method of the type mentioned.

This object is achieved according to the invention for a method for operating a vehicle association with a traction vehicle and at least one vehicle and for determining the affiliation of the vehicle with the vehicle body by determining on the vehicle side the value of at least one kinematic measured variable of the vehicle, the vehicle-specific value of the measured variable is compared with a drive vehicle side determined value of the measured variable and the vehicle is recognized as belonging to the vehicle association, if the comparison results in a match, where as kinematic Measured variable of the arrival time is used.

The method according to the invention offers the advantage that it is possible by means of a value determined on the vehicle side for a kinematic measured variable and a value of the same measured variable for the same measured variable to provide a statement as to whether the relevant vehicle is part of the vehicle association, ie by comparing the respective measured values. belongs to this vehicle association. This allows in particular a distinction of, for example, parked on adjacent tracks vehicles. As a result, it is advantageously avoided that corresponding vehicles, which are not part of the vehicle association, are erroneously regarded as belonging to it.

According to the method of the invention, the approach time is used as the kinematic measured variable. This is advantageous because this kinematic parameter is particularly suitable for determining the association of a vehicle with the vehicle body. For detecting or determining the kinematic measured variable, the vehicles and the traction vehicle are provided with corresponding measuring devices as a function of the respective measured variable used. A corresponding measuring device may be, for example, an acceleration sensor.

In the context of the method according to the invention, the vehicle body may be any type of vehicle body. In addition to trains or train associations, this may be, for example, towing units of ships or jointly moving associations of road vehicles. It is also possible in principle that the vehicles of the driving association have their own drive or auxiliary drive.

It should be noted that the traction vehicle can be arranged in principle within the vehicle association at any position. In addition, of course, a corresponding vehicle association may include several traction vehicles. In this case, the measured variable can be determined either only for one of the traction vehicles or else for several or all of the traction vehicles and used for the comparison with the value determined on the vehicle side of the measured variable.

Usually, the vehicle association will comprise a plurality of vehicles or several vehicles will be considered with regard to a possible affiliation with the vehicle association. In this case, the determination of the value of the at least one kinematic measured variable and the comparison with the drive-vehicle-determined value of the measured variable are preferably carried out for each of the vehicles. However, it should be noted that even in the event that several vehicles belong to the vehicle association, not necessarily for each of these vehicles, a determination of the kinematic parameter must be made. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, that a corresponding determination is made only for selected vehicles of the vehicle association, such as the last vehicle starting from the traction vehicle.

If a plurality of kinematic measured variables are determined in the context of the method according to the invention, the accuracy in determining the affiliation of the vehicles to the vehicle group can advantageously be increased by a corresponding comparison with driving-vehicle-specific values of the measured variables.

In the context of the method according to the invention, the kinematic measured variable can be determined in any manner known per se.

The method according to the invention preferably proceeds in such a way that a vehicle identifier of the vehicle belonging to the vehicle group is detected. This is advantageous because a preferably unique identification of the respective vehicle is possible by means of the vehicle identifier. In this case, a corresponding vehicle identifier can for example be permanently assigned to the respective vehicle or assigned to the vehicle before or at the end of the method.

In principle, in the context of the method according to the invention, the value of the measured variable determined by the vehicle can be compared with the value of the measured variable determined by the drive vehicle by any component which may or may not be part of the vehicle association. For example, the comparison can be made by a central control or planning office. In addition, communication within the vehicle association can basically be both wired and wireless. In addition to a cable connection, for example, an infrared interface can be used.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the measured variable determined on the vehicle side is transmitted to the traction vehicle by means of a radio link. This means that the traction vehicle communicates with the vehicles of the vehicle association via a radio link or is connected. Advantageously, within the scope of this preferred development of the method according to the invention, it is thus possible to exchange information within the vehicle group without a wired connection, for example in the form of a wired cable bus or another continuous line, such as a compressed air line. Corresponding continuous lines are in practice due to the required connections from vehicle to vehicle due to loose contacts and corrosion usually relatively unreliable. By transmitting the vehicle-determined measured variable to the traction vehicle, it is further made possible that the comparison of the vehicle-determined value of the measured variable with the driveline side determined value of the measured variable driven vehicle side takes place. This is advantageous since the locomotive usually has a central role within a vehicle association. Thus, in particular the possibility exists to output information received from the vehicles of the vehicle association directly to the driver of the traction vehicle. In the context of the preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention determining the affiliation of a vehicle to the vehicle association moreover advantageously runs autonomously within the vehicle association, so that, for example, communication links to central facilities, such as a control center of a rail system, advantageously for the functionality of the expiration of the Procedure are not mandatory. In this case, only a radio link with the traction vehicle is required by the vehicles of the vehicle association, so that in terms of the range of the radio link advantageously the maximum length of the vehicle association is sufficient. For example, a maximum permissible length of 750 m is specified for a vehicle association in the form of a freight train in Germany. Preferably, the radio connection is effected by means of a direct connection between the respective vehicle and the locomotive. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for example that individual or all vehicles of the vehicle association can serve as routing stations, ie as forwarding points between the relevant vehicle and the traction vehicle. Because the required range of the radio connection is comparatively low, comparatively little power or energy is required by the vehicles for the relevant communication connection. This is advantageous since it is desirable to ensure a maintenance-free power supply of the vehicles, for example by means of appropriate batteries, over as long a period as possible.

In a preferred refinement, the method according to the invention runs in such a way that, in the case of a vehicle association with a plurality of vehicles, the last vehicle of the vehicle association and / or the ranking of the vehicles in the vehicle association is determined on the basis of the values of the measured variable determined by the vehicles. Since an undesired separation of the vehicle body can be reliably detected on the basis of a loss of the last vehicle of the vehicle association, the last vehicle starting from the vehicle of the vehicle body is usually of particular importance. In addition or as an alternative to the determination of the last vehicle of the vehicle association, the complete ranking of the vehicles in the vehicle body can advantageously also be determined. This offers the advantage that accurate information about the structure of the vehicle body can be provided, for example, to a driver of the locomotive. This makes it possible, for example, to distinguish a technical defect of a communication device used for data transmission of a vehicle of the vehicle association from a separation of the vehicle association. If, for example, the communication device of a vehicle arranged in the middle of the vehicle body fails, then this may be due to the fact that vehicles, which are located farther away from the locomotive, are still accessible, can be distinguished from a separation of the vehicle body. In addition, a series determination of the vehicles of the vehicle association advantageously also allows a comparison with disposition systems used for operational handling.

Advantageously, the method according to the invention is designed such that an acknowledgment message regarding the affiliation of the vehicle to the vehicle association is transmitted to the vehicle. This offers the advantage that the Vehicle is informed that it has been recognized as belonging to the vehicle association. Based on this information, the vehicle in question can thus adapt its further behavior accordingly.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the vehicle belonging to the vehicle association transmits a telegram with at least the vehicle identification to the locomotive. In addition to the vehicle identification, the telegram may optionally contain further information, for example in the form of status information of the vehicle. Corresponding status information can be, for example, safety-relevant data such as brake pressure, temperature or other physical measured variables of the vehicle or its charge.

In a particularly preferred development of the method according to the invention, the vehicle belonging to the vehicle association transmits the telegram at predeterminable regular time intervals, at the request of the traction vehicle and / or depending on the situation, to the locomotive. By a corresponding transmission of the telegram at regular time intervals is advantageously ensured that the locomotive receives a regular feedback from the vehicles of the vehicle association. In this case, the time interval in which a corresponding feedback occurs, advantageously predetermined. This means that the respective time interval can be predetermined, for example in the form of a configuration parameter of a control device of the respective vehicle, for example as a function of the type of the respective vehicle. In addition, however, it is also possible that the respective time interval is predetermined by the traction vehicle. So it is conceivable, for example, that the traction vehicle depending on the state of the Vehicle association, ie, for example, depending on whether the determination of the vehicles associated with the vehicle association is completed, and / or depending on the position of the vehicle in the vehicle association individually for each of the vehicles specifies the time interval. For example, it can be determined that the last vehicle of the vehicle association reports to the traction vehicle at a shorter time interval than the other vehicles of the vehicle association by means of the telegram. As a result, a separation of the vehicle association is advantageously detected faster on the basis of the absence of a corresponding telegram. In addition, there is advantageously additionally or alternatively the possibility that the vehicle associated vehicle association transmits the telegram on request of the traction unit and / or situation-dependent to the locomotive. In the context of a situation-dependent transmission of the telegram can be, for example, upon detection of an error or the deviation of a physical variable from a predetermined range of values, the traction vehicle is informed by means of the telegram on the occurred situation.

Preferably, the inventive method can also run so that the train engine after receipt of the telegram an acknowledgment is sent to the vehicle. This offers the advantage that the vehicle is informed about the successful transmission of the telegram. In addition, the vehicle can also be signaled by means of the acknowledgment of receipt, for example, that additional telegrams, for example at regular time intervals, are desired on the part of the traction vehicle.

In a further preferred embodiment, the inventive method is configured such that the vehicle side in the absence of the acknowledgment in an inactive Operating mode is changed in which telegrams are transmitted only on request from the traction unit and / or at greater intervals to the traction unit. This offers the advantage that, in particular in the context of determining the vehicles of the vehicle association, such vehicles that receive no acknowledgment of receipt from the traction vehicle with a vehicle telegram sent by them can recognize that they are not part of the vehicle association, and do so for saving of energy. This concerns, for example, those vehicles which are parked on neighboring tracks, for example in the case of a vehicle association in the form of a train in a marshalling yard.

The invention furthermore relates to a drive-vehicle-side communication device for communicating with at least one vehicle-side communication device, comprising a measuring device for determining a value of at least one kinematic measured variable, a transmission device for receiving a measured value of the measured variable from the vehicle-side communication device and a control device for comparing the drive-vehicle side determined value of the measured variable with the received vehicle-determined value of the measured variable and for detecting the vehicle as belonging to a vehicle association, if the comparison results in a match.

With regard to the drive-vehicle-side communication device, the present invention has the object to provide a communication device of the aforementioned type, which is a particularly simple and efficient method for operating a vehicle association with a traction vehicle and at least one vehicle and for determining supported the affiliation of the vehicle to the vehicle association.

This object is achieved for a drive-vehicle-side communication device for communication with at least one vehicle-side communication device according to the invention by a drive-vehicle-side communication device with a measuring device for driving-vehicle-side determination of a value of at least one physical variable, a transmission device for receiving a vehicle-determined value of the measured variable from the vehicle-side communication device and a control device for comparing the measured value of the measured variable with the received vehicle side determined value of the measured variable and for detecting the vehicle as belonging to a vehicle association, if the comparison results in a match, wherein the drive vehicle side communication device is designed such that the measuring device for determining the arrival time point of Traction vehicle is designed.

A corresponding measuring device may be, for example, a motion sensor. In this case, a corresponding measuring device advantageously allows a statement as to whether the vehicle concerned is part of the vehicle association or not.

Since the advantages of the engine-side communication device according to the invention and the inventive Substantially comply with the relevant comments above.

Advantageously, the control device of the drive-vehicle-side communication device according to the invention is designed to detect a vehicle identification received by the vehicle-side communication device. This makes it possible to identify the vehicles of the vehicle association. In addition, advantageously, storage, further processing and / or comparison of a list of vehicle identifications of the vehicles of the vehicle association can take place.

Preferably, the drive-vehicle-side communication device according to the invention can also be designed such that the transmission device is designed for data transmission via a radio network. As a result, the necessity of a wired data transmission between the drive-vehicle-side communication device and the vehicle-side communication device is advantageously avoided. With regard to further advantages of this embodiment of the drive-vehicle-side communication device, reference is made to the statements in connection with the corresponding preferred development of the method according to the invention.

In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the drive-vehicle-side communication device is designed such that the control device is formed in a vehicle association with a plurality of vehicles on the basis of the vehicles determined values of the measured variable for determining the last vehicle of the vehicle association and / or the ranking of the vehicles in the vehicle association , This advantageously makes it possible to obtain information about the structure of the vehicle association and, where appropriate, to process, exploit and / or dispense.

Preferably, the drive-vehicle-side communication device according to the invention for receiving and evaluating a telegram with at least the vehicle identifier is formed by the vehicle-side communication device of the vehicle associated with the vehicle association. In this case, the telegram may advantageously include both security-related and non-security-relevant data. Advantageously, the corresponding data are thus available on the part of the drive-vehicle-side communication device, it also being possible for the relevant data to be forwarded from the drive-vehicle-side communication device to a central control or control device. Such a forwarding can take place via any known type of data transmission between a traction vehicle and a central guidance device or point.

Preferably, the drive-vehicle-side communication device may also be designed to transmit an instruction message specifying the transmission frequency of the telegram to the vehicle-side communication device and / or to interrogate the telegram from the vehicle-side communication device. With regard to the advantages of this embodiment of the drive-vehicle-side communication device according to the invention, reference is made to the above statements in connection with the corresponding preferred development of the method according to the invention.

The present invention furthermore relates to a vehicle-side communication device for communicating with at least one drive-vehicle-side communication device according to the invention or at least one drive-vehicle-side communication device according to one of the abovementioned preferred further developments of the drive-vehicle-side communication device according to the invention, with a measuring device for vehicle-side determination of a value of at least one kinematic measured variable and a transmission device for transmitting the vehicle-side determined value of the measured variable to the drive-vehicle-side communication device.

With regard to a vehicle-side communication device of the aforementioned type, the present invention has the object to provide a vehicle-side communication device that supports a particularly simple and efficient method for operating a vehicle association with a locomotive and at least one vehicle and for determining the affiliation of the vehicle to the vehicle association ,

This object is achieved for a vehicle-side communication device of the aforementioned type according to the invention that the measuring device is designed to determine the arrival time of the vehicle.

The measuring device of the vehicle-side communication device according to the invention makes it possible to identify the affiliation of the relevant vehicle to the vehicle association on the basis of the determined at least one kinematic measured variable. The relevant kinematic variables are those which allow to detect in a comparatively simple manner whether the vehicle concerned is part of the vehicle association or not. With regard to further advantages of the vehicle-side communication device according to the invention, reference should again be made to the corresponding preceding statements in connection with the method according to the invention and the drive-vehicle-side communication device according to the invention.

The vehicle-side communication device according to the invention is preferably designed in addition to transmitting a vehicle identification identifying the respective vehicle to the drive-vehicle-side communication device. In a particularly preferred development, the transmission device of the vehicle-side communication device according to the invention is designed for data transmission via a radio network. This advantageously avoids the need for wired or wired data transmission. This is advantageous both in terms of possible damage to corresponding wired connections and in terms of the effort when assembling a vehicle association.

Advantageously, the vehicle-side communication device is designed to transmit a telegram having at least one vehicle identifier to the drive-vehicle-side communication device. This offers the advantage that a central recording and evaluation of the telegrams of the vehicles of the vehicle association can take place on the part of the drive-vehicle-side communication device.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the vehicle-side communication device is configured such that it is designed to receive an instruction message specifying the transmission frequency of the telegrams from the drive-vehicle-side communication device and / or to transmit the telegram in response to a request from the drive-vehicle-side communication device. With regard to the advantages of this preferred development of the vehicle-side communication device according to the invention, reference should again be made to the corresponding statements in connection with the corresponding preferred development of the method according to the invention and the corresponding preferred development of the drive-vehicle-side communication device.

Advantageously, the vehicle-side communication device can also be configured such that it is designed to receive a confirmation of receipt confirming the successful transmission of the telegram from the drive-vehicle-side communication device. As a result, the vehicle-side communication device is informed about the successful transmission of the telegram.

Advantageously, the vehicle-side communication device according to the invention is so pronounced that it changes in the absence of the acknowledgment in an inactive mode in which telegrams are transmitted only on request from the drive-vehicle-side communication device and / or at greater time intervals to the driveline communications device. This is advantageous in particular with regard to the energy efficiency of the drive-vehicle-side communication device, so that, for example, charging or changing of a battery of the vehicle-side communication device or of the vehicle is required correspondingly less frequently.

The invention further relates to a traction vehicle.

With regard to the traction vehicle, the present invention has the object to provide a traction vehicle, which supports a particularly simple and efficient method for operating a vehicle body with the locomotive and at least one vehicle and for determining the affiliation of the vehicle to the vehicle body.

This object is achieved by a traction vehicle with an inventive driveline communication device or a driveline side Communication device according to one of the previously described preferred developments of the invention-βen drive-vehicle-side communication device.

The advantages of the traction vehicle according to the invention essentially correspond to the advantages mentioned above in connection with the traction vehicle-side communication device according to the invention and its preferred developments.

The invention further relates to a vehicle.

With regard to the vehicle, the present invention has the object to provide a vehicle that supports a particularly simple and efficient method for operating a vehicle body with a locomotive and at least the vehicle and for determining the affiliation of the vehicle to the vehicle body.

This object is achieved by a vehicle with a vehicle-side communication device according to the invention or a communication device according to one of the preferred developments of the vehicle-side communication device according to the invention described above.

With regard to the advantages of the vehicle according to the invention, reference should again be made to the corresponding statements in connection with the vehicle-side communication device according to the invention and its preferred developments.

The invention also includes a vehicle body.

With regard to the vehicle association, the object of the present invention is to specify a vehicle association, which supports a particularly simple and efficient method for operating the vehicle association and for determining the affiliation of a vehicle to the vehicle association.

This object is achieved by a vehicle body with a traction vehicle according to the invention and at least one vehicle according to the invention.

With regard to the advantages of the vehicle association according to the invention, reference is made to the corresponding explanations above.

Figur 1

in einer schematischen Darstellung ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeugverbands mit einem Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Triebfahrzeugs sowie einem Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemä-βen Fahrzeugs und

Figur 2

zur Erläuterung eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens eine schematische Darstellung einer Gleisanlage eines Güterbahnhofs mit einem Triebfahrzeug sowie einer Vielzahl von Fahrzeugen.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments. This shows

FIG. 1

in a schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle association according to the invention with an embodiment of a traction vehicle according to the invention and an embodiment of an inventive βen vehicle and

FIG. 2

to explain an embodiment of the method according to the invention is a schematic representation of a track system of a freight yard with a traction unit and a plurality of vehicles.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle association according to the invention with an embodiment of a traction vehicle according to the invention and an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention. Shown is a vehicle body 200 in shape a freight train with a locomotive 10 in the form of a locomotive of the freight train and a vehicle 110 in the form of a freight car.

The traction vehicle 10 has a traction vehicle-side communication device 15 with a measuring device 20 for the traction vehicle-side determination of a value of at least one kinematic measured variable. The relevant measuring device 20 may be, for example, a movement, acceleration or vibration sensor.

Connected to the measuring device 20 is a control device 30, which is designed to receive and evaluate the measured variable determined by the measuring device 20. In addition, the control device 30 is connected to a transmission device 40. The transmission device 40 has an antenna 50, via which signals or telegrams can be received by a vehicle-side communication device 115 of the vehicle 110. Furthermore, the driveline communication device 15 has a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 60, ie, a receiver of a satellite-based navigation system. This makes it possible at any time to make an accurate determination of the position of the traction unit 10. In addition, the generally available temporal information is available through the satellite-based navigation data received. This makes it possible, for example, to determine the arrival time of the traction vehicle 10. This can be done, for example, in that the measuring device 20 in the form of an acceleration sensor transmits a corresponding signal to the control device 30 and this using a in the from the GPS receiver 60 time determined the arrival time of the traction unit 10.

Typically, the vehicle body 200 will consist of the locomotive 10 and a plurality of vehicles 110. This is in the presentation of FIG. 1 indicated by the corresponding points between the traction vehicle 10 and the vehicle 110. It is further assumed that each of the vehicles of the vehicle association, ie, each of the freight cars, is equipped according to the illustrated vehicle 110.

The vehicle 110 has a measuring device 120, which preferably determines the value of the kinematic measured variable in the same way as the measuring device 20 of the traction vehicle 10. In addition, the vehicle 110 has a control device 130, a transmission device 140 with an antenna 150 and a GPS Receiving device 160. The relevant devices essentially correspond in their function to the corresponding components of the traction vehicle 10, wherein the control device 30 of the traction vehicle 10 will usually be more efficient in its functionality than the control device 130 of the vehicle 110.

Within the vehicle association 200, a communication between the vehicle-side communication device 115 and the drive-side communication device 15 can now take place. This will be explained below FIG. 2 be explained in more detail.

FIG. 2 to illustrate an embodiment of the method according to the invention is a representation of a track system of a freight yard with a traction unit and a Variety of vehicles. The freight depot has branching lanes RG1 to RG9 and bypassing lanes UG1 and UG2 from a lane ALB. In the freight yard are vehicles W1-W65 in the form of freight cars and arranged on the directional track RG7 locomotive L1 in the form of a locomotive. The traction vehicle L1 forms together with the vehicles W35 to W41 a vehicle association in the form of a freight train. In this case, the traction vehicle L1 and the vehicles W35 to W41 are each according to the illustration of FIG. 1 built, ie within the vehicle association is a communication via a radio link. The corresponding radio range FR of the communication device of the traction vehicle L1 is in FIG. 2 indicated by a corresponding circle segment. It can be seen here that due to the radio range FR, the traction vehicle L1 is designed not only for setting up a communication link with the vehicles W35 to W41 of the vehicle association, but also with a plurality of the further vehicles that are located in the area of the goods station. This means that it can not be assumed on the part of the traction vehicle L1 that all vehicles within the radio range FR belong to the vehicle group of the traction vehicle L1.

In order to make a statement regarding the affiliation of the vehicles to the vehicle association as well as a series determination of the vehicles to send the vehicle-side communication facilities all appropriately equipped vehicles at regular intervals from a telegram, which of all achievable drive-side communication facilities of the possible traction vehicles, ie the locomotives within the radio range of the respective in-vehicle communication device. To avoid possible collisions and thus connected error in the transmission takes place the sending of the telegrams from the different vehicles here advantageously each at different times. The telegram may include, for example, a vehicle identifier and a timestamp of the last valid GPS data set, the last specific valid GPS position, the last specific speed, the last driving or stationary direction and possibly the last arrival time of the respective vehicle.

The method can now run, for example, so that the telegrams that are sent by the vehicle-side communication devices of each of the vehicles and received by the driveline communication device of the locomotive L1, first evaluated and the received records are registered in a "preliminary vehicle list". This can be done, for example, by adding data records that have not yet been registered in the provisional vehicle list of registered vehicles and, if necessary, updating data records of already registered vehicles. The corresponding preliminary vehicle list thus contains vehicle identifications of all vehicles in the radio range FR of the drive-vehicle-side communication device of the traction vehicle L1. As part of the further course of the process is now determined which of these vehicles actually belongs to the vehicle association with the locomotive L1.

In a first step of checking the association of the vehicles with the vehicle body, it can be determined whether the vehicle in question is at all within a predefinable distance from the locomotive L1. If this is not the case, ie the distance between the relevant vehicle-side communication device and the drive-vehicle-side communication device, for example exceeds the maximum permissible length of a vehicle association, so no receipt confirmation is generated and sent by the drive-vehicle-side communication device. However, if the vehicle in question and the traction unit are within the permissible range, the provisional vehicle list is sorted based on the distance between the vehicles and the traction unit and the next step of the plausibility check is evaluated. The preliminary vehicle list thus becomes a "provisional ranking list".

In a second step, it can be checked whether the driving condition of the respective vehicle coincides with that of the traction vehicle. If a vehicle has a speed while the traction vehicle L1 is at the same time, no acknowledgment of receipt is generated and transmitted on the part of the traction vehicle-side communication device.

Provided that the driving state for at least one vehicle coincides, the traction vehicle-side communication device of the traction vehicle L1 advantageously changes from a "standby" operating mode to a "membership or ranking determination" operating mode and acknowledges the corresponding vehicle-side communication device receiving the telegram with a corresponding acknowledgment. The traction vehicle-side communication device of the traction vehicle L1 has the option within the acknowledgment of receipt to parameterize the frequency of the telegrams sent by the relevant vehicle individually for each of the vehicles. This makes it possible, for example, for the transmission frequency of the vehicle-side communication device of the potentially last vehicle of the vehicle association to be greater than that of vehicle-side communication devices of the vehicles within of the vehicle association. In addition, in the described embodiment of the method according to the invention advantageously the transmission frequency of the vehicle-side communication devices in the operating module "affiliation or ranking determination" greatest.

When the vehicle-side communication device of a vehicle receives an acknowledgment of receipt for the first time, the relevant vehicle-side communication device is likewise set from the operating mode "standby" to the operating mode "rowing determination". If the vehicle-side communication device of the vehicle repeatedly receives a confirmation of receipt from the same potential traction vehicle on a telegram, the respective vehicle-side communication device changes from the operating mode "membership determination" to the operating mode "operation" in which the variable transmission frequency of the Telegrams is lower than in the operating mode "membership or ranking determination". The reason for this is that the radio link is provided between the two subscribers, i. the drive-vehicle-side communication device of the traction vehicle L1, the relevant associated vehicle-side communication device is known.

If further acknowledgments of receipt of the communication device of the traction vehicle L1 to a potentially belonging to the vehicle association vehicle, for example, as a result of a negative plausibility check, then the vehicle-side communication device of the vehicle changes automatically after a predetermined time from the operating mode "affiliation or ranking determination" back in the operating mode "Standby".

In the described embodiment, the final determination of the affiliation of the vehicles to the vehicle association for reasons of accuracy and reliability takes place only after approach of the vehicle association. So are in FIG. 2 those vehicles of the vehicle association highlighted by hatching, which have been recognized as belonging to the vehicle association after appropriate approach. In the context of the exemplary embodiment, this includes an identification of the relevant vehicles, for example based on a vehicle identifier. The communication devices of these vehicles are in the operation mode "Operation" after completion of the plausibility check, ie after completion of the verification of the affiliation of the vehicles to the vehicle association.

As part of the final and decisive step of determining the affiliation of the vehicles to the vehicle association, the approach times are evaluated when kammematic variables are detected when the vehicle association arrives. In this case, the values of the detected measured variables are transmitted by the vehicle-side communication devices to the drive-vehicle-side communication device. The latter makes a comparison of the received values of the measured variables with corresponding values determined by the drive vehicle and determines from this which of the vehicles belong to the vehicle association. Insofar as the type of measured variables used and the respective measuring accuracy allow this, advantageously a simultaneous determination of the ranking of the vehicles of the vehicle association takes place. This results in the embodiment of FIG. 2 starting from the locomotive L1 to W35, W36, W37, W38, W39, W40, W41, where it is may at the same time be the vehicle identification of the vehicle in question at the relevant reference numerals.

Although the vehicle W42 is in the same directional track RG7, it is not connected to the vehicle association belonging to the traction vehicle L1, that is, it is coupled. When approaching the vehicle association, the distance between the locomotive L1 and the vehicle W42 consequently becomes larger. The same applies to the vehicles in the neighboring tracks. In addition, the starting time and the speed and acceleration of these vehicles differ from those of the vehicles of the vehicle association. Thus, the determination of at least one kinematic measurement variable and the comparison of the determined values on the vehicle-side and drive-vehicle-side makes it possible to associate a vehicle exclusively with the vehicle association or recognize it as belonging to the vehicle association if the comparison indicates a match. In this case, an identity of the determined measured quantities is not necessarily required for a match. For example, it should be borne in mind that differences between the times of approach of the traction vehicle and the other vehicles of the order of magnitude of a few seconds can occur, for example, in the case of a freight train with a length of 750 m. Depending on the measurement accuracy, these differences in the arrival times can advantageously be used in connection with a determination of the ranking of the vehicles belonging to the vehicle association.

According to the previous statements, the communication devices of the vehicles belonging to the vehicle association W35-W41 and the traction vehicle L1 are equipped with a suitable sensor and a suitable logic for approach recognition. As a sensor, for example, a micro-vibration sensor can be used. As part of a on the In this case, for example, a repeated interrogation and evaluation of the GPS data as a result of the response of the sensor can take place. The speed of two consecutively detected GPS data records for a journey must be greater than zero and increasing. As a result, the affiliation to the vehicle association can be determined beyond doubt even if several vehicles are behind each other, but not all belong to the vehicle association. The time of arrival can be detected and saved as a time stamp. This time stamp can be calculated, for example, on the basis of the internal time stamp when determining the last valid GPS data record and the internal time elapsed before the detection of the approach.

At the conclusion of the method, a complete series list with all the vehicles belonging to the vehicle group or vehicle-side communication device is available on the part of the drive-vehicle-side communication device. If, in the future, a telegram with the vehicle identification is received from a corresponding vehicle-side communication device by the drive-vehicle-side communication device, this answers the drive-vehicle-side communication device by a corresponding acknowledgment, whereby the relevant vehicle-side communication device is kept in the operating mode "operation". However, if such acknowledgments of receipt do not occur, the resolution of the communication connection or the assignment to the vehicle association takes place after a predefinable period of time, ie, for example, the deletion of the existing ranking list. Furthermore, the relevant vehicle-side communication device changes automatically from the operating mode "Operation" back to the operating mode "Standby". This concerns approximately the case that the Vehicle Association is resolved and therefore a corresponding communication link between the vehicles W35-W41 and the locomotive L1 is no longer required.

The exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention described above offers the advantage that, in particular in the case of wireless communication by means of a radio transmission between the traction vehicle and the vehicles of a vehicle association, it is possible to determine the ranking of the vehicles of the vehicle body without a continuous line within the vehicle body. At the same time, it is advantageously possible to determine the vehicles belonging to the vehicle group and the sequence of these vehicles within the vehicle body itself, i. a transmission of a corresponding ranking list, for example from a central control center, is not required. Nevertheless, a comparison of the determined series list with a corresponding scheduled vehicle list, which can be received, for example, on the drive side by a control center, in principle, of course, additionally possible.

Claims (24)

1. Method for operating a vehicle formation (200) having a traction vehicle (10) and at least one vehicle (110) and also for ascertaining the association of the vehicle (110) with the vehicle formation (200), wherein

   - the vehicle determines the value of at least one kinematic measurement variable for the vehicle (110),

   - the value of the measurement variable that has been determined by the vehicle is compared with a value of the measurement variable that has been determined by the traction vehicle, and

   - the vehicle (110) is identified as being associated with the vehicle formation (200) if the result of the comparison is a match,

   characterized in that
   the kinematic measurement variable used is the start-off time.
2. Method according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that
   a vehicle identifier from the vehicle (110) associated with the vehicle formation (200) is captured.
3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the measurement variable determined by the vehicle is transmitted to the traction vehicle (10) by means of a radio link.
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   in the case of a vehicle formation (200) having a plurality of vehicles (110) the values of the measurement variable that have been determined by the vehicles (110) are used to determine the last vehicle in the vehicle formation (200) and/or the order of the vehicles (110) in the vehicle formation (200).
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   a confirmation message regarding the association of the vehicle (110) with the vehicle formation (200) is transmitted to the vehicle (110).
6. Method according to one of Claims 2 to 5,
   characterized in that
   the vehicle (110) associated with the vehicle formation (200) transmits a message with at least the vehicle identifier to the traction vehicle (10).
7. Method according to Claim 6,
   characterized in that
   the vehicle (110) associated with the vehicle formation (200) transmits the message to the traction vehicle (10) at prescribable regular intervals of time, at the request of the traction vehicle (10) and/or on the basis of the situation.
8. Method according to Claim 6 or 7,
   characterized in that
   the traction vehicle (10), having received the message, sends an acknowledgement of receipt to the vehicle (110).
9. Method according to Claim 8,
   characterized in that
   in the absence of the acknowledgement of receipt the vehicle changes to an inactive mode of operation in which messages are transmitted to the traction vehicle (10) only at the request of the traction vehicle (10) and/or at relatively long intervals of time.
10. Traction-vehicle communication device (15) for communicating with at least one vehicle communication device (115), having

    - a measuring device (20) for the traction vehicle to determine a value of at least one kinematic measurement variable,

    - a transmission device (40) for receiving a value of the measurement variable that has been determined by the vehicle from the vehicle communication device (115), and

    - a control device (30)

    - for comparing the value of the measurement variable that has been determined by the traction vehicle with the received value of the measurement variable that has been determined by the vehicle and

    - for identifying the vehicle (110) as being associated with a vehicle formation (200) if the result of the comparison is a match,

    characterized in that
    the measuring device (20) is designed to determine the start-off time of the traction vehicle (10).
11. Traction-vehicle communication device according to Claim 10,
    characterized in that
    the control device (30) is designed to capture a vehicle identifier received from the vehicle communication device (115).
12. Traction-vehicle communication device according to Claim 10 or 11,
    characterized in that
    the transmission device (40) is designed for data transmission via a radio network.
13. Traction-vehicle communication device according to one of Claims 10 to 12,
    characterized in that
    in the case of a vehicle formation (200) having a plurality of vehicles (110) the control device (30) is designed to use the values of the measurement variable that have been determined by the vehicles (110) to determine the last vehicle in the vehicle formation (200) and/or the order of the vehicles (110) in the vehicle formation (200).
14. Traction-vehicle communication device according to one of Claims 10 to 13,
    characterized in that
    it is designed to receive and evaluate a message with at least the vehicle identifier from the vehicle communication device (115) of the vehicle (110) associated with the vehicle formation (200).
15. Traction-vehicle communication device according to Claim 14,
    characterized in that
    it is designed to transmit an instruction message prescribing the frequency of transmission of the message to the vehicle communication device (115) and/or to request the message from the vehicle communication device (115).
16. Vehicle communication device (115) for communicating with at least one traction-vehicle communication device (15) according to one of Claims 10-15, having

    - a measuring apparatus (120) for the vehicle to determine a value of at least one kinematic measurement variable, and

    - a transmission apparatus (140) for sending the value of the measurement variable that has been determined by the vehicle to the traction-vehicle communication device (15),

    characterized in that
    the measuring apparatus (120) is designed to determine the start-off time of the vehicle (110).
17. Vehicle communication device according to Claim 16,
    characterized in that
    the transmission apparatus (140) is designed for data transmission via a radio network.
18. Vehicle communication device according to Claim 16 or 17,
    characterized in that
    it is designed to transmit a message with at least one vehicle identifier to the traction-vehicle communication device (15).
19. Vehicle communication device according to Claim 18,
    characterized in that
    it is designed to receive an instruction message prescribing the frequency of transmission of the messages from the traction-vehicle communication device (15) and/or to send the message in response to a request from the traction-vehicle communication device (15).
20. Vehicle communication device according to Claim 18 or 19,
    characterized in that
    it is designed to receive an acknowledgement of receipt, confirming the successful transmission of the message, from the traction-vehicle communication device (15).
21. Vehicle communication device according to Claim 20,
    characterized in that
    in the absence of the acknowledgement of receipt it changes to an inactive mode of operation in which messages are transmitted to the traction-vehicle communication device (15) only at the request of the traction-vehicle communication device (15) and/or at relatively long intervals of time.
22. Traction vehicle (10) having a traction-vehicle communication device (15) according to one of Claims 10 to 15.
23. Vehicle (110) having a vehicle communication device (115) according to one of Claims 16 to 21.
24. Vehicle formation (200) having a traction vehicle (10) according to Claim 22 and at least one vehicle (110) according to Claim 23.

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