EP3197745B1 - Train warning device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a train warning device for warning motor vehicles of approaching railway trains.

At limited or uncontrolled level crossings, the situation often arises that an approaching railway train is detected by a driver of a motor vehicle either immediately before crossing the level crossing or that closes a barrier immediately before crossing the level crossing.

In the publication DE 10 2012 102893 A1 discloses a device for detecting and presenting information at a railroad crossing. By means of a travel time determination unit, time information relating to the arrival of a rail vehicle at the railroad crossing is detected. This time information is appropriately prepared and provided acoustically or visually to the road users at the railroad crossing to inform about the approach of the rail vehicle to the railroad crossing.

In the publication DE 10 2008 015460 A1 discloses a Car2X communication method for communicating with a vehicle via a Car2X communication network.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an efficient concept for warning motor vehicles of approaching railway trains.

This object is solved by the features of independent claims 1, 8 and 10. Advantageous forms of further development are the subject of the dependent claims, the description and the figures. According to one aspect, the invention relates to a train warning device for emitting a train warning signal to a motor vehicle indicative of an imminent crossing of a railroad crossing with a railway train, having a first communication interface configured to receive a railroad crossing signal indicative of the imminent crossing of the railroad crossing Railway train indicates, and a second communication interface, which is adapted to emit the train warning signal in response to the receipt of the level crossing signal to the motor vehicle.

As a result, the advantage is achieved that the motor vehicle or a motor vehicle control can be informed about the approach of the railway train before reaching the railroad crossing. In this way, the driver can be informed. In addition, such an automatic route calculation, for example, a navigation system, the route or the travel time adjust accordingly.

The level crossing signal may, for example, come from sensors, such as rail contacts, which are upstream of the railway crossing and the approaching train, for example, by closing contacts or crossing of light barriers by the train, the approach of the train to the level crossing in a conventional manner.

According to one embodiment, the second communication interface is a Car2X communication interface. As a result, the advantage is achieved that the train warning signal can be sent via the known Car2X technology or received and processed in the motor vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the second communication interface is configured to transmit the train warning signal via a wireless Car2X communication network. As a result, the advantage is achieved that the train warning signal can be sent via the known Car2X technology or received and processed in the motor vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the level crossing signal indicates an imminent crossing of a particular level crossing, the second communication interface being configured to transmit an indication of the particular level crossing together with the train warning signal. This achieves the advantage that the particular platform can be displayed, for example, by means of a navigation system.

According to one embodiment, the train warning device has an interface control, wherein the interface control is designed to monitor the first communication interface, and in response to the receipt of the level crossing signal to control the second communication interface for transmitting the train warning signal. This provides the advantage that the communication interfaces can be centrally controlled.

According to one embodiment, the train warning device is stationarily mounted on the level crossing, wherein the first communication interface to a control network for controlling the level crossing, which monitors an approach of the train to the level crossing, is connectable and adapted to receive the level crossing signal from the level crossing control.

The control network for controlling the level crossing may be a control network known per se for controlling level crossings or level crossing barriers or level crossing displays.

According to one embodiment, the train warning device is locatable in the railway train and connectable to a train control of the train, which monitors approach of the train to the railroad crossing, and is adapted to receive the railroad crossing signal from the train control. Thereby, the advantage is achieved that the train warning device can receive the level crossing signal directly from the train control as soon as the railway train, for example, crossed rail contacts or sensors, which are upstream of the platform.

According to the invention, the first communication interface comprises a Car2X communication interface. As a result, the advantage is achieved that the first communication interface can receive the train warning signal as a level crossing signal from another motor vehicle.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of broadcasting a train warning signal to a motor vehicle indicative of an imminent crossing of a railroad crossing by a railway train, comprising: receiving a level crossing signal indicative of the imminent crossing of the railroad crossing by the railway train and transmitting the train signal in response to the receipt of the level crossing signal to the motor vehicle, in particular by means of a Car2X communication interface.

The method can be carried out by means of the train warning device.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a train communication system for a railway train, with a train control, which is formed, a crossing of a railroad crossing upstream sensor element by the railway train and to generate a level crossing signal indicative of the imminent crossing of the railroad crossing by the railway train, and the train warning device of the invention, wherein the first communication interface is configured to receive the level crossing signal, and wherein the second communication interface is configured, the train warning signal in response to the reception the level crossing signal to a motor vehicle, in particular via a Car2X communication network.

Thereby, the advantage is achieved that the train warning device can be installed directly in a railway train can directly access signals, which are the train control in a conventional manner available as soon as the train, for example, rail contacts or sensors crossed, which are upstream of the platform, which Can trigger level crossing signal.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a train warning device for a motor vehicle for indicating a train approaching a railroad crossing, having a Car2X communication interface, which is designed to receive a train warning signal via a Car2X communication network, the train signal being sent to the railway train points; and a processor configured to output an indication signal indicating an approach of the train to the railroad crossing.

This achieves the advantage that the train warning device can be installed in the motor vehicle. The train warning device can also be realized as a retrofit kit. The processor may, for example, control a display device of a navigation system for displaying the display signal. According to one embodiment, the train warning device comprises a display device for optically and / or acoustically displaying the indication signal in order to alert a driver to the railway train. The display device may comprise a screen or a light source or an acoustic signal source.

According to one embodiment, the Car2X communication interface is designed to send the train warning signal via a Car2X communication network to another motor vehicle.

This provides the advantage that other vehicles can be warned in time before the train.

According to one embodiment, the Car2X communication interface can be connected to a Car2X communication interface of the motor vehicle.

As a result, the advantage is achieved that existing Car2X resources of the motor vehicle can be used, to which the train warning device can be connected, whereby the implementation effort for the train warning device can be reduced.

• Fig. 1 ein Blockdiagramm einer Zugwarnvorrichtung;
• Fig. 2 ein Diagramm eines Verfahrens zum Aussenden eines Zugwarnsignals an ein Kraftfahrzeug;
• Fig. 3 ein Blockdiagramm eines ein Zugkommunikationssystems; und
• Fig. 4 ein Blockdiagramm einer Zugwarnvorrichtung.

Further embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

• Fig. 1 a block diagram of a train warning device;
• Fig. 2 a diagram of a method for sending a train warning signal to a motor vehicle;
• Fig. 3 a block diagram of a train communication system; and
• Fig. 4 a block diagram of a train warning device.

Fig. 1 shows a train warning device 100 for sending a train warning signal to a motor vehicle indicating an imminent crossing of a railroad crossing by a railway train, having a first communication interface 101 adapted to receive a level crossing signal indicative of the imminent crossing of the railway crossing by the railway train; and a second communication interface 103, which is configured to emit the train warning signal in response to the receipt of the level crossing signal to the motor vehicle.

The second communication interface 103 may be a Car2X communication interface, which may transmit the train alert signal via a Car2X wireless communication network.

According to an embodiment, the communication interface 101, 103 may communicate directly with each other. Optionally, an interface controller 105 may be provided, wherein the interface controller 105 is configured to monitor the first communication interface 101, and responsive to the receipt of the level crossing signal by the first communication interface 101 to control the second communication interface 103 for transmitting the Zugwarnsignals.

According to one embodiment, the train warning device 100 is stationary on the in Fig. 1 Rail crossing, not shown, can be erected, wherein the first communication interface 101 control network for controlling the level crossing, which monitors an approach of the train to the level crossing, is connectable and adapted to receive the level crossing signal from the level crossing control. The control network can be a control network known per se, which is used in railway technology for controlling or monitoring level crossings or railway barriers or railroad displays.

Fig. 2 FIG. 15 shows a method 200 for sending a train warning signal to a motor vehicle indicative of an imminent crossing of a railroad crossing by a railway train, receiving 201 a railroad crossing signal indicative of the imminent crossing of the railroad crossing by the railway train, and emitting 203 the train signal in response to the reception the level crossing signal to the motor vehicle, in particular by means of a Car2X communication interface.

The method can be carried out by means of in Fig. 1 illustrated Zugwarnvorrichtung be realized.

Fig. 3 1 shows a train communication system 300 for a railway train, with a train control 301 known per se, which is designed to detect a crossing of a railway element upstream sensor element, such as a rail contact, by the railway train and to generate a level crossing signal, the imminent crossing of the railroad crossing indicates the train; and the in Fig. 1 In this case, the first communication interface 101 is configured to receive the level crossing signal, wherein the second communication interface 103 is formed, the train warning signal in response to the receipt of the level crossing signal to a Motor vehicle, in particular via a Car2X communication network send out.

Fig. 4 shows a train warning device 400 for a motor vehicle for indicating a train which is approaching a railroad crossing, with a Car2X communication interface 401, which is adapted to receive a train warning signal via a Car2X communication network, the train signal indicating the railway train, and a Processor 403 configured to output an indication signal indicating an approach of the train to the railroad crossing.

According to one embodiment, the Car2X communication interface 401 can be connected to a Car2X communication interface of the motor vehicle. This allows existing Car2X communication resources to be efficiently utilized to implement the train warning device.

Optionally, the train warning device 400 may include a display device 405 for optically and / or acoustically displaying the indication signal to alert a driver to the train.

The train warning device 400 may be an embodiment of the in Fig. 1 be shown Zugwarnvorrichtung 100.

In the following, further embodiments of the invention with reference to the in the Fig. 1 to 4 described embodiments described.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented using Car2X systems that provide wireless transmission of messages between different road users. In this way, applications can be realized, for example, to optimize a traffic flow or to provide a motorist with information and possibly to draw attention to unexpected situations.

Embodiments of the invention complement Car2X systems with an application that informs drivers in the area of railroad crossings of nearby trains and possibly warns them of crossing the tracks.

In this way, an anticipated driving is facilitated, whereby an accident risk between vehicles or between vehicles and trains in the area of level crossings, in particular unimpeded, can be reduced.

The in the FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrated embodiments of the invention provide opportunities to inform a driver of a motor vehicle in the area of a railroad crossing about approaching trains and possibly to draw attention to a dangerous situation before driving over the tracks. This can reduce the likelihood of accidents, especially in the area of unrestricted level crossings. For example, the driver is informed about the approaching train, before it is visible. Furthermore, the driver can be warned in critical situations before crossing unrestricted tracks.

According to some embodiments, either the trains are equipped with trains themselves with the train warning device 100, which can implement a Car2X systems. Furthermore, Car2X stations (Roadside Stations) can be equipped with the train warning device and installed in the area of the level crossing become. In both cases, the installed train warning devices 100 with the train warning signal send messages informing about the approaching train.

If the train warning device 100 is used in a vehicle, it is advantageous if the vehicle is equipped with a Car2X system which is at least suitable for receiving the messages. In this way, the second communication interface 103 can be connected to the Car2X system, thereby reducing implementation resources.

For information about approaching railway trains, a driver in the area of level crossings can be made aware by means of the train warning device 100. The driver can decide so early whether a safe crossing of unrestricted tracks is possible or not. This reduces the risk of careless and hectic driving maneuvers, e.g. minimizes sudden heavy braking and thus reduces the risk of rear-end collisions through controlled and judicious driving.

At a level crossing without preceding traffic, a situation may occur in which a train approaches the level crossing and a vehicle drives towards the level crossing.

A driver is made aware of the train by means of the train warning device 100 or 400 and can drive predictively and possibly stop early. It is prevented that he brakes spontaneously, for example, if the driver is inattentive at uncontrolled level crossing and so the approaching train takes true only late or if the driver is inattentive at unrestricted level crossing inattentive and so takes the active flashing light system true or if the driver is limited Railroad Crossing is inattentive and so the lowering barrier takes true late or if the track course is unclear at unrestricted level crossing and so the approaching train can be perceived late. This allows a smooth, level-headed driving, which reduces the risk of rear-end collisions with the following vehicles.

Furthermore, at a railroad crossing with preceding traffic, a situation may occur in which a train approaches the railroad crossing and a vehicle approaches the railroad crossing.

A driver is alerted to the approaching train and can drive predictively. He is prepared for any stopping of vehicles in front. This prevents situations in which the driver must react spontaneously when vehicles in front stop spontaneously, as described above. This can reduce the risk of rear-end collisions caused by the driver and the following vehicles.

At a level crossing with lowered barrier or active flashing light system, there may also be a situation in which one approaches the railroad crossing and a vehicle is standing at the railroad crossing.

A driver is informed by means of the train warning device 100, 400 about the approaching and can estimate how much longer to wait. He feels informed and a pleasant travel experience is achieved.

According to embodiments of the invention, by means of the train warning signal a warning can be issued before crossing the tracks.

If, for example, detected at a railway crossing by, for example, a level crossing monitoring that the driver, possibly despite timely information to cross the railroad crossing in a critical situation, he can be warned of the danger by means of the train warning device 100, 400. This way, collisions with trains can be avoided.

An unobstructed railroad crossing may experience a situation in which a train is approaching the railroad crossing, a vehicle is approaching the railroad crossing, and it is not likely to cross the track at a sufficient safety distance. By means of the train warning device 100, 400, the driver can be warned in good time of the possible danger, so that the driver can possibly stop in time.

The warning of the driver is also advantageous e.g. if the driver is inattentive and so does not notice the approaching train or if the driver is inattentive and so the level crossing is not true or if the driver misjudges the situation and assumes that a safe crossing of the tracks is possible or if a track layout is poorly understood and so the approaching train can not be perceived in time.

At an unrestricted level crossing, there may also be a situation where a train is approaching the level crossing, a vehicle is approaching the level crossing, it is not likely to cross the track at a sufficient safety distance.

A vehicle that enters a level crossing, although sufficient safety distance to an approaching train is not ensured and a collision only by strong braking can be avoided, is informed before the railroad crossing by the train warning device 100 and can be actively braked by the Car2X system and brought to a standstill.

This braking can be initiated z. B. if the driver is inattentive and so the approaching train is not true or if the driver is inattentive and so the level crossing is not true or if the driver misjudges the situation and so assumes that a safe crossing of the tracks is possible or if the track layout is poorly understood and so the approaching train can not be perceived in time.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

Zugwarnvorrichtung

101

first communication interface

103

second communication interface

105

Interface control

200

method

201

Receive

203

send out

300

Zugkommunikationssystem

301

Control

401

Car2X communication interface

403

processor

405

display

Claims (12)

1. A train warning device (100) for transmitting a train warning signal to a motor vehicle, said train warning signal indicating an upcoming traversing of a railroad crossing by a railroad train, with:

   a first communications interface (101) which is configured to receive a railroad crossing signal which indicates the upcoming traversing of the railroad crossing by the railroad train, and wherein the first communications interface (101) includes a Car2X communications interface, and wherein the first communications interface is configured to receive the train warning signal as the railroad crossing signal from another motor vehicle; and

   a second communications interface (103) which is configured to transmit the train warning signal to the motor vehicle in response to the reception of the railroad crossing signal.
2. The train warning device (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the second communications interface (103) is a Car2X communications interface.
3. The train warning device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the second communications interface (103) is configured to transmit the train warning signal via a wireless Car2X communications network.
4. The train warning device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the railroad crossing signal indicates an upcoming traversing of a specific railroad crossing, and wherein the second communications interface (103) is configured to transmit information about the specific railroad crossing together with the train warning signal.
5. The train warning device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, which further has an interface control (105), wherein the interface control (105) is configured to monitor the first communications interface (101) and to actuate the second communications interface (103) for transmitting the train warning signal in response to the reception of the railroad crossing signal by the first communications interface (101).
6. The train warning device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is able to be stationarily set up at the railroad crossing, wherein the first communications interface (101) is connectable to a control network for controlling the railroad crossing, said control network monitoring an approach of the train to the railroad crossing and being configured to receive the railroad crossing signal from the railroad crossing control.
7. The train warning device (100) according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 to 6, which is arrangeable in the railroad train and is connectable to a train control of the train, which monitors an approach of the train to the railroad crossing, and is configured to receive the railroad crossing signal from the train control.
8. A method (200) for emitting a train warning signal to a motor vehicle, said train warning signal indicating an upcoming traversing of a railroad crossing by a railroad train, with:

   receiving (201) a railroad crossing signal which indicates the upcoming traversing of the railroad crossing by the railroad train;

   receiving the train warning signal as the railroad crossing signal from another motor vehicle via a Car2X communications network;

   and transmitting (203) the train signal in response to the reception of the railroad crossing signal to the motor vehicle, in particular by means of a Car2X communications interface.
9. A train communications system (300) for a railroad train, with:

   a train control (301) which is configured to detect a traversing of a sensor element by the railroad train, this sensor element being placed before the railroad crossing, and to generate a railroad crossing signal which notifies of the upcoming traversing of the railroad crossing by the railroad train;

   and the train warning device (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the first communications interface is configured to receive the railroad crossing signal, and the first communications interface (101) comprises a Car2X communications interface, wherein the first communications interface is configured to receive the train warning signal as the railroad crossing signal from another motor vehicle, and wherein the second communications interface is configured to transmit the train warning signal in response to the reception of the railroad crossing signal to a motor vehicle, particularly via a Car2X communications network.
10. A train warning device (400) for a motor vehicle for indicating a train approaching a railroad crossing, with:

    a Car2X communications interface (401) which is configured to receive a train warning signal via a Car2X communications network, wherein the train signal indicates the railroad train;

    and a processor (403) which is configured to output a display signal which notifies of an approach of the train to the railroad crossing,

    wherein the Car2X communications interface (401) is further configured to transmit the train warning signal to a further motor vehicle via a Car2X communications network.
11. The train warning device (400) according to Claim 10, with an indication device (405) for optically and/or acoustically indicating the indication signal in order to indicate the railroad train to the driver.
12. The train warning device (400) according to Claim 10 or 11, wherein the Car2X communications interface (401) is connectable to a Car2X communications interface of the motor vehicle.

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