EP3299249B1 - Method for operating a classification humpyard and control device for such a classification humpyard - Google Patents

Description

In shunting systems, wagons or groups of wagons, which are also referred to as processes, are sorted from a mountain track into different directional tracks using the force of gravity acting on the processes. In the interests of efficiency and reliability, the operation of the drainage system is usually largely automated. An automatic control system suitable for this purpose is known, for example, from the company publication "Automation system for train formation systems Trackguard Cargo MSR32 - More efficiency and safety in freight traffic", order no .: A19100-V100-B898-V2, Siemens AG 2012. As part of a route control, the known system has, among other things, system functions for the early detection of poor runners, for running monitoring, for standstill monitoring as well as for recognizing inadmissible wheel sensor messages.

In the operation of a shunting system, the individual points in the so-called distribution zone are set for the individual selective separation of the processes in such a way that a route leading to the respective predetermined directional track results for the respective process. With regard to successive processes, both in normal operation and in the event of anomalous process behavior or disruptions in shunting operations, care must be taken to ensure that subsequent processes do not lead to impact or corner impacts due to processes that are too slow. This also applies in particular in the area of the distribution switches, which are usually marked by a boundary symbol. The boundary sign indicates the point or area up to which each branch track may be occupied in the case of tracks converging at a switch, without vehicles on the blunt side of the switch coming into contact with one another. For process operation, this means that a branch track may only be driven on from the pointed side of the switch if the switch in question has been cleared without boundary marks, ie the other branch track is free of boundary marks. In automatic operation, clearing of a point without any boundary marks is usually detected by appropriate sensors, which can be, for example, axle counting points of an axle counting system, for example in the form of rail or track contacts.

document EP 1 129 922 A2 describes a method for distributing the wagons on different tracks from the distribution zone using successive separation points.

document DE 101 08 300 C1 describes a maneuvering process that enables a vehicle to be started as soon as the speed of a previous vehicle has been measured and the correct position on the route has been determined. The measured speed is compared with a previously reported reference speed of a vehicle with good driving characteristics.

The present invention is based on the object of specifying a particularly powerful, flexible and at the same time realizable method for operating a marshalling control system that can be implemented with comparatively little effort, particularly with regard to determining the absence of boundaries of points in the drainage system.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method for operating a shunting system, wherein a first sequence in the form of a first running car or a first running car group is detected by means of a sensor device arranged in the area of a branching switch, taking into account at least the location of the sensor device and the At the time of the detection of the first axis of the first sequence, a clearing time is determined at which the first sequence is one of the location of the sensor device deviating clearance reporting point with the last axle or with all components of the process completely passed and so that the switch will have cleared without boundary marks in relation to a clearing point, for a subsequent second process in the form of a second expiring wagon or a second expiring wagon group, it is determined whether it is in the event a repelling position of the switch that has changed compared to the first process will come into contact between the two processes before the time of clearing, and if this is not the case, the switch will be switched to the repelling position if it can be adjusted, or the repelling position in the case of one the switch that has already been switched is retained.

According to the first feature of the method according to the invention for operating a shunting system, a first sequence in the form of a first running car or a first running car group is detected by means of a sensor device arranged in the area of a branching switch. In this case, the sensor device can be a device of any type which is known per se and which is suitable for detecting the first sequence. A sensor device is preferably used that is also used for other purposes, i.e. not exclusively used to detect the first sequence within the scope of the method according to the invention.

According to the second feature of the method according to the invention, a clearing time is now determined taking into account at least the location of the sensor device and the time at which the first sequence was detected. The clearing time is the point in time at which the first sequence completely passes a clearance reporting point deviating from the location of the sensor device and thus the switch will have cleared without any boundary marks in relation to a clearing point. This means that it is not the sensor device itself that detects the clearing of the switch without any boundary characters, but rather, taking into account at least the location of the sensor device and the time at which the first sequence is detected, it is determined when the first sequence is the one from the location of the sensor device will have completely passed the deviating free reporting point. The clear reporting point is characterized in that as soon as the first sequence has completely passed the clear reporting point, the switch is cleared without any boundary marks in relation to the clearing point or is treated as cleared without boundary marks. The free reporting point is a “virtual” free reporting point in that at this point itself no sensor system is provided for detecting that the first sequence has been completely passed. Instead, taking into account at least the location of the sensor device and the time at which the first sequence was detected by the first sensor device, it is determined when the first sequence will have completely passed the "virtual" free reporting point. Depending on the respective implementation, “completely happened” can mean that all components of the process are actually located behind the clear reporting point, viewed in the direction of flow. As an alternative to this, however, the free reporting point can also be defined analogously, for example, to the functionality of an axle counting point, in that the switch is cleared with no boundaries in relation to the clearing point when the last axis of the first sequence has passed the free reporting point. The latter approach, in which vehicle and buffer overhangs can be taken into account at a given clearing point by specifying the location of the free reporting point, allows the free reporting point to be treated similarly to a real axle counting point within the framework of the control of the sequential system. Specifically, the location of the free reporting point can be determined or configured, for example, by a corresponding parameter.

The location of the sensor device can also be taken into account indirectly as part of the determination or prognosis of the clearing time. This includes, for example, the case that the distance between the sensor device and the clearance reporting point is taken into account when determining the time of clearing.

According to the third feature of the method according to the invention, it is determined for a subsequent second sequence in the form of a second running car or a second running car group whether there is a contact between the two in the case of a different, repellent position of the switch before the time of clearing Processes will or would come. In this step it is checked whether it is possible to switch the switch without the risk of a corner joint between the two successive processes.

According to the last step of the method according to the invention, the switch is then switched to the repellent position in the event that there is no risk of contact between the two processes. An additional prerequisite here is that the switch as such can be adjusted in such a way that it is not occupied by one of the two processes, especially in the area of its moving parts, in which case the corresponding process could derail when the switch is switched. In addition, the situation is also conceivable that the switch has already been switched at a previous point in time. In this case, as a result of the method, the repellent position is retained, since in this case too, in accordance with the previous prognosis or determination, it can be assumed that there will be no undesired contact between the two processes.

The method according to the invention has the advantage that, in relation to clearing of the switch without boundaries, it allows the use of a clearing point that is not marked or identified by a corresponding sensor device as a reference point. This means that the most favorable permissible clearing point can be used in the context of the automatic operation of the drainage system, even if no sensor device is available for its detection. A correspondingly favorable clearing point is usually characterized by the fact that it ensures clearing of the switch without boundary marks and, at the same time, the shortest possible distance to the point center. The method according to the invention advantageously avoids any additional sensor devices that may otherwise be required due to the use of a “virtual” free reporting point. This results in considerable advantages both in terms of the hardware costs saved as a result, for example in relation to the manufacture, installation and operation of the relevant sensor devices, as well as in relation to the effort required for the purpose of integrating corresponding additional sensor devices into the sequence control, for example by taking them into account in the clearance reporting logic.

The method according to the invention can preferably be developed in such a way that the switch remains in an unchanged position compared to the first process or in a previous position in the event that if the switch is in a repellent position according to the determination made, the two processes come into contact If the switch has already been changed, it is returned to the unchanged position in the event that it can be adjusted. In the event that it is recognized in the course of the procedure that the two processes would in all likelihood come into contact with the switch in a rejecting position, the system can react to the fact that the switch is not switched or the switch is opened in the event that the switch is that it was previously placed in a repellent position, in the event that it can be adjusted, it will be returned to the position that has not changed in comparison to the first sequence. In the event of impending corner joints, buffering of the two processes is thus advantageously permitted, since this is preferable to a corner joint with regard to possible damage or derailment of the processes.

In principle, the desire to switch the switch to the rejecting position can have any reasons or causes related to the operational sequence. For example, it is conceivable that the paths of the two processes separate at the switch and that this should therefore be switched to the repellent position.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the switch is switched to the rejecting position for the purpose of avoiding a buffering of the second sequence to the first sequence as a protective switch or the rejecting position of the switch is retained for this purpose. Particularly in the case of an anomalous sequence behavior of the first sequence, the situation can arise in practice that there is a risk of the second sequence being buffered to the first sequence, which in this case can also be referred to as a "poor runner". Since this can result in damage to both the transported goods and the respective processes themselves, there is a fundamental desire to avoid a corresponding buffering if possible. This can now be done in such a way that the switch is switched to a rejecting position in order to achieve a separation of the paths of the two processes in good time before a possible buffering. Admittedly, this usually leads to the fact that the second sequence becomes a "wrong runner" in that it is sorted into another directional track instead of the intended directional track. Despite the resulting maneuvering effort, this is generally preferable to buffering the two processes, so that the setting of a safety switch represents an essential protective function of the process operation. In connection with the method according to the invention, it is made possible, also or in particular for this function when determining or forecasting whether the first sequence will have cleared the switch in good time with respect to the clearing point, to use the clearing point deviating from the location of the sensor device. This results in the considerable advantages already mentioned above in connection with the method according to the invention for the case of the protective switch position.

The method according to the invention can preferably also be designed in such a way that the method is triggered in that, in the context of monitoring the operation of the drainage system, it is recognized that this is due to an abnormal sequence behavior of the first sequence and / or the second sequence, the second sequence threatens to catch up with the first sequence. Advantageously, the steps of the method according to the invention, in particular the determination of the time of clearing and the determination of whether there will be a contact between the two processes before the time of clearing, in the case of a changed, repellent position of the switch compared to the first process, only if in As part of the monitoring of the operation of the drainage system, it has been recognized that the second sequence threatens to catch up with the first sequence and thus buffer the two sequences. As a rule, there is a need for a protective switch position in particular because the first run has an unexpectedly poor run-off behavior and therefore the distribution zone will not clear in time for a follower. As an alternative or in addition to this, however, it is also conceivable that the second sequence has an unexpectedly good sequence behavior, ie approaches the first sequence more quickly than expected.

According to a particularly preferred development of the method according to the invention, the time of clearing and / or the location of the second process at the time of clearing is determined taking into account at least one characteristic variable specific to the respective process. This is advantageous because it allows the accuracy of the determination of the clearing time or the location of the second sequence at the clearing time to be improved. As a rule, the greater the accuracy, the more specific parameters are taken into account for the respective process in the prognosis or determination.

The method according to the invention can preferably also be developed in such a way that the at least one characteristic variable specific to the respective sequence is determined within the scope of the sequence operation and / or is provided by a scheduling system. This has the advantage that it is ascertained, ie measured, for example, within the framework of the sequence operation or parameters specific to the respective sequence derived from measured variables as well as corresponding specific parameters provided by a disposition system are suitable for optimizing the accuracy of the method.

The at least one characteristic variable specific to the respective sequence can in principle be any variable.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention is developed in such a way that the at least one characteristic variable specific to the respective process comprises at least one of the following values: length of the process, buffer overhang of the process, weight of the process, running resistance of the process, current and / or future speed of the process, current and / or future acceleration of the process, current and / or future rolling resistance of the process. This is advantageous because the variables mentioned are those that have or can have a significant influence on the determination of the clearing time or the determination of whether there is a risk of contact between the two processes in the event of a changed position of the switch. At the same time, the variables mentioned are advantageously those which are often already used to monitor and control the operation of the drainage system and can therefore be used without additional effort in connection with the method according to the invention. For example, it enables the recording and technical observation of the speed behavior of the processes, for example with the help of axle counting systems with axle counting points provided for this purpose, with knowledge of the rolling and running resistance values determined in the course of operation, to calculate the current and future acceleration or the running behavior of the processes or to forecast. In this way, it can be determined with high accuracy at what point in time the second sequence will reach the switch and whether this will be cleared at this point in time with reference to the clearing point by the first process without any boundary marks.

Preferably, the method according to the invention can furthermore be designed in such a way that a sensor device is used which is provided for reporting the switch as cleared of boundary signs in the event of a maneuvering operation with routes. This offers the advantage that in the event that shunting operations with routes have different requirements with regard to the profile of the vehicles or processes to be used in relation to clearing without boundary marks than in the case of operational operations, the installation of additional sensor devices can advantageously be dispensed with. For example, it is conceivable that in the case of shunting operations using routes, in which operating personnel can possibly ride along the side of the respective wagon or vehicle, a larger profile width is used than in the case of an automatic sequence operation, in which corresponding driving by operating personnel is excluded . The consequence of this is that, in relation to the switch, there is a narrower profile space and thus a clearing of the switch free of boundaries when the clearing point is completely passed. The fact that in the context of the preferred development of the method according to the invention the sensor device is used which is intended to report the turnout as cleared of border signs in the event of shunting operations with routes, advantageously eliminates the need to install additional sensors to detect the clearing of the border sign-free Clearing point in process operation. At the same time, changes in shunting operations with routes are advantageously avoided.

In principle, the sensor device and the clear reporting point can be arranged with respect to one another as desired in the area of the switch. This means that either the location of the sensor device or the free reporting point can be closer to the center point of the switch.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a sensor device is used in the area of a branch track of the switch, the location of the sensor device being further away from the center point of the switch than the clear reporting point. This is advantageous, for example, in those cases in which the relevant sensor device is used in accordance with the previously mentioned preferred development of the method according to the invention to detect a clearing of the switch without boundary markings in the case of shunting operations with routes and a clearing point can or can be used for the automatic operation which is closer to the center point of the switch.

In principle, any type of sensor device can be used within the scope of the method according to the invention. It is only essential here that it is designed to detect the first sequence or the first axis of the first sequence. For example, an optical sensor device, for example in the form of a light grid, can be used to detect the occurrence of the first sequence in an optical monitoring area.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, an axle counting point is used as the sensor device. This is advantageous because axle counting points, which are also referred to as wheel sensors or rail contacts, are widespread in particular in connection with axle counting systems in sequence systems and are usually used there both to detect the axes of the processes and to determine the speed of the processes.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the first sequence is detected on the basis of its first axis. This is especially the case using an axle counting point as a sensor device is advantageous. In order to increase the accuracy of the method, the points in time of the detection of the further axes of the first sequence can also subsequently be used with regard to an improved determination of the time of clearing or a possible contact between the two sequences.

The method according to the invention can preferably also be developed in such a way that the determination of the time of clearing and / or the determination of whether the two processes will come into contact before the time of clearing in the case of a repellent position of the switch that has changed compared to the first process Use of time-distance lines for at least the first and / or last axis of the respective sequence takes place. This is advantageous because the use of time-distance lines is a well-known, tried-and-tested procedure for monitoring, forecasting and simulating processes in process plants.

According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the clear reporting point can also be used to plan the sequence operation within the framework of a prognosis or simulation in such a way that the first sequence has cleared the switch with respect to the clearance point before the second sequence clears the switch or reached the clearance point. The prognosis or simulation of the process operation can take place both before the processes actually run and also wholly or partially during the process. The use of the free reporting point in the context of a corresponding forecast or simulation can result in advantages with regard to the drainage performance and / or the maneuvering quality of the drainage system.

The invention also relates to a control device for a shunting system.

With regard to the control device, the present invention is based on the object of specifying a control device for a marshalling process system that has a particularly powerful, flexible and at the same time realizable method for operating a process that can be implemented with comparatively little effort, in particular with regard to determining the absence of boundaries of points in the process system marshalling drainage system supported.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the control device for the shunting system has the features of claim 14.

Figur 1

in einer schematischen Skizze eine Weiche einer rangiertechnischen Ablaufanlage und

Figur 2

zur Erläuterung eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ein schematisches Zeit-Weg-Diagramm für zwei aufeinander folgende Abläufe.

The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of exemplary embodiments. This shows

Figure 1

in a schematic sketch a switch of a marshalling system and

Figure 2

to explain an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention, a schematic time-distance diagram for two successive sequences.

Figure 1 shows in a schematic sketch a switch of a marshalling system. A switch 1 is shown in detail, from which two branch tracks 2 and 3 branch off. In the context of the exemplary embodiment described, it is assumed here that the switch 1 is a distribution switch of a shunting system, with processes in the form of running cars or groups of cars driving the switch 1 from the pointed side, ie from left to right, so that the path of corresponding processes in the switch 1 can branch either into the track 2 or into the track 3.

In addition, in Figure 1 two freight cars 4, 5 or their outlines or car profiles indicated. In Figure 1 the situation is shown in which the two tracks 2 and 3 are occupied with the cars 4, 5 just so close to the switch 1 that the two cars 4 and 5 just do not come into contact. In this case, the two tracks 2 and 3 or the switch 1 are cleared without or without boundary symbols, since in the present situation there would be no contact between the two cars 4 and 5. With the reference numeral 6 is here in the Figure 1 a corresponding boundary symbol or the track spacing when clearing the switch 1 without boundary symbols is indicated.

In the following, it is assumed within the scope of the exemplary embodiment described that a broader profile of the carriages 4, 5 is to be assumed for a shunting operation by means of routes for determining the freedom from boundary signs. This is in Figure 1 indicated with dashed lines and marked with the reference numerals 4 'and 5'. For example, it may be required that, in deviation from the absence of boundaries, with a track spacing of 3.5m for shunting operations, a track spacing of 4.0m should be used in order to take into account the fact that operating personnel may be at the side of the wagons or vehicles during shunting operations 4 'or 5' can stop, for example in such a way that a corresponding person rides on a step. It must be taken into account here that in shunting operation the wagons or vehicles 4 'or 5' can in particular also be a shunting locomotive.

Based on a correspondingly changed track spacing of, for example, 4.0m, according to the illustration in Figure 1 move the boundary symbol 6 to the right, which is indicated by a corresponding line and identified by the reference symbol 6 '. This means that in shunting mode, turnout 1 compared to the automatic Process operation is only cleared later free of boundaries. For the automatic process operation, the adoption of a correspondingly changed boundary character would result in negative effects. This applies in particular to the case that the switch 1 is to be placed in a repellent, ie changed, position as a protective switch to avoid buffering of the two processes after a first sequence in relation to a second subsequent sequence. In order to avoid such restrictions, consideration could now be given to providing rail contacts or axle counting points both with regard to the limit sign 6 and with respect to the changed limit sign 6 'in order to be able to detect a clearing of the switch 1 without any limit signs in both cases. However, this would be associated with considerable additional costs and outlay, these being due not only to the additional hardware required, but also to its installation and its consideration in the clearing logic of the associated marshalling interlocking.

In the following, using Figure 2 are explained in more detail, as well as without corresponding additional axle counting points of the in Figure 1 indicated situation in relation to different profile widths or different boundary sign positions can be taken into account. To avoid misunderstandings, it should be expressly pointed out at this point that the method according to the invention can also be used in other situations. Ultimately, this applies to all cases in which at a point where a switch is to be viewed as cleared with no boundary marks when it is passed, there is no sensor device for detecting the clearing of the turnout without boundary marks.

Figure 2 shows a schematic time-distance diagram for two successive sequences to explain an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention. In the time-distance diagram shown, for two successive processes 10 and 20, the time t at which they occur is shown in each case have covered a path or a distance s. The time-distance line 11 characterizes the course of the first axis of the first sequence 10, ie of the precursor, through the sequence system. In a corresponding manner, the time-distance line for the last axis of the first sequence 10 is identified with the reference symbol 12. Furthermore, corresponding time-distance lines 21 and 22 are also shown for the first or last axis of the second sequence 20 following the first sequence, ie for the trailer.

To avoid misunderstandings, it should be pointed out again at this point that Figure 2 shows only a schematic representation to describe the embodiment of the method according to the invention. It should be noted here in particular that the representation is not scaled and, as indicated in the case of the abscissa axis, only shows a section of the path of the processes 10 and 20.

To correlate the distance covered with the track-side components arranged along the path, the lower part of the Figure 2 an example of the arrangement of a switch 1 in the path of the two processes 10 and 20 is sketched. It can be seen here that a rail contact or axle counting point KWE in the form of a switch inlet contact is arranged at a position s1. This thus serves to detect a crossing of the switch 1. At a location that is marked with s2 in relation to the distance covered, there are further axle counting points KWL and KWR, which are used in particular to detect when the last axle of a sequence crosses the track section between the axle counting points KWE and KWL or KWE and KWR has left. From this point in time, the switch 1 can be adjusted again due to the fact that the sequence in question has left the moving parts of the switch 1.

According to the representation of the Figure 2 are after a traversed section s4 in the two branching tracks two further rail contacts or axle counting points KGL and KGR are arranged, which serve in particular to detect a boundary-free evacuation of the switch 1 by a sequence traveled on the respective track. The freedom from boundary symbols is indicated by a boundary symbol GZ. This means that at the point marked by the identifier GZ, two processes can drive the switch 1 in different directions without touching each other. The achievement of the freedom from boundary symbols is detected by the track contacts KGL and KGR, which are arranged further to the right than the boundary symbol GZ due to the necessary consideration of buffer overhangs.

In the following, it is assumed that the boundary symbol GZ and thus the arrangement of the axle counting points KGL and KGR with regard to their location or their position does not correspond to what the automatic sequence operation of the shunting system should be based on. According to the explanations in connection with Figure 1 This can be caused, for example, by the fact that the boundary sign GZ and the axle counting points KGL and KGR have been shifted to the right in order to take into account an enlarged profile space of the switch 1 due to a larger assumed width of the processes in shunting operation. For the automatic sequence operation, however, a smaller width of the sequences should be used as a basis, which results in the problem that no axle counting points are provided, which are located at the position that would be required, based on the assumed width of the sequences, to clear the Detect switch 1. The required position of the corresponding axle counting points is in Figure 2 also indicated and marked with the reference symbol VGL or VGR. In the context of the exemplary embodiment described, it is assumed here that the "virtual" free reporting points or track contacts VGL and VGR are drawn in at the point where real track contacts would have to be in order to be taken into account for the operational operation Carriage profile to detect a boundary mark-free evacuation of the switch 1 based on a corresponding clearing point RP.

In the following, the course of the first sequence 10 along its path will first be described. In this context, a nomenclature of the points in time is used in such a way that the first index indicates the respective sequence for the times or points in time and the second index indicates whether the point in time relates to the first or the last axis of the sequence in question . The first axis of the sequence is specified with an index "1" and the last axis with an index "2".

At a point in time t1 ₁₁ , corresponding to the time-distance line 11, the first axis of the first sequence 10 first reaches the path point s1 and thus the switch inlet contact KWE. This means that the switch 1 is recognized as being occupied, that is to say that it is no longer possible to switch the switch 1 at first. At a later point in time t1 ₁₂ , corresponding to the time-distance line 12, the last axis of the first sequence 10 then also reaches the switch inlet contact KWE. During its further run, the first sequence 10 subsequently passes the waypoint s2, the first axis reaching _{this at time t2 11} and the second axis _{reaching this at time t2 12.}

In the context of the exemplary embodiment described, it is assumed that the switch 1 is set to the left, so that the first sequence 10 passes the left switch contact KWL at the waypoint s2. At the point in time t2 ₁₂ , the last axis of the first sequence 10 has also passed the waypoint s2. This is recognized on the basis of a comparison of the axes counted by the switch inlet contact KWE and the left switch contact KWL, whereupon the switch 1 can now be adjusted again.

As a result, the first axis of the first sequence 10 reaches the point outlet contact KGL of the left track _{at waypoint s4 at time t4 11.} The switch outlet contact KGL is now in the context of the described embodiment of the invention Method used as a sensor device KGL arranged in the area of the branching switch for detecting the first sequence 10 or its first axis.

_{A sequence control of the sequence system then determines or predicts a clearing time t3 12} , taking into account at least the location of the sensor device KGL and the time t4 _{11 of} the detection of the first sequence 10, at which the first sequence 10 completely detects the vacancy reporting point VGL deviating from the location of the sensor device KGL happens and so that the switch 1 will have cleared without any boundary marks in relation to the clearing point RP. As already explained, it is assumed here that the first sequence 10 will have cleared the switch 1 with reference to the clearing point RP when its last axis has reached the waypoint s3, ie the "virtual" clearance reporting point. The corresponding coordinate point s3, t3 ₁₂ is in the Figure 2 clearly marked. It should be noted that the location of the clearing point RP according to the representation in Figure 2 usually does not correspond to position s3 of the (virtual) free reporting point VGL due to the necessary consideration of buffer overhangs, whereby it must again be taken into account that it is at Figure 2 is not a representation to scale.

Like in the Figure 2 illustrated by a corresponding triangle, the first sequence 10 is starting from time t1 ₁₁ to time t3 ₁₂ of the clearing point RP limit-free evacuation in the area of the switch 1. For the subsequent second sequence 20, which is also a single running car or a running group of cars, it can now be determined whether, in the case of a changed repellent position of the switch 1 compared to the first sequence 10, before the clearing time t3 _12, the two processes 10, 20 will probably come into contact would.

In relation to the second sequence 20, in Figure 2 It can be seen that this will reach the waypoint s1 with its first axis at time t1 ₂₁ and with its last axis at time t1 ₂₂ . It is more important, however, that the second process 20 will not touch the first process 10 _{until the clearing time t3 12.} This can be seen from the fact that the time-distance lines 21, 22 of the second sequence 20 with the time-distance lines 11, 12 of the first sequence 10 do not overlap _{until the clearing time t3 12, even taking into account buffer overhangs.} In addition, it can also be seen that the second sequence 20 at the clearing time t3 ₁₂ or at time t2 ₁₂ , at which the switch 1 can be adjusted again, has not yet reached the switch inlet contact KWE and thus does not influence or impair the adjustability of the switch 1.

As already explained, it can be seen from the time-distance line 21 that the first axis of the second sequence 20 does not reach the path point s3, which characterizes a boundary-free evacuation of the switch 1 by the last axis of the first sequence 10, until a point in time t3 ₂₁ achieved (compare the in Figure 2 clearly highlighted point s3, t3 ₂₁ ), whereby a contact of the two processes 10, 20 over the entire route to behind the switch 1 is excluded. If the switch 1 is to be set as a protective switch to prevent buffering of the two processes 10, 20, for example due to an unexpectedly poor process behavior of the first process 10, this can be done safely in accordance with the above explanations. The switch 1, which, as already stated, can also be adjusted, can thus be switched to the rejecting position, so that the trailer in the form of the drain 20 is steered into the right branching track and buffering is avoided.

It should be pointed out that a corresponding changeover of the switch 1 into the protective position in the event that the sensor device KGL itself would be used to detect the clearing of the switch 1 without boundary signs is not it is possible. So is in Figure 2 It can be seen that the last axis of the first sequence 10 only reaches the associated waypoint s4 at a point in time which essentially _{corresponds to the point in time t4 21} , at which the first axis of the second sequence 20 also reaches the waypoint s4. This is in Figure 2 also marked by a highlighted point and indicates that the use of the switch 1 as a protective switch is only possible in this case by using the clearance point RP, to which the clearance reporting point VGL is assigned, instead of the boundary sign GZ as the reference point for clearing the switch 1 without boundary symbols.

In the event that the switch 1 has already been placed in a repelling position, this position is retained as a result of the method, since it is ensured that the two processes 10 and 20 will not come into contact.

If the result of the determination shows that if the switch 1 was in a repellent position, the two processes 10, 20 would probably come into contact, the switch 1 advantageously remains in an unchanged position compared to the first process 10 or, if it is adjustable in the event that she had previously been placed in a repulsive position, put back in this unchanged position.

According to the above statements, the method can be triggered in particular by the fact that, as part of a monitoring of the operation of the drainage system, it is recognized that, due to an abnormal sequence behavior of the first sequence 10 and / or the second sequence 20, the first sequence 10 is being retrieved by the second sequence 20 threatens.

The prognosis or determination of the clearing time and / or the location of the second sequence 20 at the clearing time is advantageously carried out with further consideration of at least one characteristic variable specific to the respective sequence 10, 20. It can be appropriate for the respective Sequence 10, 20 specific parameters are, in particular, quantities determined within the scope of the sequence operation and / or provided by a scheduling system. This includes in particular the length of the respective sequence 10, 20, a buffer overhang of the respective sequence 10, 20, the weight of the respective sequence 10, 20, the running resistance of the respective sequence 10, 20, the current and / or future speed of the respective sequence 10 , 20, the current and / or future acceleration of the process 10, 20 and the current and / or future rolling resistance of the respective process 10, 20. Thus, processes, for example when entering the distribution zone, are usually at least with regard to their length and their Measure weight.

Through the continuous observation of the speed behavior of the processes while they are running and with the further use of rolling and running resistance values, which are also usually determined as part of the process operation, the acceleration or the running behavior of the processes or wagons can be calculated or forecast with high accuracy. Thus, according to the explanations in connection with Figure 2 using predicted time-path lines 11, 12, 21, 22 of the respective processes 10, 20 it is determined whether and, if applicable, at what point in time the processes 10, 20 meet at the switch 1 and whether this is based on the clearing point RP offers border-free protection. In this case, the clearing of the switch 1, which is free of boundaries with respect to the clearing point RP, is not detected directly by a sensor device, for example in the form of an axle counting point. Instead, within the scope of the method according to the invention, a clearing time is determined as part of a prognosis, which is characterized by a complete passage through the virtual clearing point VGL assigned to the clearing point RP.

It should be pointed out that the track contacts KWL or KWR or possibly even the switch inlet contact KWE as a sensor device for detection may also be used of the first sequence 10 could be used as the basis for the prognosis of the evacuation time. In addition, types of sensor devices other than axle counting points can of course also be used within the scope of the method.

The clearance reporting point VGL can advantageously also be used, within the framework of a prognosis or simulation, to plan the sequence operation in advance in such a way that the first sequence 10 has cleared the switch 1 in relation to the clearance point RP before the second sequence 20 has cleared the switch 1 or the clearance point RP has been reached.

A control device for a marshalling system which has means for carrying out the method described above will generally have both hardware and software components. In addition to the sensor device, this relates in particular to a corresponding control computer with associated programs for controlling the operational sequence.

According to the above statements in connection with the described embodiments of the method according to the invention and the control device according to the invention, these have the particular advantage that a determination or prognosis of a clearing time at which a process completely passes a clearing point RP and thus the relevant switch based on the clearing point RP has cleared border mark-free, is made possible in a particularly flexible and efficient way. Depending on the particular circumstances, there is in particular the possibility of saving otherwise required additional sensor devices, for example in the form of rail contacts.

Claims (14)

1. Method for operating a classification humpyard, wherein

   - a first humping operation (10) in the form of a first cut humped wagon or a first cut humped wagon group is detected by means of a sensor device (KGL) arranged in the region of branching points (1),

   - taking into account at least the location of the sensor device (KGL) and the time (t4₁₁) of the detection of the first axle of the first humping operation (10), a clearance time (t3₁₂) is determined at which the first humping operation (10) completely passes a clearance reporting point (VGL) differing from the location of the sensor device (KGL) with the last axle or with all constituents of the humping operation and thus will have cleared the points (1) outside the clearance marker in relation to a clearing point (RP),

   - for a subsequent second humping operation (20) in the form of a second cut humped wagon or a second cut humped wagon group, it is determined whether, if a protective position of the points (1) has changed compared to the first humping operation (10), the two humping operations (10, 20) will come into contact before the clearance time (t3₁₂) , and

   - if this is not the case, the points (1) are reset to the protective position if they can be set or the protective position is retained if the points (1) have already been reset.
2. Method according to claim 1,
   wherein
   the points (1), in the event that if the points (1) are in a protective position according to the determination made the two humping operations (10, 20) will come into contact, will remain in the unchanged position compared to the first humping operation (10) or, if the points (1) have already been reset, they are returned to the unchanged position if they can be set.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2,
   wherein
   the points (1) are reset to the protective position as protecting points to prevent the second humping operation (20) buffering against the first humping operation (10) or the protective position of the points (1) is retained for this purpose.
4. Method according to claim 3,
   wherein
   the method is triggered by the fact that, in connection with monitoring the operation of the humpyard, it is recognised that, due to an abnormal humping behaviour of the first humping operation (10) and/or the second humping operation (20), the risk exists of the first humping operation (10) being caught up by the second humping operation (20).
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein
   the clearance time (t3₁₂) and/or the location of the second humping operation (20) at the clearance time (t3₁₂) is determined, further taking into account at least one characteristic variable specific to the respective humping operation (10, 20).
6. Method according to claim 5,
   wherein
   the at least one characteristic variable specific to the respective humping operation (10, 20) is determined in connection with humping and/or is provided by a scheduling system.
7. Method according to claim 5 or 6,
   wherein
   the at least one characteristic variable specific to the respective humping operation (10, 20) comprises at least one of the following values:

   - length of the humping operation (10, 20),

   - buffer overhang of the humping operation (10, 20),

   - weight of the humping operation (10, 20),

   - running resistance of the humping operation (10, 20),

   - current and/or future speed of the humping operation (10, 20),

   - current and/or future acceleration of the humping operation (10, 20),

   - current and/or future coasting resistance of the humping operation (10, 20).
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein
   a sensor device (KGL) is used, which is provided for reporting the points (1) as cleared outside the clearance marker in the event of a shunting operation with routes.
9. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
   wherein
   a sensor device (KGL) is used in the region of a branch track of the points (1), wherein the location of the sensor device (KGL) is further away from the centre of the points (1) than the clear indication point.
10. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein
    an axle counting point is used as the sensor device (KGL).
11. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein
    the first humping operation (10) is detected on the basis of its first axle.
12. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein
    the determination of the clearance time (t3₁₂) and/or the determination of whether, in the case of a protective position of the points (1) that has changed compared to the first humping operation (10), the two humping operations (10, 20) will come into contact before the clearance time (t3₁₂), using time/distance curves (11, 12, 21, 22) for at least the first and/or last axle of the respective humping operation (10, 20).
13. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein
    the clearance reporting point (VGL) is also used as part of a forecast or simulation to plan the humping such that the first humping operation (10) has cleared the points (1) outside the clearance marker in relation to the clearing point (RP) before the second humping operation (20) reaches the points (1) or the clearing point (RP).
14. Control device for a classification humpyard,
    wherein
    the control device has means for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 13, in that the controller is designed

    - to detect a first humping operation (10) in the form of a first cut humped wagon or a first cut humped wagon group using a sensor device (KGL) arranged in the region of branching points (1),

    - taking into account at least the location of the sensor device (KGL) and the time (t4₁₁) of the detection of the first axle of the first humping operation (10), to determine a clearance time (t3₁₂) at which the first humping operation (10) completely passes a clearance reporting point (VGL) differing from the location of the sensor device (KGL) with the last axle or with all constituents of the humping operation and thus will have cleared the points (1) outside the clearance marker in relation to a clearing point (RP),

    - for a subsequent second humping operation (20) in the form of a second cut humped wagon or a second cut humped wagon group, to determine whether, if a protective position of the points (1) has changed compared to the first humping operation (10), the two humping operations (10, 20) will come into contact before the clearance time (t3₁₂), and

    - if this is not the case, the points (1) are reset to the protective position if they can be set or the protective position is retained if the points (1) have already been reset

Images