ES2258387B1 - AUTOMATIC CONTROL AND SIGNALING SYSTEM IN LEVELS WITHOUT GUARD. - Google Patents

Abstract

The system comprises a barrier (1) that occupies the entire width of the corresponding level crossing, with a pivot axis (3), there being a booth (17) next to the mounting post (2) of such barrier (1) with a mini-computer (16), an electrical circuit board (20), a motor (23) for raising or lowering the barrier (1), a power supply battery (18), an FM station (21), all this so that the signals sent by sensors (13) located in pairs at the determined distance of the level crossing (9) on the corresponding track (10), and two other sensors located on the pillars of the barriers, that provide the data necessary for passing, time, etc, of a train convoy, so that the signals are processed by the mini-computer (16) responsible for providing the appropriate orders for the system to operate, lowering / raising the barrier, informing the driver , etc.

Description

Automatic control and signaling system in level crossings without guard.

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a system of automatic control and signaling, intended for application in level crossing without guard, in order to prevent and / or avoid level crossing accidents.

The object of the invention is to provide a level crossing control system without guard, which means a safety measure to avoid any accident, at the same time as which provides the driver with information before any anomaly in the operation of the barrier or in the passage of vehicles or people at the level crossing, so that, through the automatic systems, or by the driver or machinist the Measures.

The system is based on a mini-computer that receives the data through sensors located next to the train track / tracks, and both sides of the level crossing, and others on the same barrier, about concrete distances, so that mini-computer when processing the received data, Distribute the corresponding orders to activate all the plan.

Background of the invention

The numerous are well known, and in most of the times fatal, accidents that occur in level crossings without guard or barrier.

Obviously if at each level crossing there was a person who will control 24 hours a day barriers, the passage of trains, and did not have any mistake or mechanical failure, accidents in said road sections, They would practically disappear.

As the reality is different, there are many level crossings that either have no guard or no barrier, and no they have truly automatic and reliable systems, and depending on most cases of personal decisions exposed to many failures.

As is evident and so it is with great Often, these systems fail many times, either because human failure, either by failure to send the signals, etc., and other times due to recklessness of vehicles crossing level crossings believing that they will have time to cross before the train, the fact is that fatal accidents occur that could be  avoided through changes or designs of a new control system,  signaling and warning.

Description of the invention

The invention relates to a system according with claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the system are defined in the dependent claims.

The system that is recommended has been conceived precisely to solve the problem described above, based on a highly efficient solution, totally reliable and simple in its execution and operability.

Thus, the automatic control system and non-guard level crossing signaling of the invention is intended for application in level crossings where you can arrange a barrier on each side of the corresponding level crossing, whose barrier must be lowered and raised to prevent or allow the passage of elements that have to cross a train track, and occupies the entire width of said level crossing and is mounted between two posts, being tilting around a pivot point regarding the post, from which the barrier has a counterweight.

The system is characterized in that said barrier it includes a lighting strip and because the system includes

- a pair of spotlights arranged to each other side of each barrier of a level crossing, and located above said barrier visibly for an element facing said level crossing, and

- a first pair of sensors transmitter-receiver located on both sides of the train and at a predetermined distance from said level crossing in the sense of coming of a train, to detect the approach of a train,

- a second pair of sensors transmitter-receiver located on both sides of the track of the train at said level crossing, to detect the presence of a object located on the track once the barriers are closed,

- control means connected with said first pair of sensors and second pair of sensors, so which receives the serials coming from said first and second pairs of sensors,

- whose control means are configured to give orders, based on the signals provided by said first pair of sensors

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to said barrier to carry out the lifting or lowering of the same

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to said lighting strip and said pair of spotlights so that illuminate during the barrier lowering operation and during the maintenance in said position of the latter, while when said barrier rises completely said pair of spotlights and pulls lighting goes out, and

- whose control means are configured for, based on the signals provided by said second pair of sensors, send a signal of obstruction of the track in the surface between barriers.

According to a preferred embodiment, the system includes different power batteries components thereof, and associated with the control means: a station, a receiver to receive the signals of the different sensors, and a drive motor for lifting and lowering of the barrier, through the corresponding transmission between said motor and the pivot point or axis of the barrier.

Preferably, said batteries receive power of a solar panel.

According to a preferred embodiment, in the system of the invention the emitters of said first pair of sensors are mounted on respective posts, and emit their, signals perpendicular to receivers intended for sending said signals to the control means.

This sending of the signals corresponding to the first and second pair of sensors can be performed by infrared, by laser or by radiofrequency or by ultrasound

Sending the signals corresponding to the first and second pair of sensors can be performed perpendicular or crossed to the longitudinal line of the corresponding train tracks.

The system preferably comprises a sensor located on the pole on which the barrier rests in its position of lowered, so that if the barrier does not close properly, the system provides a fault signal.

Preferably, the surface of said barrier that is not facing the train tracks is provided with at least two strips, substantially parallel and that extend substantially across the width of said barrier, formed by sections of an alternate first color and second color within each strip, and alternated between the strips with each other, so that if in a strip a section is of the first color, the section in front of the other strip is of the second color. More specifically, the system is based on combining a new type of barrier provided at each level crossing, and an automatic control and signaling equipment, so that the barrier will have a considerable width, in order to make it more visible even in conditions adverse effects, both for weather conditions and for sensory decreases or distractions of vehicle drivers who use the steps to
level.

The crossbar that constitutes the barrier will go arranged between two vertical posts, covering the entire width of the level crossing, so that at one of the ends mentioned barrier is tilting and at that end a counterweight is carrier which balances the movements of elevation and descent, while on the other end it has a support on the corresponding post, to stay horizontal in its down position or operational

On the surface that constitutes the width and the entire length of the barrier will be arranged two wide stripes, one upper and one lower, as well as a strip intermediate, narrower, red neon, which turns on when the barrier descends, while the upper broad stripes e bottom are formed by alternating, for example, paint fluorescent or white and red reflective material, without match the colors of a strip with respect to the another, that is, if in one section it is white, the one that remains in the vertical respect to this one of the upper strip will be colored Red. The distribution of these strips has been studied to awaken the attention of drivers.

In a booth attached to one of the posts of the barrier, for example, in which the system of tilting or pivoting of such a barrier, the electronic equipment that receives power from external solar cell plates, and whose booth is include a power batteries mini-computer, an electrical circuit board and an FM station, there is also an engine in that house drive carries with it, through the timely transmission, the rise or fall of the barrier.

The FM station is scheduled to inform the passage of each train, whether or not there are anomalies in the systems of safety while on the barrier support posts when this descends, mechanical control means are provided, and sensors / detectors of the correct functioning of the descents and rises of the barrier itself, and the possible existence of vehicles, obstacles or people on the road / tracks when barriers They are acting, or they are down.

This barrier system at each level crossing, which is located on both sides of the passage, is complemented by some posts of considerable height, usually 3 meters or similar, in the that there are some red light bulbs, traffic light type, in order to carry out a greater warning to the vehicle driver who It has to cross the level crossing.

The red spotlights will blink a specific number of times before the barrier begins to lower. The fringe central light of the barrier, that is the red neon strip, as well as the two traffic light bulbs located at height in correspondence with the level crossing, on either side of it, is  they will light at the moment when the barrier begins to lower, staying on until the barrier has been lifted fully, therefore authorizing the passage of vehicles or people.

The computer system and activation of signals is based on having a reasonable distance from step to level, both before and after said step to level, sensors / detectors provided on the towers or posts Consecutive that are normally implanted along the pathways of train circulation, and if two posts or towers are not implanted to the two commented sensors, at a certain distance from the passage to level, in one way or another, so that these sensors facilitate the information to the corresponding mini-computer located in the booth provided at each level crossing, so that said mini-computer distribute the closing orders and lifting the barriers and switching on and off the longitudinal illumination of the barrier and the red spotlights at each side of it, the sensors acting well by infrared, by laser or by any other means, even by radiofrequency or ultrasound always at right angles to the rails of route.

The sensors / detectors located in the supports of the barrier, to detect if a vehicle or person has been left trapped in the middle of the road when lowering the barriers, they will act in crossed sense, to be able to sweep virtually the entire surface between level crossing barriers.

The first sensor, that is the one that is located more away from the level crossing, it will control the moment of entry or step of the first element (usually the train machine) and also the step of the last element (wagon) thereof, so that sensor will give, on the one hand, the moment of train entry and exit for sensor control, as well as the time it has taken to Pass the entire convoy.

That same sensor will give the order to leave inactive the group of the two sensors on the other side of step a level, until all the train had passed through this second group of sensors.

As for the second sensor, it will control the distance of passage of the machine or first element of the convoy / train ahead of him, and through the difference of time between the machine passing through the first sensor and the passage through the second sensor will calculate the speed that the train carries with a minimum calculation error.

This information provided by these sensors will give the mini-computer the data necessary to activate and deactivate the security system planned, and whose data are:

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Exact moment (hours, minutes and seconds) of the passage of the first element of the train or convoy, by in front of the sensor

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Exact train speed or convoy.

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Exact length of train or convoy (machines + wagons).

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Order of inactivity to the second group of sensors (those on the other side of the level crossing), to avoid having passed the step to level, when passing the train / convoy along the second section of the track in the that the other two sensors are installed, they will be activated again the same.

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Notice to the driver, if necessary, reporting any anomaly, and be able to operate accordingly, either manually or automatic

With all that data, the mini-computer will calculate with total accuracy the exact time it will take the machine or first element of the train / convoy to reach the level crossing, as well as the exact time by the one that will pass through said level crossing the last car or element of the train.

Bearing in mind that the the time it takes to take the barrier up or down, you can calculate exactly the exact minutes and seconds to that the barrier be closed before the first element of the train, and open the precise minutes / seconds after there is Past the last car.

The delay and advance time in the opening or closing the barriers and flickering and turning on and off the spotlights and luminous elements (neon / red fluorescent), you can be regulated at will, depending on the area, the weather and of the terrain orography, so that in order to provide a possible variation in train / convoy speed from passing through the first sensor until the level crossing, you can program a additional delay or advance time in the activation of all the security mechanisms or means available to the system. It may also be programmed, the delay or advance in the activation of the closing and opening orders of the barriers, considering the probable and different speed that they can take the vehicles before reaching the level crossing (if the road that crosses the road is on the way up, or down etc.).

Although the system has been described so that its operation is done with two sensors, it could also work with only one, although the two sensors offer greater security since, for example, in the event that a bird passed ahead of the sensor, the system would not activate unless It will also pass in front of another sensor, something very unlikely. In addition, having two sensors ensures a maximum reliability when calculating train speed, condition indispensable for the proper functioning of the system.

In the level crossings with double track, they will install two complete equipment, one for each track, and one in in front of the other, separated by a cutting plate (between the two channels), to prevent one-way sensors from being activated by the passage of a train on the other track.

In the case that in the section between the sensors located on both sides of the level crossing, intersect two trains, on the orders of lowering the barriers and switching on the red lights, will have priority order given by the train, which according to the sensor data, it will take less time in reaching the level crossing. For lifting orders of barriers and lights off, preference given by the train, which according to the data supplied by the sensors and processed by the mini-computer, take longer in passing the last car, through the level crossing.

All the components and means of action that involved in the whole system will be fed by means of batteries powered by a panel of solar panels, supplying the energy necessary to activate the motors that generate the descents and rises of the barriers, as well as all Optical and luminous electronic elements of the system.

Finally, say that in the booth where they will be installed the electronic equipment already mentioned, a FM station that will be activated only in the event that any of programmed security systems do not work when approaching the train, so that when that station is activated, a characteristic beep that will be received by the receiver that should take each train machine that passes through said route.

In this way, when a convoy passes through the level crossing, if the whole system works correctly, no you will receive no signal, however if the upload mechanisms and lowering the barriers or light elements do not work correctly, the beep will sound inside the machine characteristic of "breakdown", with which the driver must notify security immediately. On the assumption that the cross-ray sensors detect any object (vehicle or person) in the middle of the road with the barriers lowered, they will immediately transmit order to the driver, so that in case extreme, be able to slow down and be able to stop before passing level.

The system can also be programmed to that the warning of a malfunction in the security system automatic, arrive at the train machine with enough time so that the driver can decide between stopping the train or reducing the March.

The passage of the first element of the train or convoy for the first sensor found on the track, it will also activate the FM station located on the barrier, so that through this, is activated automatically and at specific intervals, the beep / whistle on the train machine, without having to intervene the driver, to be able to emit the corresponding signals acoustics, warning of the next train crossing by the level crossing. The reception of the automatic beeps activation orders, it will be done through the FM receiver located in the machine of the train.

In accordance with what has been described in Previous, automatic control system and step signaling at the unguarded level of the invention, it allows sending to the train necessary information about possible anomalies that may exist at the level crossing, in its control mechanisms, as well as the activation of the acoustic signals of the train machine (beeps) automatically and without operator intervention.

Likewise, the system of the invention allows activate the automatic train stop before possible serious anomalies, such as the one that has been caught between the barriers, a vehicle, or any object, animal or person.

Description of the drawings

To complement the description that is being performing and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical realization of it, is accompanied as part member of that description, a set of drawings where with illustrative and non-limiting nature, what has been represented next:

Figure 1.- Shows a representation schematic according to a front elevation of a lowered barrier or in operational situation, which is part of the system of the invention.

Figure 2.- Shows the corresponding scheme to the first pair of sensors that are set to certain to distance of a level crossing, in one and / or another way, on the corresponding track.

Figure 3.- Shows the corresponding scheme to a possible situation of the sensors in double track sections.

Figure 4.- Shows the corresponding scheme to the second pair of sensors, which control the surface between level crossing barriers.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

In view of the figures outlined and especially in figure 1, it can be seen how the system of automatic control and signaling in level crossings without guard according to the invention comprises a barrier (1) that is mounted between a couple of posts (2) and (2 '), settling in the first of them, that is on the pole (2), a tipping point (3) for the descent and rise of such a barrier, counting from that point of  pivoting (3) with a counterweight (4) that favors operations down and up, making them soft.

The barrier (1) covers the entire width of what is the level crossing and presents a couple of longitudinal strips (5), one upper and one lower, equipped of alternating sections fluorescent, white (6) and color red (7), with the particularity that the color does not have to match vertically that of a strip with respect to the other. That is if in the upper strip (5) a section is white (6), the faced vertically to that section of the lower strip (5) will be red, as very well shown in figure 1.

In addition to those two stripes (5), there is a strip intermediate (8), of smaller width, and constituting a strip of red neon-based lighting, which turns on when the barrier begins its descent and remains for as long as barrier (1) is lowered.

As is evident, at each level crossing (9), according to figure 2, at the crossing of a train track (10) with a road or highway (11), a barrier (1) will be arranged on each side, to cover both directions of vehicle movement.

Well, in addition to the features referred, corresponding to the barrier, on each side of it and with a height of about three meters, there will be two posts with two red light bulbs (12), traffic light type, so that these bulbs (12), like the central light strip (8) of the barrier (1), will light only at the moment in which the barrier starts to go down, staying on until the barrier has been fully lifted, thereby authorizing the passage of vehicles that would have been stopped on either side of the passage at level (9).

On the other hand, and at a safe distance from level crossing (9), in both directions, the key control devices consisting of a pair of sensors (13) arranged on two posts (14), belonging these to the classic poles or masts located along the track (10) of the train, and in case of non-existence, those would be available pairs of posts (14) at a certain distance from the level crossing (9), on either side of it.

These two sensors (13) act by infrared, either by laser, or by radiofrequency or by ultrasound, perpendicular to the longitudinal line of the track (10), except those located on the barrier posts, which will act, so crossed to sweep virtually the entire surface between barriers, providing information to a mini-computer (16) located on a booth (17) attached to the post (2) on which the barrier (1) is mounted, so that that mini-computer (16) after receiving the signals from the sensors (13), will distribute the closing and lifting orders of the barriers (1) and the switching on and off in the lighting or longitudinal strip (8) of such barrier and of the two red spotlights (12) located on each side of it, as well as the information about possible anomalies in the operation of the control and the existence of objects on the track once the barriers.

The corresponding one is shown in figure 1 electrical and electronic equipment in combination with the mini-computer (16), said equipment comprising, in the booth (17), batteries (18) that are powered from some solar panels (19), there is also a circuit board electrical (20) and an FM station (21), all in such a way that the mini-computer (16) access the signals from the four sensors (13) located at a distance determined on either side of the level crossing (9), as well as a signal of barrier failures, and status of possible objects in the surface between barriers, in order for that mini-computer (16) carry out the control of duration of raising or lowering the barrier, as well as controlling time to activate said barrier, the load control of the batteries (18) and the system on / off, giving orders to lower / raise the barrier, to turn on and off the elements of lighting, and activating the FM station (21) that is planned to activate precisely when failures occur. The signs from the sensors to the mini-computer they can broadcast, either by radio (FM) through the corresponding emitters-receivers, or by cable, in the case of orographic problems that hinder transmission via radio.

About the mini-computer itself (16) an FM receiver (22) is provided to receive the signals of sensors per station.

The system also includes the corresponding engine (23) also provided in the booth (17) attached to the post (2), to produce the lifting and lowering of the sweeper (1), by the timely transmission between the engine and the point of pivot or axis (3) of such barrier (1).

On the pole (2 ') where he supports the barrier in his down position, a fault control sensor is provided down (13 ').

As seen in figure 2, the signals captured by issuers (13) are sent through the appropriate receivers / detectors (24) to the mini-computer (16) or to the FM receiver (22).

In figure 1, an output (25) can be seen of the batteries (18) for the sensor supply corresponding, as well as an input (16) of the receiver (22), for receive signals from precisely the respective sensors

Figure 3 shows a double track (10-10 ') and the disposition and situation of corresponding sensors (13) and the pairs of receiver / detectors (24 ').

Figure 4 shows two pairs of sensors (30-31, 30'-31 ') with the corresponding emitters (30, 30 ') and corresponding receivers (31, 31 '), which perform surface control between barriers of the level crossing. In this case they are located on the supports of the barrier and act in a crossed direction and be able to sweep practically the entire surface between level crossing barriers, so detect if a vehicle or person or other object has been trapped in the middle of the road to lower the barriers.

Claims (9)

1. Automatic control and signaling system in level crossings without guard (9), intended for application in level crossings where a barrier (1) can be arranged in each side of the corresponding level crossing (9), whose barrier must be lowered and raised to prevent or allow the passage of elements that have to cross a train track (10), and occupies the entire width of said level crossing (9) and is mounted between two posts (2) and (2 '), being tilting around a pivot point (3) with respect to the post (2), from which the barrier (1) counts with a counterweight (4), the system is characterized because - said barrier comprises a strip of lighting (8), and because the system includes - a pair of spotlights arranged to each other side of each barrier (1) of a level crossing (9), and located by above said barrier visibly for an element located in front of said level crossing, and - a first pair of sensors transmitter-receiver (13, 24) located on both sides of the train track (10) and at a predetermined distance from said passage at level (9) in the direction of a train coming, to detect the approach of a train, - a second pair of sensors sender-receiver (30, 31) located on both sides of the train track (10) in said level crossing (9), to detect the presence of an object located on the track once the barriers (1), - control means (16) connected with said first pair of sensors (13, 24) and second pair of sensors (30, 31), so that it receives the signals coming from said first and second pairs of sensors, - whose control means (16) are configured to give orders, based on the signals provided by said first pair of sensors,

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to said barrier (1) for carrying out the lifting or lowering of the same,

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to said lighting strip (8) and said pair of spotlights so that illuminate during the barrier lowering operation and during the maintenance in said position of the latter, while when said barrier (1) the pair of spotlights is completely raised and pulled lighting goes out, and

- whose control means (16) are configured for, based on the signals provided by said second pair of sensors, send an obstruction signal from the surface track between barriers. 2. Automatic control and signaling system in level crossings without guard according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes batteries (18) for supplying the different components of the system, and associated with the control means (16): a station (21) , a receiver (22) to receive the signals of the different sensors, and a drive motor for raising and lowering the barrier, through the corresponding transmission between said motor (23) and the pivot point or axis (3 ) of the barrier (1). 3. Automatic control and signaling system in level crossings without guard according to claim 2, characterized in that the batteries (18) receive power from a solar panel (19). 4. Automatic control and signaling system in level crossings without guard according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emitters (13) of said first pair of sensors (13, 24) are mounted on respective posts (14), and emit their signals perpendicularly to receivers (24) provided for sending said signals to the control means (16). 5. Automatic control and signaling system in level crossings without guard according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sending of the signals corresponding to the first and second pair of sensors (13, 24) is carried out by infrared, laser or by radiofrequency or by ultrasound. 6. Automatic control and signaling system in level crossings without guard according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sending of the signals corresponding to the first (13, 24) and second pair of sensors (30, 31) is carried out perpendicular or crossed to the longitudinal line of the corresponding tracks (10) or (10 ') of the train. 7. Automatic control and signaling system in level crossings without guard according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of said barrier (1) that is not facing the train tracks is provided with at least two strips (5) , substantially parallel and extending substantially across said barrier, formed by sections of a first color (6) and a second color (7) alternated within each strip, and alternated between the strips with each other, so that if in a strip a section is of the first color (6), the section in front of the other strip is of the second color (7). 8. Automatic control and signaling system in level crossings without guard according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (13 ') located on the post (2') on which the barrier rests in its down position, so that if the barrier does not close properly, the system provides a fault signal. 9. Automatic control system and signaling of level crossings without guard according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it allows to send to the train, necessary information about the possible anomalies that may exist at the level crossing, in its control mechanisms, as well such as the activation of the acoustic signals of the train machine (beeps), braking mechanisms, slowing down and stopping the train automatically and without operator intervention.