Railway yard signal interlocking method and system compatible with car switching

Abstract

This invention provides a signal interlocking method and system compatible with both factory railway and train operation. The computer interlocking system operates in the following states: Central interlocking control state: all signal interlocking equipment operates according to centralized electrical rules, performing routing, locking, signal activation, and continuous equipment status checks under command; Central train operation control state: all signal interlocking equipment is controlled by the field logic control box, with dispatchers directing drivers to control the signal interlocking equipment based on train operation indicator lights, and the switch equipment is moved semi-automatically via field operating levers, head buttons, or reverse switches. This invention achieves interlocking control of ground signal interlocking equipment in the factory area, providing interlocking protection for ground signal interlocking equipment during locomotive operation, achieving the technical effects of flexible equipment access, ensuring traffic safety, and balancing production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to intelligent molten iron transportation, specifically to a signal interlocking method and system compatible with both plant railway and train operation. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure the safety of train or wagon operations within stations and shunting operations, a certain interlocking relationship must be maintained between signals, switches, and routes; this is called interlocking. Currently, both domestically and internationally, computer interlocking systems have developed many versions of signals based on the functions and logic of centralized electrical interlocking. The general development directions include:

[0003] The system adopts a three-out-of-two shielded redundancy technology and a new computer interlocking system with a two-out-of-two structure to improve the reliability of the interlocking system and realize online updates and switching between two machines.

[0004] The integration of equipment and information in signal interlocking devices such as computer interlocking systems, train control systems, train dispatching and command systems, and centralized dispatching systems; exploring the development of railway signaling technology towards digitalization, networking, intelligence, and integration.

[0005] The interlocking system can be applied to various railway systems, from factory railways to conventional railways, high-speed railways, passenger dedicated lines, and urban rail transit. Based on the fundamental logic of centralized electrical interlocking, appropriate adjustments can be made to adapt to the application environment, thereby broadening the scope of computer interlocking applications.

[0006] In the above directions, computer interlocking systems have made great strides; however, as the railway transportation in the factory area is gradually exploring and developing towards intelligent transformation, it is generally necessary to ensure the planned production capacity while transforming. At the same time, the process of intelligent and automated transformation often requires drivers or dispatchers to monitor and supervise. Traditional computer interlocking systems only have autonomous control and emergency station control modes. When the interlocking equipment is operating while being transformed, it can only use the emergency station control mode, that is, the dispatching command room needs to monitor and command and assist the operation of dozens of locomotives throughout the process. During periods of high production volume, the contradiction between manual dispatching and on-site construction and transformation can have a great adverse impact on transportation production.

[0007] Based on the design and development of existing locomotive switching equipment in the plant area, its operating efficiency can be significantly improved. The locomotive switching switch device provides various means of moving the switch on site, such as head buttons, operating levers, and reverse switches. While ensuring the safety of locomotive operation, it improves the efficiency of operation. When a manually driven locomotive enters the route, the driver can move the switch by toggling a switch or button and confirm the switch direction through the turn indicator light. Alternatively, the switch can be automatically moved after the locomotive enters the route to ensure that there is no derailment ahead.

[0008] Typical factory signal interlocking upgrades directly eliminate the function of vehicle transfer equipment and upgrade it to a traditional computer interlocking system. How to further improve the factory's production efficiency during intelligent and automated upgrades while retaining the function of the vehicle transfer equipment, and simultaneously meet the needs of both manual and unmanned transportation operations, warrants further exploration.

[0009] Patent document CN108415403A discloses a computer interlocking data acquisition and control security processing method, including: 1) independent clock calculation and verification; 2) memory refresh; 3) control data reception; 4) control data reception timeout verification; 5) control data output; 6) input data security acquisition and control data security recovery; 7) calculation system verification word and sending, acquisition data transmission.

[0010] However, patent document CN108415403A has the following shortcomings: it outputs the results of computer interlocking Boolean logic operations to the trackside equipment, which does not have a local autonomous control mode. The signal interlocking equipment relies on the command and control of the central control room or dispatching system and cannot adjust the control mode according to time and place. In addition, patent document CN108415403A does not set up the vehicle transfer equipment control logic operation function in the trackside equipment.

[0011] The present invention features a local autonomous control mode in the trackside equipment and sets up control logic operation functions for the vehicle transfer equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0012] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a signal interlocking method and system that is compatible with both factory railways and train operation.

[0013] According to the present invention, a signal interlocking system compatible with both factory railway and train operation includes: a computer interlocking system;

[0014] The operating states of the computer interlocking system include:

[0015] Central interlocking control status: ensures all signal interlocking devices operate in accordance with centralized electrical rules, and performs routing, interlocking, signal activation, and continuous equipment status checks under command;

[0016] Central turnout control status: All signal interlocking equipment is controlled by the on-site logic control box. The dispatcher directs the driver to control the signal interlocking equipment according to the turnout indicator light. The turnout equipment is moved through the semi-automatic control of the on-site operating lever, head button or reverse switch.

[0017] Preferably, the computer interlocking system includes the following operating states:

[0018] In the central interlocking control state, some individual equipment is in the rotating state: all signal interlocking equipment still operates in accordance with the centralized electrical rules. During the routing, locking, signal opening and continuous equipment status checks, it is determined whether a single turnout is in the rotating state. In the rotating state, the control room is not allowed to operate the route, and only the field operating lever, head button or reverse switch is allowed to operate.

[0019] Preferably, it includes: signal interlocking equipment;

[0020] The on-site train switching control methods of signal interlocking equipment include: signal control mode, turnout pre-turnout mode, and turnout post-turnout mode;

[0021] Signal handling method: Use the operating lever to observe the turn indicator light before the locomotive enters the relevant route to check the status of the turnout in the direction of travel, and send a signal to the turnout control box by moving the operating lever to move the turnout, which is the means of manually driving the locomotive to select the route;

[0022] Before the turnout: Using the head button, when the locomotive is about to enter the turnout section, the signal is sent to the turnout control box by pressing the button to move the turnout, which is a means of controlling the locomotive track switching operation.

[0023] Back-to-turn switch method: When the locomotive presses into the section of the turnout from the opposite direction, the back-to-turn switch is directly triggered, and the turnout control box is automatically sent to move the turnout as an automatic control means to prevent the locomotive from being squeezed out of the turnout for safe driving.

[0024] Preferably, the computer interlocking system includes: a signal interlocking function module; the signal interlocking function module includes:

[0025] Access control module: switches between central interlocking control state and central train transfer control state; under central interlocking control state, it is divided into autonomous mode that receives instructions from the centralized dispatching system and emergency station control mode that receives manual control instructions; when switching to central train transfer control state, it guides the signal interlocking equipment to the safety side for fault orientation.

[0026] Preferably, in addition to the autonomous control and emergency station control modes of the signal interlocking equipment, the central interlocking, central turnout, and local turnout control modes of the turnout equipment are retained.

[0027] Preferably, the turnout control box with built-in PLC is used to control the access control logic. According to production needs, the control mode of the turnout equipment switch machine is remotely switched between central interlocking, central turnout and local turnout on the control display machine. The turnout switch is automatically moved and controlled by ground operating lever, head button and back switch equipment.

[0028] Preferably, the interlocking control logic under the turn-around authority of the computer interlocking system is adopted. According to production needs, the turn-around function of all switches is enabled by the central turn-around control state and the locomotive driver performs the transportation task. The interlocking control is performed under the central interlocking control state while being compatible with the turn-around control mode of some switches.

[0029] Preferably, the signal interlocking function module further includes any one or more of the following function modules:

[0030] Power-on unlocking module: In the event of a malfunction or power failure in the computer interlocking system, all interlocking devices are locked under safety principles. The computer interlocking system is then restarted after manual confirmation of power-on unlocking.

[0031] Route Establishment Module: Based on the route request issued by the automatic route system or the route arrangement request issued manually, and under the condition that there is no hostile signal intrusion or occupation, the route is selected and arranged. If the operating turnout, the corresponding turnout of the route, and the track circuit status are correct, then the route is established.

[0032] Route locking module: If the route is successfully established, check whether the route locking conditions are met. If they are met, lock the relevant track circuits, signals, and switch machines, and provide route locking variables and prompt information.

[0033] Signal opening module: Checks whether the signal opening conditions are met. If they are met, it generates an opening command for the signal of the protected route. After the signal is opened, it continuously checks the signal opening conditions. If the conditions are met, it keeps the signal open; otherwise, it closes the signal.

[0034] Signal Reopening Module: After the route is established and the signal is successfully opened, the signal will be automatically closed if the signal interlocking equipment malfunctions or an operational error occurs. After the problem is manually confirmed and resolved, the signal will be reopened. If the signal interlocking equipment returns to normal, the signal will be opened.

[0035] Automatic route unlocking module: After the route is established and the signal is successfully opened, the route will automatically unlock or the turnaround unlock will be performed after the vehicle enters, leaves, or clears the route when the signal interlocking equipment is normal.

[0036] Manual delayed unlocking route module: If automatic route unlocking fails, manual delayed unlocking can be performed after manual confirmation of unlocking;

[0037] Manual route cancellation module: After a route is selected, changes to the scheduling plan require manual confirmation to cancel the route.

[0038] Section fault unlocking module: If a locked section fails to unlock automatically due to equipment failure or incorrect operation, manual confirmation is required to unlock the corresponding section.

[0039] Individual turnout control module: control of turnout equipment's overall positioning, overall reversal, individual interlocking, individual vehicle rotation, individual locking and unlocking operations;

[0040] Signal interlocking equipment tagging and detent Module: Tagging and detent tagged for maintenance of sections, signals, and turnouts.

[0041] Preferably, each functional module of the signal interlocking function module is controlled by a centralized dispatching system or by manual dispatching under the central interlocking control state;

[0042] In the central train control state, the relevant signal interlocking devices are processed and controlled by the lower-level device logic controller.

[0043] According to the present invention, a signal interlocking method compatible with both factory railway and train operation is provided, wherein the signal interlocking is performed using the aforementioned signal interlocking system compatible with both factory railway and train operation.

[0044] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0045] 1. This invention realizes the interlocking control of the ground signal interlocking equipment in the factory area, and provides interlocking protection for the ground signal interlocking equipment during locomotive operation;

[0046] 2. This invention can realize driverless locomotives in the autonomous control mode or emergency station control mode of interlocking equipment, as well as partial locomotive switching mode and overall locomotive switching mode with full manual driving under some manned locomotives;

[0047] 3. This invention achieves the technical effects of flexible equipment access, ensuring driving safety, and balancing production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structural relationship between the computer interlocking system and the coordination system.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the vehicle-mounted equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0052] This invention provides a signal interlocking method and system compatible with both factory railways and train operation. By combining the functions of train operation equipment with the computer interlocking system, it can not only meet the goals of intelligent and automated control, but also enable manual intervention in production in the factory area after the modification. It is a compatible development that takes into account the production needs of the factory area, improves the reliability and efficiency of the signal interlocking equipment, and ensures the safe and efficient operation of locomotive and molten iron dispatching and transportation in steel plants. It has great application prospects.

[0053] A computer-controlled interlocking system is a real-time control system that controls station signal interlocking equipment to achieve interlocking functions, ensuring train operation safety and improving efficiency. Its functions operate according to fail-safe principles, supporting high-performance redundancy mechanisms, standard communication protocol interfaces, compliance with the 6502 electrical signal control standard, and easy installation and deployment.

[0054] The computer interlocking system includes a signal interlocking function module. The signal interlocking function module includes the following functional modules:

[0055] Power-on unlocking module: After a computer interlocking system malfunctions or loses power, all interlocking devices enter a locked state under safety principles. Manual confirmation is required to power on and unlock the computer interlocking system to restart it.

[0056] Access control module: can switch between central interlocking control state and central train transfer control state. In the central interlocking control state, it is divided into autonomous mode that can receive instructions from the centralized dispatching system and emergency station control mode that can receive manual control instructions; when switching to the central train transfer control state, the signal interlocking equipment status is guided to the safety side.

[0057] The route establishment module determines whether there are hostile signals or encroachment on the track based on the route request issued by the automatic route system or the manual route arrangement. If the conditions are met, it selects and arranges the track, activates the turnouts, and establishes the route if the corresponding turnouts and track circuits are in the correct state.

[0058] Route locking module: After successful route establishment, check whether the route locking conditions are met. If they are met, lock the relevant track circuits, signals, and switch machines, and provide route locking variables and prompt information.

[0059] Signal opening module: Checks whether the signal opening conditions are met. If they are met, it generates an opening command for the signal on the protected route. After the signal is opened, it continuously checks the signal opening conditions. If the conditions are met, it keeps the signal open; otherwise, it closes the signal.

[0060] Signal Reopening Module: After route establishment and signal opening are successful, the signal will be automatically shut down if the signal interlocking equipment malfunctions or an operational error occurs. The signal can be reopened after manual confirmation that the problem has been resolved. If the signal interlocking equipment returns to normal, the signal will be reopened.

[0061] Automatic route unlocking module: After the route is established and the signal is successfully opened, the route will automatically unlock or the turnaround unlock will be performed after the vehicle enters, leaves, or clears the route when the signal interlocking equipment is normal.

[0062] Manual delayed unlocking route module: If the automatic unlocking of the route fails, the route can be manually unlocked after confirmation.

[0063] Manual route cancellation module: After a route is selected, changes to the scheduling plan can be made by manual confirmation to cancel the route.

[0064] Section fault unlocking module: If a locked section fails to unlock automatically due to equipment failure or incorrect operation, manual confirmation is required to unlock the corresponding section.

[0065] Individual turnout control module: controls the overall positioning, overall reversal, individual interlocking, individual vehicle rotation, individual locking, and individual unlocking of turnout equipment.

[0066] Signal interlocking equipment tagging and detent Module: Tagging and detent tagged for maintenance of sections, signals, and turnouts.

[0067] The various functional modules of the signal interlocking system can be controlled by a centralized dispatching system or manually under the central interlocking control state. Under the central train turn control state, the relevant signal interlocking equipment is processed and controlled by the lower-level device logic controller. Under different control states, the computer interlocking system has three working states:

[0068] Central interlocking control status: All signal interlocking equipment operates in accordance with the 6502 Electrical Centralization Rules, and performs routing, interlocking, signal activation and continuous equipment status checks under command;

[0069] Central turnout control status: All signal interlocking equipment is controlled by the field logic control box. The dispatcher directs the driver to control the signal interlocking equipment according to the turnout indicator light. The turnout equipment is moved through the semi-automatic control of the field operating lever, head button or back switch.

[0070] Individual equipment in the central interlocking control state is in the rotating state: All signal interlocking equipment still operates in accordance with the 6502 electrical centralized rules. During the routing, locking, signal opening and continuous equipment status checks, it is determined whether the individual turnout equipment is in the rotating state. In the rotating state, the control room is not allowed to operate the route, and only the field operating lever, head button or reverse switch is allowed to operate.

[0071] The on-site train control methods for relevant signal interlocking equipment are mainly set up according to different production conditions, and are divided into signal control mode, turnout pre-turnout mode, and turnout post-turnout mode:

[0072] Signal handling method: The operating lever can be used to observe the turn indicator light to check the status of the turnout in the direction of travel before the locomotive enters the relevant route. The signal is sent to the turnout control box by moving the operating lever to move the turnout, which is a means of manually driving the locomotive to select the route.

[0073] Before the turnout: The head button can be used to send a signal to the turnout control box to move the turnout when the locomotive is about to enter the turnout section, which is an efficient means of controlling the locomotive to switch tracks.

[0074] After the turnout: A back-turn switch can be used. When the locomotive presses into the section of the turnout from the opposite direction, the back-turn switch is directly triggered, and the turnout control box is automatically sent with a command to move the turnout. This is an automatic control method to prevent the locomotive from being squeezed out of the turnout for safe driving.

[0075] This invention combines the functions of train operation equipment in a computer interlocking system, which can not only meet the goals of intelligent and automated control, but also enable manual intervention in production in the plant area after the modification, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of signal interlocking equipment.

[0076] This invention, while realizing the interlocking safety protection function of signal interlocking equipment, also achieves compatibility with access control for train switching equipment. In addition to the autonomous control and emergency station control modes of the interlocking equipment, it retains the central interlocking, central train switching, and local train switching control modes of the train switching turnout equipment, and improves the overall transportation efficiency when unmanned locomotives and manned locomotives work simultaneously in the plant area.

[0077] This invention employs a turnout control box with built-in PLC access control logic, which can remotely switch the control modes of the turnout equipment switch machine, including central interlocking, central turnout, and local turnout, according to production needs via the control display machine. It can also automatically move and control the turnout using ground operating levers, head buttons, and reverse switch equipment.

[0078] This invention employs interlocking control logic under the turn-around authority of a computer interlocking system. It can enable the turn-around function of all switches using the central turn-around control method according to production needs, and the locomotive driver can perform the transportation task. While performing interlocking control under the central interlocking control method, it is also compatible with the turn-around control method of some switches.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in addition to implementing the system, apparatus, and their modules provided by this invention in purely computer-readable program code, the same program can be implemented in the form of logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic controllers, and embedded microcontrollers by logically programming the method steps. Therefore, the system, apparatus, and their modules provided by this invention can be considered a hardware component, and the modules included therein for implementing various programs can also be considered structures within the hardware component; alternatively, modules for implementing various functions can be considered both software programs implementing the method and structures within the hardware component.

[0080] The present invention also provides a signal interlocking method compatible with both factory railway and train operation, using the aforementioned signal interlocking system compatible with both factory railway and train operation for signal interlocking.

[0081] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. A plant railway and car switching compatible signal interlocking system, characterized by, include: Computer interlocking system; The operating states of the computer interlocking system include: Central interlocking control status: ensures all signal interlocking devices operate in accordance with centralized electrical rules, and performs routing, interlocking, signal activation, and continuous equipment status checks under command; Central turnout control status: All signal interlocking equipment is controlled by the field logic control box. The dispatcher directs the driver to control the signal interlocking equipment according to the turnout indicator light. The turnout equipment is moved through the semi-automatic control of the field operating lever, head button or reverse switch. The computer interlocking system also includes the following operating states: Under the central interlocking control, some individual equipment in the turnout state: All signal interlocking equipment still operates in accordance with the electrical centralized rules. During routing, locking, signal opening and continuous equipment status checks, it is determined whether a single turnout equipment is in the turnout state. In the turnout state, the control room is not allowed to operate the route, and only the field operating lever, head button or back switch is allowed to operate. The computer interlocking system includes: a signal interlocking function module; the signal interlocking function module includes: Access control module: Switches between central interlocking control state and central train transfer control state; under central interlocking control state, it is divided into autonomous mode that receives instructions from the centralized dispatching system and emergency station control mode that receives manual control instructions; when switching to central train transfer control state, it guides the signal interlocking equipment to the safety side for fault orientation. The turnout control box with built-in PLC uses access control logic to remotely switch the control modes of the turnout equipment switch machine, including central interlocking, central turnout, and local turnout, according to production needs. Ground operating levers, head buttons, and back-side switches are used to automatically control the turnout.

2. A plant railway and car transition compatible signal interlocking system according to claim 1, wherein, include: Signal interlocking equipment; The on-site train switching control methods of signal interlocking equipment include: signal control mode, turnout pre-turnout mode, and turnout post-turnout mode; Signal handling method: Use the operating lever to observe the turn indicator light before the locomotive enters the relevant route to check the status of the turnout in the direction of travel, and send a signal to the turnout control box by moving the operating lever to move the turnout, which is the means of manually driving the locomotive to select the route; Before the turnout: Using the head button, when the locomotive is about to enter the turnout section, the signal is sent to the turnout control box by pressing the button to move the turnout, which is a means of controlling the locomotive track switching operation. Back-to-turn switch method: When the locomotive presses into the section of the turnout from the opposite direction, the back-to-turn switch is directly triggered, and the turnout control box is automatically sent to move the turnout as an automatic control means to prevent the locomotive from being squeezed out of the turnout for safe driving.

3. The plant railroad and car transition compatible signal interlocking system as recited in claim 1 wherein, In addition to the autonomous control and emergency station control modes of the signal interlocking equipment, the central interlocking, central turnout, and local turnout control modes of the turnout equipment are retained.

4. The signal interlocking system for factory railways and train operation compatible with claim 1, characterized in that, The interlocking control logic under the turn-around authority of the computer interlocking system is adopted. According to production needs, the turn-around function of all switches is enabled by the central turn-around control state and the locomotive driver performs the transportation task. While performing interlocking control under the central interlocking control state, it is also compatible with the turn-around control mode of some switches.

5. The plant railroad and car transition compatible signal interlocking system as recited in claim 1 wherein, The signal interlocking function module also includes any one or more of the following function modules: Power-on unlocking module: In the event of a malfunction or power failure in the computer interlocking system, all interlocking devices are locked under safety principles. The computer interlocking system is then restarted after manual confirmation of power-on unlocking. Route Establishment Module: Based on the route request issued by the automatic route system or the route arrangement request issued manually, and under the condition that there is no hostile signal intrusion or occupation, the route is selected and arranged. If the operating turnout, the corresponding turnout of the route, and the track circuit status are correct, then the route is established. Route locking module: If the route is successfully established, check whether the route locking conditions are met. If they are met, lock the relevant track circuits, signals, and switch machines, and provide route locking variables and prompt information. Signal opening module: Checks whether the signal opening conditions are met. If they are met, it generates an opening command for the signal of the protected route. After the signal is opened, it continuously checks the signal opening conditions. If the conditions are met, it keeps the signal open; otherwise, it closes the signal. Signal Reopening Module: After the route is established and the signal is successfully opened, the signal will be automatically closed if the signal interlocking equipment malfunctions or an operational error occurs. After the problem is manually confirmed and resolved, the signal will be reopened. If the signal interlocking equipment returns to normal, the signal will be opened. Automatic route unlocking module: After the route is established and the signal is successfully opened, the route will automatically unlock or the turnaround unlock will be performed after the vehicle enters, leaves, or clears the route when the signal interlocking equipment is normal. Manual delayed unlocking route module: If automatic route unlocking fails, manual delayed unlocking can be performed after manual confirmation of unlocking; Manual route cancellation module: After a route is selected, changes to the scheduling plan require manual confirmation to cancel the route. Section fault unlocking module: If a locked section fails to unlock automatically due to equipment failure or incorrect operation, manual confirmation is required to unlock the corresponding section. Individual turnout control module: control of turnout equipment's overall positioning, overall reversal, individual interlocking, individual vehicle rotation, individual locking and unlocking operations; Signal interlocking equipment tagging and detent Module: Tagging and detent tagged for maintenance of sections, signals, and turnouts.

6. The signal interlocking system compatible with both factory railway and train operation as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each functional module of the signal interlocking function module is controlled by a centralized dispatching system or by manual dispatching under the central interlocking control state; In the central train control state, the relevant signal interlocking devices are processed and controlled by the lower-level device logic controller.

7. A method of signal interlocking for yard railroads compatible with car switching, characterized by, Signal interlocking is performed using the signal interlocking system compatible with both the factory railway and train operation, as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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