Railway plant site safety protection method and system

Abstract

The application provides a plant railway station site safety protection method and system, which comprises a control system, a linkage system and a visual identification system; the visual identification system monitors the station site boundary in real time and sends an abnormal alarm to the control system when an abnormality is identified; the control system sends an emergency treatment notice to the personnel and the linkage system after the abnormal alarm; the linkage system triggers a linkage response after receiving the emergency treatment notice. The application can automatically enter and exit the plant according to the access conditions of the station site, linkage of the corresponding station site equipment and vehicles, and real-time safety protection during the vehicle entering process and after entering the plant, so as to ensure the safe and effective operation of the unmanned train in the station site of the steel plant and emergency braking when necessary, and has a great application prospect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of work site safety protection in smart factories, specifically to a method and system for safety protection of railway work sites in factory areas. Background Technology

[0002] The molten iron transportation system is the connecting process between ironmaking and steelmaking in steel enterprises, and is the "lifeline" of the steel manufacturing process. Blast furnaces and steelmaking are continuous production processes, and the transportation of molten iron cannot be interrupted. Moreover, blast furnace production places extremely high demands on the timeliness of railway transportation. In addition, locomotive drivers operate the locomotives outdoors, where the environment in blast furnaces and steelmaking areas is dusty and the working environment is harsh. Molten iron is transported at high temperatures and there is a risk of spillage, posing a safety risk to the drivers. Therefore, the adoption of unmanned (automatic) systems for molten iron transportation in steel plants, enabling intelligent and efficient transportation operations and ensuring safe production, has become a trend in the development of steel enterprises and is also an important part of the construction of smart factories.

[0003] To achieve unmanned operation and full automation of molten iron transportation by rail in the plant area, it is essential to implement safety management and control measures at blast furnaces and steelmaking sites to ensure safe operation and production.

[0004] 1) Safety is the top priority; it is necessary to ensure the safety of train operation as well as the safety of relevant personnel.

[0005] 2) Prioritize ensuring safety through technological means, using management methods as a supplementary measure;

[0006] 3) The system promptly detects abnormal situations and takes measures such as alarms and shutdown. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the deficiencies in the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide a safety protection method and system for railway work sites in factory areas.

[0008] A safety protection system for railway work sites in a factory area, provided by the present invention, includes: a control system, a linkage system, and a visual recognition system;

[0009] The visual recognition system monitors the boundaries of work sites in real time and sends an alarm to the control system when an anomaly is detected.

[0010] Upon receiving an abnormal alarm, the control system sends an emergency response notification to personnel and the linkage system.

[0011] Upon receiving an emergency response notification, the linkage system triggers a coordinated response.

[0012] Preferably, the visual recognition system includes thermal imaging binocular cameras installed at the blast furnace and steelmaking work site to monitor the clearance in real time and detect abnormal ambient temperature for alarm purposes.

[0013] After receiving an abnormal alarm, the control system reminds the operator to take emergency measures and notifies the linkage system to trigger automatic vehicle linkage.

[0014] Preferably, the control system collects and monitors the status of equipment such as roller shutters, automatic power-on devices, automatic power-on device control boxes, factory gate signals, and charging piles at the work site in real time, and promptly alarms when abnormal situations are detected.

[0015] Preferably, for unmanned vehicles entering the work site, in addition to the equipment meeting safety conditions and the factory gate signal green light, the central control camera of the visual recognition system allows central control personnel to check whether the clearance is normal through the central control camera and remotely confirm it when it is normal;

[0016] The linkage system uses the factory signal control box to link the factory gate, access road, control commands and signal lights, and realize risk identification, alarm and handling of each process.

[0017] Preferably, when an empty can enters the blast furnace work site, the instruction is sent to the blast furnace work site, the vehicle automatically stops in front of the work site gate signal and automatically triggers the control system;

[0018] The control system checks the green light of the factory gate signal light and whether the charging device has been retracted. It automatically deploys the thermal imaging camera at the corresponding work point. After manual inspection confirms that the work point clearance is safe, the control system automatically sends a work point alignment command to the automatic driving system. After the vehicle alignment is completed, the linkage system continues to interlock and protect the work point vehicle from moving until it receives the command that the blast furnace molten iron separation is completed and the heavy ladle is discharged from the blast furnace. Then, it enters the interlock protection procedure for the heavy ladle being discharged from the blast furnace.

[0019] Preferably, the control system checks the green light of the gate signal light, checks whether the charging device has stopped charging and retracted the charging device, the control system automatically deploys the thermal imaging camera at the corresponding work site, and after the manual inspection confirms that the work site clearance is safe, the control system automatically sends a command to the automatic driving system to leave the work site. Only after the vehicle leaves the blast furnace will the control system end the protection of the corresponding blast furnace area.

[0020] During the alignment process, as long as the factory gate signal light does not receive a green light, the roller shutter door does not receive a signal that it is in the open position, or the power connection device is in the extended state, the linkage system will apply emergency braking to the vehicle.

[0021] Preferably, for the heavy tank entering the steelmaking station, the instruction is sent to the steelmaking station, the vehicle automatically stops in front of the station gate signal and automatically triggers the control system;

[0022] The control system checks the green light of the factory gate signal light, the information that the roller shutter door is in position, and whether the automatic power connection device is in the returned state. It also checks whether the power connection device is de-energized. If it is not de-energized, the control system must automatically de-energize the power connection device when the factory gate signal light is green and the forearm is in the returned state. This ensures that the power connection device will not extend and be damaged during the vehicle's entry into the steelmaking work site. At the same time, the control system automatically extends the thermal imaging camera that serves as the central control camera at the corresponding work site. After manual inspection confirms that the work site clearance is safe, the control system automatically sends a work site alignment command to the automatic driving system. After the vehicle is aligned, the control system powers on the power connection device and triggers an arrival intercom signal to the steelmaking side. The linkage system interlocks to protect the vehicle at the work site and prevents it from moving.

[0023] Preferably, the interlock protection procedure for empty tank exiting steelmaking begins only after the steelmaking tank transfer is completed and the instruction to exit the steelmaking tank for empty tank is received.

[0024] The control system checks the green light of the factory gate signal light, the information that the roller shutter door is in position, and the status of the automatic power connection device. When the factory gate signal light is green and the forearm is in position, the control system automatically disconnects the power connection device to ensure that the power connection device will not extend and be damaged during the vehicle's entry into the steelmaking station. At the same time, the control system automatically deploys the thermal imaging camera that serves as the central control camera at the corresponding station. After manual inspection confirms that the station's clearance is safe, the control system automatically sends a command to the automatic driving system to leave the station. Only after the vehicle leaves the steelmaking area does the control system terminate the corresponding steelmaking area protection.

[0025] During the alignment process, as long as the factory gate signal light does not receive a green light, the roller shutter door does not receive a signal that it is in the open position, or the power connection device is in the extended state, the linkage system will apply emergency braking to the vehicle.

[0026] Preferably, a thermal imaging camera is installed at the location of the molten iron nozzle at the work site, providing diagonal illumination. The visual recognition system monitors this location 24 / 7 and frames the area of ​​the torpedo ladle car in the gap under the track for thermal imaging detection. When a foreign object with a temperature higher than a set value is detected falling through the framed area, the control system automatically issues an alarm and sends the alarm camera number and location information to the central control system via the linkage system for related actions. Relevant personnel are notified to confirm safety on-site before resuming operations. If the temperature in the area detected by the on-site thermal imaging binocular camera is too high, the control system will alarm. After the molten iron transportation central control personnel confirm the molten iron leakage through the camera, they will notify the blast furnace or steelmaking department for timely handling.

[0027] According to the present invention, a safety protection method for railway work sites in factory areas is provided, which employs the aforementioned safety protection system for railway work sites in factory areas for protection.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] 1. This invention can ensure the safe and effective operation of unmanned trains in steel plant areas at work sites and can perform emergency braking when necessary, which has great application prospects.

[0030] 2. This invention can automatically enter and exit the factory by linking the corresponding work site equipment and vehicles after confirming that the site meets the entry conditions based on the access conditions of the work site, and provide real-time safety protection during and after the vehicles enter the factory.

[0031] 3. This invention uses an intelligent identification system to match and link models, so that staff can be notified immediately after a train slippage occurs on site, minimizing the losses caused by the slippage. Attached Figure Description

[0032] 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:

[0033] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the safety protection system and the supporting system at the railway work site in a steel plant area. Detailed Implementation

[0034] 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.

[0035] The use of unmanned (autonomous driving) systems for molten iron transportation on the plant's railway has become a trend in the development of steel enterprises, with intelligent and efficient transportation operations and safe production. To achieve unmanned driving and full automation of the molten iron transportation process on the plant's railway, it is necessary to implement safety management and control over blast furnaces and steelmaking sites to ensure safe operation and production.

[0036] Foreign object intrusion into the clearance gauge of vehicles at workstations within the plant is characterized by its suddenness, irregularity, and unpredictability. Before the unmanned conversion, locomotive drivers or shunting operators would check the conditions for entering the plant at the workstation and then check the clearance safety upon arrival. Moreover, the workstations are often unmanned, and it often takes a considerable amount of time for molten iron to be discovered after it has run away. The longer the time, the more difficult the rescue becomes. Once the molten iron solidifies, the vehicle becomes extremely difficult to pull out, further expanding the impact on safe production and causing economic losses.

[0037] This invention addresses the process scenarios of molten iron transportation on railway work sites in steel plants. It provides a safety protection system and method for railway work sites in steel plants, which provides safety protection for unmanned trains at blast furnace and steelmaking work sites and performs emergency braking when necessary. The basic principle of the solution is to ensure train operation safety while taking into account production efficiency.

[0038] This invention links a signal interlocking system with the entry conditions at work sites, adds intelligent sensing and identification equipment to sense and identify the safe production environment at work sites, and ensures safe operation and production by linking with an onboard unmanned driving system.

[0039] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the safety protection system and the coordination system at the railway work site in a steel plant area. The safety protection system at the railway work site includes a visual recognition system, a control system, and a linkage system.

[0040] Specifically, thermal imaging binocular cameras are installed at the blast furnace and steelmaking work sites to monitor the clearance in real time and detect abnormal ambient temperatures, triggering alarms. Upon receiving an alarm, the control system promptly alerts operators to take emergency measures and simultaneously notifies the linkage system to trigger automatic vehicle linkage. The control system collects and monitors the status of the work site's roller shutters, automatic power-on devices, automatic power-on device control boxes, gate signals, and charging piles in real time, promptly alarming upon detecting abnormalities. Before unmanned vehicles enter the work site, in addition to ensuring the above-mentioned equipment meets the requirements and the gate signal is green, a remote confirmation step is added by the central control personnel, who check the clearance status through the central control camera. The linkage system, through the plant signal control box, enables linkage of the gate, access routes, control commands, and signal lights, realizing risk identification, alarm, and handling functions for each process.

[0041] When an empty ladle enters the blast furnace workstation, the command is sent to the workstation. The vehicle automatically drives to the workstation gate signal and stops, automatically triggering the control system. The control system checks the gate signal light (green) and whether the charging device has been retracted. The system automatically deploys the thermal imaging camera at the corresponding workstation. After manual verification that the workstation clearance is safe, the control system automatically sends a workstation alignment command to the automatic driving system. After alignment, the vehicle continues to be protected at the workstation and remains stationary until the blast furnace molten iron separation is completed and the ladle is removed from the blast furnace, at which point the interlock protection procedure for removing the ladle from the blast furnace is initiated. The control system checks the gate signal light (green) and whether the charging device has stopped charging and retracted. The system automatically deploys the thermal imaging camera at the corresponding workstation. After manual verification that the workstation clearance is safe, the control system automatically sends a departure command to the automatic driving system. Only after the vehicle leaves the blast furnace does the control system terminate the corresponding blast furnace area protection. During alignment, if the gate signal light is not green, the roller shutter door is not fully open, or the power connection arm is extended, the vehicle is subjected to emergency braking.

[0042] For the steelmaking work site where the heavy ladle is being loaded, upon receiving the instruction, the vehicle automatically drives to the work site and stops before the gate signal, automatically triggering the control system. The control system checks the gate signal light (green), the roller shutter door's position, and whether the automatic power-on device is in the homing state. It also checks if the power-on device is de-energized. If not, it automatically de-energizes the device when the gate signal light is green and the boom is in the homing state, ensuring the device doesn't extend and get damaged during the vehicle's entry into the steelmaking work site. Simultaneously, the control system automatically deploys the thermal imaging camera (serving as the central control camera) at the corresponding work site. After manual verification confirms the work site's clearance safety, the control system automatically sends a work site alignment instruction to the automatic driving system. After alignment, the control system powers on the power-on device and triggers a positioning intercom signal to the steelmaking team, interlocking the system to prevent the vehicle from moving at the work site. This continues until the steelmaking process is completed and the empty ladle is ready to leave the steelmaking site, at which point the empty ladle leaving the steelmaking site interlock protection procedure begins. The control system checks the green light on the factory gate signal, the rolling shutter door's open position, and the automatic power-on device's return status. When the factory gate signal is green and the arm is in the return position, the control system automatically disconnects the power-on device to ensure it doesn't extend and get damaged during the vehicle's entry into the steelmaking area. Simultaneously, the control system automatically deploys the thermal imaging camera (serving as the central control camera) at the corresponding work site. After manual verification that the work site's clearance is safe, the control system automatically sends a departure command to the automatic driving system. Only after the vehicle leaves the steelmaking area does the control system terminate the corresponding steelmaking area protection. During the alignment process, if the factory gate signal is not green, the rolling shutter door is not open to the required position, or the power-on device's arm is extended, the vehicle is subjected to emergency braking.

[0043] Considering the poor environment and limited visibility at the blast furnace and steelmaking work sites, thermal imaging cameras are installed at the iron inlet locations. The monitoring equipment provides diagonal illumination to this location, enabling 24-hour continuous monitoring. The cameras also frame the area where the torpedo ladle car will pass under the tracks, performing thermal imaging detection. When an object with a temperature exceeding a set value is detected falling into the framed area, the control system automatically issues an alarm. The alarm camera's number and location information are then sent to the central control system via a linkage system for further coordination. Relevant personnel are notified to confirm safety on-site before resuming operations. If the temperature in the area detected by the on-site thermal imaging binocular camera is too high, the control system will alarm. After confirming the leakage of molten iron through the camera, the blast furnace or steelmaking personnel will notify them for timely handling.

[0044] 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.

[0045] According to the present invention, a safety protection method for railway work sites in factory areas is provided, which employs the aforementioned safety protection system for railway work sites in factory areas for protection.

[0046] 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 safety protection system for railway work sites in factory areas, characterized in that, include: Control system, linkage system, visual recognition system; The visual recognition system monitors the boundaries of work sites in real time and sends an alarm to the control system when an anomaly is detected. Upon receiving an abnormal alarm, the control system sends an emergency response notification to personnel and the linkage system. Upon receiving an emergency response notification, the linkage system triggers a coordinated response. The visual recognition system includes thermal imaging binocular cameras installed at the blast furnace and steelmaking work sites to monitor the clearance in real time and detect abnormal ambient temperatures to issue alarms. After receiving an abnormal alarm, the control system reminds the operator to take emergency measures and at the same time notifies the linkage system to trigger automatic vehicle linkage. The control system collects and monitors the status of equipment such as roller shutters, automatic power-on devices, automatic power-on device control boxes, factory gate signals, and charging piles at the work site in real time, and promptly alarms when abnormal situations are detected. For unmanned vehicles entering the work site, in addition to the equipment meeting safety conditions, the factory gate signal green light and the central control camera of the vision recognition system allow central control personnel to check whether the clearance is normal and remotely confirm it when it is normal. The linkage system uses the factory signal control box to link the factory gate, access route, control commands and signal lights, and realize risk identification, alarm and handling of each process. The control system checks the green light of the factory gate signal light and whether the charging device has stopped charging and retracted the charging device. The control system automatically deploys the thermal imaging camera at the corresponding work site. After the manual inspection confirms that the work site clearance is safe, the control system automatically sends a command to the automatic driving system to leave the work site. Only after the vehicle leaves the blast furnace will the control system end the corresponding blast furnace area protection. During the alignment process, as long as the factory gate signal light does not receive a green light, the roller shutter door does not receive a signal that it is in the open position, or the power connection device is in the extended state, the linkage system will apply emergency braking to the vehicle.

2. The safety protection system for railway work sites in factory areas according to claim 1, characterized in that, When an empty canister is brought into the blast furnace work site, the instruction is sent to the blast furnace work site, and the vehicle automatically stops in front of the work site gate signal and automatically triggers the control system. The control system checks the green light of the factory gate signal light and whether the charging device has been retracted. It automatically deploys the thermal imaging camera at the corresponding work point. After manual inspection confirms that the work point clearance is safe, the control system automatically sends a work point alignment command to the automatic driving system. After the vehicle alignment is completed, the linkage system continues to interlock and protect the work point vehicle from moving until it receives the command that the blast furnace molten iron separation is completed and the heavy ladle is discharged from the blast furnace. Then, it enters the interlock protection procedure for the heavy ladle being discharged from the blast furnace.

3. The safety protection system for railway work sites in factory areas according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the heavy tank enters the steelmaking station, the instruction is sent to the steelmaking station, the vehicle automatically stops in front of the station gate signal and automatically triggers the control system. The control system checks the green light of the factory gate signal light, the information that the roller shutter door is in position, and whether the automatic power connection device is in the returned state. It also checks whether the power connection device is de-energized. If it is not de-energized, the control system must automatically de-energize the power connection device when the factory gate signal light is green and the forearm is in the returned state. This ensures that the power connection device will not extend and be damaged during the vehicle's entry into the steelmaking work site. At the same time, the control system automatically extends the thermal imaging camera that serves as the central control camera at the corresponding work site. After manual inspection confirms that the work site clearance is safe, the control system automatically sends a work site alignment command to the automatic driving system. After the vehicle is aligned, the control system powers on the power connection device and triggers an arrival intercom signal to the steelmaking side. The linkage system interlocks to protect the vehicle at the work site and prevents it from moving.

4. The safety protection system for railway work sites in factory areas according to claim 3, characterized in that, Until the steelmaking process is completed and the empty tank is discharged from the steelmaking process, the interlock protection procedure for the empty tank discharge from the steelmaking process is initiated. The control system checks the green light of the factory gate signal light, the information that the roller shutter door is in position, and the status of the automatic power connection device. When the factory gate signal light is green and the forearm is in position, the control system automatically disconnects the power connection device to ensure that the power connection device will not extend and be damaged during the vehicle's entry into the steelmaking station. At the same time, the control system automatically deploys the thermal imaging camera that serves as the central control camera at the corresponding station. After manual inspection confirms that the station's clearance is safe, the control system automatically sends a command to the automatic driving system to leave the station. Only after the vehicle leaves the steelmaking area does the control system terminate the corresponding steelmaking area protection. During the alignment process, as long as the factory gate signal light does not receive a green light, the roller shutter door does not receive a signal that it is in the open position, or the power connection device is in the extended state, the linkage system will apply emergency braking to the vehicle.

5. The safety protection system for railway work sites in factory areas according to claim 1, characterized in that, A thermal imaging camera is installed at the location of the molten iron nozzle at the work site, providing diagonal illumination. The visual recognition system monitors this location 24 / 7 and frames the area under the torpedo ladle car within the track gap for thermal imaging detection. When a foreign object with a temperature exceeding a set value is detected falling into the framed area, the control system automatically issues an alarm and sends the alarm camera number and location information to the central control system via a linkage system for further action. Relevant personnel are notified to confirm safety on-site before resuming operations. If the temperature in the area detected by the on-site thermal imaging binocular camera is too high, the control system alarms. After the molten iron transport central control personnel confirm the leakage through the camera, they notify the blast furnace or steelmaking department for timely handling.

6. A safety protection method for railway work sites in factory areas, characterized in that, The safety protection system for the factory railway work site as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 shall be used for protection.

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