Rail switching control system and method for locomotive vehicle transfer rail switching equipment

The track transfer control system composed of a signal marking unit and a control unit automatically controls the deceleration and shutdown of the transfer and track changing equipment, solving the problem of low track accuracy under traditional manual operation, improving the efficiency and accuracy of track transfer, and reducing operating costs.

CN118991860BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-12TANGSHAN BAICHUAN INTELLIGENT MACHINE
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411479476.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-23
Publication Date
2025-09-12
Estimated Expiration
2044-10-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional transfer and track-changing equipment relies on manual operation, resulting in low track alignment accuracy, affecting track-changing efficiency and cost, and limiting its application in modern rail transit systems.

Method used

The track transfer control system consists of a signal marking unit, a signal acquisition and processing unit, and a control unit. The signal marking unit provides position and deceleration position signals, the signal acquisition and processing unit identifies the target track, and the control unit automatically controls the deceleration and shutdown of the transfer track changing equipment.

Benefits of technology

The automated track alignment of the transfer and track changing equipment has been realized, which has improved the accuracy and efficiency of track alignment, reduced manual intervention and lowered operating costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention discloses a track switching control system and method for locomotive vehicle transfer and track changing equipment, which relates to the field of vehicle transfer technology to solve the problem of low automation of existing conversion systems. The signal marking unit stores the position information and identification information of the vehicle track, and is set in a one-to-one correspondence with the driving track; the server obtains the identification information of the signal marking unit associated with the target track according to the received conversion requirements and target track, plans the running direction of the transfer and track changing equipment, and generates an operation instruction; sends the identification signal to the signal acquisition and processing unit; the signal acquisition and processing unit collects and identifies the signal marking unit associated with the target track, and generates an operation instruction according to the signal marking unit; the control unit controls the operation of the transfer and track changing equipment according to the transfer instruction of the server; controls the transfer and track changing equipment to slow down and stop according to the operation instruction of the signal acquisition and processing unit to complete the track alignment. The above system and method realize the automatic track switching of the transfer and track changing equipment.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle transfer, and in particular to a track switching control system and method for locomotive vehicle transfer track switching equipment. Background Art

[0002] Turntable and transfer platform are used as locomotive and vehicle transfer and track changing equipment for vehicles to change tracks. The structure of turntable and transfer platform is as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, with the development of rail transit, turntables and transfer platforms, as key infrastructure, have become increasingly important in terms of their role and efficiency. The turntable is circular in design, with a transfer rail installed on it. The turntable rotates along a fixed axis to enable track changes. The transfer platform is located in the maintenance depot and transfers trains laterally from their current track to another parallel track during train maintenance operations.

[0003] Traditional rail-switching equipment requires manual operation, requiring operators to manually operate a control cabinet on-site. When the equipment needs to slow down and align, the on-site operator decelerates via the friction motor's coaxial brake disc to align the transfer track with the connecting vehicle track (i.e., the target track). However, during on-site control, operators rely solely on experience to determine the timing for deceleration and shutdown of the transfer track. Due to the high inertia of the vehicle body as it moves with the transfer track, deceleration and alignment are difficult, resulting in low alignment accuracy. To improve alignment accuracy, the position of the transfer track must be repeatedly adjusted to align the transfer track with the target track, severely impacting the efficiency of the rail-switching operation. After alignment is complete, the on-site operator engages the mechanical locking pin on the transfer track to lock it.

[0004] The above problems not only affect the operating efficiency of the transfer and track changing equipment, but also increase the operating costs, and limit the application effect and expansion potential of the turntable or moving platform in the modern rail transit system.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a track switching control system for a transfer track changing device to improve the accuracy and efficiency of track alignment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a track switching control system and method for locomotive and vehicle transfer and track switching equipment.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0008] Provided is a track switching control system for locomotive and vehicle transfer and track switching equipment, comprising a server, a signal acquisition and processing unit, a control unit, and a signal marking unit, wherein the signal acquisition and processing unit and the control unit are electrically connected to the server;

[0009] The signal marking unit is used to provide the signal acquisition and processing unit with the position information and identification information of the driving rail, and to provide the transfer and track changing equipment with the deceleration position signal and the alignment position signal. The signal marking unit is arranged at the end of the driving rail and is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the driving rail;

[0010] The server pre-stores the association information between the running track and the signal marking unit, and is used to receive the change requirement and target track input by the user, and obtain the identification information of the signal marking unit associated with the target track based on the received change requirement and target track, plan the running direction of the transfer track changing equipment, and generate an operation instruction; it is also used to send the operation instruction to the control unit, and send the identification information of the read signal marking unit to the signal acquisition and processing unit;

[0011] The signal acquisition and processing unit is installed at the end of the transfer rail, and is used to collect identification information of the signal marking unit and identify the signal marking unit associated with the target track based on the identification information; it is also used to generate an operation instruction based on the deceleration position signal and the alignment position signal provided by the signal marking unit associated with the target track, and send the operation instruction to the control unit;

[0012] The control unit is used to control the operation of the transfer track changing equipment according to the transfer instructions received from the server; it is also used to control the transfer track changing equipment to slow down and stop according to the operation instructions received from the signal acquisition and processing unit to complete the track alignment.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0014] The server of the track switching control system for locomotive vehicle transfer and track changing equipment in this application will generate an operating instruction based on the input target track and conversion requirements, obtain the position information of the target track and the identification information of the signal marking unit associated with the target track, as well as the deceleration micro-signal and alignment signal preset by the signal marking unit, and plan the running direction of the transfer and track changing equipment; the signal acquisition and processing unit will collect the signal of the signal marking unit, and judge whether to enter the target track area based on the identification information associated with the target track sent by the server, and will also generate an operating instruction based on the deceleration micro-signal and alignment signal of the collected signal marking unit, and send the operating instruction to the control unit, which controls the transfer and track changing equipment to perform deceleration and shutdown operations to complete the final track alignment. The above-mentioned track switching control system can accurately judge whether the transfer and track changing equipment has entered the target track area based on the identification information of the collected signal marking unit, determine the position of the transfer rail based on the position information of the collected signal marking unit, and can also generate corresponding operating instructions based on the signal of the collected signal marking unit, and perform deceleration and shutdown actions through the control unit. The judgment of the transfer rail position, the execution of deceleration and shutdown operations are automatically performed by the transfer rail control system, no longer relying on the experience of the operator, and no longer requiring multiple rail adjustments, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of rail alignment.

[0015] The present invention also provides a rail switching control method for a locomotive vehicle transfer rail switching device, characterized in that a signal marking device storing position information and identification information of the rail is arranged at the end of the rail, and the signal marking device is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the rail. The rail switching control includes the following steps:

[0016] Track change task input: receiving the change requirement and target track input by the user, and obtaining the position information of the target track and the identification information of the signal marker associated with the target track based on the received change requirement and target track, as well as the pre-stored association information between the driving track and the signal marker;

[0017] Formulate a track change plan: plan the running direction of the transfer track change equipment, generate operation instructions, and control the transfer track change equipment to move toward the target track according to the planned movement direction according to the operation instructions;

[0018] Identify the target track: During the track change process, the identification information of the signal marking device is collected in real time. Based on the obtained identification information, it is determined whether the collected identification information is the signal marking device associated with the target track. Until the identification information that is the same as the obtained identification information is collected, the target track area is entered;

[0019] Signal acquisition and processing: sequentially acquires the deceleration position signal and alignment position signal set by the signal marker device associated with the target track; generates a start deceleration instruction based on the deceleration position signal, and generates a stop instruction based on the alignment position signal; and generates a dynamic deceleration instruction during the interval between the acquisition of the deceleration position signal and the acquisition of the alignment position signal;

[0020] Track change process control: control the transfer track change equipment to start deceleration movement according to the start deceleration instruction, control the transfer track change equipment to dynamically decelerate movement according to the dynamic deceleration instruction, and the movement speed of the transfer track change equipment gradually decreases until the stop instruction is received to control the transfer track change equipment to stop.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the track switching control method for locomotive vehicle transfer and track changing equipment provided by the present invention are the same as the beneficial effects of the track switching control system for locomotive vehicle transfer and track changing equipment described in the above technical solution, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Other and further objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description. The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate examples of the various forms of the invention. The drawings should not be construed as limiting the invention to illustrate all possible forms and configurations. It is understood that changes and substitutions may be made to the various components of the invention. The invention also resides in subcombinations and subsystems of the described elements, and in methods of using the same.

[0023] In the attached figure:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a system layout diagram when the transfer track changing equipment is a turntable in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a system layout diagram when the transfer track changing equipment is a moving platform in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram before the turntable starts switching;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the turntable switching process;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram after the turntable is switched into place;

[0029] Figure 6 is a schematic flow chart of an automatic switching method in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a flow chart of the turntable operation card control in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Reference numerals:

[0032] 10-transfer track changing equipment, 15-transfer track, 20-driving track, A1-non-target track area, A2-starting position of coding cable, A3-track alignment position of coding cable on the first traveling track, A4-track alignment position of coding cable on the second traveling track, A5-end position of coding cable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being “fixed on” or “disposed on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being “connected to” another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined. "Several" means one or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0037] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and may encompass internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, the present invention provides a track switching control system for locomotive and vehicle transfer and track switching equipment, characterized in that it includes a server, a signal acquisition and processing unit, a control unit, and a signal marking unit, wherein the signal acquisition and processing unit and the control unit are electrically connected to the server;

[0039] The signal marking unit is used to provide the signal acquisition and processing unit with the position information and identification information of the driving rail, and to provide the transfer and track changing equipment with the deceleration position signal and the alignment position signal. The signal marking unit is arranged at the end of the driving rail and is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the driving rail;

[0040] The server pre-stores the association information between the running track and the signal marking unit, and is used to receive the change requirement and target track input by the user, and obtain the identification information of the signal marking unit associated with the target track based on the received change requirement and target track, plan the running direction of the transfer track changing equipment, and generate an operation instruction; it is also used to send the operation instruction to the control unit, and send the identification information of the read signal marking unit to the signal acquisition and processing unit;

[0041] The signal acquisition and processing unit is installed at the end of the transfer rail, and is used to collect identification information of the signal marking unit and identify the signal marking unit associated with the target track based on the identification information; it is also used to generate an operation instruction based on the deceleration position signal and the alignment position signal provided by the signal marking unit associated with the target track, and send the operation instruction to the control unit;

[0042] The control unit is used to control the operation of the transfer track changing equipment according to the transfer instructions received from the server; it is also used to control the transfer track changing equipment to slow down and stop according to the operation instructions received from the signal acquisition and processing unit to complete the track alignment.

[0043] When implementing:

[0044] Railway vehicle bases, locomotive depots, or vehicle depots require vehicle dispatching to organize trains or perform maintenance and repairs. Turntables or moving platforms can quickly change the direction of a vehicle or move it to a designated track, playing a key role in vehicle dispatching. The track switching control system claimed in this application is a system for controlling the track switching process on turntables and moving platforms.

[0045] In a turntable application scenario, a turntable is provided with a turntable rail, and multiple running rails are provided around the turntable that can be connected by the turntable rails. The turntable rotates to connect to the corresponding running rails, facilitating the passage of vehicles on the turntable. In a mobile platform application scenario, multiple running rails that can be connected by the turntable rails are provided along the direction of movement of the mobile platform. The mobile platform moves to the corresponding position to connect to different running rails.

[0046] The signal marker unit in the track switching control system is installed before the system is put into operation. The signal marker unit is generally installed on the environment outside the turntable or moving platform, at an appropriate distance from the turntable or moving platform to ensure the accuracy and clarity of the collected signal. The signal marker unit can choose a coding cable, or other devices or forms that can perform continuous positioning (such as continuously changing resistance, continuously changing current, or QR code form). When it is a turntable, the signal marker unit is set in a ring around the turntable based on the circumference of the turntable, or it can be set in an intermittent manner. When it is set in an intermittent manner, the signal marker unit is located at the end of the running track. Preferably, the straight-line distance between the two ends of the signal marker unit is greater than the distance between the two rails of the running track. It extends a certain length on the outside of the rail and is set symmetrically. When it is a moving platform, the signal marker unit is set horizontally along the movement direction of the transfer and track switching equipment. It can be set continuously or in an intermittent manner. When it is set in an intermittent manner, multiple sections of signal marker units are set at the end of the running track and are set in a symmetrical manner.

[0047] The signal marker unit is set up one-to-one with the train track, with unique identification information that can distinguish the train track and also records the train track's position information. The signal marker unit is also equipped with a deceleration position signal (marker) and an alignment position signal (marker). The deceleration position signal is set outside the alignment position signal. The position of the alignment position signal is the alignment mark position, preferably located in the middle of the two train track rails.

[0048] The signal acquisition and processing unit is arranged at the end of the transfer rail, preferably in the middle of the two rails of the transfer rail. It is possible to determine whether the running rail area where the transfer rail is located is the target rail area based on the identification information; the relative position information of the transfer rail and the running rail can also be determined based on the position information of the collected signal marking unit. When the deceleration position signal and the alignment position signal are collected, the corresponding start deceleration instruction and stop instruction are generated. The control unit controls the transfer track changing device to perform the deceleration movement according to the start deceleration instruction, and controls the transfer track changing device to perform the stop action according to the stop instruction. A dynamic deceleration instruction is also generated after the deceleration position signal is collected and before the alignment position signal is collected. The control unit controls the transfer track changing device to perform the dynamic deceleration action according to the dynamic deceleration instruction, and gradually reduces the operating speed of the transfer track changing device until the speed is reduced to zero and stops when the alignment position signal is collected.

[0049] User-input transformation requirements include forward and reverse motion, and the target trajectory can be selected either as input or in the interface. For a turntable, forward motion corresponds to clockwise rotation, while reverse motion corresponds to counterclockwise rotation. For a dolly, forward motion corresponds to forward movement, while reverse motion corresponds to reverse movement.

[0050] On-site track switching is divided into track switching operations and non-track switching operations. Non-track switching operations are performed before and after track switching operations. Non-track switching operations include entering the turntable / transfer platform and leaving the turntable / transfer platform.

[0051] Non-switching operations require ensuring the safety and accuracy of the locomotive when entering and leaving the turntable / transfer platform, including the position confirmation before the locomotive enters and the position confirmation before the locomotive leaves. Figure 7 As shown, the following is a detailed description according to the card control process.

[0052] Position confirmation before the locomotive enters: When the locomotive approaches the turntable / transfer platform, it needs to stop at a designated location for a safety check. This step includes a visual inspection of the locomotive (visual inspection can be achieved through the global image acquisition unit set up on the transfer and track switching equipment), confirmation of the docking accuracy of the locomotive and turntable / transfer platform, and other safety conditions, such as detecting whether there are obstacles. During this process, the operator in the main control room will make a final confirmation to ensure that all conditions are met before allowing the locomotive to enter the turntable / transfer platform. The track alignment before the vehicle enters the turntable / transfer platform is the same as the track alignment operation, and is carried out according to the execution steps of the track switching control system.

[0053] Locomotive Position Verification Before Leaving the Turntable / Motor Platform: After the locomotive has shifted onto the target track and is about to depart, it undergoes a series of safety and directional verifications. This verification includes checking the alignment of the transfer rail on the turntable / motor platform with the target track and confirming that there are no safety obstacles. Only after all conditions have been verified is the locomotive allowed to depart.

[0054] During the track switching operation, the locomotive is already on the turntable / transfer platform. The track switching control system ensures the safety and accuracy of the turntable / transfer platform during operation, from pre-start notification to status monitoring during the track switching process.

[0055] Pre-Start Announcement: Before the turntable / mobile platform is activated, a clear notice is provided through the system to the remote operator, the driver on the vehicle, and any other personnel who may be present. This notice includes the type of maneuver to be performed (e.g., turning to a specific track), the estimated time of the maneuver, and any relevant safety instructions. This notification ensures that all relevant personnel are aware of the upcoming operation and are prepared.

[0056] Status Monitoring During Track Switching: Throughout the entire turntable / mobile platform switching process, the system monitors the operating status of the turntable / mobile platform in real time and displays this information on a graphical display unit. Furthermore, the system provides safety warnings to the vehicle driver and on-site personnel via voice or visual signals at critical moments, such as when the turntable / mobile platform begins rotating or is about to reach the target track.

[0057] Track alignment and confirmation of track exits: Once the turntable / mobile platform has rotated to the target track, the system must accurately align the track to ensure the locomotive can safely exit. During this process, the system performs multiple checks to confirm that the track alignment is accurate. Once confirmed, a notification is issued, allowing the locomotive to exit.

[0058] Notification of locomotive clearance: After all safety checks are complete, the system sends a final notification to the driver and remote operator confirming the locomotive is safe to leave the turntable / move platform. This notification includes all necessary operational details and any last-minute safety precautions to ensure the locomotive is safe during the departure process.

[0059] Through detailed division of the transfer operation process and strict control of the operation process, the unmanned turntable / transfer platform can ensure that each step of the operation is carried out under safe and precise control, greatly improving the operation efficiency and safety.

[0060] The turntable / mobile platform utilizes a fully closed-loop control system based on servo motors for track alignment. Position sensors and precise positioning devices are installed on the platform's drive motor and mechanical endpiece, creating a fully closed-loop control system. The signal acquisition and processing unit collects the target track's position information as input. This setup enables the control system to make real-time adjustments to precisely match the target position using a position control mode (with a position loop cycle of up to 1 millisecond), significantly improving track alignment accuracy. The fully closed-loop system's feedback mechanism ensures effective adjustment even with minimal deviations.

[0061] In order to ensure the stable operation of the system, a redundant judgment unit is also set up, which includes a first mechanical limit switch and a photoelectric switch. The first mechanical limit switch is set at the end area of ​​the driving rail and serves as a redundant judgment of the deceleration position signal. It is electrically connected to the signal acquisition and processing unit and is triggered when the transfer rail passes. When the signal marking unit is working normally, the auxiliary signal acquisition and processing unit records the number of driving rails passing through and assists in judging whether the target track area has been reached. When the signal marking unit fails, the signal acquisition and processing unit judges whether the target track area has been reached based on the number of times the first mechanical limit switch has been passed, and generates a start deceleration instruction when the first mechanical limit switch corresponding to the target track is triggered.

[0062] The photoelectric switch serves as a redundant judgment for the alignment signal and is electrically connected to the signal acquisition and processing unit. When the photoelectric switch is triggered, it indicates that the rail position is accurate, and the signal acquisition and processing unit generates a stop command to avoid the risk of encoding cable displacement due to any reason.

[0063] To better detect the locking of the mechanical lock pin, a second mechanical limit switch is also provided, which is electrically connected to the server. The switch is located at the top of the inner female end of the lock pin and is triggered only when the lock pin is inserted, sending a trigger signal to the connected server.

[0064] To enhance the security and monitoring capabilities of unmanned turntables / mobile platforms, the system is equipped with an outdoor surveillance dome camera (global image acquisition unit). This advanced surveillance device is installed at a high location near the turntable / mobile platform. Its core features include remote control of the viewing angle and night vision. The remote control of the surveillance dome camera allows operators in the command center to adjust the camera's direction as needed, ensuring that there are no blind spots within the operating range when the turntable / mobile platform is in operation.

[0065] Remote control of viewing angle: The operator can remotely adjust the viewing angle of the surveillance camera to ensure all-round monitoring without blind spots.

[0066] Night vision function: The surveillance camera is equipped with night vision function, which ensures that it can still clearly capture and monitor the turntable / mobile platform and its surrounding environment at night or in low light conditions.

[0067] Panoramic aerial photography capability: The device position and angle design enable the surveillance camera to overlook from a high altitude, clearly seeing the turntable / mobile platform and its surrounding environment, further enhancing the effectiveness of security monitoring.

[0068] In this embodiment, the coding cable and encoder serve as signal marking units, while the decoder and PLC serve as signal acquisition and processing units. The coding cable is pre-installed in the peripheral area of ​​the turntable or moving platform, and the decoder and PLC are installed at the end of the turntable rail. The encoder writes identification information for the coding cable that distinguishes it from other coding cables. After the coding cable, encoder, decoder, and PLC are installed, the turntable rail and the running rail are calibrated. The encoder reads the calculated number, which is the position information of the turntable rail and the current running rail alignment. This completes the alignment calibration of all running rails.

[0069] When the decoder is within the range of the coding cable, it calculates a number representing the position. When outside the range of the coding cable, the decoder calculates a number representing the position. When the decoder reads a number other than 0, it indicates that the transfer rail (the opposing rail end) has entered a running rail area. The decoder also identifies the identification information on the coding cable to determine whether it has entered the target track area (the area corresponding to the target track's docking end). Upon entering the target track area, the PLC first determines the difference between the current number at the opposing rail end and the target number (the number corresponding to the docking end). If the difference exceeds the set deviation threshold, it indicates that there is still some distance to the target stop, and deceleration is not initiated. If the difference falls within the deviation threshold, the data acquisition unit sends a deceleration command to the control unit. The position loop controls the servo motor driving the transfer and transfer equipment, causing the turntable / transfer platform to gradually decelerate and stop at the opposing rail position. This control process is pre-set by the server (PLC) and servo motor.

[0070] by Figure 1 The automatic switching of the transfer disc is used as an example to illustrate. Figure 1 Medium black bold arc and Figure 2 The black bold line in the middle is the coding cable. The set coding cable covers two track points (driving tracks) at the same time. When the turntable's turntable track is outside the coding cable area ( Figure 1 The decoder reads 0 when the turn rail begins to enter the coding cable area ( Figure 1 The decoder reads 1 or 65535 (the end position of the coding cable is A5). If the task is to go to 46589 ( Figure 1 The coding cable is on the rail position A4 of the second row of rails shown in FIG. 18653 ( Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the coding cable alignment position A3 on the first track will not stop. Assuming the deceleration threshold is 10000, it will begin to decelerate at a position 36589 (corresponding to the deceleration position signal) away from the deceleration threshold of 10000 at the coding cable alignment position A4 on the second track. This controls the transfer track change equipment to gradually decelerate and stop at the coding cable alignment position A4 on the second track. The corresponding reading is 46589, and the same applies in reverse. After the coding cable is initially installed, the track is manually aligned to two positions (18653 and 46589). The position information read at this time is these two numbers. This process is called calibration. Each coding cable has its own coding rules, which can be used to distinguish coding cables. After receiving the target track and transfer type, the coding rule of the coding cable on the target track is determined. Based on the coding type read by the decoder, it is determined whether the coding cable area of ​​the target track has been reached.

[0071] The server of the rail transfer control system for locomotive vehicle transfer rail changing equipment in this application can generate an operation instruction according to the input target track and conversion requirements, obtain the position information of the target track and the identification information of the signal marking unit associated with the target track, and plan the running direction of the rail transfer equipment; the signal acquisition and processing unit can collect the signal of the signal marking unit, and judge whether to enter the target track area according to the identification information associated with the target track sent by the server, and can also generate an operation instruction according to the signal of the collected signal marking unit, and send the operation instruction to the control unit, which controls the rail transfer equipment to execute deceleration and shutdown operations to complete the final rail alignment. The above-mentioned rail transfer control system can accurately judge whether the rail transfer equipment has entered the target track area according to the identification information of the collected signal marking unit, determine the position of the transfer rail according to the position information of the collected signal marking unit, and can also generate corresponding operation instructions according to the signal of the collected signal marking unit, and execute deceleration and shutdown actions by the control unit. The judgment of the transfer rail position, the deceleration and shutdown operations performed are automatically executed by the rail transfer control system, no longer relying on the experience of the operator, and no longer requiring multiple rail alignment adjustments, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of rail alignment.

[0072] As an implementation method, the signal acquisition and processing unit is further configured to sequentially acquire a deceleration position signal and an alignment position signal set by a signal marking unit associated with the target track, generate a start deceleration instruction according to the deceleration position signal, generate a stop instruction according to the alignment position signal, and generate a dynamic deceleration instruction after acquiring the deceleration position signal and before acquiring the alignment position signal.

[0073] Send the start deceleration command, dynamic deceleration command, and stop command to the control unit.

[0074] The deceleration position signal and alignment position signal set by the signal marking unit can provide the signal acquisition and processing unit with accurate trigger signals for generating start deceleration instructions and stop instructions, thereby realizing automated control of the deceleration and shutdown of the transfer and track changing equipment.

[0075] As an implementable embodiment, when the transfer track changing device is a turntable, the signal marking unit is set along the outer ring of the turntable; when the transfer track changing device is a moving platform, the signal marking unit is set along the movement direction of the moving platform.

[0076] By adopting different settings, the motion environment of the turntable and the moving platform can be better matched, thereby increasing the applicability of the system.

[0077] As an implementable embodiment, the track switching control system further includes an image acquisition unit and an image display unit;

[0078] The image acquisition unit is used to capture the alignment images of the transfer rail and the target rail, and send the captured alignment images to the image display unit for display; the image acquisition unit is arranged at the end of the transfer rail, the image display unit is arranged on the server side, and the image acquisition unit is electrically connected to the image display unit.

[0079] The image acquisition unit and the image display unit can serve as redundant judgments on the alignment of the transfer rail and the target rail. The remote control personnel can review the alignment of the transfer rail and the target rail through the displayed alignment images to ensure the accuracy of the alignment.

[0080] As an implementable embodiment, the track switching control system further includes a global image acquisition unit;

[0081] The global image acquisition unit is used to acquire the panoramic environment image of the transfer and track changing equipment, and send the acquired panoramic environment image to the image display unit for display; the global image acquisition unit is set on the transfer and track changing equipment and is electrically connected to the image display unit.

[0082] The global image acquisition unit can capture panoramic images of the surrounding environment of the transfer and track changing equipment. Remote operators can use the panoramic environmental images to verify the safety of the environment when the locomotive enters and leaves the transfer and track changing equipment, thereby ensuring the safety of the locomotive transfer operation.

[0083] As an implementable embodiment, the track switching control system further includes a locking feedback unit;

[0084] Used to send a locking signal to the server after the mechanical lock pin is retracted; the locking feedback unit is set in the mechanical lock pin, electrically connected to the server, and is triggered when the mechanical lock pin is locked.

[0085] The locking feedback unit provides a locking signal when the mechanical locking pin is engaged. Once locked, the remote operator ensures the environment is safe before issuing a departure command to the driver. The locking of the mechanical locking pin can be triggered manually by the remote operator or with a delay after the shutdown command is generated. This provides redundant locking information.

[0086] like Figure 6 As shown, based on the track switching control system, the present invention also provides a track switching control method for locomotive vehicle transfer track changing equipment, wherein a signal marking device storing position information and identification information of the running track is arranged at the end of the running track, and the signal marking device is set in a one-to-one correspondence with the running track. The track switching control includes the following steps:

[0087] Track change task input: receiving the change requirement and target track input by the user, and obtaining the position information of the target track and the identification information of the signal marker associated with the target track based on the received change requirement and target track, as well as the pre-stored association information between the driving track and the signal marker;

[0088] Formulate a track change plan: plan the running direction of the transfer track change equipment, generate operation instructions, and control the transfer track change equipment to move toward the target track according to the planned movement direction according to the operation instructions;

[0089] Identify the target track: During the track change process, the identification information of the signal marking device is collected in real time. Based on the obtained identification information, it is determined whether the collected identification information is the signal marking device associated with the target track. Until the identification information that is the same as the obtained identification information is collected, the target track area is entered;

[0090] Signal acquisition and processing: sequentially acquires the deceleration position signal and alignment position signal set by the signal marker device associated with the target track; generates a start deceleration instruction based on the deceleration position signal, and generates a stop instruction based on the alignment position signal; and generates a dynamic deceleration instruction during the interval between the acquisition of the deceleration position signal and the acquisition of the alignment position signal;

[0091] Track change process control: control the transfer track change equipment to start deceleration movement according to the start deceleration instruction, control the transfer track change equipment to dynamically decelerate movement according to the dynamic deceleration instruction, and the movement speed of the transfer track change equipment gradually decreases until the stop instruction is received to control the transfer track change equipment to stop.

[0092] The track switching control method for locomotive vehicle transfer track changing equipment in this application will generate an operating instruction based on the input target track and conversion requirements, obtain the position information of the target track and the identification information of the signal marking unit associated with the target track, and plan the running direction of the transfer track changing equipment; it will collect the signal of the signal marking unit, and judge whether to enter the target track area based on the identification information associated with the target track sent by the server, and will also generate an operating instruction based on the signal of the collected signal marking unit, and execute the deceleration and shutdown operations of the transfer track changing equipment according to the transfer instruction to complete the final track alignment. The judgment of the transfer rail position, the execution of the deceleration and shutdown operations in the above-mentioned track switching control method are automatically executed, no longer relying on the experience of the on-site operators, and do not require multiple track adjustments, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of track alignment.

[0093] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0094] Of course, various changes and substitutions can be made to the above description, and all of these changes and substitutions are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be restricted except by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A track switching control system for locomotive and vehicle transfer and track switching equipment, characterized in that: It includes a server, a signal acquisition and processing unit, a control unit, and a signal marking unit, wherein the signal acquisition and processing unit and the control unit are electrically connected to the server; The signal marking unit is used to provide the signal acquisition and processing unit with the position information and identification information of the driving rail, and to provide the transfer and track changing equipment with the deceleration position signal and the alignment position signal. The signal marking unit is arranged at the end of the driving rail and is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the driving rail; The server pre-stores association information between the running track and the signal marking unit, and is used to receive the change requirement and target track input by the user, and obtain the identification information of the signal marking unit associated with the target track based on the received change requirement and target track, plan the running direction of the transfer track changing equipment, and generate an operation instruction; it is also used to send the operation instruction to the control unit, and send the identification information of the read signal marking unit to the signal acquisition and processing unit; The signal acquisition and processing unit is installed at the end of the transfer rail, and is used to collect identification information of the signal marking unit and identify the signal marking unit associated with the target track based on the identification information; it is also used to generate an operation instruction based on the deceleration position signal and the alignment position signal provided by the signal marking unit associated with the target track, and send the operation instruction to the control unit; The control unit is used to control the operation of the transfer track changing equipment according to the transfer instruction received from the server; and is also used to control the transfer track changing equipment to slow down and stop according to the operation instruction received from the signal acquisition and processing unit to complete the track alignment; The signal acquisition and processing unit is further configured to sequentially acquire a deceleration position signal and an alignment position signal set by a signal marking unit associated with a target track, generate a start deceleration instruction according to the deceleration position signal, generate a stop instruction according to the alignment position signal, and generate a dynamic deceleration instruction after acquiring the deceleration position signal and before acquiring the alignment position signal; Sending the start deceleration command, dynamic deceleration command, and stop command to the control unit; Among them, the signal marking unit is a continuous positioning device, which is set on the basis of the environment at the end position of the traveling rail, extends to both sides of the end of the traveling rail, and is symmetrically arranged. The signal acquisition and processing unit determines whether the traveling rail area where the transfer rail is located is the target track area based on the identification information collected by the signal marking unit; and determines the relative position information of the transfer rail and the traveling rail based on the continuously changing position information of the collected signal marking unit.

2. The track switching control system for locomotive and vehicle transfer and track switching equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The track switching control system further includes an image acquisition unit and an image display unit; The image acquisition unit is used to acquire the rail images of the transfer rail and the target rail, and send the acquired rail images to the image display unit for display; The image acquisition unit is arranged at the end of the transfer rail, the image display unit is arranged at the server end, and the image acquisition unit is electrically connected to the image display unit.

3. The track switching control system for locomotive and vehicle transfer and track switching equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The track switching control system further includes a global image acquisition unit; The global image acquisition unit is used to acquire a panoramic environment image of the transfer and track change equipment, and send the acquired panoramic environment image to the image display unit for display; The global image acquisition unit is arranged on the transfer and track changing equipment and is electrically connected to the image display unit.

4. The track switching control system for locomotive and vehicle transfer and track switching equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The track switching control system further includes a locking feedback unit; The locking feedback unit is used to send a locking signal to the server after the mechanical locking pin is retracted; The locking feedback unit is arranged in the mechanical locking pin, electrically connected to the server, and is triggered when the mechanical locking pin is locked.

5. The track switching control system for locomotive and vehicle transfer and track switching equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the transfer and track changing equipment is a turntable, the signal marking unit is set along the outer ring of the turntable.

6. The track switching control system for locomotive and vehicle transfer and track switching equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the transfer track changing device is a moving platform, the signal marking unit is arranged along the moving direction of the moving platform.

7. A rail switching control method for locomotive and vehicle transfer and rail switching equipment, characterized in that: A signal marking device storing the position information and identification information of the running rail is arranged at the end of the running rail. The signal marking device is set in a one-to-one correspondence with the running rail. The track switching control includes the following steps: Track change task input: receiving the change requirement and target track input by the user, and obtaining the position information of the target track and the identification information of the signal marker associated with the target track based on the received change requirement and target track, as well as the pre-stored association information between the driving track and the signal marker; Formulate a track change plan: plan the running direction of the transfer track change equipment, generate operation instructions, and control the transfer track change equipment to move toward the target track according to the planned movement direction according to the operation instructions; Identify the target track: During the track change process, the identification information of the signal marking device is collected in real time. Based on the obtained identification information, it is determined whether the collected identification information is the signal marking device associated with the target track. Until the identification information that is the same as the obtained identification information is collected, the target track area is entered; Signal acquisition and processing: sequentially acquires the deceleration position signal and alignment position signal set by the signal marker device associated with the target track; generates a start deceleration instruction based on the deceleration position signal, and generates a stop instruction based on the alignment position signal; and generates a dynamic deceleration instruction during the interval between the acquisition of the deceleration position signal and the acquisition of the alignment position signal; Track change process control: control the transfer track change equipment to start deceleration movement according to the start deceleration instruction, control the transfer track change equipment to dynamically decelerate movement according to the dynamic deceleration instruction, and the movement speed of the transfer track change equipment gradually decreases until the stop instruction is received to control the transfer track change equipment to stop.

Citation Information

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