An automatic shunting system and method for EMU depots / train stations

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic shunting system and method for EMU depots / train stations, belonging to the field of high-speed railway train operation control technology. By adding equipment such as a ground remote control server, a remote driver's console, an onboard remote control unit, a sleep / wake-up unit, and an environmental sensing unit, and combining the ATP / ATO system with 5G communication technology, the system enables EMUs to automatically sleep / wake up, remotely drive, and perform unmanned shunting within EMU depots / train stations, solving the problems of high labor intensity, low efficiency, and numerous safety hazards associated with traditional manual shunting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of high-speed railway train operation control technology, and more specifically to an automatic shunting system and method for EMU depots / train stations. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, EMU depots / train stations, as important supporting facilities for high-speed railways, are crucial sites for EMU preparation, first and second level maintenance, storage, and emergency repairs, and are key to ensuring the safe, punctual, and efficient operation of EMUs.

[0003] However, due to the unique nature of the EMU depot's train entry and exit times and maintenance schedules, drivers' shifts are mainly concentrated at night and in the early morning, resulting in heavy workloads, poor working conditions, and high rates of fatigue. For regular drivers, their primary responsibility is to go to the storage lines within the depot to manually drive the EMUs online, and then drive them back to the storage lines after completing their online tasks. For ground support drivers, their main responsibility is shunting and moving EMUs, such as entering and exiting the depot, and switching tracks. Each day, they need to spend a significant amount of time walking between different track areas and different driving positions within the station to meet shunting and maintenance needs. This situation presents both safety hazards and reduces work efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, how to propose an automatic shunting system and method for EMU depots / train stations to realize remote and unmanned shunting, reduce the labor intensity of drivers, and improve the operational efficiency of EMU depots / train stations is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides an automatic shunting system and method for EMU depots / train depots, which can realize remote shunting and unmanned shunting, greatly reducing the labor intensity of drivers and improving the operational efficiency of EMU depots / train depots.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] On one hand, this invention discloses an automatic shunting system for EMU depots / train stations, including ground equipment, onboard equipment, and peripheral equipment;

[0008] The ground equipment includes a CCS, a TSRS, a remote control console, and a remote control server connected in sequence.

[0009] The vehicle-mounted equipment includes an ATP unit, an ATO unit, a remote control unit, a sleep / wake-up unit, and an environmental sensing unit; the ATP unit, the remote control unit, the sleep / wake-up unit, and the environmental sensing unit are all connected to the ATO unit, and the ATO unit and the sleep / wake-up unit interact with the TSRS via a radio; the remote control unit is also connected to the remote control server and the environmental sensing unit.

[0010] The peripheral devices feed back real-time train status data to the onboard equipment.

[0011] Preferably, the TSRS is used to forward sleep / wake commands, configuration data, and shunting plans from the CCS to the onboard equipment, and to forward operating status information from the onboard equipment to the CCS.

[0012] Preferably, the sleep / wake-up unit remains powered on and is used to execute sleep / wake-up commands from the CCS forwarded by the TSRS, thereby enabling automatic sleep / wake-up of the EMU.

[0013] Preferably, the environmental perception unit includes a camera and a lidar sensor for identifying pedestrians and obstacles and sending the identification results to the ATO unit.

[0014] Preferably, the ATP unit receives SoM data from CCS forwarded by the sleep / wake unit and automatically completes the SoM process configuration operation.

[0015] Preferably, the ATO unit has the functions of automatic train departure, train control based on information from the environmental sensing unit, and remote control unit commands.

[0016] On the other hand, the present invention also discloses an automatic shunting method for EMU depots / train depots, applied to the aforementioned automatic shunting system for EMU depots / train depots, comprising the following steps:

[0017] CCS remotely sends wake-up commands to the train automatically or manually according to the timetable, performs test steps at both ends of the train, and when the tests at both ends are passed, the train enters standby mode and feeds back to CCS.

[0018] CCS formulates dispatch and operation plans based on vehicle usage demand, and automatically triggers the processing of train routes for departure from the depot / train station.

[0019] CCS automatically assigns train numbers to trains running from the EMU depot to the running track / storage track according to the planned operation schedule, and automatically sends mainline service status instructions to the trains;

[0020] After the CCS checks the train that has completed its current scheduled task and has fully entered the storage line according to the planned operation diagram, it automatically sets the train as a train to exit the main line service and sends a stop main line service command to the train.

[0021] CCS automatically or manually triggers a route for trains to return to the depot / train storage line based on the return plan, and assigns movement authorization to the train after the route is established.

[0022] Once the onboard equipment receives the movement authorization and the departure conditions are met, the onboard equipment starts the train, automatically moves to the storage line, stops, and prepares for hibernation.

[0023] The train stops at the designated hibernation position according to the timetable, and the CCS sends a hibernation command to the train remotely or manually according to the timetable.

[0024] Preferably, after the EMU is received and enters the storage line, the EMU connects to the ground remote server via 5G communication through the remote control unit to achieve remote pairing. After successful authentication, the EMU is included in the controlled management train set.

[0025] For EMUs to be shunted and moved, the ground crew driver finds the designated EMU from the controlled management EMUs and enters the authorization command to take over the designated EMU;

[0026] The system collects vehicle status, onboard equipment display, front window and driver's cab monitoring information, transmits it to the remote control server via 5G, decodes it on the ground and displays it on the control console, and combines onboard information and CCS tracking location information to locate the EMU's position in real time.

[0027] Ground crew drivers remotely control the EMU to move based on the current location, vehicle status, and information in the front window.

[0028] Preferably, after the EMU is received and enters the storage line, the CCS forwards the shunting plan to the onboard equipment through the TSRS and arranges the route;

[0029] The ATO unit controls the EMU to automatically run to the designated position according to the shunting plan.

[0030] As can be seen from the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the present invention discloses an automatic shunting system and method for EMU depots / train depots, which can realize functions such as automatic sleep wake-up, remote shunting and automatic shunting of trains in EMU depots / train depots, optimize the shunting process of EMU depots / train depots, reduce the labor intensity of drivers and improve the operating efficiency of EMU depots / train depots. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture provided by the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This invention provides a typical operating scenario for a train depot / train station. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] On one hand, this invention discloses an automatic shunting system for EMU depots / train stations, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes ground equipment, vehicle-mounted equipment, and peripheral equipment;

[0036] The ground equipment includes CCS, TSRS, remote control console, and remote control server connected in sequence;

[0037] The on-board equipment includes an ATP unit, an ATO unit, a remote control unit, a sleep / wake-up unit, and an environmental perception unit. The ATP unit, remote control unit, sleep / wake-up unit, and environmental perception unit are all connected to the ATO unit. The ATO unit and sleep / wake-up unit interact with the TSRS via radio. The remote control unit is also connected to the remote control server and the environmental perception unit.

[0038] Peripheral equipment feeds back real-time train status data to onboard equipment.

[0039] According to the operational plan, CCS sends train hibernation / wake-up commands, configuration data, and shunting plans to the corresponding onboard equipment via TSRS; it also adds an interface with the remote control server to send shunting plans to the remote control server.

[0040] The TSRS forwards sleep / wake commands, configuration data, and shunting plans from the CCS to the onboard equipment, and also forwards the operating status information from the onboard equipment to the CCS.

[0041] The remote control server is used to implement the pairing and management function between multiple EMU trains and the remote driver's cab.

[0042] The remote control console enables remote driving, displaying in real time the train operation status, onboard equipment status, and track status sent by the onboard remote control unit of the selected EMU, and sending the ground driver's control commands to the remote control unit.

[0043] The sleep / wake-up unit is used to realize the automatic sleep / wake-up of the EMU. Specifically, it executes sleep / wake-up commands from CCS; notifies the vehicle to perform self-test and reports the vehicle self-test results to CCS; notifies the vehicle to perform static and dynamic tests and reports the test results to CCS; forwards SoM data such as the train number from CCS to ATP / ATO for ATP automatic SoM process; the sleep / wake-up unit is always powered on and shares the wireless channel with TSRS with ATO.

[0044] The environmental perception unit is equipped with sensors such as cameras and lidar to acquire environmental perception information, and has the function of recognizing pedestrians and obstacles. It sends the video / image processing and recognition results to the ATO unit.

[0045] The ATO (Automatic Train Operation) system has functions such as automatic train departure, train control based on environmental perception information, and remote control unit commands. Even after the ATO is powered off, the sleep / wake-up unit remains connected to the TSRS (Train Service Response System).

[0046] On the other hand, the present invention also discloses an automatic shunting method for EMU depots / train depots, applied to the aforementioned automatic shunting system for EMU depots / train depots, with reference to... Figure 2 The method includes the following steps:

[0047] S1.CCS remotely sends wake-up commands to the train automatically or manually according to the timetable, performs test steps at both ends of the train, and when the tests at both ends pass, the train enters standby mode and feeds back to CCS.

[0048] In this embodiment, the CCS remotely sends a wake-up command to the train automatically or manually according to the timetable, or the train is powered on at low voltage by pressing the train power switch manually.

[0049] The testing steps include power-on self-test, static test, and dynamic test.

[0050] After low-voltage power-on, the system performs a power-on self-test, including a vehicle self-test and a signal self-test. The vehicle self-test is completed by the vehicle system, and the on-board equipment feeds back the self-test results to the CCS. The signal self-test refers to the on-board equipment performing a self-test on its own boards, vehicle-to-ground communication, etc., and feeding back the self-test results to the CCS.

[0051] The vehicle is subjected to static testing controlled by onboard equipment. The tests include high-voltage power-on, braking system, lighting, doors, train broadcasts, etc., and the test results are fed back to CCS.

[0052] The dynamic test involves the onboard equipment outputting a jump signal to the vehicle, which then controls the train to run at a low speed for a predefined distance to confirm that the control interface and functions of the onboard system and the vehicle system are normal.

[0053] S2.CCS formulates dispatch and operation plans based on train usage demand, automatically triggering the processing of train routes for departure from the depot / train station, specifically including:

[0054] 1) CCS formulates dispatch and operation plans based on vehicle usage needs, and automatically triggers the processing of outbound train routes at a pre-specified time (configurable).

[0055] 2) After receiving the authorization from CCS to allow the train to operate in fully automated mode, the onboard equipment prepares to automatically depart and run in PS mode based on the ground permission code.

[0056] 3) After the onboard equipment receives information from the transponders deployed on the ground, it upgrades to FAM mode to control the train.

[0057] 4) Driver confirmation for departure. Inside the vehicle, the driver turns on the key, manually upgrades to FAM mode according to the procedure, and presses the confirmation button to depart as prompted.

[0058] S3.CCS automatically assigns train numbers to trains running from the EMU depot to the running track / storage track according to the planned operation schedule, and automatically sends mainline service status instructions to the trains.

[0059] After receiving the mainline service condition instruction, the on-board equipment sends the instruction to the vehicle TCMS, which then controls the lighting, air conditioning, or heating to be turned on.

[0060] After S4.CCS detects that a train has completely entered the storage track after completing its current scheduled task according to the operation plan, it automatically sets the train as a train to exit mainline service and sends a stop mainline service command to the train.

[0061] After receiving the instruction to stop mainline service, the onboard equipment sends a stop mainline service condition instruction to the vehicle, which then turns off some lighting, air conditioning or ventilation to balance energy saving and depot operation needs.

[0062] S5.CCS automatically or manually triggers a route to return to the EMU depot / EMU storage line according to the return plan, and assigns movement authorization to the train after the route is established.

[0063] Once the onboard equipment receives the movement authorization and the departure conditions are met, the onboard equipment starts the train, automatically moves to the storage line, stops, and prepares for hibernation.

[0064] When a train enters a power track or EMU depot, the onboard equipment should automatically send a horn command to the vehicle's TCMS.

[0065] S6. The train stops at the designated hibernation position according to the timetable. The CCS sends a hibernation command to the train remotely or manually according to the timetable, or the train can be put into hibernation by pressing the train power switch manually.

[0066] After the onboard equipment determines that the hibernation conditions are met, it automatically cancels the direction and driver's cab activation commands and sends a hibernation request to the vehicle. After the vehicle disconnects the high-voltage load, it sends a hibernation confirmation to the onboard equipment.

[0067] After receiving confirmation of vehicle hibernation, the on-board equipment memorizes the hibernation location and sends a hibernation command to the vehicle. Upon receiving the hibernation command, the vehicle is responsible for powering off the entire vehicle, and the on-board equipment feeds back the hibernation status to the CCS.

[0068] Preferably, after the EMU is received and enters the storage line, it can be remotely shunted.

[0069] The EMU connects to a ground-based remote server via a remote control unit using 5G communication to achieve remote pairing. After successful authentication, the EMU is incorporated into the controlled management trainset.

[0070] For EMUs to be shunted and moved, the ground crew driver finds the designated EMU from the controlled management EMUs and enters the authorization command to take over the designated EMU;

[0071] The system collects vehicle status, onboard equipment display, front window and driver's cab monitoring information, transmits it to the remote control server via 5G, decodes it on the ground and displays it on the control console, and combines onboard information and CCS tracking location information to locate the EMU's position in real time.

[0072] Ground crew drivers can remotely control the EMU to move based on the current location, vehicle status, and information in the front window. Specifically, they can send control commands to the EMU via 5G.

[0073] Preferably, after the EMU is received and enters the storage line, it can be automatically shunted. The CCS forwards the shunting plan to the on-board equipment through the TSRS and arranges the route.

[0074] The ATO unit controls the EMU to automatically run to the designated position according to the shunting plan.

[0075] It should be noted that remote shunting is a backup and redundancy function for automatic shunting.

[0076] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0077] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An automatic shunting system for EMU depots / train stations, characterized in that, This includes ground equipment, vehicle-mounted equipment, and peripheral equipment; The ground equipment includes a CCS, a TSRS, a remote control console, and a remote control server connected in sequence. The CCS is configured to perform the following operations: The system can remotely or manually send wake-up commands to the train based on the timetable. Receive standby status information from onboard equipment after both ends of the train have passed the tests; Based on vehicle usage demand, dispatch and operation plans are formulated, and the departure train routes are automatically triggered. According to the planned operation schedule, the train number is automatically assigned to the train, and the mainline service status instruction is automatically sent to the train. Once the system detects that a train has completely entered the storage track after completing its current scheduled task, it automatically sets the train as a train to exit mainline service and sends a stop mainline service command to the train. The return route to the storage line is automatically or manually triggered according to the return plan, and movement authorization is assigned to the train after the route is established. The train is remotely or manually sent a hibernation command according to the timetable. The vehicle-mounted equipment includes an ATP unit, an ATO unit, a remote control unit, a sleep / wake-up unit, and an environmental sensing unit; the ATP unit, the remote control unit, the sleep / wake-up unit, and the environmental sensing unit are all connected to the ATO unit, and the ATO unit and the sleep / wake-up unit interact with the TSRS via a radio; the remote control unit is also connected to the remote control server and the environmental sensing unit. The vehicle-mounted equipment is configured as follows: The wake-up command is executed through the hibernation wake-up unit to control the train to complete the tests at both ends and report the test results back to CCS. After receiving the movement authorization and meeting the departure conditions, the train is started through the ATO unit and automatically runs to the storage line to stop; The train is controlled to enter hibernation mode according to the hibernation command from the CCS; The peripheral devices feed back real-time train status data to the onboard equipment.

2. The automatic shunting system for a train depot / train yard according to claim 1, characterized in that, TSRS is used to forward sleep / wake commands, configuration data, and shunting plans from CCS to onboard equipment, and to forward operating status information from onboard equipment to CCS.

3. The automatic shunting system for a train depot / train yard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sleep / wake-up unit remains powered on and is used to execute sleep / wake-up commands from the CCS forwarded by the TSRS, thereby enabling automatic sleep / wake-up of the EMU.

4. The automatic shunting system for a train depot / train yard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The environmental perception unit is equipped with a camera and a lidar sensor, which are used to identify pedestrians and obstacles and send the identification results to the ATO unit.

5. The automatic shunting system for a train depot / train yard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ATP unit receives SoM data from CCS forwarded by the sleep-wake unit and automatically completes the SoM process configuration operation.

6. The automatic shunting system for a train depot / train yard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ATO unit has the functions of automatic train departure, train control based on information from the environmental sensing unit, and remote control unit commands.

7. An automatic shunting method for a train depot / train yard, applied to an automatic shunting system for a train depot / train yard as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: CCS remotely sends wake-up commands to the train automatically or manually according to the timetable, performs test steps at both ends of the train, and when the tests at both ends are passed, the train enters standby mode and feeds back to CCS. CCS formulates dispatch and operation plans based on vehicle usage demand, and automatically triggers the processing of train routes for departure from the depot / train station. CCS automatically assigns train numbers to trains running from the EMU depot to the running track / storage track according to the planned operation schedule, and automatically sends mainline service status instructions to the trains; After the CCS checks the train that has completed its current scheduled task and has fully entered the storage line according to the planned operation diagram, it automatically sets the train as a train to exit the main line service and sends a stop main line service command to the train. CCS automatically or manually triggers a route for returning to the EMU depot / EMU storage line according to the return plan, and assigns movement authorization to the train after the route is established. Once the onboard equipment receives the movement authorization and the departure conditions are met, the onboard equipment starts the train, automatically moves to the storage line, stops, and prepares for hibernation. The train stops at the designated hibernation position according to the timetable, and the CCS sends a hibernation command to the train remotely or manually according to the timetable.

8. The automatic shunting method for a train depot / train yard according to claim 6, characterized in that, After the EMU is received and enters the storage line, it connects to the ground remote server via 5G communication through the remote control unit to achieve remote pairing. After successful authentication, the EMU is included in the controlled management train set. For EMUs to be shunted and moved, the ground crew driver finds the designated EMU from the controlled management EMUs and enters the authorization command to take over the designated EMU; The system collects vehicle status, onboard equipment display, front window and driver's cab monitoring information, transmits it to the remote control server via 5G, decodes it on the ground and displays it on the control console, and combines onboard information and CCS tracking location information to locate the EMU's position in real time. Ground crew drivers remotely control the EMU to move based on the current location, vehicle status, and information in the front window.

9. The automatic shunting method for a train depot / train yard according to claim 6, characterized in that, After the EMU is received and enters the storage line, the CCS forwards the shunting plan to the onboard equipment through the TSRS and arranges the route. The ATO unit controls the EMU to automatically run to the designated position according to the shunting plan.

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