Shunting protection device supporting four display signal machines

Abstract

According to the shunting protection device, four paths of independent power supplies are designed for the interface module, when the signal lamp is turned on, the interface module obtains the power supply from the lighting unit of the corresponding lamp position, and then selects the message of the corresponding channel for coding output after collecting the lamp position state of the signal machine; during a signal machine lamp position switching interval, a standby power supply composed of a super capacitor is designed in the interface module, and it is guaranteed that a mainboard in the interface module continuously and stably works during lamp position switching; fPGA software in the mainboard is additionally provided with lamp position switching logic, and when lamp positions are allowed to be switched, driving messages are allowed to be continuously output to the message transmission module. The device has the technical advantages that the super capacitor is used for storing energy to serve as a standby power supply, and power is supplied to the shunting protection device during lamp position switching; a new FPGA software processing logic is designed, so that the shunting protection device keeps messages continuous when lamp position switching is allowed; power-on heartbeat signals are added, and the service life of the standby power supply is monitored.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a shunting protection device that supports four display signals. Background Technology

[0002] The shunting protection device is applied to the decentralized shunting protection system in EMU depots and is suitable for EMUs operating in shunting mode using CTCS-2 and CTCS-3 level train control onboard equipment. According to system protection requirements, the shunting protection device is installed outside the signal requiring protection. The shunting protection device consists of an interface module and a message transmission module. The interface module collects the real-time signal light status, selects and sends its stored messages to the message transmission module. When the EMU passes the message transmission module, the onboard transponder transmission module receives the message data via vehicle-to-ground wireless communication, thereby achieving protection for the EMU shunting operation.

[0003] When train depots (stations) have signals distributed in a decentralized manner, departure signals are configured with red, permitted, and white light displays. The permitted light display consists of green and yellow lights. When a departure signal displays green, the train is permitted to depart from the depot (station), indicating that at least three block sections ahead are clear (not occupied by trains). When both green and yellow lights are displayed simultaneously, the train is permitted to depart, indicating that at least two block sections ahead are clear. When yellow lights are displayed, the train is permitted to depart, indicating that only one block section ahead is clear. When red lights are displayed, the train is prohibited from passing the signal. When a departure signal also functions as a shunting signal, a white light is displayed, permitting shunting operations.

[0004] In the operation of four-signal systems, there is a scenario where, when a high-speed train approaches the signal, the signal opens the train's route and displays a yellow light. If, during the train's journey, the two block sections ahead become clear, the signal will switch to a yellow-green light; if the three block sections ahead become clear, the signal will switch back to a green light. Since the interface module draws power from the signal, it is in a message switching state when the signal light position changes. This could cause the train to receive a stop message when passing the message transmission module, resulting in emergency braking and affecting the train's departure efficiency.

[0005] To meet the needs of train route operation scenarios with four-display signals, a shunting protection device that supports four-display signals needs to be designed. When the signal displays the permitted position and switches continuously, the train set should continuously receive permitted train operation messages through the message transmission module. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To ensure the efficiency of train operations when entering and leaving stations, this invention designs a shunting protection device that supports four display signals.

[0007] This invention provides a shunting protection device that supports four display signals. Its interface module is designed with four independent power supplies, corresponding to the four signal lights of the signal lights. When the signal lights are lit, the interface module obtains power from the lighting unit of the corresponding light position, and then selects the message of the corresponding channel for encoding and output after collecting the status of the signal light position.

[0008] During the signal light position switching interval, in order to avoid the interface module restarting due to external power interruption, a backup power supply composed of supercapacitors is designed in the interface module to ensure that the main board in the interface module continues to work stably during light position switching.

[0009] The FPGA software within the main board adds a light position switching logic, which enables the continuous output of permitted train operation messages to the message transmission module when switching between permitted light positions. When the train reaches the message transmission module, the on-board transponder transmission module (BTM) receives the continuous permitted train operation messages, allowing the train to pass through the signal normally.

[0010] The advantages of this invention are:

[0011] (1) Use supercapacitor energy storage as a backup power source to supply power to the shunting protection device when the lamp position is switched;

[0012] (2) Design new FPGA software processing logic to ensure that the shunting protection device maintains message continuity when the lamp position is allowed to switch;

[0013] (3) Add power-on heartbeat signal to monitor the lifespan of backup power supply (supercapacitor). Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of a four-display shunting protection device.

[0015] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of message switching software processing algorithms; Detailed Implementation

[0016] 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 are not intended to limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the inventive concept, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] The shunting protection device of the present invention is as follows Figure 1As shown, its interface module is designed with four independent power supplies (hereinafter referred to as power boards), corresponding to the four signal lights of the signal. When a signal light is lit, the interface module obtains power from the lighting unit of the corresponding light position. The interface module then selects the message of the corresponding channel for encoding and output after collecting the signal light position status. During the signal light position switching interval, the external power supply of the interface module may be interrupted. To avoid the interface module restarting due to the external power interruption, a backup power supply composed of supercapacitors is designed in the interface module to ensure the continuous and stable operation of the main board in the interface module during light position switching. In addition, the FPGA software in the main board adds light position switching logic. When switching between permitted light positions is allowed, the permitted train operation message is continuously output to the message transmission module. When the train runs to the message transmission module, the on-board transponder transmission module receives the continuous permitted train operation message, and the train can pass through the signal normally.

[0018] When the signal light is on, the power board of the corresponding channel in the shunting protection device interface module supplies power to the main board and also charges the supercapacitor. When the supercapacitor reaches the set voltage threshold, the voltage is regulated after DC-DC power conversion and can be used as a backup power supply for the main board. The backup power supply output voltage is designed to be lower than the output voltage of the corresponding channel power board and is isolated by diodes to ensure that the backup power supply is not consumed when the signal light is on. When the signal light is switched, the output voltage of the power board of the channel corresponding to the old light position is quickly discharged, and the power board of the channel corresponding to the new light position has not yet been powered on. During the switching interval, the backup power supply supplies power to the main board to ensure that the main board can work continuously when the light position is switched.

[0019] For a switching scenario involving four display signal controllers, lamp position switching processing logic is designed in FPGA software. Its core logic mechanism is as follows: Figure 2 As shown: During the signal switching interval involving red lights, considering that the EMU is stopped in front of the signal waiting for train operations or shunting operations, or that the EMU has already passed the signal, the FPGA software determines that the signal condition is invalid and enters the message switching state, and the message transmission module outputs a stop message; During the switching interval between permitted signal positions, considering the scenario that the EMU may pass through the message transmission module, if the FPGA software determines that either the yellow or green light is a valid signal condition, it will continuously output a permitted train operation message normally; if the FPGA software determines that the signal position is invalid, it will continuously output a permitted train operation message within the safety limit time; otherwise, it will enter the message switching state and the message transmission module will output a stop message.

[0020] Considering the aging issue of supercapacitors, to extend their lifespan, the maximum charging voltage is limited during charging to avoid over-voltage charging. A constant current charging method is used to prevent excessive charging current from causing overheating inside the supercapacitor. This design employs a series connection of supercapacitors, and a voltage balancing circuit is designed to prevent overcharging or over-discharging of individual capacitors, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the supercapacitor bank.

[0021] The FPGA software on the mainboard includes a power-on heartbeat indicator signal. After the interface module restarts, this signal is transmitted to the mechanical room's shunting monitoring system via power line carrier communication. The monitoring system then monitors and records the interface module's operating status. During operation, the signal is always in the lit state, and the interface module operates normally; the FPGA does not generate the power-on heartbeat indicator signal. When the signal position changes, the interface module uses backup power, and the FPGA also does not generate this heartbeat signal. If, during a signal position change interval, the FPGA outputs the power-on heartbeat indicator signal, it indicates that the interface module restarted during the signal position change, confirming a failure of the backup power supply function. This situation is recorded in the shunting monitoring system, and an early warning is issued so that maintenance personnel can troubleshoot in advance and ensure smooth train shunting.

[0022] In summary, the technical advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0023] (1) The interface module of the shunting protection device uses a supercapacitor as a backup power source, which works stably when the signal lights are switched;

[0024] (2) When the signal light position is allowed to switch, the shunting protection device outputs a continuous train operation permission message;

[0025] (3) The working life of the backup power supply can be monitored in real time so as to eliminate faults in advance and ensure the smooth operation of the train.

[0026] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shunting protection device supporting four-display signal controllers, wherein the interface module is designed with four independent power supplies, corresponding to the four signal lights of the signal controller. When the signal light is lit, the interface module obtains power from the lighting unit of the corresponding light position, and then selects the message of the corresponding channel for encoding and output after collecting the status of the signal light position. During the signal light position switching interval, in order to avoid the interface module restarting due to external power interruption, a backup power supply composed of supercapacitors is designed in the interface module to ensure that the main board in the interface module continues to work stably during light position switching. The FPGA software within the main board adds a light position switching logic, which enables the continuous output of permitted train operation messages to the message transmission module when switching between permitted light positions. When the train reaches the message transmission module, the on-board transponder transmission module (BTM) receives the continuous permitted train operation messages, allowing the train to pass through the signal normally.

2. The shunting protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The independent power supply is a power board. When the signal light is on, the power board of the corresponding channel in the shunting protection device interface module supplies power to the main board and also charges and stores energy for the supercapacitor. When the supercapacitor reaches the set voltage threshold, it can be used as a backup power supply for the main board after DC-DC power conversion and regulated output. The output voltage of the backup power supply is designed to be lower than the output voltage of the corresponding channel power board and is isolated by diodes to ensure that the backup power supply is not consumed when the signal light is on. When the signal light is switched, the output voltage of the power board of the channel corresponding to the old light position is quickly discharged, and the power board of the channel corresponding to the new light position has not been powered on. During the switching interval, the backup power supply supplies power to the main board to ensure that the main board works continuously when the light position is switched.

3. The shunting protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, For the switching scenario of four-display signal machines, the light position switching processing logic is designed in the FPGA software: During the light position switching interval involving red light, considering that the EMU is stopped in front of the signal machine waiting to carry out train operation or shunting operation, or the EMU has passed the signal machine, the FPGA software determines that the light position condition is invalid and enters the message switching state, and the message transmission module outputs the stop message. During the switching interval between permitted light positions, considering the scenario where a train passes through the message transmission module, if the FPGA software determines that either the yellow or green light position is valid, it will continuously output a permitted train operation message. If the FPGA software determines that the light position is invalid, it will continuously output a permitted train operation message within a safe time limit. Otherwise, it will enter the message switching state and the message transmission module will output a stop message.

4. The shunting protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Considering the aging problem of supercapacitors, in order to extend the service life of supercapacitors, the maximum charging voltage is limited during charging to avoid overvoltage charging; constant current charging is used during charging to avoid excessive charging current causing overheating inside the supercapacitor.

5. The shunting protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The FPGA software on the motherboard is designed with a power-on heartbeat indicator signal. After the interface module restarts, the signal can be transmitted to the mechanical room monitoring system via power line carrier communication. The monitoring system then monitors and records the working status information of the interface module.

6. The shunting protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The signal is always in the lit state during operation. At this time, the interface module is running normally and the FPGA will not generate a power-on heartbeat indication signal. When the signal lights are switched, the interface module is powered by a backup power supply and the FPGA will not generate this heartbeat signal. If the FPGA outputs the power-on heartbeat indication signal during a lamp position switching interval, it can be determined that the interface module has restarted during lamp position switching, thus confirming that the backup power supply function has failed. This situation is recorded in the shunting and control monitoring system and an early warning is issued so that equipment maintenance personnel can troubleshoot the fault in advance and ensure smooth train shunting.

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