Railway section occupancy inspection method and system based on wireless communication and central control

Abstract

The invention provides a railway section occupancy checking method and system based on wireless communication and central control, based on a railway axle counting system, the system comprises a central axle counting host and a WSR, the WSR is connected with the central axle counting host, and the WSR is provided with a multi-mode wireless communication module; the multi-mode wireless communication module comprises a trackside wireless communication module and a central wireless communication module, and the central axle counting host directly obtains detection information of the trackside wheel sensor through wireless communication; and the trackside wireless communication module and the central wireless communication module are communicated by adopting a redundancy mode of a plurality of wireless communication systems, and information transmission is carried out by adopting a safety communication protocol. According to the railway section occupancy inspection method and system based on wireless communication and central control, few trackside devices are adopted, automatic blocking is formed through the improved axle counting device under the condition of moving blocking faults, high availability and toughness of the system are kept, and the influence of the system on the transportation efficiency is reduced to the minimum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of railway signaling and communication, and in particular relates to a method and system for railway section occupancy inspection based on wireless communication and central control. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the block signaling systems used on mainline railways are divided into three main categories: semi-automatic block signaling, automatic inter-station block signaling, and automatic block signaling, all of which are referred to as fixed block signaling. Semi-automatic block signaling only installs track circuits in the section near the entrance signal, without checking other areas of the section. Automatic inter-station block signaling generally installs track circuits in the section near the entrance signal, and checks for occupancy between adjacent stations rely on axle counting equipment at the entrance signal. Automatic block signaling divides the section into several block zones, using track circuits or axle counting equipment in each block zone to check occupancy.

[0003] Fixed block signaling requires a large amount of equipment along the trackside, including track circuits and ground signals, and necessitates the laying of numerous control cables underground. Not only are initial construction costs high, but the workload for on-site maintenance is also substantial, resulting in a relatively low technical and economic cost-effectiveness throughout its entire lifecycle.

[0004] In the existing technology, when there is no need to transmit locomotive signal information, in order to detect the track occupancy of the section, an axle counting device can be used, which consists of an indoor axle counting host and a trackside wheel sensor. This is a mature device that is widely used in the fields of railways and urban rail transit. The trackside wheel sensor is generally connected to the indoor axle counting host through optical fiber, digital signal cable or 2M digital channel, and the trackside axle counting device is powered through cable.

[0005] Moving block signaling is a mainstream technology widely used in urban rail transit, encompassing onboard and ground equipment as well as the transmission channels between them. No track circuits or block sections are installed on the ground; transponders are used for train positioning and calibration. Subsequent trains can approach the rear of the preceding train as closely as possible. While ensuring safety, the moving block system maximizes the throughput capacity of the section, unaffected by track circuit segment divisions.

[0006] The following problems exist in the current railway track occupancy inspection:

[0007] During the laying of optical cables, wear and tear can easily occur, leading to problems such as reduced insulation performance or grounding of the core wires. After long-term use, moisture may cause a decrease in insulation between the core wires, or lightning and traction return current may cause damage to the connected equipment. External forces may also cause optical cable interruptions. Fault finding and repair are time-consuming and seriously affect railway transportation efficiency.

[0008] The new train control system uses wireless communication to transmit train control information. There are no track circuits in the section; it relies on onboard equipment for autonomous positioning and centralized management by the ground-based wireless block center (RBC) to achieve train tracking and operation in a moving block mode. However, if the wireless communication between the train and the ground fails, the train can only operate at a lower speed in the section according to the automatic station block mode. Compared with normal moving block, the efficiency of section operation decreases significantly, easily leading to transportation disorder and traffic congestion.

[0009] After the existing railway axle counting equipment is installed, its connection to the indoor main unit via fiber optic or cable makes modification difficult, requiring significant adjustments to both hardware and software. If transportation demands necessitate shorter train following intervals, requiring adjustments to the axle counting equipment layout, it will inevitably disrupt transportation order, resulting in long modification cycles and high investment. While each axle counting main unit employs a safety redundancy architecture, each station typically has a single-unit configuration. Equipment failure will render the block system within its jurisdiction ineffective, significantly impacting transportation efficiency.

[0010] In summary, a novel railway section occupancy inspection method and system need to be designed to overcome the limitations of traditional fiber optic cable communication methods, such as high construction difficulty, difficult operation and maintenance, and high hardware costs. Furthermore, it is necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of moving block while improving its availability and resilience with as few trackside devices as possible. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to provide a railway section occupancy inspection method and system based on wireless communication and central control, so as to solve the problem that the failure of train-to-ground wireless communication in the new train control system seriously affects the section operation efficiency. It has the characteristics of low engineering investment, high transportation efficiency and convenient construction and maintenance.

[0012] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a railway section occupancy inspection method and system based on wireless communication and central control, based on a railway axle counting system, including a central axle counting host and a trackside wheel sensor. The trackside wheel sensor is connected to the central axle counting host, and the trackside wheel sensor is equipped with a multi-mode wireless communication module. The number of trackside wheel sensors is N, where N is a positive integer.

[0013] The multi-mode wireless communication module uses a secure communication protocol for information transmission. The multi-mode wireless communication module includes a trackside wireless communication module and a central wireless communication module, which are used for wireless communication between the central axle counter and the trackside wheel sensors.

[0014] The trackside wheel sensor is installed on the rail and is used to detect the number of wheel pairs entering and leaving the track section, and to determine the occupancy and clearance of the track section.

[0015] The central axle counter host directly acquires the detection information of the wheel sensor via wireless communication;

[0016] The trackside wireless communication module and the central wireless communication module communicate using multiple redundant wireless communication standards and a secure communication protocol for information transmission, in accordance with the fail-safe principle.

[0017] Preferably, the central axle counter is redundantly configured and manages multiple station clusters for determining track section status information.

[0018] Preferably, the wireless communication methods include, but are not limited to, 5G-R wireless communication, 400MHz digital wireless train dispatching system communication, GSM-R wireless communication, and NB-IoT communication.

[0019] Preferably, the trackside wheel sensor is used to detect the position, direction, and integrity of the train by cutting the magnetic lines of force emitted by the wheel-cutting sensor.

[0020] Preferably, when the railway axle counting system is started, the multi-mode wireless communication module simultaneously initiates a communication request with the central axle counting host in the redundant configuration, uses a secure communication protocol to transmit information, and sends its own mileage position, number, initial status and other information to the central axle counting host. After the central axle counting host verifies that there is no error, it agrees to the communication request.

[0021] Preferably, the deployment of trackside wheel sensors is adjusted according to transportation needs, which is achieved through wireless communication and software configuration adjustments between the central axle counter and the trackside wheel sensors.

[0022] Secondly, a method and system for railway section occupancy inspection based on wireless communication and central control is provided, the train reception and departure process including,

[0023] In the initial state, there is no train occupying the section between two adjacent stations and no running direction has been established. When a train departs from the station, the computer interlocking system sends a block request to the next station through the combination circuit.

[0024] When the next station receives the application, it combines the section occupancy information obtained by the first and second central axle counters with whether the station has established a departure route in the opposite direction to determine whether to accept the train.

[0025] If so, the exit signal is opened and the train enters the section. When the first axle counting sensor detects that the train wheelset has passed, the trackside wheel sensor sends counting information to the first and second central axle counting hosts in the control center via wireless communication. The first and second central axle counting hosts determine the track section occupancy status based on the counting information.

[0026] After a train clears a track section, the corresponding wheel sensors are reset as required; the section is then determined, based on the block closure principle, whether it can continue to be used by other trains.

[0027] The process is repeated at subsequent stations until the train arrival and departure operation is completed.

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention bring the following beneficial effects:

[0029] This invention proposes a railway section occupancy inspection method and system based on wireless communication and central control, which can overcome the limitations of traditional fiber optic cable communication methods, such as high construction difficulty, difficult operation and maintenance, and high hardware costs. It can realize a pyramid-shaped hierarchical structure of "one center, multiple stations, and several track sections", which can simplify the system configuration of current axle counting equipment, reduce the number of devices, and meet the requirements of new train control systems.

[0030] This invention supplements the novel train control system employing wireless communication moving block signaling. In the event of moving block failure, it uses axle counting equipment to automatically block signal the system, maintaining its availability and reducing the impact on transportation efficiency. Compared to traditional methods, the axle counting system implemented via wireless communication offers advantages such as high flexibility, high integration, and short construction time due to the elimination of fiber optic cable constraints. The combination of railway 5G-R wireless communication and the 400MHz digital wireless train dispatching system communication methods with railway signal safety communication protocols avoids connection failures caused by cable wear, aging, and damage, thereby increasing the reliability of system information exchange.

[0031] This invention allows for flexible adjustment of WSR deployment based on transport volume, balancing safety, reliability, and technical and economic rationality. It can be used in conjunction with new train control systems to fully leverage their technical advantages of fewer trackside devices, high transport efficiency, and flexible configuration, achieving the best effect of signal equipment serving transport.

[0032] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention are realized and obtained in accordance with the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims and drawings.

[0033] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the section occupancy inspection area formed by the axle counting equipment in the prior art;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the moving block system in the prior art.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the occupancy of the inspection interval based on axle counting in the existing technology.

[0037] Figure 4 The axle counting device provided by this invention implements the principle of track section status judgment;

[0038] Figure 5 The switching timing of the multi-mode wireless communication module provided by this invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the occupancy of the axle counting check interval provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] 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.

[0041] In existing technologies, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the method of solving the section occupancy check based on axle counting equipment is generally to set up an axle counting host in the signal equipment room of each station, and to set up wheel sensors at the block section boundary. These sensors are connected to the station axle counting host via cable, optical cable, or optical transmission channel. Stations are connected by optical cable. By comparing the wheel sensor information of each station axle counting host with the axle counting information at the block section boundary between adjacent stations, the result of whether each block section is occupied can be obtained.

[0042] Example 1: This embodiment of the invention provides a railway section occupancy inspection method and system based on wireless communication and central control. Based on a railway axle counting system, it includes a central axle counting host and a trackside wheel sensor with wireless communication function, referred to as WSR. The WSR is connected to the central axle counting host. The WSR is equipped with a trackside wheel sensor and a multi-mode wireless communication module. The number of trackside wheel sensors is N, where N is a positive integer.

[0043] The multi-mode wireless communication module includes a trackside wireless communication module and a central wireless communication module, used for wireless communication between the central axle counter and the trackside wheel sensors. The trackside wireless communication module and the central wireless communication module communicate using multiple redundant wireless communication standards and a secure communication protocol for information transmission, conforming to the fail-safe principle.

[0044] The trackside wheel sensor is installed on the rail and is used to detect the number of wheel pairs entering and leaving the track section, determine the occupancy and clearance of the track section, and its function is equivalent to that of the track circuit.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the trackside wheel sensor is used to cut the magnetic field lines emitted by the sensor by the wheel. The magnetic field strength received by the receiving end will decrease. Each cut indicates that an axle has passed, thereby realizing the detection of train position, direction and integrity.

[0046] The central axle counting host directly acquires the detection information of the wheel sensors through wireless communication, thereby realizing the function of judging the status information of the track section; and redundantly configures and manages multiple station concentration areas, getting rid of the limitations of traditional optical cable laying length, construction, operation and maintenance, etc., and realizing the management of multiple stations from one center.

[0047] Preferably, the wireless communication methods include, but are not limited to, 5G-R wireless communication, 400MHz digital wireless train dispatching system communication, GSM-R wireless communication, and NB-IoT communication.

[0048] When using NB-IoT, attention should be paid to adding information security isolation devices to enhance information security protection functions, and the security and reliability of information transmission should be ensured by adopting railway signal security communication protocols.

[0049] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, when both the 400MHz module and the 5G-R module in the wireless communication module are working simultaneously, when the railway axle counting system starts, the multi-mode wireless communication module simultaneously initiates communication requests with the first central axle counting host 1 and the second central axle counting host 2, and sends its own mileage location, number, initial status, and other information to the host. The first central axle counting host 1 and the second central axle counting host 2, after verifying that the information is correct, agree to the communication request. The first central axle counting host 1 and the second central axle counting host 2 exchange information with the trackside wheel sensors using two wireless communication methods. When the first central axle counting host 1 and the second central axle counting host 2 determine that the communication quality of a certain communication method does not meet the requirements, they disconnect that channel, while the channel maintaining the required communication quality continues to exchange information. After the faulty channel is repaired, the first central axle counting host 1 and the second central axle counting host 2 reconnect with the trackside wheel sensors via the two wireless communication methods.

[0050] Example 2: A railway section occupancy inspection method and system based on wireless communication and central control, comprising: a railway axle counting system dividing the track circuit into several sections; each track circuit breaker (WSR) being equipped with a multi-mode wireless communication module; a central axle counting host redundantly configured in the control center; and each WSR simultaneously communicating wirelessly with the central axle counting host.

[0051] Specifically, such as Figure 6As shown, the train departs from station 1, passes through station 2, and stops at station 3. The three stations and two sections are divided into several track circuit zones by the axle counting equipment. In the initial state, there is no train occupying the section between station 1 and station 2, and the running direction of the section has not been established.

[0052] When station 1 processes the departure route, the computer interlocking system automatically sends a block request to station 2 through the combination circuit.

[0053] After receiving the request to depart, if Station 2 has not processed the departure operation in the opposite direction, it will obtain the section occupancy information from the axle counting host in the control center and send a signal to Station 1 agreeing to accept the train, provided that the section is generally free.

[0054] After receiving the departure signal, Station 1 opens the departure signal and the train enters the section. When the first axle counting sensor detects that the train wheelset has passed, the trackside wheel sensor sends the counting status to the first central axle counting host 1 and the second central axle counting host 2 in the control center through the wireless communication module. The first central axle counting host 1 and the second central axle counting host 2 determine the track section occupancy status through the counting information and send it to Station 1 and Station 2.

[0055] Based on the aforementioned track section status judgment principle, the first central axle counter 1 and the second central axle counter 2 calculate the track section status in real time and send it to station 1 and station 2. When a train clears a track section, the corresponding wheel sensors are reset according to regulations; the section is then judged according to the block principle to determine whether it can continue to be used by other trains.

[0056] The train reception and departure operations at subsequent stations 2 and 3 follow the same procedure as described above.

[0057] Furthermore, it is particularly suitable for automatic inter-station block systems that use railway axle counting systems to determine the status of sections, as well as as a backup mode for new train control systems that use train-to-ground communication to achieve moving block.

[0058] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0059] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method and system for railway section occupancy inspection based on wireless communication and central control, based on a railway axle counting system, characterized in that, It includes a central axle counter host and a trackside wheel sensor. The trackside wheel sensor is connected to the central axle counter host. The trackside wheel sensor is equipped with a multi-mode wireless communication module. The number of trackside wheel sensors is N, where N is a positive integer. The multi-mode wireless communication module includes a trackside wireless communication module and a central wireless communication module, which are used for wireless communication between the central axle counter and the trackside wheel sensors. The trackside wheel sensor is installed on the rail and is used to detect the number of wheel pairs entering and leaving the track section, and to determine the occupancy and clearance of the track section. The central axle counter host directly acquires the detection information of the wheel sensor via wireless communication; The trackside wireless communication module and the central wireless communication module communicate using multiple redundant wireless communication standards and employ a secure communication protocol for information transmission.

2. The railway section occupancy inspection method and system according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two central axle counters, which work redundantly and manage multiple station clusters to determine the status information of track sections.

3. The railway section occupancy inspection method and system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Wireless communication methods include, but are not limited to, 5G-R wireless communication, 400MHz digital wireless train dispatching system communication, GSM-R wireless communication, and NB-IoT communication.

4. The railway section occupancy inspection method and system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trackside wheel sensor is used to detect the position, direction, and integrity of the train by cutting the magnetic lines of force emitted by the wheel-side sensor.

5. The railway section occupancy inspection method and system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the railway axle counting system is started, the multi-mode wireless communication module simultaneously initiates a communication request with the central axle counting host in the redundant configuration. It uses a secure communication protocol to transmit information, sending its own mileage position, number, initial status and other information to the central axle counting host. After the central axle counting host verifies that there is no error, it agrees to the communication request.

6. The railway section occupancy inspection method and system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deployment of trackside wheel sensors is adjusted according to transportation needs, which is achieved through wireless communication and software configuration adjustments between the central axle counter and the trackside wheel sensors.

7. A railway section occupancy inspection method and system based on claim 1, characterized in that, The specific procedures for receiving and dispatching vehicles are as follows: In the initial state, there is no train occupying the section between two adjacent stations and no running direction has been established. When a train departs from the station, the computer interlocking system sends a block request to the next station through the combination circuit. When the next station receives the application, it combines the section occupancy information obtained by the first and second central axle counters with whether the station has established a departure route in the opposite direction to determine whether to accept the train. If so, the exit signal is opened and the train enters the section. When the first axle counting sensor detects that the train wheelset has passed, the trackside wheel sensor sends counting information to the first and second central axle counting hosts in the control center via wireless communication. The first and second central axle counting hosts determine the track section occupancy status based on the counting information. After a train clears a track section, the corresponding wheel sensors are reset as required; the section is then determined, based on the block closure principle, whether it can continue to be used by other trains. The process is repeated at subsequent stations until the train arrival and departure operation is completed.

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