Crossing linkage protection control system and method

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of rail transit technology, and provides a crossing linkage protection control system and method. The system comprises a decentralized crossing device arranged at each crossing, which is composed of four subsystems, namely, power supply, maintenance, crossing host and input / output. The crossing host subsystem is the core, which is used to receive train approaching information and linkage protection notification information, and make logical decision based on the information to control the action of the barrier machine and the crossing signal. The control method of the present application is applied to a related crossing group comprising a first crossing and a second crossing. When the first crossing is closed due to train approaching, linkage protection notification will be sent to the second crossing. In the automatic control mode, the second crossing combines the received notification with its own train information, updates the state of the linkage protection flag, and makes logical decision to generate differentiated control instructions, so as to realize linkage protection between crossings, effectively prevent vehicles from staying in the crossings, and improve the passing efficiency while ensuring safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of rail transit technology, and specifically relates to a level crossing linkage protection control system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Railway level crossings are critical nodes where railways and roads intersect at grade, and their safety protection level directly affects railway transportation efficiency and public safety. Currently, level crossing systems have gradually evolved from traditional manual monitoring to automated control, with increasingly diverse protection methods. However, with the acceleration of railway speeds and the densification of urban rail transit networks in my country, the density of level crossings is increasing, and the distance between adjacent level crossings is decreasing. In this complex scenario, the traditional, single-level crossing independent control mode has become clearly insufficient. Especially in typical scenarios such as close-proximity double level crossings (usually within 60-200 meters) and mainline-siding level crossing linkages, the need for coordinated and linked protection of adjacent level crossings has become particularly urgent to prevent vehicles from being stuck in "trap sections" or detouring and entering the clearance limits, thus ensuring traffic safety.

[0003] Currently, the existing technology solutions for level crossing protection have the following limitations: I. Isolated control of single-level crossings, lacking a coordinated mechanism: Traditional level crossing equipment only provides independent protection for trains approaching the crossing itself. When adjacent level crossings (usually less than 200m apart) are related, it is impossible to achieve synchronized and coordinated control across level crossings. This leads to asynchronous operation of the barrier gates at adjacent level crossings, causing vehicles to become stuck in the "trap section" between the two level crossings, resulting in safety accidents.

[0004] Second, the mechanical linkage between the barrier gates and the signal lights results in insufficient control flexibility: Existing solutions generally adopt a mechanical or hard-wire linkage between the barrier gates and the crossing signal lights. That is, when the crossing is closed, all barrier gates are lowered and all signals are switched to the stop signal. This mode cannot adapt to the local protection state of "some barrier gates are closed and some barriers remain vertical" in the linkage scenario.

[0005] 3. The display strategy of the inner signal is simplistic and does not take into account the level crossing spacing: For the display of the inner signal of the associated level crossing, the existing technology has not established a differentiated strategy based on the level crossing spacing. When the spacing is less than 60m, if the inner signal keeps the display on, road users may misjudge it as a passable area and intrude into the train clearance. When the spacing is greater than 60m, if the light is forcibly turned off, it will lose effective guidance for road users and reduce traffic efficiency. There is a lack of configurable display rules to adapt to different site conditions.

[0006] In summary, there is an urgent need in this field for an innovative level crossing linkage protection control system and method, which can meet the safety protection needs of modern and future railway rail transit for complex level crossings by constructing a linkage protection architecture. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a level crossing linkage protection control system and method.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: This invention provides a level crossing linkage protection control method, applied to an associated level crossing group consisting of a first level crossing and a second level crossing, the control method comprising: When the first level crossing detects an approaching train or receives a remote train approach notification, the first level crossing will switch to the level crossing closed state and simultaneously send a linkage protection notification to the second level crossing. The second checkpoint processes the linked protection notification according to its current control mode: If the second checkpoint is in local control mode, the linkage protection notification is ignored, and only the control commands of the local control panel are responded to. If the second checkpoint is in automatic control mode, it receives the linkage protection notification and executes the corresponding linkage protection process.

[0009] Preferably, the second checkpoint is in automatic control mode, and performs corresponding linkage protection processing, specifically including: Receive train approach information, which is used to indicate whether a train is approaching or departing at this level crossing; Receive linkage protection notification information, which includes a linkage protection activation notification or linkage protection cancellation notification from the associated checkpoint or remote control equipment; Based on the train approach information, the level crossing status is determined, including level crossing closed, level crossing open, or level crossing fault. Based on the linkage protection notification information, update the status of a linkage protection flag. The status of the linkage protection flag includes no linkage, linkage status, and waiting to de-link. Logical decisions are made based on the status of the level crossing and the status of the linked protective sign to generate control commands, thereby controlling the barrier gate and level crossing signal to perform corresponding actions.

[0010] Preferably, updating the status of a linkage protection flag based on the linkage protection control information includes: When the notification to activate the linkage protection is received, the linkage protection status is updated to the "linkage enabled" status. When the notification to cancel linkage protection is received, if the linkage protection flag is in the no linkage state, it is updated to the no linkage state. When the notification to cancel linkage protection is received, if the linkage protection flag is in a linkage state or a waiting-to-cancel linkage state, it is updated to the waiting-to-cancel linkage state.

[0011] Preferably, during the period when the linkage protection flag is in the waiting-to-disengagement state, the lowered barrier machine is controlled to lift up, and the position of the barrier machine is continuously detected. When all the controlled-lifted barrier machines have reached the vertical position, the linkage protection flag is updated to the no-linkage state.

[0012] Preferably, the step of performing logical judgment based on the state of the level crossing and the state of the linkage protection sign to generate control commands specifically includes: When the crossing is in a closed state, a first control command is generated to control all the pallet jacks at the crossing to drop and all the crossing signals to display a prohibition signal. When the crossing is in the open state and the linkage protection sign is in the no linkage or waiting to be de-linked state, a second control command is generated, and all the barrier gates at this crossing are raised and the crossing signal displays a permission signal. When the crossing is in the open state and the linkage protection sign is in the linkage state, a third control command is generated to control at least one barrier gate located on the outside of the road to drop and the corresponding crossing signal to display a prohibition signal. At the same time, the barrier gate located on the inside of the road is controlled to remain raised. When the crossing is in a fault state, a fourth control command is generated to control all the barrier cranes at the crossing to lift up and all the crossing signals to turn off.

[0013] Preferably, the generation of the third control command further includes: Based on pre-configured rules, generate instructions for controlling the level crossing signal located on the inside of the road; The pre-configuration rules are set based on the distance between the first and second crossings.

[0014] Preferably, the step of generating instructions for controlling the level crossing signal located on the inner side of the road according to pre-configured rules includes: If the spacing is less than or equal to a preset threshold, a command is generated to control the inner level crossing signal to turn off the lights. If the spacing is greater than the preset threshold, an instruction is generated to control the inner level crossing signal to display a permission signal.

[0015] Preferably, the logical decision further includes state switching processing: When the level crossing is determined to be in a linkage protection state based on the level crossing open state and the linkage state, if the train approach information indicating that a train is approaching at this level crossing is received, the level crossing state is updated to the level crossing closed state, and a new logical decision is made to generate the first control command. When the level crossing is determined to be in a level crossing closed state based on the level crossing closed state, if the notification to cancel the linkage protection is received, the linkage protection flag will be updated to the no linkage state.

[0016] The present invention also provides a level crossing linkage protection control system for implementing the level crossing linkage protection control method described above. The system includes distributed level crossing devices installed at a first level crossing and a second level crossing, each of the distributed level crossing devices comprising: The power supply subsystem is used to convert and regulate the input power supply to provide power to other subsystems. A maintenance subsystem is used to record the operation logs of the distributed level crossing equipment and provide diagnostic functions; The level crossing main unit subsystem serves as the computing and control center for the distributed level crossing equipment and is connected to the power supply subsystem and maintenance subsystem. An input / output subsystem, connected to the level crossing host subsystem, is used to drive and collect the status of signal equipment, which includes at least a barrier hoist and a level crossing signal.

[0017] Preferably, the level crossing host subsystem communicates with the interlocking system and the level crossing host subsystems of adjacent level crossings via Ethernet to receive and send the linkage protection notification and train approach information.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. This invention establishes an information communication and collaborative control mechanism between the first and second level crossings. When the first level crossing closes due to train approach, it automatically sends a linkage protection notification to the second level crossing. In automatic mode, the second level crossing combines train approach information and linkage status for a comprehensive judgment, thereby achieving automatic identification, coexistence, and seamless switching between linkage protection and train protection status. This mechanism ensures that the actions of the barrier gates at adjacent level crossings are synchronized and orderly, fundamentally solving the major safety problem of vehicles being stranded in the "trap section" between the two level crossings due to isolated control and asynchronous actions.

[0019] 2. The level crossing main unit subsystem of this invention, through its input / output subsystem, enables completely independent and programmable logic control of the barrier car and the level crossing signal, breaking through the limitations of traditional mechanics. Especially in the linked protection state, the system can execute a partial protection strategy of "partial closure, partial passage," and this differentiated and precise control capability greatly enhances the flexibility, adaptability, and precision of level crossing protection.

[0020] 3. This invention innovatively introduces a pre-configuration rule based on the distance between crossings. The system intelligently decides whether to display a "permission signal" or "light off" on the inner signal controller based on a comparison between the actual distance between two crossings and a preset threshold. When the distance is too close, the system avoids misleading road users by turning off the light, ensuring absolute safety. When the distance is sufficient, the system provides clear guidance to vehicles that have entered the section by displaying a permission signal, ensuring traffic efficiency. This allows the system to intelligently adapt to different site conditions, thereby improving both safety protection and traffic efficiency.

[0021] 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 may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description, claims and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] 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 some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the control system structure of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the control method of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 ; Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the control method of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 ; Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the control method of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 ; Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the control method of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 ; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an associated level crossing group using the control system and method of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 ; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an associated level crossing group using the control system and method of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 . Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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, 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.

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Example 1: like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a level crossing linkage protection control system, which is applied to a group of associated level crossings consisting of a first level crossing and a second level crossing. The level crossing linkage protection control system includes distributed level crossing equipment installed at each level crossing. The distributed level crossing equipment includes a power supply subsystem, a maintenance subsystem, a level crossing host subsystem, and an input / output subsystem. In this embodiment, the level crossing linkage protection control system is deployed beside the railway line and adopts a distributed architecture. It is suitable for related level crossing groups that require regional collaborative protection. Each level crossing is equipped with independent distributed level crossing equipment. The distributed level crossing equipment is connected to external equipment or systems through multiple interfaces to form a distributed control network.

[0027] Furthermore, the power supply subsystem is used to convert and regulate the input power, supply power to other subsystems, and ensure stable operation of the equipment; the level crossing host subsystem serves as the computing and control center of the distributed level crossing equipment and is connected to the power supply subsystem and the maintenance subsystem. In this embodiment, the level crossing host subsystem is mainly responsible for the level crossing's logical operations, status judgment, control command generation, and external communication management. It communicates with CBI (Computer Based Interlocking), axle counting, adjacent level crossing systems, or other remote control devices via Ethernet to receive and send linkage protection notifications, train approach information, control information, etc. Specifically, the level crossing main subsystem obtains train approach / departure information through CBI and axle counting, automatically determines whether the level crossing should be in a "closed" or "open" state, and can also respond to operation commands from remote devices or local (local control panel), switch level crossing control modes or forcibly open or close the level crossing, and exchange status information with adjacent level crossings. It calculates the final level crossing linkage protection status by combining the train position at the level crossing and manual commands, and generates corresponding control commands. Through the input / output subsystem, it drives the guardrail and signal machine to perform corresponding actions. Specifically, the level crossing main unit subsystem connects to the LEU (Lineside Electronic Unit) via a serial port, and can send level crossing speed limit messages or speed limit conditions to it. The LEU then sends this information to the approaching train through a transponder, thereby providing the train with protection information of the level crossing ahead, realizing safe information transmission between the train and the ground, and improving the level crossing safety protection level. The level crossing main unit subsystem can also provide an operation panel to support local control and status display.

[0028] Furthermore, the input / output subsystem is used to drive and acquire the status of signaling equipment, which includes at least barrier gates and level crossing signals; In this embodiment, the input / output subsystem is connected to the signal equipment via cable lines and communicates with the level crossing host subsystem via Ethernet. According to the instructions of the level crossing host, it is responsible for collecting information such as the position of the barrier crane and the status of the signal, and feeding it back to the level crossing host subsystem. In addition, the input / output subsystem can also receive local operation commands. The input / output rack system can also be connected to the power supply equipment and the highway traffic light system through relay interfaces to realize the linkage between the level crossing status and the highway traffic lights, or to monitor the power supply status. Specifically, the level crossing main unit subsystem drives the barrier car and the level crossing signal to perform actions corresponding to the current level crossing status by controlling the input and output subsystem. The barrier car and the level crossing signal are independently controlled by the level crossing main unit subsystem, so that in the linkage protection state, the partial drop of the barrier car and the differentiated display of the level crossing signal can be realized.

[0029] Furthermore, the maintenance subsystem is used to record the operation logs of the distributed level crossing equipment and provide diagnostic functions to support equipment diagnosis and maintenance; In this embodiment, the maintenance subsystem is connected to the RME (Remote Maintenance Equipment) via Ethernet. Maintenance personnel can remotely access the maintenance subsystem of the level crossing equipment through the RME to view operation logs, diagnose faults, perform remote status monitoring, parameter configuration, etc., thereby improving the maintainability of the system.

[0030] Specifically, the level crossing linkage protection control system in this embodiment uses distributed level crossing equipment, which includes four core subsystems, to interact with the external environment (trains, interlocking, adjacent level crossings, highway traffic, etc.) through multiple types of interfaces to achieve automatic protection, linkage protection, and maintenance management of level crossings.

[0031] Example 2: This invention provides a level crossing linkage protection control method, which uses the level crossing linkage protection control system described above to realize linkage protection control of a first level crossing and a second level crossing. The control method includes: when the first level crossing detects a train approaching or receives a remote train approach notification, the first level crossing switches to a level crossing closed state and simultaneously sends a linkage protection notification to the second level crossing; the second level crossing processes the linkage protection notification according to its current control mode. In this embodiment, the first and second level crossings are mutually linked protection crossings. Taking the first level crossing sending a linked protection notification to the second level crossing as an example (the same applies when the second level crossing sends a linked protection notification to the first level crossing), if the first level crossing detects an approaching train, the first level crossing will switch to a level crossing closed state and must simultaneously notify the second level crossing to perform linked protection processing; or when the remote control device sends a train approach notification to the first level crossing, it must simultaneously notify the second level crossing to perform linked protection processing. In this embodiment, the sources of the level crossing linkage protection notification information are mainly: CBI interlocking notification, adjacent level crossing notification, or other remote control equipment; after receiving the linkage protection notification, the second level crossing calculates the level crossing status and controls the actions of the barrier gate and signal equipment by combining the information such as the position of the trains on the line under its jurisdiction and manual operation commands.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the second checkpoint processes the linkage protection notification according to its current control mode as follows: if the second checkpoint is in the local control mode, the linkage protection notification is ignored and only the control command of the local control panel is responded to; if the second checkpoint is in the automatic control mode, the linkage protection notification is received and the corresponding linkage protection processing is performed. In this embodiment, the second level crossing is processed according to the current level crossing control mode. If the level crossing is in the local control mode, it only receives control commands from the local control panel and performs the corresponding level crossing closing and opening operations according to the button status on the local control panel. In this mode, it does not respond to any train approach information or linkage protection information.

[0033] Furthermore, when the second checkpoint is in automatic control mode, corresponding linkage protection measures are implemented, specifically including: S1: Receive train approach information and determine the level crossing status based on the train approach information; S2: Receive the linkage protection notification information and update the status of the linkage protection flag based on the linkage protection notification information; S3: Based on the status of the level crossing and the status of the linkage protection signs, make logical judgments and generate control commands to control the barrier gate and level crossing signal to perform corresponding actions. S4: When the linkage protection sign is in a preset state, the linkage protection sign is updated according to the lifting state of the pallet machine.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, in step S1, the train approach information is used to indicate whether a train is approaching or departing at this level crossing. The level crossing status includes level crossing closed status, level crossing open status, or level crossing fault status. Specifically, the second level crossing equipment generates the level crossing status based on the approach notification sent by the interlocking or the train position information detected by the axle counter: the level crossing is closed when the train approaches, and the level crossing is opened after the train departs. When the level crossing equipment malfunctions, fault protection processing logic is executed.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, in step S2, the linkage protection notification information includes a linkage protection activation notification or linkage protection cancellation notification from the associated level crossing or remote control device, and the linkage protection flag status includes no linkage status, linkage status, and waiting to de-linkage status. Furthermore, based on the linkage protection control information, the status of a linkage protection flag is updated, including: when a linkage protection start notification is received, the linkage protection status is updated to linkage enabled; when a linkage protection cancellation notification is received, if the linkage protection flag is in a non-linkage state, it is updated to a non-linkage state; when a linkage protection cancellation notification is received, if the linkage protection flag is in a linkage enabled state or a waiting-to-cancel-linkage state, it is updated to a waiting-to-cancel-linkage state. In this embodiment, the linkage protection notification is sent to the level crossing host subsystem via Ethernet by the interlocking, adjacent level crossings, or other remote devices. The two communicating parties can set different code positions according to their needs. For example, when the Nth byte in the communication data sent by the interlocking to the level crossing host is set to 0x55, the level crossing receives the linkage protection activation notification; when the Nth byte is set to 0xAA, the level crossing receives the linkage protection cancellation notification. Specifically, when the second checkpoint receives a notification to activate the linkage protection system, it updates the linkage protection flag to the "linkage active" state. When it receives a notification to cancel the linkage protection system, it needs to check the previous linkage protection flag status. If the flag is "no linkage," the linkage protection flag status remains "no linkage." If the flag is "linkage active," the linkage protection flag status is updated to "waiting to cancel linkage." If the flag is "waiting to cancel linkage," the linkage protection flag remains in the "waiting to cancel linkage" state. That is, when the second checkpoint receives a notification to cancel the linkage protection system, if the current linkage protection flag is "linkage active" or "waiting to cancel linkage," it is updated to the "waiting to cancel linkage" state.

[0036] like Figure 4As shown, in step S3, a logical decision is made based on the state of the crossing and the state of the linkage protection sign to generate a control command. Specifically, when the crossing is in a closed state, a first control command is generated to control all the barrier cranes at the crossing to lower and all the crossing signals to display a prohibition signal; when the crossing is in a fault state, a fourth control command is generated to control all the barrier cranes at the crossing to raise and all the crossing signals to turn off. In this embodiment, when the second level crossing is in the level crossing closed state, all barriers are controlled to fall and all level crossing signals are controlled to display a prohibition signal. At this time, the level crossing is in the train protection state when a train approaches. When the second level crossing shows a level crossing fault, the fault protection processing logic is executed, that is, all barriers are slowly raised and all level crossing signals are turned off.

[0037] Furthermore, based on the status of the crossing and the status of the linkage protection sign, a logical judgment is made to generate control commands. Specifically, this includes: when the crossing is in an open state and the linkage protection sign is in a state of no linkage or waiting to be de-linked, a second control command is generated to control all barrier gates at this crossing to raise and the crossing signal to display a permission signal; when the crossing is in an open state and the linkage protection sign is in a state of linkage, a third control command is generated to control at least one barrier gate located on the outside of the road to lower and the corresponding crossing signal to display a prohibition signal, while controlling the barrier gate located on the inside of the road to remain raised. In this embodiment, when the level crossing is in the open state, if the linkage protection sign is checked and it is found to be in linkage protection, a third control command is generated to control the barrier gate located on the right side of the road outside the level crossing to drop, the signal on the outside of the level crossing to display a prohibition signal, and other barriers to remain in a vertical position. After all barriers that need to be raised are in a vertical position, the signal on the inside of the level crossing equipment is controlled to display a permission signal or turn off the light.

[0038] Furthermore, the generated third control command also includes: generating a command to control the traffic signal at the intersection located on the inner side of the road according to the pre-configuration rules; wherein, the pre-configuration rules are set based on the distance between the first intersection and the second intersection, and if the distance is less than or equal to a preset threshold, a command is generated to control the traffic signal at the inner intersection to turn off the lights; if the distance is greater than the preset threshold, a command is generated to control the traffic signal at the inner intersection to display a permission signal. In this embodiment, the display status of the signal inside the second crossing is determined by a pre-configured rule, that is, it is configured to either turn off the light or display a permit signal based on the distance between the two crossings. For example, a preset threshold of 60 meters is set in the pre-configured rule, that is, when the distance between the two crossings is no more than 60 meters, the signal inside the second crossing is controlled to turn off the light; when the distance between the two crossings is more than 60 meters, the signal inside the second crossing is controlled to display a permit light.

[0039] Therefore, in this embodiment, by setting a preset threshold in the logic decision of the level crossing linkage protection control, when the distance between the two level crossings is large (greater than the preset threshold), the system will generate an instruction to make the inner signal of the second level crossing display a permission signal, ensuring that vehicles have sufficient reaction time and buffer area at a reasonable distance. This can provide clear and continuous passage guidance for vehicles that have already crossed the first level crossing, indicating that the road ahead (before the linkage protection is lifted) is passable, avoiding unnecessary stopping and waiting or confusion, thereby optimizing the traffic flow of the road and improving the road use efficiency.

[0040] Furthermore, in step S3, a logical decision is made based on the level crossing status and the status of the linkage protection sign. The logical decision also includes a status switching process: when the level crossing is determined to be in the linkage protection state based on the level crossing open state and the linkage status, if a train approaching information indicating that a train is approaching this level crossing is received, the level crossing status is updated to the level crossing closed state, and a new logical decision is made to generate the first control command; when the level crossing is determined to be in the level crossing closed state based on the level crossing closed state, if a linkage protection cancellation notification is received, the linkage protection sign is updated to the no-linkage state. In this embodiment, when the second level crossing is in the open state and in the linkage state, if a train is detected approaching or a remote closing command is received, the level crossing switches from the linkage protection state to the level crossing closed state, and the linkage protection state is restored after the train leaves and there is no remote closing command. Similarly, if the second level crossing receives a linkage protection notification while the level crossing is in the closed state, it will remain in the closed state according to the approaching train or remote control command until the train leaves and there is no remote closing command. At this time, the level crossing will change from the level crossing closed protection state to the linkage protection state. In this embodiment, if the second level crossing receives a notification to cancel the linkage protection when the level crossing is in the closed state, the linkage protection flag is directly updated to "no linkage". After the train leaves and there is no remote closing command, the level crossing is switched to the open state.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, in step S4, when the linkage protection sign is in the preset state, the linkage protection sign is updated according to the lifting state of the pallet hoist. The preset state refers to the "waiting to release linkage" state. Specifically, during the period when the linkage protection sign is in the waiting to release linkage state, the lowered pallet hoist is controlled to lift up, and the position of the pallet hoist is continuously detected. When all the controlled raised pallet hoists reach the vertical position, the linkage protection sign is updated to the no linkage state. In this embodiment, when the linkage protection sign is in the "waiting to release linkage" state, the linkage protection sign is updated according to the status of the barrier machine. If all the barriers are raised to the vertical position, the linkage protection sign is updated from "waiting to release linkage" to "no linkage" state; otherwise, the linkage protection sign remains unchanged.

[0042] The level crossing linkage control system and method of the present invention are specifically applied to associated level crossing groups. In the scenario of railway level crossing linkage protection, SR1 and SR3 usually refer to specific level crossing numbers (or level crossing equipment identifiers) to distinguish different level crossing individuals.

[0043] like Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the level crossing linkage control when train SR1 approaches and sends a linkage protection notification to SR3. In this embodiment, SR1 can be considered the first level crossing, and SR3 can be considered the second level crossing. When level crossing SR1 detects a train approaching, the level crossing closes, all barrier gates on both sides of the level crossing lower, and all level crossing signals display a prohibition signal. Simultaneously, a linkage protection command is sent to level crossing SR3 via Ethernet. If SR3 is in local control mode, it ignores the linkage protection notification from SR1 and only responds to the control commands from the local control panel. If SR3 is in automatic control mode, it receives the linkage protection notification and, in conjunction with its own train approach information and linkage protection flag status, executes linkage protection processing. from Figure 6 As can be seen, the SR3 level crossing is in a linked state. The barrier gate located on the right side of the road outside the level crossing is lowered, the signal on the outside of the level crossing displays a prohibition signal, and the signal on the inside of the level crossing is turned off.

[0044] like Figure 7 The diagram shows a level crossing linkage control system where train SR3 approaches and sends a linkage protection notification to SR1. In this embodiment, SR3 can be considered as the first level crossing, and SR1 as the second level crossing. The specific level crossing linkage protection control principle is the same as described above. Figure 6 Similarly, through the coordinated notification from the first level crossing, the second level crossing can adjust its own level crossing status in advance or simultaneously (such as closing the barriers and displaying a prohibition signal on the signal), thereby achieving coordinated protection of level crossings in the area and avoiding safety risks to trains within the connected level crossing section.

[0045] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A level crossing linkage protection control system, applied to a group of associated level crossings including a first level crossing and a second level crossing, characterized in that, Each level crossing is equipped with decentralized level crossing equipment, which includes: The level crossing main unit subsystem serves as the computing and control center for the distributed level crossing equipment and connects to other subsystems. An input / output subsystem, connected to the level crossing host subsystem, is used to drive and collect the status of signal equipment, which includes at least a barrier hoist and a level crossing signal. The level crossing host subsystem is configured as follows: Receive train approach information and coordinated protection notification information; Based on the train approach information and the linkage protection notification information, update the linkage protection sign, and make a logical decision based at least on the linkage protection sign and the train approach information, and control the input / output subsystem to drive the barrier gate and the level crossing signal to perform actions corresponding to the current level crossing status. When the crossing is in the linkage protection state, the inner crossing signal machine is controlled according to the pre-configured display rules.

2. The level crossing linkage protection control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The decentralized crossing equipment also includes: The power supply subsystem is used to convert and regulate the input power supply to provide power to other subsystems. The maintenance subsystem is used to record the operation logs of the distributed level crossing equipment and provide diagnostic functions.

3. A method for coordinated protection control at a level crossing, using a coordinated protection control system for a level crossing as described in any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The method is applied to a group of associated level crossings consisting of a first level crossing and a second level crossing, and specifically includes: Receive train approach information, which is used to indicate whether a train is approaching or departing at this level crossing; Receive linkage protection notification information, which includes a linkage protection activation notification or linkage protection cancellation notification from the associated checkpoint or remote control equipment; Based on the train approach information and the linkage protection notification information, control the barrier gate and level crossing signal of this level crossing to perform actions corresponding to the current level crossing status; Based on the train approach information, the level crossing status is determined, including level crossing closed, level crossing open, or level crossing fault. Based on the linkage protection notification information, update the status of the linkage protection flag, which includes no linkage, linkage status, and waiting to de-link. Logical decisions are made based on the status of the level crossing and the status of the linked protective sign to generate control commands, thereby controlling the barrier gate and level crossing signal to perform corresponding actions.

4. The method for joint protection and control of a level crossing according to claim 3, characterized in that, Before the step of receiving train approach information, a level crossing control mode determination step is also included: When the first level crossing detects an approaching train or receives a remote train approach notification, the first level crossing will switch to the level crossing closed state and simultaneously send a linkage protection notification to the second level crossing. The second checkpoint processes the linked protection notification according to its current control mode: If the second checkpoint is in local control mode, the linkage protection notification is ignored, and only the control commands of the local control panel are responded to. If the second checkpoint is in automatic control mode, it receives the linkage protection notification and executes the corresponding linkage protection process.

5. The method for joint protection and control of a level crossing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of updating the status of the linkage protection flag based on the linkage protection control information specifically includes: When the notification to activate the linkage protection is received, the linkage protection status is updated to the "linkage enabled" status. When the notification to cancel linkage protection is received, if the linkage protection flag is in the no linkage state, it is updated to the no linkage state. When the notification to cancel linkage protection is received, if the linkage protection flag is in a linkage state or a waiting-to-cancel linkage state, it is updated to the waiting-to-cancel linkage state.

6. The method for joint protection and control of a level crossing according to claim 5, characterized in that, During the period when the linkage protection flag is in the waiting to release linkage state, the lowered barrier machine is controlled to lift up, and the position of the barrier machine is continuously detected. When all the controlled raised barrier machines have reached the vertical position, the linkage protection flag is updated to the no linkage state.

7. The method for joint protection and control of a level crossing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of performing logical judgment based on the status of the level crossing and the status of the linked protection sign to generate control commands specifically includes: When the crossing is in a closed state, a first control command is generated to control all the pallet jacks at the crossing to drop and all the crossing signals to display a prohibition signal. When the crossing is in a fault state, a fourth control command is generated to control all the barrier cranes at the crossing to lift up and all the crossing signals to turn off.

8. The method for joint protection and control of a level crossing according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of performing logical judgment based on the state of the level crossing and the state of the linked protection sign to generate control commands further includes: When the crossing is in the open state and the linkage protection sign is in the no linkage or waiting to be de-linked state, a second control command is generated, and all the barrier gates at this crossing are raised and the crossing signal displays a permission signal. When the crossing is in the open state and the linkage protection sign is in the linkage state, a third control command is generated to control at least one barrier gate located on the outside of the road to drop and the corresponding crossing signal to display a prohibition signal. At the same time, the barrier gate located on the inside of the road is controlled to remain raised.

9. The method for joint protection and control of a level crossing according to claim 8, characterized in that, The generation of the third control command also includes: Based on pre-configured rules, generate instructions for controlling the level crossing signal located on the inside of the road; The pre-configuration rules are set based on the distance between the first and second crossings.

10. The method for coordinated protection and control of a level crossing according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of generating instructions for controlling the level crossing signal located on the inner side of the road according to pre-configured rules includes: If the spacing is less than or equal to a preset threshold, a command is generated to control the inner level crossing signal to turn off the lights. If the spacing is greater than the preset threshold, an instruction is generated to control the inner level crossing signal to display a permission signal.

11. The method for joint protection and control of a level crossing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The logical decision also includes state switching processing: When the level crossing is determined to be in a linkage protection state based on the level crossing open state and the linkage state, if the train approach information indicating that a train is approaching at this level crossing is received, the level crossing state is updated to the level crossing closed state, and a new logical decision is made to generate a first control command. When the level crossing is determined to be in a level crossing closed state based on the level crossing closed state, if the notification to cancel the linkage protection is received, the linkage protection flag will be updated to a no-linkage state.

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