Railway container yard train and container positioning identification system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of railway container shipping, and particularly discloses a railway container yard train and container positioning identification system which comprises induction magnetic steel, train electronic tags, train number identification units, container number identification units, laser range finders and electronic equipment. The train number identification unit is used for storing train information, the induction magnetic steel is arranged at the initial position of a freight yard loading and unloading line and used for generating a train entering signal based on the condition that a train enters a freight yard, and the train number identification unit is used for starting according to the train entering signal, reading a train electronic tag of the train entering the freight yard, obtaining the train information and sending the train information to the freight yard loading and unloading line. The laser range finder is arranged at the final position of the freight yard loading and unloading line and used for obtaining distance information of a train entering a freight yard, the electronic equipment is used for positioning a container loaded by the train entering the freight yard according to the train information and the distance information, and a basis is provided for automatic loading and unloading of the train.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of railway container transportation technology, and in particular to a positioning and identification system for railway container yard trains and containers. Background Technology

[0002] In railway container yards, the stopping position of trains upon entering the loading and unloading lines is not fixed. Usually, the train stops at an appropriate position on the loading and unloading lines according to the length of the train formation and under the guidance of on-site staff. Based on this operation mode, there are problems of low operation efficiency and high labor intensity for personnel. Utility Model Content

[0003] In order to overcome the problems of low operational efficiency and high labor intensity in existing railway container loading and unloading, this utility model provides a positioning and identification system for railway container yard trains and containers.

[0004] This utility model provides a positioning and identification system for railway container yard trains and containers. The system includes an induction magnet, a train electronic tag, a car number identification unit, a container number identification unit, a laser rangefinder, and electronic equipment.

[0005] The train electronic tags are located at the bottom of each train car and are used to store train information;

[0006] The induction magnet is installed at the beginning of the loading and unloading line in the freight yard and is used to generate a train arrival signal based on the train entering the freight yard.

[0007] The train number identification unit is used to activate according to the train arrival signal, read the train electronic tag of the train entering the freight yard, and obtain the train information;

[0008] The laser rangefinder is located at the end of the loading and unloading line in the freight yard and is used to obtain distance information of trains entering the freight yard.

[0009] The electronic device is used to locate the containers loaded on the trains entering the freight yard based on the train information and the distance information.

[0010] According to a specific implementation, in the above-mentioned positioning and identification system, the electronic device includes a distance measurement data acquisition unit, a trackside box, a communication unit, a data processing unit, a network unit, and a workstation. The distance measurement data acquisition unit receives distance information acquired by the laser rangefinder and transmits it to the communication unit. The trackside box receives train information acquired by the vehicle number identification unit and transmits it to the communication unit. The communication unit transmits the train information and the distance information to the data processing unit. The data processing unit transmits the train information to the network unit, enabling the network unit to obtain the train length, coupler length, and the number and size of containers loaded on each train from an external data interface. The data processing unit locates the containers loaded on the train entering the freight yard based on the train length, coupler length, and the number and size of containers loaded on each train, generating positioning information. The network unit also transmits the positioning information to the gantry crane control system, enabling the gantry crane control system to load and unload containers based on the positioning information. The workstation displays the positioning information.

[0011] According to one specific implementation, in the above-described positioning and identification system, the data processing unit is specifically used for:

[0012] Given that the distance information is a fixed value, the location of the laser rangefinder is set as the origin.

[0013] By combining the distance information, train length, coupler length, and the number and size of containers loaded on each train, the center position of the containers loaded on each train is obtained, and positioning information is generated.

[0014] According to one specific implementation, in the above-mentioned positioning and identification system, the train information includes the train number and the container number. The network unit is also used to verify the train number and the container number against the train information obtained from an external data interface, and to provide a prompt when the verification is inconsistent.

[0015] According to one specific implementation, in the above-mentioned positioning and identification system, the data processing unit is further used to receive and re-match train information based on network unit prompts.

[0016] According to one specific implementation, in the above-described positioning and identification system, the inductive magnet is also used to count the trains that have passed.

[0017] According to one specific implementation, in the above-mentioned positioning and identification system, the vehicle number identification unit is also used to transmit the counting information of the induction magnet to the data processing unit, so that the data processing unit can provide a prompt when the train information and the counting information are inconsistent.

[0018] According to one specific implementation, in the above-mentioned positioning and identification system, the vehicle number identification unit is arranged parallel to the inductive magnet and is located in the middle of the track on the loading and unloading line of the freight yard.

[0019] According to one specific implementation, in the above-mentioned positioning and identification system, the vehicle number identification unit includes an antenna, a radio frequency identification device, and a processing board.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0021] This invention identifies the corresponding train information from the train's electronic tags and combines it with a laser rangefinder installed on the loading and unloading line to locate the containers loaded on the train. This solves the difficulty of locating the train when its stopping position is unstable, eliminates the inefficient operation of relying on manual positioning, improves the efficiency of loading and unloading operations, and provides a foundation for automated loading and unloading of train containers. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a positioning and identification system for a railway container yard train and containers provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the starting position of the loading and unloading line provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a train entering a freight yard, provided as an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0025] The markings in the diagram are: 1-Vehicle number identification unit, 2-Railside box, 3-Induction magnet, 4-Train, 5-Train electronic tag, 6-Rail, 7-Laser rangefinder, 8-Distance measurement data acquisition unit, 9-Communication unit, 10-Data processing unit, 11-Network unit, 12-Workstation. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the above-mentioned subject matter of the present invention to the following embodiments. All technologies implemented based on the content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "center," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships in the description of specific embodiments of this utility model is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product / equipment / device is typically placed during use. These terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the utility model solution or simplifying the description in specific embodiments, enabling those skilled in the art to quickly understand the solution, and do not indicate or imply that a specific device / component / element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific positional relationship. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0028] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," and "parallel" does not imply that the corresponding device / component / element must be absolutely horizontal, vertical, suspended, or parallel, but rather that it can be slightly tilted or have a deviation. For example, "horizontal" merely means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," not that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted. Alternatively, it can be simplified to mean that the corresponding device / component / element, when set in a "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," or "parallel" direction, can have an error / deviation of ±10% relative to the corresponding direction, more preferably within ±8%, more preferably within ±6%, more preferably within ±5%, and more preferably within ±4%. As long as the corresponding device / component / element is within the error / deviation range, it can still achieve its function in the present invention.

[0029] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "several", "multiple", and "several" represent at least two. The number can be any number, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine, and can even exceed nine.

[0030] Furthermore, in the description of the technical solution of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified / limited / restricted, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "equipped with," "laid out," and "arranged" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to common connection methods in the art, such as welding, riveting, bolting, and threaded connections. Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or communication connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components.

[0031] Currently, with the increasing volume of loading and unloading operations at freight yards, automated and intelligent loading and unloading operations are becoming the general trend. To achieve automated loading and unloading of containers on trains by gantry cranes, the gantry cranes need to know the location of the containers loaded on the train, and the location of the containers on the train can be determined based on the location of the train carriages.

[0032] However, the diverse train car types and container sizes within the freight yard, coupled with the unstable and difficult-to-position train stops, pose significant challenges to automated loading and unloading operations. Therefore, positioning the train cars can further enable container positioning, forming the foundation for automated loading and unloading operations in railway container freight yards.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1 This illustration shows a structural diagram of a positioning and identification system for railway container freight yard trains and containers provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a train number identification unit 1, a laser rangefinder 7, and electronic equipment. The electronic equipment includes a distance measurement data acquisition unit 8, a trackside box 2, a communication unit 9, a data processing unit 10, a network unit 11, and a workstation 12. The train number identification unit 1 is used to identify and activate the system based on the train arrival signal and read the train electronic tag 5 of the train 4 entering the freight yard to obtain train information.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the train arrival signal is provided by an inductive magnet 3, which generates the signal based on the arrival of train 4 in the freight yard. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 2 The figure shows a schematic diagram of train entry provided by an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the system also includes a train electronic tag 5, which is located at the bottom of each train car 4 and is used to store train information. The inductive magnet 3 is located at the beginning of the freight yard loading and unloading line. Specifically, the car number identification unit 1 is arranged parallel to the inductive magnet 3 and is located in the middle of the track on the freight yard loading and unloading line. The car number identification unit 1 includes an antenna, a radio frequency identification device, and a processing board.

[0035] Further, the distance measurement data acquisition unit 8 is used to receive the distance information acquired by the laser rangefinder 7 and transmit it to the communication unit 9; the trackside box 2 is used to receive the train information acquired by the vehicle number identification unit 1 and transmit it to the communication unit 9; the communication unit 9 is used to transmit the train information and the distance information to the data processing unit 10; the data processing unit 10 is used to transmit the train information to the network unit 11, so that the network unit 11 obtains the train length, coupler length, and the number and size of containers loaded in each train from the external data interface corresponding to the train information; the data processing unit 10 locates the containers loaded on the train 4 entering the freight yard according to the train length, coupler length, and the number and size of containers loaded in each train, and generates positioning information; the workstation 12 is used to display the positioning information.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the data processing unit 10 is specifically used for:

[0037] Given that the distance information is a fixed value, the location of the laser rangefinder 7 is set as the origin.

[0038] By combining the distance information, train length, coupler length, and the number and size of containers loaded in each train car, the center position of the containers loaded in each train car 4 is obtained, and positioning information is generated.

[0039] Further, please refer to Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a train entering a freight yard according to an embodiment of this invention. A laser rangefinder 7 measures the distance between itself and the train as ΔX. When this distance is a fixed value, it indicates that train 4 has fully entered the freight yard loading / unloading line and is ready for loading and unloading operations. At this time, based on information such as the containers loaded on each train 4, the containers are positioned. For example, assuming the container is located at the geometric center of train 4, if the first train carries one 40-foot standard container, the center of the container is near the center of the train, i.e., the center of the container is near the laser rangefinder ΔX + C1 / 2. Furthermore, if it is known through an external data interface that the second train carries two 20-foot standard containers, similarly, the center positions of the two containers are near the laser rangefinders (ΔX + C1 + CG1 + C2) / 4 and (ΔX + C1 + CG1 + 3C2) / 4, respectively. As shown in the diagram, C1 is the length of the first train, CG1 is the coupler length of the first train, and C2 is the length of the second train.

[0040] Furthermore, the train information includes the train number and container number. The network unit 11 is also used to verify the train number and container number against the train information obtained from an external data interface, and to provide a prompt when the verification is inconsistent. The data processing unit 10 is also used to receive the train information for verification and to perform a re-matching based on the prompt from the network unit 11.

[0041] Furthermore, the inductive magnet 3 is also used to count the passing trains 4. The train number identification unit 1 is also used to transmit the counting information of the inductive magnet 3 to the data processing unit 10, so that the data processing unit 10 can issue a prompt when the train information and the counting information are inconsistent. For example, the train information obtained from the train electronic tags of each train shows that the number of trains is 6. However, due to actual needs, one train needs to be temporarily added, but this is not synchronized to the system. At this time, the inductive magnet identifies 7 trains. The data processing unit 10 will then issue a prompt for this information, allowing on-site operators to make adjustments and corrections.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the external data interface is a railway system data interface, or another interface that stores the train number and corresponding train length, coupler length, and the number and size of containers loaded in each train car for the network unit 11 to read and verify.

[0043] In one possible implementation, this embodiment of the present invention further includes transmitting the positioning information generated by the data processing unit 10 to the gantry crane control system through the network unit 11, so that the gantry crane control system can load and unload containers according to the positioning information, thereby further realizing automated loading and unloading operations.

[0044] Based on the above technical solution, this utility model can locate the containers loaded on the train by identifying the corresponding train information from the train's electronic tags and combining it with the laser rangefinder set up on the loading and unloading line. This solves the difficulty of locating the train when the train's stopping position is unstable, gets rid of the inefficient operation of relying on manual positioning, improves the efficiency of loading and unloading operations, and provides a foundation for the automated loading and unloading of train containers.

[0045] Furthermore, it should be understood that the system disclosed in the embodiments of this utility model can be implemented in other ways. For example, the division of units is merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For instance, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the communication connection between units can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection between servers or units, and can be electrical or other forms.

[0046] Furthermore, in the various embodiments of this utility model, the functional modules can be integrated into one processing unit, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one processing unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0047] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this utility model, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this utility model. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard drives, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0048] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A positioning and identification system for railway container yard trains and containers, characterized in that, The system includes an inductive magnet (3), a train electronic tag (5), a vehicle number identification unit (1), a laser rangefinder (7), and electronic equipment; The train electronic tag (5) is located at the bottom of each train section (4) and is used to store train information; The induction magnet (3) is located at the beginning of the loading and unloading line in the freight yard and is used to generate a train entry signal based on the train (4) entering the freight yard. The vehicle number identification unit (1) is used to start according to the train (4) entry signal, and read the train electronic tag of the train (4) entering the freight yard to obtain the train information; The laser rangefinder (7) is located at the end of the loading and unloading line in the freight yard and is used to obtain distance information of the train (4) entering the freight yard. The electronic device is used to locate the containers loaded on the train (4) entering the freight yard based on the train information and the distance information.

2. The positioning and identification system for railway container yard trains and containers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a distance measurement data acquisition unit (8), a trackside box (2), a communication unit (9), a data processing unit (10), a network unit (11), and a workstation (12); the distance measurement data acquisition unit (8) is used to receive distance information acquired by the laser rangefinder (7) and transmit it to the communication unit (9); the trackside box (2) is used to receive train information acquired by the vehicle number identification unit (1) and transmit it to the communication unit (9); the communication unit (9) is used to transmit the train information and the distance information to the data processing unit (10); the data processing unit (10) is used to transmit the information to the network unit (12). Unit (11) transmits the train information, enabling the network unit (11) to obtain the train length, coupler length, and the number and size of containers loaded in each train from the external data interface. The data processing unit (10) locates the containers loaded on the train (4) entering the freight yard according to the train length, coupler length, and the number of containers loaded in each train, and generates positioning information. The network unit (11) is also used to transmit the positioning information to the gantry crane control system, enabling the gantry crane control system to load and unload containers according to the positioning information. The workstation (12) is used to display the positioning information.

3. The positioning and identification system for railway container yard trains and containers according to claim 2, characterized in that, The data processing unit (10) is specifically used for: Given that the distance information is a fixed value, the location of the laser rangefinder (7) is set as the origin. By combining the distance information, train length, coupler length, and the number and size of containers loaded in each train section, the center position of the containers loaded in each train section (4) is obtained, and positioning information is generated.

4. The positioning and identification system for railway container yard trains and containers according to claim 2, characterized in that, The train information includes the train number and the container number. The network unit (11) is also used to verify the train number and the container number against the train information obtained from the external data interface, and to provide a prompt when the verification is inconsistent.

5. A positioning and identification system for railway container yard trains and containers according to claim 4, characterized in that, The data processing unit (10) is also used to receive the train information for verification and re-matching based on the prompt from the network unit (11).

6. A positioning and identification system for railway container yard trains and containers according to claim 2, characterized in that, The induction magnet (3) is also used to count the trains (4) that have passed.

7. A positioning and identification system for railway container yard trains and containers according to claim 6, characterized in that, The vehicle number identification unit (1) is also used to transmit the counting information of the induction magnet (3) to the data processing unit (10), so that the data processing unit (10) can provide a prompt when the train information and the counting information are inconsistent.

8. A positioning and identification system for railway container yard trains and containers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle number identification unit (1) is arranged in parallel with the induction magnet (3) and is located in the middle of the track on the loading and unloading line of the freight yard.

9. A positioning and identification system for railway container yard trains and containers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle number identification unit (1) includes an antenna, a radio frequency identification device, and a processing board.

Images