Rail locomotive vehicle occupation detection device

By installing retractable radar detection units and wheel detection units on the track, and using radar sensors and magnetic sensors to identify vehicle occupancy, the problem of blind spots in vehicle detection in the track circuit system is solved, ensuring the safety and reliability of the track system.

CN224152654UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-21中国铁路南宁局集团有限公司
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-22
Publication Date
2026-04-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing track circuit systems are ineffective at detecting vehicle occupancy, especially in the areas of the preparation workshop's entry and exit lines, and there are blind spots in the detection of flatbed vehicles.

Method used

It employs several radar detection units and wheel detection units, including retractable radar sensor modules and active magnetic steel sensors. By detecting the reflected signals from the carriage through radar and detecting the wheels through magnetic steel sensors, it identifies the vehicle's occupancy status and ensures the safe activation of the electric derailer.

Benefits of technology

It enables accurate detection of vehicle occupancy within the track area, avoiding collisions caused by undetected vehicles and improving the safety and reliability of the track system.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a rail locomotive vehicle occupation detection device which comprises a plurality of radar detection units, the radar detection units are arranged on one side of a rail at intervals in the length direction of the rail, each radar detection unit comprises a base, a supporting stand column and a radar sensor module, and the supporting stand column is of a telescopic structure. A protective cover is arranged on the upper portion of the supporting stand column, the radar sensor module is located in the protective cover, the lower portion of the supporting stand column is installed on the base through a connecting piece, and a long hole for installation is formed in the base so that the installation position of the supporting stand column can be adjusted. A plurality of radar detection units are mounted on one side of a track, and the principle that a vehicle compartment can reflect signals of radar sensors is utilized, so that whether a vehicle occupies a road in a certain area can be detected. The electric derailer in the protection system can be started to derail only under the condition that no vehicle occupies the rail in the set protection section, otherwise, the electric derailer cannot derail, and the use safety of the protection system is guaranteed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of locomotive protection technology, specifically to a track locomotive and vehicle occupancy detection device. Background Technology

[0002] A track circuit is a circuit consisting of rails and rail insulation. It is used to automatically and continuously detect whether a section of track is occupied by locomotives or rolling stock. It is also used to control signaling devices or switching devices to ensure safe train operation. The entire track system network is divided into many block sections at appropriate intervals. Each block section is separated by rail insulation joints, forming an independent track circuit. A signal is installed at the beginning of each section. When a train enters a block section, the track circuit immediately reacts, conveying the message that a train is already passing through the section and other trains are prohibited from entering to the signal. At this time, the signal at the section entrance immediately displays the "hazard prohibition" message. Track circuits are mostly used for section detection, checking for locomotive occupancy over long distances. For maintenance workshop entry and exit lines, if automatic derailers are installed, it is necessary to determine that there are no vehicles occupying the vicinity of the automatic derailer; otherwise, a collision accident may occur if a vehicle occupies the track. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a track vehicle occupancy detection device to detect whether there are vehicles occupying the track within a certain distance range.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] The rail vehicle occupancy detection device includes several radar detection units. Each radar detection unit is set on one side of the track and spaced apart along the length of the track. Each radar detection unit includes a base, a support column, and a radar sensor module. The support column is a telescopic structure with a protective cover on its upper part. The radar sensor module is located in the protective cover. The lower part of the support column is mounted on the base through a connector. The base has elongated holes for installation so that the installation position of the support column is adjustable.

[0006] Furthermore, the railcar occupancy detection device also includes a wheel detection unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the wheel detection unit includes two sets of active magnetic sensors.

[0008] Furthermore, the protective cover includes a main housing and a front side plate located on the front side of the main housing. The front side plate is provided with a detection hole to expose the transceiver signal terminal of the radar sensor module. A first waterproof gasket is provided between the front side plate and the front side of the main housing. The front side plate and the main housing are connected by screws. A second waterproof gasket is provided between the radar sensor module and the front side plate. The radar sensor module and the front side plate are connected by screws.

[0009] Furthermore, the upper U-shaped adjusting plate of the supporting column includes a bottom plate, a left side plate and a right side plate. Both the left side plate and the right side plate are provided with a first arc-shaped through groove. The protective cover is located in the U-shaped adjusting plate and is connected to the left side plate and the right side plate of the U-shaped adjusting plate by a first bolt, which passes through the first arc-shaped through groove.

[0010] Furthermore, the base plate is provided with a second arc-shaped through groove and is connected to the upper part of the support column by a second bolt, the second bolt passing through the second arc-shaped through groove in the vertical direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the supporting column includes an outer tube and an inner tube, which are inserted together vertically. The outer tube has locking bolt holes for locking bolts to pass through, and the inner tube has several bolt holes spaced apart in the vertical direction for locking bolts to be selected for insertion.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer tube is provided with a positioning hole for the positioning screw to be inserted, and the inner end of the positioning screw is pressed against the outer wall of the inner tube.

[0013] Furthermore, the connector is an L-shaped plate with bolt holes for a third bolt to pass through. The third bolt passes through the elongated hole. The L-shaped plate is fastened to the base and can move linearly along the base when the third bolt is loosened.

[0014] Furthermore, the base includes a main board body and fixing ears located at both ends of the main board body. The upper part of the main board body is provided with a bending part for fastening the L-shaped plate. The elongated hole is provided through the main board body.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] By installing several radar detection units on one side of the track, and utilizing the principle that vehicle carriages can reflect radar sensor signals, the system can detect whether a vehicle is obstructing the track within a certain area. The electric derailer in the protection system can only be activated to derail the vehicle if no vehicle is detected obstructing the track within the designated protected section; otherwise, derailment will not occur, ensuring the safety of the protection system. The height of the radar sensor modules can be adjusted using the telescopic adjustment of the support columns; the bottom of the support columns can also be moved and adjusted on the base to change the spacing between adjacent radar sensor modules. By adjusting and debugging to a suitable state, the radar detection units can work together to detect whether a vehicle is obstructing the track within the protected area.

[0017] For flatbed vehicles, the rail vehicle occupancy detection device also includes a wheel detection unit. This unit comprises two sets of active magnetic sensors. These sensors detect whether the vehicle's wheels have passed over the tracks and can count axles. The two sets of active magnetic sensors working together can also identify the vehicle's direction of travel. Therefore, by using the two sets of active magnetic sensors in conjunction, it is possible to detect whether a flatbed vehicle is occupying the track. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the rail locomotive and rolling stock occupancy detection device of this utility model in the track protection zone;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the track locomotive and rolling stock occupancy detection device of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial view at the top;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 View after removing the front panel of the protective cover;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the inner tube;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A partial view of the bottom support location.

[0024] The names corresponding to each mark in the diagram:

[0025] 1. Protective cover; 11. Main housing; 12. Front side plate; 121. Detection hole; 13. First waterproof gasket; 14. Second waterproof gasket; 2. U-shaped adjusting plate; 21. First arc-shaped through groove; 22. First bolt; 23. Second arc-shaped through groove; 24. Second bolt; 31. Outer tube; 32. Inner tube; 321. Bolt hole; 322. Outlet groove; 33. Positioning screw; 34. Locking bolt; 4. Base; 41. Main body; 411. Long hole; 42. Bending part; 43. Fixing ear; 44. Third bolt; 45. L-shaped plate; 451. Rectangular slot; 5. Radar sensor module; 6. Radar detection unit; 71. Track; 72. Sleeper rail; 8. Wheel detection unit; 9. Electric derailer. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] Embodiments of this utility model:

[0028] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the rail vehicle occupancy detection device includes several radar detection units 6. Each radar detection unit 6 is arranged on one side of the track 71 and spaced apart along the length of the track 71. In this embodiment, five radar detection units 6 are arranged, with adjacent units spaced approximately 5 meters apart. This rail vehicle occupancy detection device is installed in the protected area of ​​the maintenance workshop's entry and exit lines, with a length range of 20-30 meters. The device determines whether a vehicle is occupying the corresponding track. Other embodiments may use four radar detection units 6 or other quantities.

[0029] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the radar detection unit 6 includes a base 4, a support column, and a radar sensor module 5. The support column is a telescopic structure to achieve height adjustment. A protective cover 1 is provided on the upper part of the support column, and the radar sensor module 5 is located within the protective cover 1, which protects the radar sensor module 5. The detection principle of the radar sensor module 5 is existing, employing millimeter-wave radar, which is not limited by environmental factors such as wind, snow, rain, fog, high temperature and humidity, strong vibrations from the railside, and outdoor light interference, thus providing accurate detection. The radar sensor module 5 is positioned at a reasonable height; if a vehicle is present in the protected area, the signal emitted by the radar sensor is reflected back through the vehicle's carriage, thereby enabling the identification of the vehicle's presence.

[0030] like Figures 3-4 As shown, the protective cover 1 includes a main housing 11 and a front side plate 12 located in front of the main housing 11. The front side plate 12 has a detection hole 121 for exposing the transceiver signal terminals of the radar sensor module 5. A first waterproof gasket 13 is provided between the front side plate 12 and the front side of the main housing 11, and the front side plate 12 and the main housing 11 are connected by screws. The first waterproof gasket 13 is provided to improve the sealing of the connection, thereby preventing water from entering.

[0031] A second waterproof gasket 14 is provided between the radar sensor module 5 and the front side panel 12, and the radar sensor module 5 and the front side panel 12 are connected by screws. The main housing 11 is made of stainless steel plate and is a square box with an opening on the front side; the radar sensor module 5 is connected to the front side panel 12 by screws and then installed in the main housing 11.

[0032] The bottom of the main housing 11 is provided with a wire hole, through which the data cable connected to the radar sensor module 5 passes and can pass through the support column.

[0033] like Figures 3-4 As shown, the upper U-shaped adjusting plate 2 of the supporting column includes a base plate, a left side plate, and a right side plate. Both the left and right side plates have a first arc-shaped through groove 21. A protective cover 1 is located within the U-shaped adjusting plate 2 and is connected to the left and right side plates of the U-shaped adjusting plate 2 by a first bolt 22 passing through the first arc-shaped through groove 21. The left and right side plates also have hinge holes, and the protective cover 1 is hinged to the U-shaped adjusting plate 2 via a hinge axis. When the first bolt 22 is loosened, the protective cover 1 can rotate around the hinge axis, thereby adjusting the angle of the protective cover 1. During adjustment, the first bolt 22 moves within the first arc-shaped through groove 21, and is tightened after adjustment. For ease of operation, the first bolt 22 is a wing bolt, with a nut welded to the inside of the protective cover 1. This nut works in conjunction with the first bolt 22. Two first bolts 22 are provided, one on the left side plate and the other on the right side plate.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the base plate has a second arc-shaped through groove 23, which is connected to the upper part of the support column by a second bolt 24. The second bolt 24 passes through the second arc-shaped through groove 23 in a vertical direction. There are two symmetrically arranged second arc-shaped through grooves 23 and two second bolts 24. The design of the second arc-shaped through groove 23 allows the U-shaped adjusting plate 2 to rotate horizontally on the upper part of the support column and be adjusted to a suitable angle.

[0035] The supporting column includes an outer tube 31 and an inner tube 32. The outer tube 31 is located at the upper position, and its top end is equipped with a top plate. The top plate has bolt holes for connection by the second bolt 24. The top plate has through holes corresponding to the aforementioned wire holes and penetrating the bottom plate of the U-shaped adjusting plate 2. Figure 5 As shown, the bottom of the inner tube 32 is provided with an outlet groove 322, through which the data line connected to the radar sensor module 5 can pass.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer tube 31 and the inner tube 32 are inserted together vertically. The outer tube 31 has a locking bolt hole for the locking bolt 34 to pass through. Figure 5 As shown, the inner tube 32 has several bolt holes 321 spaced vertically for the locking bolts 34 to be inserted. The outer tube 31 has locking bolt holes that can be selectively matched with one of the bolt holes 321 on the inner tube 32. Selecting different bolt holes 321 changes the height of the support column.

[0037] like Figure 2As shown, the outer tube 31 has positioning holes for the positioning screws 33 to pass through. The inner end of the positioning screw 33 is pressed against the outer wall of the inner tube 32. Each of the four sides of the outer tube 31 has a positioning hole, and the positioning screw 33, also known as a set screw or tightening screw, has an internal hexagonal structure at its outer end. Using these positioning screws 33, the vertical position of the outer tube 31 can be adjusted, allowing it to be straightened.

[0038] The lower part of the support column is mounted on the base 4 via a connector. The base 4 is provided with an elongated hole 411 for installation so that the installation position of the support column can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the spacing between adjacent radar sensor modules 5.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, the base 4 includes a main board body 41 and fixing ears 43 located at both ends of the main board body 41. The fixing ears 43 have through holes and can be fixed with anchor bolts. The upper part of the main board body 41 is provided with a bending part 42, and a long hole 411 is provided through the main board body 41, which extends in the left and right direction.

[0040] The connector is an L-shaped plate 45 with bolt holes for a third bolt 44 to pass through, which in turn passes through the elongated hole 411. The upper part of the L-shaped plate 45 has a downward-facing rectangular slot 451, which serves as a bent portion 42 for fastening onto the base 4. This bent portion 42 on the base 4 improves its support strength; it also serves as a pre-positioning mechanism, allowing for linear movement along the base 4 even if the third bolt 44 is loosened. The interplay between the rectangular slot 451 of the L-shaped plate 45 and the bent portion 42 of the base 4 further enhances the connection strength, making it wind-resistant and less prone to swaying.

[0041] The aforementioned radar detection units 6 can detect whether vehicles are obstructing traffic within a certain area. However, due to the height of the radar sensor module 5, a small number of flatbed vehicles, lacking a carriage, cannot reflect the signal from the radar sensor module 5 and therefore cannot be detected. Therefore, for a more comprehensive detection, the rail vehicle occupancy detection device also includes a wheel detection unit 8, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0042] The wheel detection unit 8 includes two sets of active magnetic sensors. These sensors can detect whether a vehicle's wheels have passed over the track and can count axles. The two sets of active magnetic sensors working together can also identify the vehicle's direction of travel. The principle of active magnetic sensors is existing technology and is only being applied here. Therefore, by using the two sets of active magnetic sensors in conjunction, it is possible to detect whether a flatbed vehicle occupies the track.

[0043] The electric derailer 9 in the protection system can only be activated to derail when no vehicle is detected occupying the track within the designated protection section; otherwise, it cannot derail to ensure the safety of the protection system.

Claims

1. A rail vehicle occupancy detection device, characterized in that: It includes several radar detection units, each set on one side of the track and spaced apart along the track length. Each radar detection unit includes a base, a support column, and a radar sensor module. The support column is a telescopic structure with a protective cover on its upper part. The radar sensor module is located in the protective cover. The lower part of the support column is mounted on the base via a connector. The base has elongated holes for installation so that the installation position of the support column is adjustable.

2. The rail vehicle occupancy detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The railcar occupancy detection device also includes a wheel detection unit.

3. Railway vehicle occupancy detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that The wheel detection unit includes two sets of active magnetic sensors.

4. The rail vehicle occupancy detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The protective cover includes a main housing and a front side plate located on the front side of the main housing. The front side plate is provided with a detection hole to expose the transceiver signal terminal of the radar sensor module. A first waterproof gasket is provided between the front side plate and the front side of the main housing. The front side plate is connected to the main housing by screws. A second waterproof gasket is provided between the radar sensor module and the front side plate. The radar sensor module is connected to the front side plate by screws.

5. The rail vehicle occupancy detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The upper U-shaped adjusting plate of the supporting column includes a bottom plate, a left side plate and a right side plate. Both the left side plate and the right side plate are provided with a first arc-shaped through groove. The protective cover is located in the U-shaped adjusting plate and is connected to the left side plate and the right side plate of the U-shaped adjusting plate by a first bolt. The first bolt passes through the first arc-shaped through groove.

6. The rail vehicle occupancy detection apparatus of claim 5, wherein: The base plate is provided with a second arc-shaped through groove and is connected to the upper part of the support column by a second bolt, which passes through the second arc-shaped through groove in the vertical direction.

7. The rail vehicle occupancy detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The supporting column includes an outer tube and an inner tube, which are inserted together vertically. The outer tube has locking bolt holes for locking bolts to pass through, and the inner tube has several bolt holes spaced apart in the vertical direction for locking bolts to be selected for insertion.

8. Railway vehicle occupancy detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that The outer tube is provided with a positioning hole for the positioning screw to be inserted, and the inner end of the positioning screw is pressed against the outer wall of the inner tube.

9. The rail vehicle occupancy detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The connector is an L-shaped plate with bolt holes for a third bolt to pass through. The third bolt passes through the elongated hole. The L-shaped plate is fastened to the base and can move linearly along the base when the third bolt is loosened.

10. Railway vehicle occupancy detection apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that: The base includes a main body and fixing ears located at both ends of the main body. The upper part of the main body is provided with a bending part for fastening the L-shaped plate. The elongated hole is provided through the main body.