Determining the movement of a rail vehicle

Abstract

A method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle, in particular a freight or passenger train, in a warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100), characterized in that the method comprises: - Determining (10) a first temperature (210) in the warning zone (120) of the level crossing (100) or in a sub-area of ​​the warning zone (120) at a first time, - Determining (20) a second temperature (220) in the warning zone (120) of the level crossing (100) or in a sub-area of ​​the warning zone (120) at a second time, wherein the first time is prior to the second time, - Comparing (30) the first temperature (210) with the second temperature (220), and - if the comparison shows that the second temperature (220) is higher than the first temperature (210), the method further comprises: - Issuing (35) a warning signal (160), and - Initiating (37) a closure of the Level crossing (100) .

Description

The invention relates in particular to a method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle, especially a freight or passenger train, in the warning zone of a level crossing, according to the preamble of claim 1. When railway lines and roads intersect, safety measures are in place to prevent serious accidents. These usually include traffic lights and often barriers that lower as a train passes. These barriers receive the signal to lower either from a railway employee or from a sensor that detects a train. Various types of sensors are capable of detecting a train and sending a corresponding signal. To achieve the shortest possible closing times for level crossings, the so-called axle counter has become the standard, see DE 26 43 425 B1. The area surrounding a level crossing is typically divided into different zones. A train, regardless of its direction of travel, enters the warning zone from the so-called safe zone. Upon reaching the warning zone, the level crossing receives a signal and the barriers close. At the transition point between the safe zone and the warning zone, a sensor detects the train's axle pattern and the number of axles. The train travels through the warning zone, at the end of which lies the protection zone. The protection zone is located just before and just after the point where the track meets the road, the actual level crossing. After passing through the crossing, the train moves from the protection zone into the next warning zone. The next safe zone then begins beyond this warning zone.At the transition between the second warning zone and the second safe zone, a second sensor also detects the axle pattern as the train exits the safe zone. When the last axle of the train passes over this second sensor, the level crossing is cleared and the barrier opens. This well-known system can determine the times for opening and closing the level crossing with sufficient accuracy to minimize disruption to traffic flow. However, there are special cases due to structural and operational reasons in which the known system does not work optimally, especially when the loading and unloading of a train or its wagons is necessary on factory premises. In such special cases, trains stop within the warning zone of the level crossing, and sometimes the wagons are uncoupled, shunted, or parked to wait. Currently, forklift drivers and other plant employees navigate these crossings by sight. Autonomous vehicles that cannot navigate by sight cannot be used at such level crossings. If the existing system with axle counters were used, closing times would be very long because the barrier does not reopen when the train is in the warning zone. The barrier only reopens once the train leaves the warning zone. Therefore, there is a need for an improved, and in particular more flexible, procedure for securing a level crossing. The object of the invention is in particular to provide a method in which the road of a level crossing is only temporarily secured when it is really necessary. This problem is solved in particular by a method according to the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims. The invention relates to a method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle, in particular a freight or passenger train, in the warning zone of a level crossing. According to the invention, the following steps are provided: - the temperature in the warning zone of the level crossing or in a sub-area of ​​the warning zone is determined at a first time, - the temperature in the warning zone of the level crossing or in a sub-area of ​​the warning zone is determined at a later second time, - the temperature at the first time is compared with the temperature at the second time, - if the comparison shows that the temperature at the later second time is higher than at the first time, a warning signal is issued by a level crossing safety device, and - the level crossing safety device causes the level crossing to be closed by means of a closure indicator and / or a physical barrier. The method according to the invention enables, in particular, shorter closing times in cases where a train has to stop in the warning zone. The train's departure is reliably detected, and not just, for example, its entry into the protection zone. The level crossing barriers are closed only when absolutely necessary, and even then, well in advance. A significantly higher traffic flow across the road at the level crossing is achieved. According to one embodiment of the inventive method, it is provided that the temperature is determined at the first time point only after a predetermined first period of time after the rail vehicle has entered the warning zone. This ensures that the method according to the invention is only used when it is actually necessary, namely when the train is in the warning zone for a longer period of time. In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the level crossing safety device causes the level crossing to be lifted if the rail vehicle remains in the warning zone for longer than a predetermined second period of time after entering the warning zone. This measure makes it possible to quickly reopen the level crossing if it becomes apparent that the train will be staying in the warning zone for an extended period of time. According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the level crossing safety device receives the number of axles of the rail vehicle determined by a first axle counter upon entry into the warning zone. The level crossing safety device receives the number of axles of the rail vehicle determined by a second axle counter upon exit from the warning zone, and the level crossing safety device compares the axle counts determined by the first and second axle counters. The level crossing safety device stores the axle count determined by the second axle counter if the second axle count differs from the first axle count. This measure according to the invention allows the train to detect changes in the number of axles, particularly when one or more wagons have been coupled and / or uncoupled within the warning zone. This prevents false alarms caused by differing axle counts when entering and exiting the zone. According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the determination of the first and second temperatures is carried out by one or more heat or temperature detection devices, which are arranged along the warning zone of the level crossing, preferably in a stationary manner. These measures enable a largely seamless detection of a train's departure within the warning zone. In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the comparison of the temperature at the first time point with the temperature at the second time point is carried out on the basis of the temperature measurement by the same heat detection device. This avoids measurement errors caused by measurements at different locations. However, it may be advantageous to relay measured values ​​from one heat detection device to the next, or to one or more further heat detection devices. According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one heat detection device or at least one temperature measuring device is formed by a thermal imaging camera and / or an infrared sensor. The use of a thermal imaging camera as a heat detection device further increases the reliability of the inventive method for detecting a departing train. According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the exhaust gas temperature of the rail vehicle is measured at the first and second time points for the temperature comparison, in particular for a diesel locomotive. This measure according to the invention is also suitable to significantly increase the reliability of the inventive method for detecting a departing train. According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method includes transmitting the number of axles provided to a further track section. This has the advantage that other track sections can be informed about the length of the train or rail vehicle, so that these other track sections, such as another level crossing or a factory exit, can be informed about the train length and thus about a closure period. Furthermore, the invention proposes a level crossing safety device for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in the warning zone of a level crossing. The level crossing safety device is advantageously characterized by the implementation of a method according to the invention. Furthermore, the invention proposes a level crossing with a level crossing safety device for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in the warning zone of a level crossing. The level crossing is also advantageously characterized by the implementation of a method according to the invention. Finally, the invention proposes a computer program product for controlling at least one processor, which effects the execution of at least one step of a method according to the invention. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a proposed method according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a proposed method according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a proposed method according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a proposed device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a proposed level crossing according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a proposed method according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle, in particular a freight or passenger train, in a warning zone 120 of a level crossing 100, characterized in that the method comprises: Determining 10 a first temperature 210 in the warning zone 120 of the level crossing 100 or in a sub-area of ​​the warning zone 120 at a first time point. Determining 20 a second temperature 220 in the warning zone 120 of the level crossing 100 or in a sub-area of ​​the warning zone 120 at a second time point. The first time point precedes the second time point. Comparing 30 the first temperature 210 with the second temperature 220. If the comparison shows that the second temperature 220 is higher than the first temperature 210, the method comprises issuing 35 a warning signal 160 and initiating 37 the closure of the level crossing 100. For example, the determination of the first temperature 210 at the first time point can only be carried out after a predetermined first period after the rail vehicle has entered the warning zone 120. This can have the advantage of increasing the relevance of the measurement results. This, in turn, can lead to an increase in the reliability of the procedure or the level crossing safety device. Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a proposed method according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the procedure, which further comprises: initiating the lifting of the barrier of the level crossing 100 if the rail vehicle remains in the warning zone 120 for longer than a predetermined second period of time after entering the warning zone 120. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a proposed method according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the method, which further comprises: Determining the first number of axles 230 upon entry of the rail vehicle into the warning zone 120. Determining the second number of axles 240 upon exit of the rail vehicle from the warning zone 120. Comparing the first and second number of axles 230 and 240. If the second number of axles 240 differs from the first number of axles 230: Determining the second number of axles 240. If the second number of axles 240 does not differ from the first number of axles 230: Determining the first number of axles 230. For example, the initiation of 37 the closure of the level crossing 100 and / or a time duration of the predetermined second period can be based on the number of axles provided 230, 240. This can have the advantage that the closure of the level crossing can be carried out more effectively, thus allowing the duration of the closure to be chosen more appropriately. The following embodiments are common to Figs. 1, 2 to 3. For example, the determination of the first and second temperatures 210, 220 can be carried out by one or more heat or temperature detection devices which are arranged along the warning zone 120 of the level crossing 100, preferably in a stationary manner. This can have the advantage that devices specifically designed for such measurements can be used for temperature detection. This can reduce costs. Furthermore, it can also increase the reliability of the procedure or the level crossing safety device. For example, the comparison of temperature 210 at the first time point with temperature 220 at the second time point can be made based on the temperature measurement by the same heat detection device. This can have the advantage of further increasing the reliability of the procedure or the level crossing safety device. For example, it can minimize or even eliminate error tolerances in temperature measurement. For example, at least one heat detection device or at least one temperature measuring device can be formed by a thermal imaging camera and / or an infrared sensor. This can have the advantage that standard temperature measurement devices can be used, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, it can also increase the reliability of the process or the level crossing safety device. For example, the exhaust gas temperature of the rail vehicle can be measured at the first and second time points for temperature comparison 30, where the rail vehicle is in particular a diesel locomotive. In the case of a diesel locomotive, the second temperature reading can indicate that the train is about to start moving. In that case, it can be assumed that the train will soon – or within a predetermined timeframe – begin moving and leave the warning zone. This can have the advantage of increasing the reliability of the procedure or the level crossing safety device. For example, issuing the warning signal 35 and initiating the closure of the level crossing 100 37 can occur if the comparison 30 shows that the second temperature 220 is higher than the first temperature 210 by a threshold value. Such a threshold value can have the advantage that small temperature deviations, which are not indicative of an imminent approach by a train, can be disregarded, thus further increasing the reliability of the level crossing closure. The threshold value can be predefined. Furthermore, the threshold value can also be individually dependent on the train. For example, the threshold value can depend on the type of locomotive of the train. For example, the initiation of the closure of level crossing 100 can be done physically and / or virtually. A physical closure of level crossing 100 can have the advantage that a safe closure of the level crossing can be carried out. A virtual closure of level crossing 100 can offer the advantage of cost-effectiveness, for example, by sending the virtual closure information to the system-integrated devices of autonomous vehicles. This avoids the costs of a physical closure. This can be achieved without significantly impacting the reliability of the level crossing closure. If both locking mechanisms are used in parallel, the reliability of the level crossing lock can be increased even further. This can be achieved, for example, by creating redundancy in the locking of level crossing 100. For example, the closure of level crossing 100 can be initiated by means of a light signal, a railway barrier and / or a closure information to a motor vehicle located near level crossing 100. The locking information can therefore be sent to a motor vehicle or a computer device within the motor vehicle. This can be done, for example, via wireless communication such as UMTS, WLAN, 4G, 5G, MANET, VANET, Car2X and similar technologies. Closing level crossing 100 using traffic lights or barriers offers the advantage that standard devices can be used. This can reduce costs. Furthermore, it can also increase the reliability of the procedure and the level crossing safety device. The closure of level crossing 100 by means of a closure information can have the advantage that autonomously driving vehicles can be controlled effectively and safely without the need for a more costly physical railway barrier. Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a proposed device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a level crossing safety device for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in a warning zone 120 of a level crossing 100. The level crossing safety device is configured to carry out a method according to the invention. In Fig. 4a, the level crossing safety device 200 includes only the heat or temperature detection device(s) for measuring the first temperature 210 and the second temperature 200. One or more temperature detection devices can be used to measure the two temperatures. In Fig. 4b, the level crossing safety device 200, on the other hand, includes both the heat or temperature detection device(s) for measuring the first temperature 210 and the second temperature 200, as well as the device(s) for measuring the first axle count 230 and the second axle count 240. One or more axle count detection devices can be used to measure the two axle counts. Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a proposed level crossing according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a level crossing with a level crossing safety device for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in a warning zone 120 of a level crossing 100. The level crossing is configured to carry out a method according to the invention. Reference sign 10 Determine the first temperature 20 Determine the second temperature 30 Compare the first temperature with the second temperature 35 Issue the warning signal 37 Initiate the closure of the level crossing 40 Initiate the lifting of the level crossing closure 50 Determine the first number of axles of the rail vehicle 60 Determine the second number of axles of the rail vehicle 70 Compare the first number of axles with the second number of axles 75 Provide the first number of axles 77 Provide the second number of axles 100 Level crossing 110 Safe zone 120 Warning zone 130 Protection zone 160 Warning signal 200 Level crossing safety device 210 First temperature 220 Second temperature 230 First number of axles 240 Second number of axles

Claims

Method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle, in particular a freight or passenger train, in a warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100), characterized in that the method comprises: - Determining (10) a first temperature (210) in the warning zone (120) of the level crossing (100) or in a sub-area of ​​the warning zone (120) at a first time, - Determining (20) a second temperature (220) in the warning zone (120) of the level crossing (100) or in a sub-area of ​​the warning zone (120) at a second time, wherein the first time is prior to the second time, - Comparing (30) the first temperature (210) with the second temperature (220), and - if the comparison shows that the second temperature (220) is higher than the first temperature (210), the method further comprises: - Issuing (35) a warning signal (160), and - Initiating (37) a closure of the Level crossing (100) . Method for determining the movement of a rail vehicle in the warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination of the first temperature (210) at the first time point is only carried out after a predetermined first period of time after the rail vehicle has entered the warning zone (120). Method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in the warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the method further comprises: - initiating (40) the lifting of the closure of the level crossing (100) if the rail vehicle remains in the warning zone (120) for longer than a predetermined second period after entering the warning zone (120). Method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in the warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the method further comprises: - determining (50) a first number of axles (230) when the rail vehicle enters the warning zone (120), - determining (60) a second number of axles (240) when the rail vehicle exits the warning zone (120), and - comparing (70) the first number of axles with the second number of axles (230, 240), and - if the second number of axles (240) differs from the first number of axles (230): - pre-setting (75) the second number of axles (240), - otherwise: - pre-setting (77) the first number of axles (230). Method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in the warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the initiation (37) of the closure of the level crossing (100) and / or a time duration of the predetermined second period is based on the number of axles (230, 240) provided. Method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in the warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination of the first and second temperatures (210, 220) is carried out by one or more heat or temperature detection devices which are arranged along the warning zone (120) of the level crossing (100), preferably in a stationary manner. Method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in the warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the comparison (30) of the temperature (210) at the first time with the temperature (220) at the second time is carried out on the basis of the temperature measurement by the same heat detection device. Method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in the warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one heat detection device or at least one temperature measuring device is formed by a thermal imaging camera and / or an infrared sensor. Method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in the warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exhaust gas temperature of the rail vehicle is measured at the first and second time points for the temperature comparison (30), wherein the rail vehicle in particular comprises a diesel locomotive. Method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in the warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the issuing (35) of the warning signal and the initiation (37) of the closure of the level crossing (100) takes place if the comparison (30) shows that the second temperature (220) is higher than the first temperature (210) by a threshold value. Method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in the warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the initiation (37) of the closure of the level crossing (100) is carried out physically and / or virtually. Method for detecting the movement of a rail vehicle in the warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the initiation (37) of the closure of the level crossing (100) is carried out by means of a light signal, a level barrier and / or a closure information to a motor vehicle located in the vicinity of the level crossing (100). Level crossing safety device (200) for detecting movement of a rail vehicle in a warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100), characterized by the implementation of a method according to one of the preceding claims. Level crossing (100) with a level crossing safety device (200) for detecting a movement of a rail vehicle in a warning zone (120) of a level crossing (100), characterized by the implementation of a method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12. Computer program product for controlling at least one processor which effects the execution of at least one step of a method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12.

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