Switchable connection of a positioning module to two signal box instances

Abstract

According to the invention, a method and a system for connecting a control unit (8) for a decentralized functional element (16) in rail transport to a new interlocking instance (22) while temporarily maintaining a connection of the control unit (8) to a predecessor interlocking instance (4) are disclosed, comprising: a) connecting the control unit (8) to the decentralized functional element (16) and the new interlocking instance (22); b) providing a transformation instance (12) which translates control-relevant data to be sent by the control unit (8) to or received from the predecessor interlocking instance into the format required by the predecessor interlocking instance (4) and / or the control unit (8); and c) providing a switching unit (12) which switches the operating authorization between the predecessor interlocking instance (4) and the new interlocking instance (22).In this way, it is possible to test a control module (even a new one) sufficiently in parallel with the operation of the predecessor control instance, in conjunction with the new control instance. The transformer instance therefore converts all signals to and from the control module into the form required by the predecessor control instance, so that it is not apparent to the predecessor control instance that, for example, a completely new control module has taken over the control of a switch or signal.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a system for connecting a control assembly for a decentralized functional element in rail transport to a new interlocking instance while temporarily maintaining a connection of the control assembly to a predecessor interlocking instance.

[0002] In rail transport, decentralized functional elements, such as points, signals, track occupancy detection systems, and the like, are generally controlled from a signal box. These decentralized functional elements typically have control modules located in their immediate vicinity. These modules interpret the control commands issued by the signal box and adjust the decentralized functional elements accordingly, as well as reporting the status of the decentralized functional elements back to the signal box if necessary. In the still widespread signal box architecture, the signal lamp is powered from the signal box to illuminate it and / or a point motor to initiate a point cycle. Often, the signal box also uses the power consumption to determine whether the signal lamp is illuminated.

[0003] When implementing new types of interlocking systems, the electrical power for the decentralized functional elements is often provided locally, and control and monitoring data are exchanged via data buses. These buses connect the interlocking module to an interlocking instance rather than a physically existing interlocking system. In this architecture, for example, the interlocking module determines whether a signal lamp is illuminated as desired and transmits this information to the interlocking instance via the data bus, for instance, using the IP protocol.

[0004] If an existing interlocking system is to be replaced by a new interlocking system (new signaling equipment), such a replacement can usually only be carried out within a very short timeframe. In most cases, entire stations and lines must be converted from existing interlocking systems to the new system within just a few hours. It is readily apparent that the effort required for preparation and implementation is very high, and the risks associated with potential technical problems increase disproportionately with the size of the system. The transition to new interlocking technologies is further complicated because little experience with the new technologies can be gained in real-world operation before commissioning. Temporary switchovers for test scenarios therefore significantly increase the effort required for the transition, as the old state must be restored after each test.

[0005] The further extension of train operating hours during the night also makes the time windows for switching and testing increasingly shorter. This often leaves insufficient time for actual testing and gathering operational experience. Due to the longer lifespan of decentralized functional elements (also called external elements) and the desired cost savings for railway operators, these external elements, including the installed cabling, are frequently reused. In most cases, only the old interlocking system is effectively replaced by a modern and automatable interlocking unit.

[0006] When an old signal box is replaced, the new signal box (or more generally, the new interlocking system) is installed in parallel with the existing one. In preparation for later commissioning, all external components are wired to the new interlocking system and tested. After successful testing, the external components are reconnected to the existing signal box. Before operations can resume, further tests with the existing signal box are required. On the commissioning date, all external components are reconnected to the new interlocking system, tested, and then released for operation. If the old and new interlocking modules and external components are not fully compatible, they must also be modified or replaced during the commissioning process.Examples include changing from single-phase to three-phase turnout motors, replacing a turnout with one drive to one with multiple drives, or replacing incandescent signal lamps with LED light points.

[0007] Document DE 10 2013 209 546 A1 describes a method for replacing a first interlocking system, to which field elements of an external installation are connected via first control elements, by a second interlocking system, to which the field elements of the external installation are connected via second control elements.

[0008] The present invention therefore aims to provide a method and a system for connecting a control unit for a decentralized functional element in rail transport to a new interlocking system instance, in which the connection of the control unit can be sufficiently tested in conjunction with the new interlocking system instance without being limited to narrow time windows.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method according to independent claim 1 and a system according to independent claim 2.

[0010] In this way, it is possible to test a control module (even a new one) sufficiently in parallel with the operation of the predecessor control system instance, in conjunction with the new control system instance. The transformation instance therefore converts all signals to and from the control module into the form required by the predecessor control system instance, so that it is not apparent to the predecessor control system instance that, for example, a completely new control module has taken over the control of a point or signal. Thus, for example, the conversion of a point motor from a single-phase to a three-phase supply can be achieved by the transformation instance representing the presence of a single-phase motor to the predecessor control system instance.For example, the power supplied by the predecessor interlocking system for the previous single-phase point motor can be converted and made available for the now three-phase point motor. Since the predecessor interlocking system often consists of older relay interlocking systems, the transformation system must draw the power supplied by the relay interlocking systems (e.g., the lamp current of a signal lamp or the current for the point motor) to prevent current relays in the relay interlocking systems from dropping out. This drawn power can then be used by the interlocking module and / or the transformation system to operate the external element (decentralized functional element, such as a point or signal) and / or dissipated in specially designated load resistors.Alternatively, the voltage supplied from the predecessor interlocking instance can also be reduced, since the relays switch depending on the current flow and therefore the transformation instance only needs to ensure the appropriate current flow so that fault messages such as "signal lamp not lit" or similar occur in the relay interlocking due to a relay dropout with too low a current flow.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. The figure shows a schematic view of a signaling system 2 with an existing signal box 4 and a new switch control assembly 8 comprising a switch controller 10, a temporary transformation unit 12, and a changeover switch 14 for controlling a switch 16. The transformation unit 12 is directly connected to a corresponding switch control module 18 in the existing signal box 4. The transformation unit 12 is further directly connected to the new switch control assembly 8, which in turn outputs and receives data to the switch controller 10. The switch controller 10 is connected to a power supply 20, which is independent of the new signal box 22 in that the switch motors of the switch 16 are no longer supplied with electrical power directly from the predecessor signal box.The switch 14 can be controlled from an operating station 24.

[0012] For switch 16, the simultaneous replacement of a single-phase switch motor with a three-phase switch motor during a changeover from the existing signal box 4 to the new signal box instance 22 will now be described as an example. This replacement sometimes necessitates the replacement of the switch control unit 8. First, the changeover switch 14 is set so that the new switch control unit 8 is connected to the new signal box instance 22. In this new configuration, the electrical power for the new three-phase switch motor is supplied by the power supply 20, which is connected to the switch control unit 10. If the new switch control unit 8 now receives a command from the new signal box instance 22 to operate switch 16, the new switch control unit 8 releases a corresponding operation of switch 16 for the switch control unit 10, which then, for example, connects the switch motor to the power supply 20.The switch motor can now be supplied via three phases and moves a switch blade (not shown here) to the new, desired switch end position. Thanks to a switch blade control linkage (also not shown), the switch control unit 10, or directly the new switch operating unit 8, receives feedback when the switch blade has reached the desired end position. The switch operating unit 8 then releases the switch movement, so that the switch motor is de-energized again. At the same time, the new switch operating unit 8 reports to the new interlocking system 22 that the switch 16 has moved as requested and is now reliably locked in its new end position.At the same time, the new switch control module 8 can also analyze the power consumption of the switch motor and, for example, output a diagnostic signal to the new interlocking instance 22 for switch maintenance if the cycle time is too long (this could also be a new functionality made possible by replacing the control module). The entire switching process is processed by the transformation instance 12 and reported to the switch control module 18.

[0013] This process can now be repeatedly tested within an available installation time window, for example, until the interaction of the new interlocking instance 22, the new switch control unit 8, and the new switch motor can be considered accepted. At the end of the installation time window, the changeover switch 14 (triggered from the operator station 24) reconnects the switch 16 to the existing interlocking 4 via the transformation instance 12. This eliminates the problem that the existing interlocking 4 and the new switch 16 are no longer communicating.

[0014] Here, the transformation instance 12 is configured in such a way that the existing signal box 4 effectively remains unaware of the modification already carried out. For example, if the existing signal box 4 requests a cycle of switch 16, it releases the current flow required for the switch motor's cycle from the old single-phase motor via the switch control module 18. The transformation instance 12 detects the released current and translates this signal into the notation for the new switch control unit 8, which then receives a request for the switch cycle. Since the switch control module 18 now wants to detect the current flow, the transformation instance 12 is responsible for allowing the current to flow accordingly. Here, it is possible to reduce the voltage for the switch control module 18 in the existing signal box 4, because, especially in the presence of relay interlocking systems, only the current flow required for correct switching is necessary.The relays must not drop out. On the other hand, the electrical power supplied by the point control module 18 can also be converted and fed into the point control 10. Dissipating the power in a load resistor would also be a possible option in the transformation unit. Once the point cycle, controlled by the new point setting unit 8, has been completed, the transformation unit 12 can process the signal derived from the point control linkage as well as the states determined by the new point setting unit 8. Thus, the existing interlocking system 4 controls the point cycle in current operation, even though a situation ready for conversion to the new interlocking system 22 has already been created on the track behind it.

[0015] If the existing signal box 4 is replaced, the changeover switch 14 will be operated from the control station 24. After the changeover has been completed, the changeover switch 14 and the transformation unit 12 can be removed. For example, the two components can be connected to the new switch control module 8 via a suitable bus interface and, after the changeover, disconnected again.

[0016] Similarly, for example, a control unit for a signal or the like can also be replaced.

[0017] In this way, large railway systems can be converted to new technologies more easily and with less risk. Future deployment on lines with high rail traffic and / or new technologies will require the conversion of entire lines or regions. This is made possible, for example, by the invention described above. The transformation instance 12 always provides the necessary interface to the existing interlocking system 4 in a compatible and safety-compliant manner.

[0018] Finally, it should be noted that the preceding application text frequently refers to instances, e.g., for the existing and the new interlocking system. This is intended to express that these instances can exist on the one hand as physically present installations, for example, in the form of an interlocking building with interlocking computers and interlocking cards located within it, and on the other hand, as purely virtual instances or as a mixture of physical and virtual forms.

Claims

1. Method for connecting a positioning module (8) for a decentralised functional component (16) in rail traffic to a new signal box instance (22), while temporarily maintaining a connection of the positioning module (8) to a preceding signal box instance (4), comprising the following method steps: a) connecting the positioning module (8) to the decentralised functional component (16) and the new signal box instance (22) and controlling the positioning module (8) by way of the new signal box instance (22) to make an adjustment predefined by the new signal box instance to the decentralised functional element (16); b) providing a transformation instance (12), which: b1) converts all signals for this predefined adjustment from the positioning module (8) into the required format for the preceding signal box instance (4) and transmits them to the preceding signal box instance (4); and b2) corresponding to an adjustment made to the preceding signal box (4), converts the data transmitted from the preceding signal box instance (4) to the positioning module (8) for this adjustment, for example in the format of an authorised current flow, into the notation of the positioning module and, if necessary, allows the electrical energy provided by the preceding signal box instance (4) for the execution of this adjustment to flow; and c) providing a switchover unit (14), which switches the operating authorisation of the control to make a predefined adjustment to the decentralised functional component (16) between the preceding signal box instance (4) and the new signal box instance (22).

2. System (2) for connecting a positioning module (8) for a decentralised functional element (16) in rail traffic to a new signal box instance (22), while temporarily maintaining a connection of the positioning module (8) to a preceding signal box instance (4), comprising: a) the positioning module (8), which is connected to the decentralised functional component (16) and the new signal box instance (22); b) a transformation instance (12), which is configured to: b1) convert all signals for this predefined adjustment from the positioning module (8) into the required format for the preceding signal box instance (4) and transmit them to the preceding signal box instance (4); and b2) corresponding to an adjustment made to the preceding signal box instance (4), convert the data transmitted from the preceding signal box instance (4) to the positioning module (8) for this adjustment, for example in the format of an authorised current flow, into the notation of the positioning module (8) and, if necessary, allow the electrical energy provided by the preceding signal box instance (4) for the execution of this adjustment to flow; and c) a switchover unit (14), which is configured to switch the operating authorisation of the control to make a predefined adjustment to the decentralised functional component (16) between the preceding signal box instance (4) and the new signal box instance (22).

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