Railway track system with interface device and method for its operation

Abstract

The invention relates, among other things, to a railway system with a first field element (10) which is connected to a central unit (100) via an individually assigned first interface device (11), and a second field element (20) which is connected to the central unit (100) via an individually assigned second interface device (21), wherein in normal operation the central unit (100) cooperates with the first field element (10) via the first interface device (11) and with the second field element (20) via the second interface device (21).According to the invention, the first interface device (11) is also connected to the second field element (20) and the central device (100) is designed to cooperate with the second field element (20) via the first interface device (11) if the second interface device (21) is defective.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a railway installation having a first field element which is connected to a central device, which may be a signal box, for example, via an individually assigned first interface device, and a second field element which is connected to the central device via an individually assigned second interface device.

[0002] In railway systems, field elements such as point machines, point position sensors, or key locks are commonly connected to interlocking systems. The field elements are connected via individually assigned interface devices, known in technical terms as field element controllers.

[0003] Due to the different tasks of the field elements, the field element controllers are functionally adapted to the respective field elements.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of providing a railway system which enables continued operation even if one of the interface devices fails.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by a railway system having the features according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the railway system according to the invention are specified in subclaims.

[0006] According to the invention, it is then provided that the first interface device is also connected to the second field element and the central device is designed to cooperate with the second field element via the first interface device if the second interface device is defective.

[0007] A significant advantage of the railway system according to the invention is that, by additionally connecting the first interface device to the second field element, the first interface device can perform a dual function and, if the second interface device is defective, can replace the second interface device. The additional connection of the first interface device to the second field element thus provides a redundancy path in the event that the normal communication path between the second interface device and the second field element fails.

[0008] A further significant advantage of the railway system according to the invention is that this additional connection of the first interface device to the second field element can be achieved using only one additional transmission line. Such an additional transmission line can be provided during system construction or can at least be easily retrofitted. The transmission line can be a data and / or signal transmission line, preferably adapted to the respective connected field element.

[0009] Yet another significant advantage of the railway system according to the invention is that the functional extension of the first interface device can essentially be implemented using software.

[0010] The connection of the first interface device to the second field element is preferably based on an additional individual transmission line which directly connects the first interface device to the second field element.

[0011] The first interface device preferably has a first operating module for cooperating with the first field element and a second operating module for cooperating with the second field element.

[0012] The central device is preferably designed to cooperate with the second field element through the mediation of the second interface device during normal operation and to leave the second operating module of the first interface device unused if the second interface device is operational, and to cooperate with the second field element through the mediation of the second operating module of the first interface device if the second interface device is defective.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the second interface device is also connected to the first field element and the central device is designed to cooperate with the first field element via the second interface device if the first interface device is defective.

[0014] The latter design variant can also be referred to as a crossover variant because the interface devices can replace each other. A particular advantage of this design variant is that a transmission line used for connecting the first interface device to the second field element for the purpose of replacing a defective second interface device and a transmission line used for connecting the second interface device to the first field element for the purpose of replacing a defective first interface device run parallel, so that the two transmission lines can be installed or retrofitted in a single step.

[0015] The connection of the second interface device to the first field element is therefore preferably based on an additional individual transmission line which directly connects the second interface device to the first field element.

[0016] With regard to the preferred embodiment, it is considered advantageous if the second interface device has a first operating module for collaborating with the second field element and a second operating module for collaborating with the first field element. The central device preferably cooperates with the first field element during normal operation through the mediation of the first operating module of the first interface device and leaves the second operating module of the second interface device unused if the first interface device is operational. The central device preferably cooperates with the first field element through the mediation of the second operating module of the second interface device if the first interface device is defective.

[0017] It is also considered advantageous if a third interface device is connected to the first field element, and the central device is configured to cooperate with the first field element via the third interface device if the first interface device is defective. The connection of the third interface device to the first field element is preferably based on an additional individual transmission line that directly connects the third interface device to the first field element.

[0018] In the latter variant, it is advantageous if the third interface device has a first operating module for operation with a third field element and a second operating module for operation with the first field element. The central device preferably cooperates with the first field element during normal operation via the first interface device and leaves the second operating module of the third interface device unused as long as the first interface device is operational. Unless another interface device connected to the first field element is to be used as a preferred replacement, the central device cooperates via the second operating module of the third interface device if the first interface device is defective.

[0019] The operating modules of the interface devices are preferably software modules or at least also include such.

[0020] The first operating module of the first interface device and the second operating module of the second interface device are preferably identical or at least functionally equivalent.

[0021] The second operating module of the first interface device and the first operating module of the second interface device are preferably identical or at least functionally equivalent.

[0022] The second operating module of the third interface device and the first operating module of the first interface device are preferably identical or at least functionally equivalent.

[0023] It is particularly advantageous if the railway system has a plurality of field elements, each of which is connected to the central device via an individually assigned interface device and cooperates with the central device via the individually assigned interface device in normal operation, whereby in the event of a failure of the individually assigned interface device they are each operated via another interface device which simultaneously operates its assigned field element.

[0024] The central facility is preferably a signal box.

[0025] At least one of the field elements is preferably a point drive, a point position sensor, a track vacancy detection device, a light signal or a key lock.

[0026] The interface devices are preferably field element controllers.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for operating a railway system, in particular one as described above, wherein in the method, in normal operation, a central device cooperates with a first field element via an individually assigned first interface device and, in the event of a fault in which the first interface device is defective, the central device cooperates with the first field element alternatively via a second interface device, wherein in the said fault case the central device uses the second interface device both to cooperate with the first field element and to cooperate with a second field element.

[0028] With regard to the advantages of the method according to the invention and advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, reference is made to the above statements in connection with the railway system according to the invention and its advantageous embodiments.

[0029] It is advantageous if at least one of the field elements has a control element and the cooperation between this field element and the central device includes the transmission of control commands.

[0030] It is advantageous if at least one of the field elements has a detection device and the cooperation between this field element and the central device includes the transmission of detection signals.

[0031] The invention also relates to an interface device for a railway system, comprising a first operating module for collaborating with a first field element. According to the invention, such an interface device comprises a second operating module for collaborating with a second field element and a control device that, in response to an activation command from a central device, activates the second operating module in addition to the first operating module, thereby enabling both the cooperation between the central device and the first field element and the cooperation between the central device and the second field element.

[0032] With regard to the advantages of the interface device according to the invention and advantageous embodiments of the interface device according to the invention, reference is made to the above statements in connection with the railway system according to the invention and its advantageous embodiments.

[0033] It is advantageous if the interface device comprises a computing device and a memory, and a computer program product is stored in the memory, which comprises program instructions which, when executed by the computing device, cause it to operate as a first interface device as described above.

[0034] The invention also relates to a computer program product for an interface device, in particular one as described above.According to the invention, the computer program product comprises: a first software module which, when executed by a computing device of the interface device, forms a first operating module and allows cooperation between a central device and a first field element, a second software module which, when executed by the computing device, forms a second operating module and allows cooperation between the central device and a second field element, and a control module which, when executed by the computing device, forms a control device and, in response to an activation command from the central device, activates the second software module in addition to the first software module and, in parallel, enables both the cooperation between the central device and the first field element and the cooperation between the central device and the second field element.

[0035] With regard to the advantages of the computer program product according to the invention and advantageous embodiments of the computer program product according to the invention, reference is made to the above statements in connection with the method according to the invention and its advantageous embodiments.

[0036] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments, which show, for example: Fig. 1-4 each show a section of an embodiment of a railway system according to the invention, on the basis of which exemplary embodiments of methods according to the invention and exemplary embodiments of interface devices according to the invention are explained, and Figure 5 shows a preferred structure of a railway system according to the Figures 1 to 4 suitable interface device in more detail.

[0037] For the sake of clarity, the same reference symbols are always used in the figures for identical or comparable components.

[0038] The Figure 1 shows components of a first embodiment of a railway system EGA according to the invention.

[0039] The railway system EGA comprises a first field element 10, which is connected via a transmission line VL10 to an individually assigned first interface device 11 and via this and a data transmission device 50 to a central device 100.

[0040] The first field element 10 can, for example, be a point drive that responds to and executes control commands SB transmitted to it by the central device 100. The first interface device 11 assigned to the first field element 10 can, for example, be a field element controller in the form of a point drive controller. The central device 100 is preferably a signal box. The data transmission device 50 preferably comprises a data packet-oriented communications network, for example, in the form of an Ethernet network.

[0041] A second field element 20 of the railway system EGA is connected via a transmission line VL20 to an individually assigned second interface device 21 and, via this and the data transmission device 50, also to the central device 100. The second field element 20 can be, for example, a switch position sensor or a key lock that generates detection signals DS and transmits them toward the central device 100; the second interface device 21 assigned to the second field element 20 can, for example, be formed by a field element controller in the form of a switch position or key lock controller.

[0042] If the above-mentioned components are ready for operation, they can be operated in normal operation: In normal operation, the central device 100 cooperates with the first field element 10 via the first interface device 11 and with the second field element 20 via the second interface device 21.

[0043] For normal operation, the first interface device 11 comprises a first operating module 11a, which is designed or configured to work with the first field element 10. The second interface device 21 correspondingly comprises a first operating module 21a, which is designed or configured to work with the second field element 20.

[0044] Under certain circumstances, interface devices may fail. In order to provide redundancy in the railway system EGA, for example in the event that the second interface device 21 fails, the embodiment according to Figure 1 provided that the first interface device 11 is also connected to the second field element 20 via a transmission line VL12.

[0045] In order to be able to cooperate with the second field element 20, the first interface device 11 comprises, in addition to the first operating module 11a, which serves to cooperate with the first field element 10, a second operating module 11b, which is configured to cooperate with the second field element 20.

[0046] When the second interface device 21 is operational, the first interface device 11 is operated by the central device 100 in normal operation. During normal operation, the central device 100 cooperates with the second field element 20 through the mediation of the second interface device 21 and with the inclusion of the transmission line VL20, so that the second operating module 11b of the first interface device 11 remains unused.

[0047] If, however, the second interface device 21 is defective, the central device 100 shuts down the communication path via the second interface device 21 and activates a new communication path to the second field element 20 by activating the second operating module 11b of the first interface device 10. The central device 100 then cooperates with the second field element 20 via the second operating module 11b of the first interface device 10 and by including the transmission line VL12.

[0048] The activation and deactivation of the operating modules 11a and 11b is preferably carried out by a control device STE of the interface device 11. In this case, it is preferably provided that the control device STE permanently activates the first operating module 11a and deactivates the second operating module 11b during normal operation.

[0049] If the control device STE receives an activation command AB from the central device 100 to activate the second operating module 11b, it switches from normal operation to a redundant operation and also activates the second operating module 11b so that - as described - both operating modules 11a and 11b can operate in parallel.

[0050] The Figure 2 shows components of a second embodiment of a railway system EGA according to the invention.

[0051] The second embodiment according to Figure 2 corresponds to the first embodiment according to Figure 1 with the difference that the second interface device 21 is also connected to the first field element 10 via an additional transmission line VL21.

[0052] This additional transmission line VL21 also creates redundancy in the railway system EGA with regard to the first interface device 11 and provides for the event that the first interface device 11 could fail.

[0053] In order to be able to cooperate with the first field element 10, the second interface device 21 comprises, in addition to the first operating module 21a, which serves to cooperate with the second field element 20, a second operating module 21b, which is configured to cooperate with the first field element 10.

[0054] When the first interface device 11 is operational, the first interface device 11 is operated by the central device 100 in normal operation. In normal operation, the central device 100 cooperates only with the first field element 10 via the first interface device 11 and the transmission line VL10, so that the second operating module 21b of the second interface device 21 and the transmission line VL21 remain unused.

[0055] If, however, the first interface device 11 is defective, the central device 100 disconnects the communication path via the first interface device 11 and activates a new communication path to the first field element 10 by activating the second operating module 21b of the second interface device 20 with the involvement of the control device STE. Subsequently, the central device 100 cooperates with the first field element 10 via the second operating module 21b of the second interface device 20 and with the involvement of the transmission line VL21.

[0056] If the first interface device 11 is functional and the second interface device 21 is defective, the above statements in connection with the Figure 1accordingly. In this case, the central device 100 cooperates with the second field element 20 through the mediation of the second operating module 11b of the first interface device 10 and with the inclusion of the transmission line VL12.

[0057] The Figure 3 shows components of a third embodiment of a railway system EGA according to the invention.

[0058] The third embodiment according to Figure 3 corresponds to the first embodiment according to Figure 1 with the difference that a third interface device 31 is connected to the first field element 10 via an additional transmission line VL31.

[0059] This additional transmission line VL31 creates redundancy for the first interface device 11 in the railway system EGA through the third interface device and provides for the event that the first interface device 11 could fail.

[0060] In order to be able to cooperate with the first field element 10, the third interface device 31 comprises, in addition to a first operating module 31a, which serves to cooperate with a third field element 30, a second operating module 31b, which is configured to cooperate with the first field element 10.

[0061] When the first interface device 11 is operational, the first interface device 11 is operated by the central device 100 in normal operation. In normal operation, the central device 100 cooperates with the first field element 10 via the first interface device 11 and the transmission line VL10, so that the second operating module 31b of the third interface device 31 remains unused.

[0062] If, however, the first interface device 11 is defective, the central device 100 shuts down the communication path via the first interface device 11 and activates a new communication path to the first field element 10 by activating the second operating module 31b of the third interface device 30. The central device 100 then cooperates with the first field element 10 via the second operating module 31b of the third interface device 31 and by including the transmission line VL31.

[0063] The Figure 4 shows components of a fourth embodiment of a railway system EGA according to the invention.

[0064] The fourth embodiment according to Figure 4 corresponds to the second embodiment according to Figure 2 with the difference that the third interface device 31 is also connected to the first field element 10 according to Figure 3is connected via the additional transmission line VL31.

[0065] This additional transmission line VL31 provides additional redundancy in the railway system EGA with respect to the first interface device 11 through the third interface device 31 and provides for the event that the first interface device 11 and the second interface device 21 could fail and continued operation of the first field element 10 is nevertheless to be ensured.

[0066] During normal operation, i.e. when the first interface device 11 is operational, the central device 100 cooperates with the first field element 10 via the first interface device 11, so that the second operating modules 21b and 31b of the second and third interface devices 21 and 31, respectively, remain unused.

[0067] If, however, the first interface device 11 is defective, the central device 100 switches the communication path to the first field element 10 by activating either the second operating module 21b of the second interface device 21 or the second operating module 31b of the third interface device 31. From then on, the central device 100 cooperates with the first field element 10 via the second operating module 21b of the second interface device 21 or the second operating module 31b of the third interface device 31.

[0068] In the event that not only the first interface device 11 is defective, but also the second or third, the operation of the first field element 10 can take place via the last of the three still functional interface devices.

[0069] The Figure 5shows an embodiment of an interface device 500, which is used as the first interface device 11 in the railway system EGA according to the Figures 1 to 4 can be used. Although the following explanations refer specifically to the first interface device 11, they apply accordingly to the second and third interface devices 21 and 31, respectively.

[0070] The interface device 500 according to Figure 5 may be configured as a controller and include a computing device 510 and a memory 520. Other peripheral input and output components that controllers may typically include, such as A / D converters, D / A converters, power supply components, and the like, are not shown in the Figure 5 not explicitly shown.

[0071] In the memory 520, a computer program product CPP is stored, which contains program instructions which, when executed by the computing device 510, carry out the functions described above in connection with the Figures 1 to 4 initiate the procedure described.

[0072] The computer program product CPP comprises in the embodiment according to Figure 5 a first software module SW1, which, when executed by the computing device 510, forms the first operating module 11a. For this purpose, the first software module SW1 comprises program instructions that enable cooperation between the central device 100 and the first field element 10, and is therefore programmed or configured for precisely this specific interface function. If the first field element 10 is, for example, a point machine, the first software module SW1 is specifically designed for interface operation for cooperation between the central device 100 and the point machine.

[0073] The computer program product CPP also includes a second software module SW2, which, when executed by the computing device 510, forms the second operating module 11b. The second software module SW2 therefore includes program instructions that enable cooperation between the central device 100 and the second field element 20, and is thus programmed or configured for precisely this specific interface function. If the second field element 20 is, for example, a switch position sensor, the second software module SW2 is specifically designed for interface operation for cooperation between the central device 100 and this switch position sensor.

[0074] The computer program product CPP also includes a third software module SW3, which, when executed by the computing device 510, forms the control device STE and can thus also be referred to as a control module. The third software module SW3 includes program instructions that enable normal operation and redundant operation.

[0075] In normal operation, the third software module SW3 activates the first software module SW1 and leaves the second software module SW2 inactive.

[0076] If the control device STE receives an activation command AB from the central device 100 to activate the second operating module 11b, it switches to redundancy mode and also activates the second software module SW2 via a control command B, so that both software modules SW1 and SW2 can operate in parallel.

[0077] Finally, it should be mentioned that the features of all embodiments described above can be combined with each other in any way to form further other embodiments of the invention.

[0078] All features of subclaims can also be combined individually with each of the independent claims, either individually or in any combination with one or more other subclaims, in order to obtain further other embodiments.

[0079] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included. List of reference symbols

[0080] 10First field element 11First interface device 11aFirst operating module 11bSecond operating module 20Second field element 21Second interface device 21aFirst operating module 21bSecond operating module 30Third field element 31Third interface device 31aFirst operating module 31bSecond operating module 50Data transmission device 100Central device 500Interface device 510Computing device 520Memory ABActivation command BControl command CPPComputer program product DSDetection signal EGARailway system SBSetting command STEControl device SW1First software module SW2Second software module SW3Third software module VL10Transmission line VL12Transmission line VL20Transmission line VL21Transmission line VL31Transmission line

Claims

1. Railway system (EGA) with - a first field element (10) which is connected to a central device (100) via an individually assigned first interface device (11), and - a second field element (20) which is connected to the central device (100) via an individually assigned second interface device (21), - wherein in normal operation the central device (100) cooperates with the first field element (10) via the first interface device (11) and with the second field element (20) via the second interface device (21), characterized in that - the first interface device (11) is also connected to the second field element (20) and - the central device (100) is designed to cooperate with the second field element (20) via the first interface device (11) if the second interface device (21) is defective.

2. Railway installation (EGA) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the first interface device (11) has a first operating module (11a) for cooperating with the first field element (10) and a second operating module (11b) for cooperating with the second field element (20), - wherein the central device (100) is designed to cooperate with the second field element (20) through the mediation of the second interface device (21) during normal operation and to leave the second operating module (11b) of the first interface device (11) unused if the second interface device (21) is operational, and - wherein the central device (100) is designed to cooperate with the second field element (20) through the mediation of the second operating module (11b) of the first interface device (11) if the second interface device (21) is defective.

3. Railway installation (EGA) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that- the second interface device (21) is also connected to the first field element (10) and - the central device (100) is designed to cooperate with the first field element (10) via the second interface device (21) if the first interface device (11) is defective.

4. Railway installation (EGA) according to claim 3, characterized in that- the second interface device (21) has a first operating module (21a) for cooperating with the second field element (20) and a second operating module (21b) for cooperating with the first field element (10), - wherein the central device (100) cooperates with the first field element (10) in normal operation via the first operating module (11a) of the first interface device (11) and leaves the second operating module (21b) of the second interface device (21) unused if the first interface device (11) is operational, and - wherein the central device (100) cooperates with the first field element (10) via the second operating module (21b) of the second interface device (21) if the first interface device (11) is defective.

5. Railway installation (EGA) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that- a third interface device (31) is connected to the first field element (10) and - the central device (100) is designed to cooperate with the first field element (10) via the third interface device (31) if the first interface device (11) is defective.

6. Railway installation (EGA) according to claim 5, characterized in that- the third interface device (31) has a first operating module (31a) for operation with a third field element (30) and a second operating module (31b) for operation with the first field element (10), - wherein the central device (100) cooperates with the first field element (10) through the mediation of the first interface device (11) during normal operation and leaves the second operating module (31b) of the third interface device (31) unused if the first interface device (11) is operational, and - wherein the central device (100) cooperates with the first field element (10) through the mediation of the second operating module (31b) of the third interface device (31) if the first interface device (11) is defective.

7. Railway installation (EGA) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the operating modules of the interface devices are software modules (SW1, SW2) or at least also include such.

8. Railway installation (EGA) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 7, characterized in that - the first operating module (11a) of the first interface device (11) and the second operating module (21b) of the second interface device (21) are identical or at least functionally equivalent and / or - the second operating module (11b) of the first interface device (11) and the first operating module (21a) of the second interface device (21) are identical or at least functionally equivalent and / or - the second operating module (31b) of the third interface device (31) and the first operating module (11a) of the first interface device (11) are identical or at least functionally equivalent.

9. Railway installation (EGA) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe railway system (EGA) has a plurality of field elements (10, 20, 30), each of which is connected to the central device (100) via an individually assigned interface device (11, 21, 31) and cooperates with the central device (100) via the individually assigned interface device in normal operation, wherein in the event of a failure of the individually assigned interface device they are each operated via another interface device which simultaneously operates its assigned field element.

10. Railway installation (EGA) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the central device (100) is a signal box, - at least one of the field elements is a point drive, a point position sensor, a track vacancy detection device, a light signal or a key lock and - the interface devices are field element controllers.

11. Method for operating a railway system (EGA), in particular one according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the method - in normal operation a central device (100) cooperates with a first field element (10) via an individually assigned first interface device (11) and - in the event of a fault in which the first interface device (11) is defective, the central device (100) cooperates with the first field element (10) alternatively via a second interface device (21), - wherein in the said fault case the central device (100) uses the second interface device (21) both to cooperate with the first field element (10) and to cooperate with a second field element (20).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that- at least one of the field elements has a control element and the cooperation between this field element and the central device (100) includes the transmission of control commands (SB) and / or - at least one of the field elements has a detection device and the cooperation between this field element and the central device (100) includes the transmission of detection signals (DS).

13. Interface device (11) for a railway system with a first operating module (11a) for cooperation with a first field element (10), characterized in thatthe interface device (11) has a second operating module (11b) for cooperation with a second field element (20) and a control device (STE) which, in response to an activation command (AB) from a central device (100), activates the second operating module (11b) in addition to the first operating module (11a) and thereby enables both the cooperation between the central device (100) and the first field element (10) and the cooperation between the central device (100) and the second field element (20).

14. Interface device (500) according to claim 13, characterized in that- the interface device (500) comprises a computing device (510) and a memory (520), and - a computer program product (CPP) is stored in the memory, which comprises program instructions which, when executed by the computing device (510), cause it to operate as a first interface device (11) within the framework of a method according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 12.

15. Computer program product (CPP) for an interface device (11, 21, 31, 500), in particular one according to claim 14, characterized in thatthe computer program product (CPP) comprises - a first software module (SW1) which, when executed by a computing device of the interface device, forms a first operating module and allows cooperation between a central device (100) and a first field element (10), - a second software module (SW2) which, when executed by the computing device, forms a second operating module and allows cooperation between the central device (100) and a second field element (20), and - a control module (SW3) which, when executed by the computing device, forms a control device and, in response to an activation command (AB) from the central device (100), activates the second software module (SW2) in addition to the first software module (SW1) and, in parallel, enables both the cooperation between the central device (100) and the first field element (10) and the cooperation between the central device (100) and the second field element (10).

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