Method for operating a marshalling yard in which a disassembly unit is pushed

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a discharge system, in which, in a preliminary process, a dismantling unit (ZLE) is dismantled by a push-off locomotive (ABL) above a vertex (SP) of the discharge system, in order to then run in a run-off process in the form of individual runs (AL), wherein the following steps are carried out. The push-off locomotive (ABL) is located using a travel counter starting from a reference position in the discharge system, and a relative location signal is generated. The movement of the push-off locomotive (ABL) is controlled by computer in a travel-based manner, wherein the push-off locomotive (ABL) is stopped to complete the dismantling unit (ZLE) pushing off, taking the location signal into account. The travel counter is monitored for its function. If a malfunction is detected during monitoring of the travel counter, a time-based computer-aided control is switched over.The push-off locomotive (ABL) is stopped to complete the push-off of the disassembly unit (ZLE) based on a time signal. Thus, in the event of a travel counter failure, the invention provides an alternative time-based method so that the push-off can be completed based on a time signal. The invention also relates to a process system and a computer program for implementing the method.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention further comprises the following subject matter: a method for operating a drainage system. The invention further comprises the following subject matter: a drainage system with a loading area. The invention further comprises the following subject matter: a computer program comprising program instructions. The invention further comprises the following subject matter: a computer-readable storage medium for data. Technical background

[0002] According to the prior art, it is known that push-off locomotives (hereinafter also referred to as locomotives) can be automatically controlled when used in a run-off system. This serves to optimize the timing of the operation of the run-off system, whereby the push-off locomotive is used to carry out a pre-running process. In the context of this description of the invention, the pre-running process is understood to be the pushing together, advancing and pushing off of a dismantling unit, which after pushing off runs in the form of runs in directional tracks of the run-off system. In the context of this description of the invention, the dismantling unit is understood to be the wagon train that has not yet been dismantled into runs, which is pushed to the apex of the run-off system, whereby the dismantling of the dismantling unit into runs takes place in the area of ​​the apex of the run-off system.Even if the individual processes in progress also form disassembly units, this term is not used in the context of this description of the invention for the processes in the process.

[0003] To ensure the duration of the push-together process, compliance with the permitted speed, and timely stopping of a computer-controlled push-together locomotive before the stopping position during automatic approach and / or push-together, a distance counter is used. If a failure of this distance counter is detected, the push-together locomotive is immediately stopped, and the approach and / or push-together process cannot be continued automatically.

[0004] For example, document WO 2019 / 141495 A1 describes a method for operating a shunting system that further improves shunting quality and avoids or reduces disruptions in shunting operations. However, this method focuses on more precise monitoring of the shunting sequence and more targeted control of the track brakes in the distribution zone. However, this requires the proper functioning of the push-off locomotive, in particular the functioning of the distance counter, so that the pre-running process at the shunting hump can be adequately monitored.

[0005] The problem arising from the state of the art described above is that, in the event of a detected odometer failure, the automatic approach and / or push-off process must either be continued manually or continued or aborted with a push-off locomotive with a functioning odometer. All of these options are time-consuming and disrupt operations. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to remedy the problems described in the prior art. In particular, it is to provide a method for operating a process system in which the failure of the travel counter in the push-off locomotive has no or at least a reduced impact on the process.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for operating a discharge system is described, in which, in a preliminary process, a dismantling unit is pushed off by a push-off locomotive over a vertex of the discharge system, in order to then run off in a discharge process in the form of individual processes, wherein a) the push-off locomotive is located using a travel counter starting from a reference position in the process system, and a relative location signal is generated, b) the movement of the push-off locomotive is controlled in a computer-aided, travel-based manner, whereby the push-off locomotive is stopped to complete the push-off of the dismantling unit, taking the location signal into account, c) the travel counter is monitored for its function.

[0008] During the pushing together process, the pushing-off locomotive is allowed to travel at a reduced speed for a defined distance in order to assemble the dismantling unit before the higher approach speed is specified. During the approach process, the position of the train head (i.e. the first triggering by the relevant dismantling unit) is determined via so-called approach contacts, which are triggered when a wheel passes over them. During the approach process, the approach speed is reduced and checked selectively at the time of contact. In addition, the approach speed is checked continuously until the next contact is reached based on the current locomotive position according to the distance counter (i.e. a localization by evaluating a relative position change).

[0009] The travel counter also serves to detect failures of proximity switches and double beacons. A proximity switch can be assumed to have failed if, based on the position determined by the travel counter and taking the applicable tolerances into account, the contact in question should have been overrun, but did not deliver a signal.

[0010] Based on beacon tracking, the position of the push-pull locomotive can be (again) accurately determined. "Accurately determined" in the context of the invention means that the expected tolerances, which are influenced during the pre-running process, for example, by slippage of the push-pull locomotive's wheels, are considerable and continuously increasing, and can be reset to the level of measurement accuracy of the position determination by beacon tracking.

[0011] As the locomotive approaches the apex, higher demands are placed on the position determination of the locomotive, but only a few events occur (reading the hill double beacon, which is the last beacon before the apex, clearing a locomotive stop section by the last axle of the push-off locomotive, more on this below) that ensure safe stopping before the hill.

[0012] Without a functioning odometer, it is normally not possible to monitor the pushing together during normal operation, to continuously monitor the speed, and to ensure a safe stop before the hill. This is where the invention comes in, providing an alternative mode of operation that does not require an odometer (more on this below).

[0013] A device is computer-aided or computer-implemented if it has at least one computer or processor, or a method if at least one computer or processor carries out at least one method step of the method.

[0014] A computing environment is an IT infrastructure consisting of functional components such as processors, memory units, programs, and data to be processed by the programs, which are used to execute at least one application that has to perform a specific task. Additional functional components can consist of sensors and actuators that enable the computing environment to interact with the outside world. The IT infrastructure can also be organized as a network of these functional components.

[0015] Computing instances form functional units within a computing environment that can be assigned to applications (given, for example, by a number of program modules) and can execute them. These functional units form self-contained systems, physically (e.g., a computer, processor) and / or virtually (e.g., a program module), when the application is executed.

[0016] Computers are electronic devices with data processing capabilities consisting of multiple functional components. Computers can be, for example, clients, servers, handheld computers, communication devices, and other electronic devices for data processing that may have processors and memory units and may also be connected to a network via interfaces.

[0017] Processors can be, for example, converters, sensors for generating measurement signals, or electronic circuits. A processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a digital signal processor, possibly combined with a memory unit for storing program instructions and data. A processor can also be a virtualized processor or a soft CPU.

[0018] Storage units can be implemented as computer-readable memory in the form of random-access memory (RAM) or data storage (hard disk or data carrier).

[0019] Program modules are individual software functional units that enable a program sequence of method steps according to the invention. These software functional units can be implemented in a single computer program or in several communicating computer programs. The interfaces implemented in this way can be implemented in software within a single processor or in hardware if multiple processors are used.

[0020] Interfaces can be implemented in hardware, for example wired or as a radio connection, or in software, for example as interaction between individual program modules of one or more computer programs.

[0021] To avoid any misunderstanding, it should be noted at this point that individual claim features are numbered consecutively using lowercase Latin letters, without taking the claim numbering into account.

[0022] This means that each letter appears only once in the entire set of claims, allowing the relevant claim features to be clearly addressed without citing the claim number. Therefore, the order of the letters is irrelevant.

[0023] According to the invention, it is provided that d) in the event that a malfunction is detected during the monitoring of the distance counter, the system switches to a time-based computer-aided control, and e) the push-off locomotive is stopped to complete the push-off of the dismantling unit, taking into account a time signal.

[0024] In other words, taking the time signal into account replaces the location signal. Compared to the location signal, the time signal has the advantage that it can be generated by simple time measurement, which is comparatively reliable compared to the use of a distance counter in the push-pull locomotive.

[0025] Considering the time signal requires empirical values ​​for the respective discharge system, such as how long the push-off locomotive needs to push discharges past the apex of the discharge system. The time signal is therefore evaluated to ensure that, with knowledge of the discharge system, the push-off locomotive cannot, if possible, travel beyond the apex of the discharge system into the distribution zone. Factors that can be taken into account include the speed of the push-off locomotive, its maximum acceleration capacity, the distance still to be covered from the time the distance counter fails to the apex, the length and weight of the dismantling unit, and so on.

[0026] One advantage of the invention is that the dismantling of the dismantling unit, which is being pushed by the push-off locomotive over the apex of the run-off system, can continue even if the distance counter fails. This is ensured by monitoring the time signal, as it can reliably prevent the push-off locomotive from traveling beyond the apex of the run-off system. The distance-based stopping method requires correctly functioning distance determination with the distance counter. The time-based stopping method only requires the trackside locating devices (approach contacts, beacons, and timers) already present in run-off systems with locomotive radio remote control. By switching from the distance-based stopping method to the time-based stopping method, the dependency on a functioning distance counter is eliminated, and the approach / push-off process can continue with the same level of safety.

[0027] In the event that a failure of the travel counter is detected during the disassembly of a disassembly unit into sequences, the disassembly can still be completed, even if a lower performance of the disassembly process would be accepted without the travel counter. By taking the time signal into account, an unacceptable increase in the safety risk associated with disassembly can be prevented, which makes it possible to complete the disassembly process in the first place. In any case, aborting the disassembly process and a time-consuming change of the push-off locomotive or the entirely manual disassembly of the sequence, which would result in a much greater loss of performance, can be avoided.

[0028] Operationally, various situations arise for the stopping of the push-off locomotive on the hill (i.e., before reaching the apex), for which different stopping distances are projected in a given sequence system; analogously, according to the invention, different stopping times can also be projected for the time-based method, so that in the event of a distance counter failure, it is possible to switch from a distance-based to a time-based control.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, a drainage system is described with a moving area which is designed to carry out a pre-running process as described above.

[0030] By using the process described above, the drainage system can achieve all the advantages already explained above.

[0031] For this purpose, it is provided that the drainage system is equipped with a computing environment that is configured to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, a computer program is described, comprising program instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out steps b), c), d) and e) of the method as described above.

[0033] According to the invention, a computer program product containing program modules is described with program instructions, wherein the program modules can run on the same or multiple processors. The method according to the invention and / or its embodiments can be implemented by means of the computer program product, which can comprise one or more computer programs, and the above-described advantages are achieved by the implementation.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, a computer-readable storage medium for data is described which stores data records of the computer program product according to the last preceding claim.

[0035] Furthermore, a provision device for storing and / or providing the computer program in the form of a computer-readable storage medium is described. The provision device is, for example, a storage unit that stores the computer program and makes it available for retrieval. Alternatively or additionally, the provision device is a network service, a computer system, a server system, in particular a distributed, for example, cloud-based computer system or virtual computer system, which stores the computer program on a computer-readable storage medium and preferably makes it available in the form of a data stream.

[0036] The provision takes place in the form of program data sets describing program modules as a file, in particular as a download file, or as a data stream, in particular as a download data stream, of the computer program. The computer program is transferred, for example, using the provision device into a computing environment, so that the method according to the invention can be executed in one or more computing instances of this computing environment. General embodiments of the invention

[0037] Variants describing further developments of the invention are explained below without limiting the basic idea of ​​the invention.

[0038] According to a variant, the aspects of the invention explained above are determined in that the time signal is generated by determining a travel time of the push-off locomotive starting from a reference time which is measured at a reference position.

[0039] In other words, several reference positions are defined along the path taken by the disassembly unit in the process system, and a reference time is set when these reference positions are reached. If the distance counter fails, a current reference time is always available, from which the time signal to be considered subsequently can be generated.

[0040] According to a variant, the aspects of the invention explained above are determined by the fact that the push-off locomotive is stopped as soon as the travel time exceeds a predetermined time interval linked to the reference time.

[0041] Starting from a reference point in time, a time interval can be defined after which the push-off locomotive must be stopped again. The length of the time interval depends on the conditions of the push-off locomotive and the run-off system. These are empirical values ​​​​during the operation of the respective run-off system, which allow the push-off locomotive to be stopped with sufficient operational reliability without knowing its exact position (since the distance counter is not available).

[0042] Starting from a reference point in time, several time intervals of varying lengths can also be defined. This means that the push-off locomotive can be stopped multiple times to push off a sequence, or, preferably, a different speed of the push-off locomotive can be set when the various time intervals are reached. The first time is when the shortest time interval is exceeded, then when the next longer time interval is exceeded, and so on. The speed of the push-off locomotive is usually reduced the closer it approaches the apex of the sequence system. This can reduce the risk of catching up with successive sequences when the sequences are executed.

[0043] According to a variant, the aspects of the invention explained above are determined by f) when passing over a trackside locating device, an absolute locating signal is generated for the push-off locomotive, g) the reference position is updated taking into account the absolute locating signal.

[0044] The initial determination of a reference position can also advantageously be achieved by the locomotive passing over a trackside locating device. In this case, this measure is also to be understood as an update of the reference position within the meaning of the invention.

[0045] If the push-pull locomotive repeatedly passes over locating devices during operation, relatively close absolute positions can be determined at that location. These can be used to reset the travel counter to zero, so to speak. Starting from the last absolute position, the location can then be determined by determining a relative position with reference to the last available absolute position. For the purpose of absolute location of the push-pull locomotive, for example, beacons can be laid in the tracks of the discharge system.

[0046] The multiple absolute positioning takes into account the fact that considerable tolerances can sometimes arise when positioning using the distance counter. For example, when pushing the disassembly unit, the drive wheels of the push-pull locomotive can slip, causing the distance counter to indicate an excessive distance traveled by the push-pull locomotive. The opposite effect can occur when braking.

[0047] According to a variant, the aspects of the invention explained above are determined by the fact that as trackside locating device h) the last locating device intended for the location of the push-off locomotive, or, i) where the locating devices intended for the location of the push-off locomotive are arranged in pairs, at least one of the last two locating devices intended for the location of the push-off locomotive is used to generate the absolute location signal for the push-off locomotive.

[0048] The paired arrangement of locating devices such as beacons is intended to create redundancy. Should one of the paired locating devices fail, the other is still available to generate the locating signal. This increases the operational reliability of the system.

[0049] The tolerances that occur when using the distance counter are considerable compared to the distance between the paired locating devices. Therefore, to simplify the method, it is advantageous to assume that the paired locating devices are located at the same reference position. In other words, a single reference position can be used for the two paired locating devices. This can, for example, be located midway between the two paired locating devices.

[0050] According to a variant, the aspects of the invention explained above are determined by j) that with the updating of the reference position in step g) parallel to the execution of the method in steps a), b) and c) the reference time is also updated, k) based on the updated reference time, a travel time of the push-off locomotive is determined, l) if a malfunction is detected in step d) the system immediately switches to a time-based computer-aided control without stopping the pre-run process.

[0051] In other words, even during regular operation, the time signal is recorded starting from the last update of the reference time at the last reference position. If the distance counter fails, the current location of the push-pull locomotive can be determined from the time elapsed since the last reference time, taking into account the last reference positions. This allows the push-pull locomotive to be located immediately based on the time signal, which is already available at the moment the distance counter fails and can subsequently be used. This advantageously allows the process to be carried out without interruption.

[0052] According to a variant, the aspects of the invention explained above are determined by m) the speed of the push-pull locomotive is continuously measured, n) compliance with a temporal speed profile of the push-pull locomotive is monitored, taking into account the reference time and the travel time.

[0053] If the speed of the push-pull locomotive is continuously measured, the distance traveled since the reference time with respect to the current time signal can be determined relatively accurately. This also makes it possible to determine the location at which the temporal speed profile of the push-pull locomotive requires a change in speed. At this point, the push-pull locomotive can receive a control signal that leads to a change in the speed of the push-pull locomotive.

[0054] According to a variant, the aspects of the invention explained above are determined by o) if a malfunction is detected in step d), the computer-assisted control of the push-off locomotive is stopped; p) the push-off locomotive is manually driven to a trackside locating device, where a reference time is determined; q) the computer-assisted control of the push-off locomotive is resumed and switched to time-based computer-assisted control in step d).

[0055] In this variant of the invention, if the distance counter fails, the push-off locomotive must first be stopped for safety reasons. It is then driven to a trackside locating device. This allows both a reference position and a reference time to be determined, with these two measured values ​​being related. From there, time-based control of the push-off locomotive can be implemented, i.e., taking into account a time signal determined from the reference time. The advantage of this variant is that, during normal operation, reference times do not need to be determined when implementing the method. Exemplary embodiments of the drawing

[0056] Further details of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. Identical or corresponding drawing elements are provided with the same reference numerals in the individual figures and are explained repeatedly only to the extent that differences arise between the individual figures.

[0057] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual, independently considered variants of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are therefore also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described components can also be combined with the variants of the invention described above.

[0058] Figure 1shows schematically an embodiment of the device according to the invention (drainage system) with its interactions between the functional components used.

[0059] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a computing environment for the device according to Figure 1 as a block diagram of the individual functional components and the interfaces formed between them, whereby individual computing instances execute program modules which can each run in one or more of the computers shown as examples and whereby the interfaces shown can accordingly be implemented in software in one computer or in hardware between different computers.

[0060] Figure 3shows an embodiment of the method according to the invention as a flow chart, wherein the method steps shown can be implemented individually or in groups by program modules and wherein the computing instances and interfaces according to Figure 2 are indicated as examples. Detailed description of the drawing

[0061] In Figure 1A discharge system is shown schematically as a top view and in a side profile view (with the gradient of the track GL forming a discharge path in the discharge system). A discharge system consists of an arrangement of tracks GL, which allow the pushing together of dismantling units ZLE in an entry area EFB, the advancing of the dismantling units ZLE in an advancing area ARB and the discharging and rearranging of the dismantling units ZLE in a distribution zone VTZ. The individual tracks GL are switched to discharge paths via switches W. A push-off locomotive ABL is responsible for transporting the dismantling unit ZLE along a path preset using the switches W.The approach area ARB is used to push the cutting unit ZLE over the apex SP of the discharge system at the required speed, whereby the individual discharges AL of the cutting unit ZLE run without external influence due to the gradient present in the distribution zone VTZ and are braked on their way by at least one track brake GBR.

[0062] The following describes the layout of the discharge system in the entry and approach areas (ARB) in more detail. The distribution zone (VTZ) is shown schematically here with a GBR track brake, but its design is generally known. This can be implemented in a much more complex manner, as described in more detail, for example, in WO 2019 / 141495 A1, mentioned above.

[0063] In the entry area, several GL tracks are provided, which are joined by means of switches W to form one GL track in the approach area ARB. Various ZLE cutting units can be prepared on the GL tracks of the entry area so that they can then be pushed through the approach area ARB over the apex SP by the ABL pushing locomotive. In order to monitor the movement of the ABL pushing locomotive and the ZLE cutting unit moved by it, a first computer C1 is provided as a control system, which is connected to various approach contacts (each represented by two balls) via a first interface S1. For the sake of clarity, the first interface S1 is shown as a bus system. Alternatively (not shown), a separate interface S13 can of course also be provided for each of the trackside locating devices.

[0064] While BL balises (shown as circles) primarily serve the purpose of locating the push-off locomotive ABL at the moment it passes over the affected BL balise, the approach contacts are primarily intended to locate the head of the train at the moment of passing over. The head of the train is formed by the first AL run-off point to reach the apex SP. This is the AL run-off point furthest from the push-off locomotive ABL, i.e., in the approach area ARB, the AL run-off point at the uphill end of the ZLE break-off unit.

[0065] The balises BL are arranged in pairs, as is the Figure 1can be readily seen. AK contact sensors are also double contacts, indicated by the two balls arranged side by side. The double arrangement of the BL beacons or the use of the double contacts creates redundancy on the sensor side, so that if one of the two redundant sensors fails, a signal from the corresponding measuring unit is still available.

[0066] Along the GL tracks, several balises BL or approach contacts AK are arranged in pairs. This allows the push-off locomotive ABL and the disassembly unit ZLE pushed by it to be located multiple times during the approach. This allows control, in particular, of the speed of the push-off locomotive ABL. In particular, the approach contacts AK define a first locomotive stop section LHA1 and a second locomotive stop section LHA2 immediately before the apex SP. If the train head crosses the corresponding approach contacts AK, the speed of the push-off locomotive ABL can be controlled in order to influence the speed of the processes AL in the distribution zone VTZ.

[0067] The approach is controlled according to Figure 1primarily via the first computer C1. This is also connected via a second interface S2 to a control center LZ, in which a second computer C2 is used. In the control center LZ, for example, personnel entrusted with monitoring the sequence system can intervene in the sequence control AL. Both the control center LZ and the first computer C1 are equipped with an antenna AT, as is the push-off locomotive ABL. Via the third interface S3 shown as an example, a connection between the push-off locomotive ABL and the first computer C1 is possible. A connection between the push-off locomotive ABL and the second computer C2 in the control center LZ (not shown, but see Figure 2 ) is possible.

[0068] As soon as a distance counter failure is detected (e.g., due to an implausibly early signal from an AK approach contact or a BL beacon), continuous speed monitoring can be switched from a distance-based behavior (permitted speed per distance counter value) to a time-based behavior (permitted speed per time unit). Stopping on a hill can be switched from a distance counter-based stopping procedure (stopping after x meters) to a time-based stopping procedure (stopping after x seconds) when a distance counter failure is detected.

[0069] In a computing environment RU, the Figure 1 and Figure 2used computing instances, in particular a first processor PR1, with other functional components such as trackside locating devices through the first interface S1, with a second processor PR2 through a second interface S2, with a third processor PR3 through the third interface S3, with an exemplary switch W through a fourth interface S4, with an exemplary track brake GBR through a fifth interface S5 and the second processor PR2 with the third processor PR3 through a sixth interface S6. Figure 2In particular, in the computing environment RU, in the first computer C1, the first processor PR1 is connected to a first memory unit SE1 by an eleventh interface S11, in the second computer C2, the second processor PR2 is connected to a second memory unit SE2 by a twelfth interface S12, and in the third computer C3, a third processor PR3 is connected to a third memory unit SE3 by a thirteenth interface S13, wherein the above-mentioned first to third computers C3 are referred to jointly as computers, the above-mentioned first to third processors PR3 are referred to jointly as processors, and the above-mentioned first to third memory units SE3 are referred to jointly as memory units.

[0070] In the following, the method according to the invention will be described by way of example, as shown in the flow chart according to Figure 3 presented and explained step by step. In Figure 3is also indicated by boxes, in which functional components or computing instances according to Figure 1 and 2 the individual steps can be carried out. As far as the interfaces according to Figure 1 and 2 are used, these are also in Figure 3 marked.

[0071] In a first step 1 the procedure is started (short: START).

[0072] In a second step 2, the push-off locomotive ABL (short: MV-ABL) is moved in the direction of the vertex SP.

[0073] In a third step 3, the balise crossing BL is carried out by the push-off locomotive ABL (short: PS-BL) on the way to the apex SP.

[0074] In a fourth step 4, the push-off locomotive ABL is absolutely localized using the balise BL (short: LOC-ABS).

[0075] In a fifth step, 5, a query is made as to whether the previous localization step 4 produced a plausible result (abbreviated to LOC-PLS?). If so, the process continues with step 6. If not, the process continues with step 10 (more on this below).

[0076] In a sixth step 6, relative positioning is performed using the distance counter (LOC-REL for short). The last plausible absolute localization signal is used for the location, and from there, taking into account the travel path of the push-pull locomotive ABL determined by the distance counter, a location is determined relative to the last located balise BL.

[0077] In a seventh step, a query is made as to whether another balise BL is being overrun (abbreviated to PS-BL?). This query can be repeated cyclically, for example. If overrun of a balise BL is detected, a recursion to step 3 described above occurs. If this is not the case, the process continues with step 8.

[0078] In an eighth step (8), a query is made as to whether the push-off locomotive ABL should be stopped (STP for short). If this is not the case, a recursion to step 6 described above occurs. If this is the case, the process continues with the following step 9.

[0079] In a ninth step 9, the push-off locomotive ABL is controlled so that it stops (abbreviated to STP-ABL). This can be done, for example, by the first computer C1 or by the second computer C2 in the push-off locomotive ABL, depending on whether the push-off locomotive ABL is remotely controlled or self-controlled. At this point, all discharges AL of the dismantling unit ZLE have usually been pushed over the apex SP of the discharge system and are being re-sorted in the distribution zone VTZ.

[0080] Next, the procedure is described, and how it continues in the case where step 5 of checking the locomotive's location (or step 13 of checking the location of the train's front end; more on this below) leads to the conclusion that the location result cannot be trusted. In this case, it is assumed that the distance counter did not provide a trustworthy result, since the location by a balise BL or an approach contact AK according to step 12 (more on this below) is considered the more reliable of the two results to be checked.

[0081] Therefore, a time-based control system is also being implemented, which proceeds as follows. In a tenth step 10, the elapsed time (CNT-TME for short) is monitored. On this basis, a database is accessed, which can be stored, for example, in the second memory unit SE2 of the first computer C1 and contains, under specified conditions, the expected time intervals after which the push-off locomotive ABL must usually be stopped. The time intervals can be determined, for example, based on the various trackside locating devices, in particular based on the various beacons BL and / or depending on the length and / or mass of the dismantling unit ZLE, and stored in the database.In principle, the following relationships apply: the closer the relevant trackside location devices are to the apex SP of the discharge system, the shorter the time remaining until the pushing-off locomotive ABL stops, and the longer and / or heavier the dismantling unit is (inertial forces occurring). The more of these relationships are taken into account in the database, the more accurately a statement can be estimated based on the time monitoring of the movement of the pushing-off locomotive ABL. However, it is not necessary for all of the relationships described above to be taken into account in the database, even if this increases the accuracy of the estimate. As a result, the time information is precise enough for the pushing-off locomotive ABL to be reliably stopped before reaching the apex SP.Therefore, with this setting, the triggering process can be continued even though a failure of the travel counter has been registered.

[0082] In an eleventh step 11, a query is made as to whether the push-off locomotive ABL should be stopped based on time (STP for short). This query step is analogous to step 8 described above and is performed alternatively if the process continues without a distance counter.

[0083] In a twelfth step 12, as already mentioned, the train nose (abbreviated to PS-AK) also passes over the approach contacts AK. The order in which the second step and the twelfth step are performed depends on the conditions of the disassembly unit ZLE to be disassembled. Regardless of the order, in the method according to the invention, the events according to step 2 and step 12 are always evaluated immediately.

[0084] In a 13th step, analogous to step 5, a query is made as to whether the localization of the train's head by the approach contact AK is plausible (abbreviated to LOC-PLS?). If this is not the case, the system continues with step 10, as already described, to initiate an alternative time measurement. However, if this is the case, the system continues with step 14.

[0085] In a 14th step, a query is made as to whether the push-off locomotive ABL has already been stopped (abbreviated to STP-ABL?). If this is the case, the system continues with step 15. If this is not the case, a recursion to step 12 occurs, and the system waits for the monitoring of the train head crossing the next approach contact AK.

[0086] In a 15th step 15 the procedure is terminated (short: STOP). List of reference symbols

[0087] ABL Push-off locomotive AK Approach contact AL Processes ARB Approach area AT Antenna BLBalises C1 First computer C2 Second computer C3 Third computer EFB Entry area GBRGrip brake GL Track LHA1 First locomotive stop section LHA2 Second locomotive stop section LZ Control center PR1 First processor PR2 Second processor PR3 Third processor RU Computing environment S1 First interface S1 Eleventh interface S12 Twelfth interface S13 Thirteenth interface S2 Second interface S3 Third interface SE1 First storage unit SE2 Second storage unit SE3 Third storage unit SP Vertex VTZ Distribution zone W Switch ZLE Disassembly unit

Claims

1. A method for operating a discharge system, in which, in a preliminary process, a dismantling unit (ZLE) is dismantled by a push-off locomotive (ABL) over a vertex (SP) of the discharge system, in order to then run in a run-off process in the form of individual runs (AL), wherein a) the push-off locomotive (ABL) is located using a travel counter starting from a reference position in the discharge system, and a relative location signal is generated, b) the movement of the push-off locomotive (ABL) is controlled in a computer-aided, travel-based manner, wherein the push-off locomotive (ABL) is stopped to complete the dismantling unit (ZLE) under consideration of the location signal, c) the travel counter is monitored for its function, characterized by, d) in the event that a malfunction is detected during the monitoring of the distance counter, the control is switched to a time-based computer-aided control, wherein e) the push-off locomotive (ABL) is stopped to terminate the push-off of the dismantling unit (ZLE) taking into account a time signal.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the time signal is generated by determining a travel time of the push-off locomotive (ABL) based on a reference time measured at a reference position.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the push-off locomotive (ABL) is stopped as soon as the travel time exceeds a predetermined time interval linked to the reference time.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatf) when passing over a trackside locating device, an absolute locating signal is generated for the push-off locomotive (ABL), g) the reference position is updated taking into account the absolute locating signal.

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that as trackside locating device h) the last locating device provided for locating the push-off locomotive (ABL), or, i) if the locating devices provided for locating the push-off locomotive (ABL) are arranged in pairs, at least one of the last two locating devices provided for locating the push-off locomotive (ABL) is used to generate the absolute locating signal for the push-off locomotive (ABL).

6. Method according to claim 4 referring back to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in thatj) that with the updating of the reference position in step g) according to claim 4, parallel to the implementation of the method in steps a), b) and c) according to claim 1, the reference time is also updated, k) starting from the updated reference time, a travel time of the push-off locomotive (ABL) is determined, l) upon detection of a malfunction in step d) according to claim 1, immediately switching to a time-based computer-aided control without stopping the pre-run process.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that m) the speed of the push-off locomotive (ABL) is continuously measured, n) compliance with a temporal speed profile of the push-off locomotive (ABL) is monitored, taking into account the reference time and the travel time.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thato) if a malfunction is detected in step d) according to claim 1, the computer-assisted control of the push-off locomotive (ABL) is stopped; p) the push-off locomotive (ABL) is manually driven to a trackside locating device, where a reference time is determined; q) the computer-assisted control of the push-off locomotive (ABL) is resumed and switched to a time-based computer-assisted control in step d) according to claim 1.

9. Drainage system with a moving area (ARB) which is designed to carry out a pre-running process according to claim 1, characterized by that the processing plant is equipped with a computing environment (RU) which is configured to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

10. A computer program comprising program instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out steps b), c), d) and e) of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. A computer-readable data storage medium storing data records of the computer program product according to the last preceding claim.

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