Wireless communication apparatus for trains, and link identification and grouping method

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention are a wireless communication apparatus for trains, and a link identification and grouping method. The apparatus comprises: a connection module, which is configured to connect a wireless communication apparatus for trains to a corresponding position of a wired network port of a train coupler, receive data of other systems, and transmit power; a communication module, which is configured to receive the data of the other systems, which data is transmitted by means of the connection module, and send data that needs to be transmitted; and a power source module, which is configured to process the power transmitted by means of the connection module, so as to supply power to the communication module, wherein the connection module, the communication module and the power source module are connected to each other and are arranged in the same shielded box body (1), openings are formed in side walls on the two opposite sides of the shielded box body, the connection module is mounted in the box body by means of the opening in one side wall of the shielded box body (1), and the communication module is arranged corresponding to the opening in the other side wall of the shielded box body (1). The wireless communication apparatus for trains of the present invention has the advantages of high integration, a small size, low costs, a high protection level, and strong anti-interference capability.

Description

A train wireless communication device and a link identification and grouping method

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411664809.4, filed on November 20, 2024, entitled "A Train Wireless Communication Device and Link Identification and Grouping Method", the full text of which is incorporated herein by reference as a part of this application. [Technical Field]

[0003] This invention relates to the field of wireless communication technology, specifically to a train wireless communication device and a link identification and grouping method. [Background Technology]

[0004] Train wireless communication devices are crucial equipment for data communication between trains and the ground, and between trains themselves. They play a vital role in ensuring safe train operation, improving operational efficiency, and providing services to passengers. Currently, train wireless communication devices utilize communication technologies including GSM-R, LTE-R, 5G, and WLAN. GSM-R and LTE-R-based train wireless communication devices require additional base station support, resulting in higher communication costs and lower communication speeds. 5G-based devices are even more expensive and susceptible to environmental influences, making it difficult to maintain stable high communication speeds. WLAN-based devices are less expensive, but their communication stability is relatively poor.

[0005] Overall, existing train wireless communication devices suffer from problems such as large size, inconvenient installation, encroachment on already limited equipment space on trains, low and unstable communication speeds, and compromised security. However, as video data grows larger, device size shrinks, and operating environments become more complex and diverse, the requirements for the speed, size, and reliability of train wireless communication devices are increasing, necessitating a train wireless communication device that balances performance across all aspects. [Summary of the Invention]

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a train wireless communication device and link identification and grouping method that are small in size, simple in structure and low in cost, so as to achieve high-speed and high-reliability data transmission.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A train wireless communication device, comprising:

[0009] The connection module is used to connect the train wireless communication device to the corresponding location of the wired network port of the train coupler, receive data from other systems of the train, and transmit power.

[0010] The communication module is used to receive data from other systems of the train transmitted through the connection module and to send the data that needs to be transmitted.

[0011] A power module is used to process the power transmitted by the connection module in order to supply power to the communication module;

[0012] The connection module, communication module, and power module are interconnected and housed within the same shielded enclosure. The shielded enclosure has openings on its opposite side walls. The connection module is installed inside the enclosure through the opening on one side wall, and the communication module is positioned at the opening on the opposite side wall.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the connection module is an M12 interface, and the male or female connector of the M12 interface is exposed through an opening provided on the side wall of the shielded box. The exposed male or female connector is plugged into the wired network port of the train coupler to achieve connection.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the communication module includes an Ethernet circuit, a millimeter-wave circuit, and an antenna connected in sequence; the Ethernet circuit receives data from the connection module and transmits it to the receiving end of the millimeter-wave circuit, and the transmitting end of the millimeter-wave circuit transmits the data to be transmitted through the antenna.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the millimeter-wave chip of the millimeter-wave circuit is connected to the PHY chip of the Ethernet circuit via an SGMII interface.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the antenna is respectively disposed at the transmitting end and the receiving end of the millimeter-wave circuit, and the antenna is in the shape of a vertically polarized horn.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the side wall of the shielding enclosure near the antenna is provided with a plurality of protective windows corresponding to the position of the antenna.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the power supply module includes a PD circuit and a DC-DC circuit interconnected with each other; the PD circuit is connected to the connection module and the Ethernet circuit in the communication module, and the PD circuit is used to obtain power from the connection module and provide power to the DC-DC circuit; the DC-DC circuit is connected to the Ethernet circuit and the millimeter-wave circuit in the communication module, and is used to receive the power provided by the PD circuit and convert it into the voltage required by the millimeter-wave circuit for power supply.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the shielding enclosure is made of metal, and the side wall opening near the communication module is made of plastic.

[0020] The present invention also provides a link identification and grouping method using the above-mentioned train wireless communication devices, wherein multiple train wireless communication devices are respectively installed at the connection points of adjacent train formations, including:

[0021] Step S1: Obtain the networking requirements and transmit them sequentially from the first train group to the last train group through multiple train wireless communication devices;

[0022] Step S2: The train wireless communication device connected to the last train group obtains all network information and transmits the network information back to the first train group in sequence through multiple other train wireless communication devices to complete the whole vehicle link identification and grouping.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, each train formation and train wireless communication device has a unique identification mark.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0025] The train wireless communication device of the present invention has all modules installed inside a shielded enclosure, which has a high degree of integration and occupies little space, thus reducing the overall size of the device. The entire device can be installed at the train coupler through the connection module, which is easy to operate. The connection module integrates multiple functions such as connection, data transmission and power transmission, so that there is no need to set up additional modules with corresponding functions, further reducing the size of the overall device. The power module can convert the power transmitted by the connection module to power the communication module as needed, eliminating the need for an additional power supply unit, simplifying the overall structure and reducing costs. The shielded enclosure only has openings on the side walls corresponding to the modules that need to transmit communication, thereby achieving overall shielding and improving the protection level, waterproof and dustproof capabilities and anti-interference capabilities of the device. [Attached Image Description]

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of the train wireless communication device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the train wireless communication device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the train wireless communication device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention used in conjunction with the train coupler.

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of train formation link identification and formation according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0031] 1. Shielded enclosure; 2. Protective window; 3. Antenna; 4. M12 interface; 5. Socket; 6. Pins.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0032] To better understand the above technical solutions, the following will provide a detailed explanation of the technical solutions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] As shown in Figures 1-3, an embodiment of the present invention provides a train wireless communication device, comprising:

[0035] The connection module is used to connect the train's wireless communication device to the corresponding location of the train's coupler wired network port, receive data from other train systems, and transmit power.

[0036] The communication module is used to receive data from other systems on the train transmitted through the connection module and to send the data that needs to be transmitted.

[0037] The power module is used to process the power transmitted by the connection module to supply power to the communication module;

[0038] The connection module, communication module, and power module are interconnected and housed in the same shielded enclosure 1 (the cuboids inside the shielded enclosure 1 in Figure 2 represent the communication module and the power module); openings are provided on the side walls of opposite sides of the shielded enclosure 1, and the connection module is installed inside the enclosure through the opening on one side wall of the shielded enclosure 1, while the communication module is installed at the opening on the other side wall of the shielded enclosure 1.

[0039] It is understood that in this embodiment of the train wireless communication device, each module is installed inside the shielded enclosure 1, which has a high degree of integration and occupies little space, thus reducing the overall size of the device. The entire device can be installed at the train coupler through the connection module, which is easy to operate. Moreover, the connection module integrates multiple functions such as connection, data transmission and power transmission, so that there is no need to set up additional modules with corresponding functions, further reducing the size of the overall device. The power module can convert the power transmitted by the connection module to power the communication module as needed, so that there is no need to set up an additional power supply unit, which simplifies the overall structure and reduces costs. The shielded enclosure 1 only has openings on the side walls corresponding to the modules that need to transmit communication, thereby achieving overall shielding and improving the protection level, waterproof and dustproof capabilities and anti-interference capabilities of the device.

[0040] In this embodiment, the connection module is an M12 interface 4. The male or female connector of the M12 interface 4 is exposed through an opening on the side wall of the shielded box 1. The exposed male or female connector is plugged into the wired network port of the train coupler to achieve connection.

[0041] Specifically, the M12 interface 4, also known as the Landes interface, is a small, circular standard connector interface. Its shell diameter is 12 mm, made of metal, with a male connector and a female connector. The M12 interface has both screw-lock and push-pull quick-connect methods. The M12 interface is compact, highly resistant to interference, and suitable for miniaturized and integrated applications. As shown in Figure 3, the left side shows a traditional wired train coupler. Due to the small size of this device, the male / female M12 interface 4 can be easily inserted into the corresponding mesh socket 5 / pin 6 of the train coupler via the exposed M12 interface 4 in the shielded enclosure 1. Because the M12 interface has good mechanical strength and stability, it can effectively resist external impacts and vibrations. Therefore, the entire device can be firmly installed and fixed on the coupler without the need for additional mechanical connection structures. It has a long continuous service life, high stability, and redundant link design further improves reliability. Furthermore, the M12 interface 4 has various connection and transmission functions (such as data transmission, power supply, and signal transmission), and supports high-speed data transmission. By using the M12 interface 4, data transmission (communication with the control system) and power transmission can be achieved simultaneously, thereby further reducing the overall size of the device and shrinking its size to the centimeter level, facilitating overall shielding. Of course, the M12 interface 4 is only a preferred embodiment; other interfaces with similar advantages can also be used depending on the actual situation, as long as the above functions can be achieved. It can be understood that this device can be installed in the narrow space of a train coupler via the M12 interface 4, and can work simultaneously with a low-speed wired signaling system; no mechanical connection is required between the two devices, resulting in a long continuous service life and high stability; only one external interface (M12 interface 4) is needed to achieve full-duplex communication with the user system. The M12 interface 4 ensures the sealing of the interface, provides power, and, in conjunction with the PD circuit, can also achieve isolated power supply.

[0042] In this embodiment, the communication module includes an Ethernet circuit, a millimeter-wave circuit, and an antenna 3 connected in sequence; the Ethernet circuit receives data from the connection module and transmits it to the receiving end of the millimeter-wave circuit, and the transmitting end of the millimeter-wave circuit transmits the data to be transmitted through the antenna 3.

[0043] In this embodiment, the millimeter-wave chip of the millimeter-wave circuit is connected to the PHY chip of the Ethernet circuit via an SGMII interface. The millimeter-wave chip in the millimeter-wave circuit can be any one of GaAs, InP, GaN, or silicon-based millimeter-wave chips, depending on actual requirements.

[0044] In this embodiment, antennas 3 are respectively located at the transmitting end and the receiving end of the millimeter-wave circuit, and antennas 3 are vertically polarized horn-shaped. The center-to-center distance of antennas 3 is approximately 1 cm.

[0045] In this embodiment, the side wall of the shielding box 1 near the antenna 3 is provided with multiple protective windows 2 corresponding to the position of the antenna 3.

[0046] In this embodiment, the shielding enclosure 1 is made of metal, and the perimeter of the side wall opening near the communication module is made of plastic. The protective window 2 can be a small plastic window made of PC (polycarbonate).

[0047] In a specific application embodiment, a high-speed Ethernet circuit (with a speed greater than 100M) is used to achieve high-speed signal transmission (specifically, the signal is transmitted to the Ethernet circuit via the M12 interface 4 and then to the millimeter-wave circuit). The Ethernet circuit can be implemented using a general-purpose hardware circuit such as a CPU+MAC+PHY chip+network transformer. The specific implementation scheme will not be described in detail here.

[0048] Millimeter waves have shorter operating wavelengths, which can effectively reduce the size of devices and systems. Furthermore, millimeter waves have abundant spectrum resources, making them suitable for future ultra-high-speed communication needs. They eliminate protocol losses and offer higher speeds. Therefore, this embodiment preferably uses millimeter-wave circuitry to achieve bidirectional communication between the device and external systems. The millimeter-wave chip connects to a high-speed PHY chip (compatible with 1 / 2.5G / 5G / 10G) via an SGMII interface, eliminating the need for an additional controller for data conversion and reducing circuit size. This device achieves high-speed wireless communication between two user systems by converting the digital signals of the user system into millimeter-wave modulated signals.

[0049] The receiver and transmitter of the millimeter-wave circuit are connected to vertically polarized horn antenna 3, which is small in size, has relatively high gain, and high isolation. The center-to-center distance between antennas 3 is about 1 cm, and the transmit and receive links can operate simultaneously. The outer frame of this device is made of all-metal material. To ensure the reliability of data transmission and reception, a small PC (polycarbonate) plastic window is opened at the antenna 3 position, which has a high protection level, strong anti-interference ability, and can work normally in harsh electromagnetic environments.

[0050] Understandably, the above structure minimizes the size of this wireless communication device. Millimeter-wave technology, combined with the link margin provided by the directional vertically polarized antenna and the small metal window structure, significantly improves the device's protection level and anti-interference capability, extending the wireless transmission distance from centimeters to decimeters. The 10 Gigabit Ethernet circuit interacts with the millimeter-wave chip via the SGMII interface, converting the wireless signal into highly compatible wired network data. The directional high-gain polarized antenna, combined with the high-bandwidth millimeter-wave circuit and the 10 Gigabit Ethernet circuit, enhances both communication speed and stability. The bidirectional communication link's antenna polarization is vertical, allowing simultaneous operation and compatibility with higher-speed PHY chips (1 / 2.5G / 5G / 10G), ensuring bidirectional communication speeds of over 1Gbps. In actual use, the device's full-duplex communication speed can reach over 2Gbps, and the communication distance can exceed 50cm.

[0051] In this embodiment, the power module includes a PD circuit and a DC-DC circuit that are interconnected. The PD circuit is connected to the connection module and the Ethernet circuit in the communication module. The PD circuit is used to obtain power from the connection module and provide power to the DC-DC circuit. The DC-DC circuit is connected to the Ethernet circuit and the millimeter-wave circuit in the communication module. It is used to receive the power provided by the PD circuit and convert it into the voltage required by the millimeter-wave circuit for power supply.

[0052] Specifically, the PD circuit (PoE powered device) obtains data and power from the Ethernet interface through M12 interface 4, providing power to other circuit modules, thus enabling this device to achieve long-distance isolated power supply via PoE (Power over Ethernet). The DC-DC circuit (voltage conversion circuit) is used to regulate and convert the voltage, converting the power obtained from the PD circuit into a voltage suitable for millimeter-wave circuits. PoE allows for the reuse of network cables and ports, enabling long-distance isolated power supply with only one external interface (M12 interface 4), and it has an IP67 protection rating. The DC-DC circuit uses a DC-DC chip with integrated switches and inductors, which is small in size and highly efficient.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] Existing train wireless formation solutions based on GSM-R and LTE-R require additional base station support, resulting in higher communication costs and lower communication speeds. 5G-based train wireless formation solutions are even more expensive, are affected by the environment, and are difficult to maintain a stable high communication speed. WLAN-based train wireless formation solutions are less expensive, but have even worse communication stability.

[0055] Overall, existing wireless train formation solutions suffer from drawbacks such as large size, inconvenient installation, unstable communication speed, and inadequate security. Furthermore, when multiple trains are present, it is difficult to automatically and accurately determine the corresponding train's wireless formation information, requiring significant time or additional manpower for identification and confirmation. Therefore, existing wireless train formation solutions typically need to be used in conjunction with wired formation solutions.

[0056] To address the problems existing in current train wireless train formation schemes, this embodiment provides a link identification and formation method using train wireless communication devices. Multiple train wireless communication devices are installed at the connection points of adjacent train formations, including:

[0057] Step S1: Obtain the networking requirements and transmit them sequentially from the first train group to the last train group through multiple train wireless communication devices;

[0058] Step S2: The train wireless communication device connected to the last train group obtains all network information and transmits the network information back to the first train group in sequence through multiple other train wireless communication devices to complete the whole vehicle link identification and grouping.

[0059] In this embodiment, each train formation and train wireless communication device has a unique identification mark.

[0060] In a specific application embodiment, please refer to Figure 4. The link identification and grouping method is as follows:

[0061] The external input networking requirements are given to the first train group, and the system synchronously sends them to the train wireless communication device connected to the first train group. The control module of the first train group randomly generates an identification flag 'a', and the train wireless communication device connected to the first train group sends identification flag 'a' and the networking requirements to the second train group. The control module of the second train group randomly generates an identification flag 'b', and the train wireless communication device connected to the second train group sends identification flag 'b' and the networking requirements to the third train group. The third train group confirms based on the physical connection information that there is no further cascaded train group 'n', and the train wireless communication device connected to the third train group sends the networking information back to the second train group. The train wireless communication device connected to the second train group sends the networking information back to the first train group. The first train group obtains all the networking information and completes the whole-vehicle link identification and grouping.

[0062] It is understood that by using the train wireless communication device of the present invention for whole-vehicle link identification and grouping, the efficiency and accuracy of grouping can be improved, eliminating the need for manual identification or wired grouping schemes, thereby reducing costs.

[0063] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A train wireless communication device, characterized in that, include: The connection module is used to connect the train wireless communication device to the corresponding location of the wired network port of the train coupler, receive data from other systems of the train, and transmit power. The communication module is used to receive data from other systems of the train transmitted through the connection module and to send the data that needs to be transmitted. A power module is used to process the power transmitted by the connection module in order to supply power to the communication module; The connection module, communication module and power module are interconnected and housed in the same shielded enclosure (1); the shielded enclosure (1) has openings on its opposite side walls, the connection module is installed in the enclosure through the opening on one side wall of the shielded enclosure (1), and the communication module is installed at the opening on the other side wall of the shielded enclosure (1).

2. The train wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection module is an M12 interface (4). The male or female connector of the M12 interface (4) is exposed through an opening on the side wall of the shielded box (1). The exposed male or female connector is plugged into the wired network port of the train coupler to achieve connection.

3. The train wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication module includes an Ethernet circuit, a millimeter-wave circuit, and an antenna (3) connected in sequence; the Ethernet circuit receives data from the connection module and transmits it to the receiving end of the millimeter-wave circuit, and the transmitting end of the millimeter-wave circuit transmits the data to be transmitted through the antenna (3).

4. The train wireless communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The millimeter-wave chip of the millimeter-wave circuit is connected to the PHY chip of the Ethernet circuit via an SGMII interface.

5. The train wireless communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The antenna (3) is respectively located at the transmitting end and the receiving end of the millimeter wave circuit, and the antenna (3) is in the shape of a vertically polarized horn.

6. The train wireless communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The shielding enclosure (1) has multiple protective windows (2) on its side wall near the antenna (3), which correspond to the position of the antenna (3).

7. The train wireless communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power module includes a PD circuit and a DC-DC circuit connected to each other; the PD circuit is connected to the connection module and the Ethernet circuit in the communication module, and the PD circuit is used to obtain power from the connection module and provide power to the DC-DC circuit. The DC-DC circuit is connected to the Ethernet circuit and millimeter-wave circuit in the communication module, and is used to receive the power provided by the PD circuit and convert it into the voltage required by the millimeter-wave circuit for power supply.

8. The train wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The shielding enclosure (1) is made of metal, and the side wall opening of the shielding enclosure (1) near the communication module is made of plastic.

9. A method for link identification and grouping of train wireless communication devices according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein multiple train wireless communication devices are respectively installed at the connection points of adjacent train formations, characterized in that, include: Step S1: Obtain the networking requirements and transmit them sequentially from the first train group to the last train group through multiple train wireless communication devices; Step S2: The train wireless communication device connected to the last train group obtains all network information and transmits the network information back to the first train group in sequence through multiple other train wireless communication devices to complete the whole vehicle link identification and grouping.

10. The link identification and grouping method for a train wireless communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each train formation and train wireless communication device has a unique identification mark.

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