Railroad virtual track block system.
Abstract
A railroad track control method includes dividing a physical track block into a plurality of virtual track blocks, the physical track block defined by the first and second isolated joints arranged at the corresponding first and second ends of a length of railway track. The presence of an electrical circuit discontinuity in one of the plurality of virtual track blocks is detected and in response a corresponding virtual track block position code is generated indicating the presence of the discontinuity in one of the plurality of blocks. virtual route.

Term
13.1 yearsleft in the term
Expires 4 November 2039.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Expires
12 claims: 2 independent, 10 dependent
- 1Un sistema de control de vía de ferrocarril para mantener una distancia de frenado a bordo de una locomotora que comprende:una pluralidad de sistemas de control, cada uno dispuesto en un extremo correspondiente de un bloque de vía física correspondiente, cada sistema de control operable para: detectar una discontinuidad de circuito eléctrico en el bloque de vía física correspondiente;detectar una presencia de un tren dentro del bloque de vía física correspondiente;determinar una posición del tren dentro de al menos un bloque de vía virtual de una pluralidad de bloques de vía virtual dentro del bloque de vía física correspondiente;y transmitir un código que identifique la posición del tren dentro del al menos un bloque de vía virtual dentro del bloque de vía física correspondiente a la locomotora.
- 2El sistema de control de vía de ferrocarril de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque cada sistema de control es operable para detectar la presencia del tren dentro del bloque de vía física correspondiente mediante la detección de una interrupción de una señal de vía transmitida por otro de los sistemas de control dispuestos en un extremo opuesto del bloque de vía física correspondiente.
- 3El sistema de control de vía de ferrocarril de conformidad con la reivindicación 2, caracterizado porque la señal de vía comprende un código de vía.
- 4El sistema de control de vía de ferrocarril de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque cada sistema de control es operable para determinar la posición del tren dentro del bloque de vía virtual del al menos un bloque de vía virtual dentro del bloque de vía física correspondiente mediante la transmisión de una señal de vía a lo largo del bloque de vía física correspondiente y la recepción de la señal de vía devuelta de las ruedas del tren.
- 5El sistema de control de vía de ferrocarril de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque cada sistema de control es operable para transmitir de forma inalámbrica el código que identifica la posición del tren dentro del al menos un bloque de vía virtual.
- 6El sistema de control de vía de ferrocarril de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, caracterizado porque cada sistema de control es operable para transmitir un código que identifique la posición del tren que tenga al menos un bit correspondiente a uno de una pluralidad de bloques de vía virtuales dentro del bloque de vía física correspondiente.
- 7Un método de control de vía de ferrocarril para mantener una distancia de frenado a bordo de una locomotora, que comprende:detectar una discontinuidad del circuito eléctrico en un bloque de vía física correspondiente;detectar una presencia de un tren dentro del bloque de vía física correspondiente mediante un sistema de control dispuesto en un extremo correspondiente del bloque de vía física correspondiente;determinar una posición del tren dentro de al menos un bloque de vía virtual de una pluralidad de bloques de vía virtual dentro del bloque de vía física correspondiente por;y transmitir desde el sistema de control un código que identifique la IVIA/a/ZUZZ/U I z I4» 19 posición del tren dentro de al menos un bloque de vía virtual dentro del bloque de vía física correspondiente a la locomotora.
- 8El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 7, caracterizado porque cada sistema de control es operable para detectar la presencia del tren dentro del bloque de vía física correspondiente mediante la detección de una interrupción de una señal de vía transmitida por otro de los sistemas de control dispuestos en un extremo opuesto del bloque de vía física correspondiente.
- 9El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 8, caracterizado porque la señal de vía comprende un código de vía.
- 10El sistema de control de vía de ferrocarril de conformidad con la reivindicación 7, caracterizado porque cada sistema de control es operable para determinar la posición del tren dentro del al menos un bloque de vía virtual dentro del bloque de vía física correspondiente transmitiendo una señal de vía a lo largo del bloque de vía física correspondiente y recibiendo la señal de vía devuelta de las ruedas del tren.
- 11El sistema de control de vía de ferrocarril de conformidad con la reivindicación 7, caracterizado porque cada sistema de control es operable para transmitir de forma inalámbrica el código que identifica la posición del tren dentro de al menos un bloque de vía virtual.
- 12El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 7, caracterizado porque cada sistema de control es operable para transmitir un código que identifique la posición del tren que tenga al menos un bit correspondiente a uno de una pluralidad de bloques de vía virtuales dentro del bloque de vía física correspondiente.
Independent claims12
108 paragraphs in 1 section, as filed
RAILWAY VIRTUAL RAIL BLOCK SYSTEM
field of invention
The present invention relates generally to railway signaling systems and in particular to a railway virtual rail block system.
Background of the invention
Block signaling is a well-known technique used in the railroad field to maintain separation between trains and thereby avoid collisions. Generally, a railway line is divided into blocks of track and automatic signals (typically red, yellow and green lights) are used to control the movement of trains between blocks. For one-way tracks, block signaling allows trains to follow each other with minimal risk of rear end collisions.
However, conventional block signaling systems are subject to at least significant disadvantages. First, track capacity cannot be increased without additional track infrastructure, such as additional signals and associated control equipment. Second, conventional block signaling systems cannot identify interrupted rail within an unoccupied block.
Brief description of the invention
The principles of the present invention are embodied in a virtual "high-density" block system that advantageously increases the capacity of existing track infrastructure used by railroads. Generally, by dividing the current physical track block structure into multiple (e.g., four) segments or “virtual track blocks,” the train block spacing is reduced to accurately reflect the capabilities of ινΐΛ/a/zuzz/uizi 4» train interruption. In particular, train separation is maintained within a physical track block by identifying the position of the train with respect to virtual track blocks within that physical track block. Among other things, the present principles mitigate the need for roadside signaling, since train braking distance is maintained on board the locomotives rather than through roadside signaling aspects. Furthermore, by dividing the physical track blocks into multiple virtual track blocks, interrupted rail can be detected within a busy physical track block.
Brief description of the drawings
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a diagram showing a representative number of unoccupied physical railway track blocks, together with associated signaling (control) houses, with each physical track block divided into a selected number of virtual track blocks according to with the principles of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a diagram showing the system of Figure 1, with a train approaching the far right signal house;
Figure 3 is a diagram showing the system of Figure 1, with the train entering the rightmost virtual track block between the rightmost and center signal houses;
Figure 4 is a diagram showing the system of Figure 1, with the train positioned within the virtual track blocks between the far right and center signal houses;
Figure 5 is a diagram showing the system of Figure 1, with the train entering the rightmost virtual track block between the center signal house and the leftmost signal house;
Figure 6 is a diagram showing the system of Figure 1, with the train positioned within the virtual track blocks between the center and far left signal houses and a second following train approaching the signal house far right;
Figure 7 is a diagram showing the system of Figure 1, with the first train leaving the physical track block between the center and far left signal houses and the second train entering the physical track block between the houses center and far-right signaling; and
Figure 8 is a diagram showing the scenario of Figure 7, together with the processing of the corresponding message codes on board any locomotives in the vicinity of at least one of the signal houses represented.
Detailed description of the invention
The principles of the present invention and its advantages are better understood by referring to the illustrated embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8 of the drawings, in which like numerals designate like parts.
Two train detection methods are described in accordance with the present inventive principles. One method determines the rail integrity in an unoccupied block. The second method determines train positioning within an occupied block in addition to rail integrity. The following discussion describes these methods under three different example situations: (1) the system at rest (without trains) within the physical track block; (2) single train operation within the physical track block; (3) and operation with multiple trains within the physical track block. In this discussion, Track Code A (TC-A) is the open source available electrocode commonly used by railroads and is carried by signals transmitted via at least one of the rails of the corresponding physical track block. Track Code B (TC-B) is particular to the present principles and provides detection of train position within one or more virtual track blocks within an occupied physical track block and is preferably carried by transmitted signals. through at least one of the rails of the corresponding physical track block. TC-A and TC-B can be carried by the same or different electrical signals. Preferably, either TC-A or TC-B is transmitted continuously. Generally, TC-A is dependent on a first location sending an encrypted message to a second location and vice versa (i.e., one location is exchanging information via the rail). On the other hand, TC-B is implemented as a reflection of the transmitted energy with the use of a pair of transceivers with separate and discrete components. With TC-B, the system monitors energy reflections through the train axle.
A virtual track block position (VBP) message represents occupancy data, determined from the TC-A and TC-B signals, and is transmitted to computers on board locomotives in the vicinity, preferably via a wireless communications link. The following discussion illustrates a preferred embodiment and is not indicative of each embodiment of the inventive principles. TC-A is preferably implemented using transmitter-receiver pairs, with the transmitter and receiver of each pair placed in different locations. TC-B is preferably implemented with transmitter-receiver pairs, with the transmitter and receiver of each pair placed in the same location. The transmitter power signature is proportional to the distance from the insulated joint to the nearest train axle.
The track section depicted in Figures 1 to 8 represents physical track blocks 101a to 101 d, with physical track blocks 101a and 101 d shown partially and physical track blocks 101b and 101c shown in their entirety. The physical track blocks 101a to 101 d are separated by conventional insulated joints 102a to 102c. Signal control houses 103a to 103c are associated with insulated joints 102a to 102c. Each signal house 103 preferably transmits on the track on both sides of the corresponding isolated joint 102, as further discussed below.
As indicated in the legends provided in Figures 1 to 8, the solid arrows represent the transmission of track code during track occupation by a train with the use of TC-B signals. The dashed arrows represent the transmission of track code during the unoccupied track via the use of TC-A signals.
In accordance with the present invention, each physical track block 101a to 101d is divided into multiple virtual track blocks or “virtual track blocks.” In the illustrated embodiment, each of these virtual track blocks represents one quarter (25%) of each physical track block 101a to 101 d, although in alternative embodiments, the number of virtual track blocks per physical track block may vary. In Figures 1 to 8, house #1 (103a) is associated with virtual road blocks Ai to Hi, house #2 (103b) is associated with virtual road blocks A2 to H2 and house #3 (103c) It is associated with virtual track blocks A3 to H3. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, each house 103 is associated with four (4) virtual track blocks to the left of the corresponding isolated joint 102 (i.e., blocks of virtual track A¡ to D¡) and four (4) virtual track blocks to the right of the corresponding isolated joint 102 (i.e., virtual track blocks E¡ to H¡). In this configuration, virtual road blocks overlap (for example, virtual road blocks E1-H1 associated with house #1 overlap virtual road blocks A2-D2 associated with house #2).
Figure 1 represents the section of track without trains in the vicinity. At this time, TC-A is transmitted from house #1 (103a) and received by house #2 (103b) and vice versa. The same is true for 35 house #2 (103b) and house #3 (103c). All three locations generate and transmit a VBP message of 11111111 which is equated to unoccupied track in the corresponding virtual track blocks A¡-H¡ (i = 1, 2 or 3), respectively. Table 1 breaks down the various codes for the scenario shown in Figure 1:
Table 1 ινΐΛ/a/zuzz/u 1 z 1 4»
<td rowspan="2"></td><td>Home 1</td><td>House 2</td><td>House 3</td>
<td>Ai B1 C1 Di Ei F1 G1 H1</td><td>A2 B2 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 H2</td><td>A3 B3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 H3</td>
<td>TC-A</td><td> 11111111</td><td> 11111111</td><td> 11111111</td>
<td>TC-B</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td>
<td>VBP</td><td> 11111111</td><td> 11111111</td><td> 11111111</td>
x = do not transmit or do not care
Figure 2 represents the same section of track with a train 104 entering from the right. At this time TC-A is transmitted between house #1 (103a) and house #2 (103b), with houses #1 and #2 generating and transmitting a VBP message of 11111111 for virtual track blocks A1 -H1 and A2-H2, respectively. The same is true from house #2 (103b) to house #3 (103c).
However, the right approach for house #3 (103c) is to no longer receive TC-A from the next house to its right (not shown), due to the bypass by the train in physical track block 101d and house #3 therefore stops transmitting TC-A to the right. House #3 (103c) then begins transmitting TCB to the right in order to determine the degree of occupancy within the physical track block 101 d (i.e., the virtual track block or blocks in which the train is positioned ), transported as occupation of the virtual track block(s). In this case, house #3 (103c) determines that the train is within virtual track blocks F3-H3 of physical track block 101 d and therefore generates a VBP message of 1111 (not busy) for track blocks virtual A3-D3 of physical track block 101c to its left and 1 (not occupied) for virtual track block E3 of physical track block 101 to its right and 000 (occupied) for virtual track blocks F3-H3 of the block physical road 101 is on your right. Table 2 breaks down the codes for the scenario shown in Figure 2:
Table 2 ινΐΛ/a/zuzz/u 1 ¿ 14»
<td rowspan="2"></td><td>Home 1</td><td>House 2</td><td>House 3</td>
<td>Ai B1 C1 Di Ei F1 G1 H1</td><td>A2 B2 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 H2</td><td>A3 B3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 H3</td>
<td>TC-A</td><td> 11111111</td><td> 11111111</td><td>1111 xxxx</td>
<td>TC-B</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td><td>xxxx 1 0 0 0</td>
<td>VBP</td><td> 11111111</td><td> 11111111</td><td> 11111000</td>
x = do not transmit or do not care
Figure 3 depicts the same section of track with the train now entering physical track block 101c between house #2 (103b) and house #3 (103c), while still occupying physical track block 101 gives the right of house #3 (103c). At this time TC-A continues to be transmitted between house #1 (103a) and house #2 (103b), with house #1 (103a) generating a VBP message of 11111111 for virtual track blocks A1- H1 and house #2 which generates a VBP message of 1111111 for virtual track blocks A2-G2. However, the approach to the right of house #2 (103b) is to no longer receive TC-A from house #3 (103c), due to the bypass by the train in physical track block 101c and therefore both house #2 stops transmitting TC-A to the right. House #2 instead begins transmitting TC-B to the right in order to determine the extent of occupied virtual track blocks within physical track block 101c.
In particular, the train has entered virtual track block H2 from physical track block 101 c and house #2 (103b) consequently generates a 0 for virtual track block H2 in its VBP message. House #3 (103c) now generates and transmits a VBP message of 00000000 for virtual track blocks A3-H3, because both sides of the isolated joint 102c are being branched into the nearest virtual track blocks. Table 3 breaks the codes for the scenario in Figure 3:
Table 3 ινΐΛ/a/zuzz/u 1 ¿ 1 4»
<td rowspan="2"></td><td>Home 1</td><td>House 2</td><td>House 3</td>
<td>Ai B1 C1 Di E1 F1 G1 H1</td><td>A2 B2 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 H2</td><td>A3 B3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 H3</td>
<td>TC-A</td><td> 11111111</td><td>1 1 1 1 xxxx</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td>
<td>TC-B</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td><td>xxxx 1 1 1 0</td><td> 00000000</td>
<td>VBP</td><td> 11111111</td><td> 11111110</td><td> 00000000</td>
x = do not transmit or do not care
Figure 4 represents the same section of track with the train now between house #2 (103b) and house #3 (103c). At this time, TC-A continues to be transmitted between house #1 (103a) and house #2 (103b), with house #1 generating a VBP message of 11111111 for virtual track blocks A1-H1 and house #2 which generates a VBP message of 11111 for virtual track blocks A2-D2. The approach of the right house #2 (103b) is to not yet receive TC-A from house #3 (103c) and the house #2 therefore continues transmitting TC-B to the right to detect the position of the block of the virtual train track within the physical track block 101c. With the train positioned within virtual track blocks F2-H2, house #2 (103b) generates and transmits a VBP message of 11111 for virtual track blocks A2-E2 and 000 for virtual track blocks F2-H2. .
House #3 (103c) transmits TC-B on the left and TC-A on the right since physical track block 101 d is no longer occupied. Specifically, with the train positioned on virtual track blocks B3-D3, house #3 (103c) generates a VBP message of 0000 for virtual track blocks A3-D3 and 1111 for virtual track blocks E3-H3. Table 4 breaks down the codes for the scenario in Figure 4:
Table 4 ινΐΛ/a/zuzz/u 1 z 1 4»
<td rowspan="2"></td><td>Home 1</td><td>House 2</td><td>House 3</td>
<td>Ai B1 C1 Di E1 F1 G1 H1</td><td>A2 B2 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 H2</td><td>A3 B3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 H3</td>
<td>TC-A</td><td> 11111111</td><td>1 1 1 1 xxxx</td><td> 00001111</td>
<td>TC-B</td><td>xxxx 1 1 1 1</td><td>xxx x10 0 0</td><td>OOOOxxxx</td>
<td>VBP</td><td> 11111111</td><td> 11111000</td><td> 00001111</td>
x = do not transmit or do not care
Figure 5 depicts the same section of track with the train now on physical track block 101b between house #1 (103a) and house #2 (103b), as well as on physical track block 101c between house #2 (103b) and house #3 (103c). Both house #1 and house #3 use TC-B signaling to determine the train's position of the virtual track block, with house #1 determining the train's position to be inside the virtual track block Hi and house #3 that determines the position of the train that is within the virtual track blocks As to Bs. With the train in virtual track block Hi, house #1 (103a) generates a VBP message consisting of 1111111 for virtual track blocks A1 -G1 and 0 for virtual track block H1. House #2 (103b) generates a VBP message of 00000000 for virtual track blocks A2-H2, because both sides of the isolated joint 102b are being branched into the nearest virtual track blocks.
The left approach of house #3 (103c) is not yet receiving TC-A from house #2 (103b) and continues transmitting TC-B to the left to determine the position of the train's virtual track block within the block. of physical track 101c, which in this case is virtual track blocks A3 - B3. House #3 (103c) also transmits TC-B to the right, since the right-facing physical track block 101 is no longer receiving TC-A from the house to its right (not shown). This indicates a second train is in the vicinity of house #3 (103c) from the right. House #3 (103c) consequently generates a VBP message of 00 for virtual track blocks A3-B3, 11111 for virtual track blocks C3G3, and 0 for virtual track block H3.
iviA/a/zuzz/u 1 z 1 4»
Table 5 breaks down the codes for the scenario in Figure 5:
Table 5
<td rowspan="2"></td><td>Home 1</td><td>House 2</td><td>House 3</td>
<td>Ai Bi C1 Di Ei F1 G1 hi</td><td>A2 B2 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 H2</td><td>A3 B3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 H3</td>
<td>TC-A</td><td>1 1 1 1 xxxx</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td>
<td>TC-B</td><td>xxxx 1 1 1 0</td><td> 00000000</td><td> 00111110</td>
<td>VBP</td><td> 11111110</td><td> 00000000</td><td> 00111110</td>
χ = do not transmit or do not care
Figure 6 represents the same section of track with the first train between house #1 (103a) and house #2 (103b) and the second train on the right approach to house #3 (103c). Both house #1 and house #2 combined use TC-B signaling to determine the virtual track block train position for the first train that is within virtual track blocks B2-D2. House #1 (103a) therefore generates a VBP message consisting of 11111 for virtual track blocks A1-E1 and 000 for virtual track blocks F1-H1. House #2 (103b) generates a VBP message of 0000 for virtual track block A2 and 1111 for virtual track blocks E2-H2.
The right approach of house #2 (103b) and the left approach of house #3 (103c) are now transmitting and receiving TC-A signals. House #3 (103c) continues transmitting TC-B to the right and detects the second train within virtual track blocks F3-H3 of physical track block 101d. House #3 (103c) therefore generates a VBP message of 11111 for virtual track blocks A3-E3 and 000 for virtual track blocks F3-H3. Table 6 breaks down the codes for the scenario in Figure 6:
Table 6 ινΐΛ/a/zuzz/u 1 z 1 4»
<td rowspan="2"></td><td>Home 1</td><td>House 2</td><td>House 3</td>
<td>Ai B1 C1 Di E1 F1 G1 H1</td><td>A2 B2 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 H2</td><td>A3 B3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 H3</td>
<td>TC-A</td><td>1 1 1 1 xxxx</td><td>xxxx 1 1 1 1</td><td>1 1 1 1 xxxx</td>
<td>TC-B</td><td>xxx x1 0 0 0</td><td>OOOOxxxx</td><td>xxx x10 0 0</td>
<td>VBP</td><td> 11111000</td><td> 00001111</td><td> 11111000</td>
x = do not transmit or do not care
Figure 7 depicts the same section of track with the first train now inside physical track block 101a between the house to the left of house #1 (103a) (not shown) and house #1, as well as within the physical road block 101 b between house #1 (103a) and house #2 (103b). House #1 (103a) detects the presence of the first train with the use of TC-B signaling and generates and transmits a VBP message consisting of 00000000 for virtual track blocks A1-H1, due to both sides of the isolated joint 102a that are derived within the nearest virtual track blocks. The left approach of house #2 (103b) is not yet receiving TC-A from house #1 (103a), due to bypass by the first train and house #2 therefore continues transmitting TC-B to the left. House #2 (103b) now transmits TC-B to the right as well, since physical track block 101c to the right no longer receives TC-A from house #3 (103c), due to the bypass by the second train.
Specifically, from TC-B signaling, house #2 detects the first train within virtual track blocks A2-B2, virtual track blocks C2-G2 as unoccupied, and the second train within block virtual route H2. House #2 (103b) therefore generates and transmits a VBP message of 00 for virtual track blocks A2-B2, 11111 for virtual track blocks C2-G2, and 0 for virtual track block H2. The second train is now on physical track block 101c between house #2 (103b) and house #3 (103c), as well as on physical track block 101 d between house #3 (103c) and house to the right of house #3 (103c) (not shown). In this case, house #3 (103c) generates a VBP message of 00000000 for virtual track blocks A3-H3, due to both sides of the isolated joint 102c being branched into the nearest virtual track blocks. Table 7 breaks down the codes for the scenario in Figure 7:
iviA/a/zuzz/u 1 z 1 4»
Table 7
<td rowspan="2"></td><td>Home 1</td><td>House 2</td><td>House 3</td>
<td>Ai Bi Ci Di Ei Fi Gi hi</td><td>A2 B2 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 H2</td><td>A3 B3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 H3</td>
<td>TC-A</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td>
<td>TC-B</td><td> 00000000</td><td> 00111110</td><td> 00000000</td>
<td>VBP</td><td> 00000000</td><td> 00111110</td><td> 00000000</td>
x = do not transmit or do not care
Figure 8 represents the combination of multiple roadside occupancy indications into a common train occupancy view. In the illustrated embodiment, the four virtual road blocks on the left of each house overlap the four virtual road blocks on the right of the adjacent house. The same is true for the right side of each house respectively. If the roadside data is aligned as shown in Figure 8 and a logical “OR” is applied, train occupancy can be determined to the nearest occupied block of virtual track. In other words, any train in the neighborhood that receives the VBP codes can determine the position of any other trains within the neighborhood, without the need for aspect signaling. Table 8 breaks down the codes for the scenario in Figure 8:
Table 8
<td rowspan="2"></td><td>Home 1</td><td>House 2</td><td>House 3</td>
<td>Ai B1 C1 Di E1 F1 G1 H1</td><td>A2 B2 C2 D2 E2 F2 G2 H2</td><td>A3 B3 C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 H3</td>
<td>TC-A</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td><td>xxxxxxxx</td>
<td>TC-B</td><td> 00000000</td><td> 00111110</td><td> 00000000</td>
<td>VBP</td><td> 00000000</td><td> 00111110</td><td> 00000000</td>
x = do not transmit or do not care
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, determining whether a virtual track block is occupied or unoccupied can be implemented using any one of a number of techniques. Preferably, vital logic controllers and track infrastructure and system interfaces with existing Electrocode equipment are used when determining whether a virtual track block is unoccupied.
In the illustrated embodiment, the system differentiates between virtual track blocks that are 25% increments of standard physical track blocks, although in alternative embodiments the physical track blocks may be divided into shorter or longer virtual track blocks. . Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, in the event of a rail disruption under a train, the vital logic controller records, alarms, and indicates the location of the rail disruption to the nearest virtual track block (25% increment of track block). physical).
Preferably, the system detects both the front (front) and rear (driving) axles of the train and has the ability to detect and validate track occupancy in approach and advance. The present principles are not restricted by any particular hardware system or method for determining train position and any of a number of known methods may be used, in conjunction with conventional hardware.
For example, the position of the wheel can be detected with the use of currents transmitted from one end of a physical track block to the other end of the physical track block and shunted by the train wheel. Generally, since the impedance of the track is known, the current transmitted from an insulated joint will be proportional to the position of the shunt along the block, with current supplied from in front of the train sensing the front wheels and ινΐΛ/a /zuzz/ui ¿λ 4a current provided from the rear of the gear that detects the rear of the wheel. Once the position of the train is known, the occupancy of the individual blocks of virtual track is also known. Although any DC or AC current can be used to detect whether a virtual track block is occupied or unoccupied, if superimposed AC is used, the AC current is preferably less than 60 Hz and remains off until the track circuit It's busy.
Additionally, the position of the train can be detected with the use of conventional railway highway grade crossing warning system hardware, such as motion sensors. In addition, non-track related techniques can also be used to determine the position of the train, such as global positioning system (GPS) tracking, radio frequency detection and etc.
In the illustrated mode, the maximum bypass sensitivity is 0.06 Ohm, the communication format is based on interoperable train control (ITC) messaging and the track circuit health monitoring is based on the smooth transition of 0 to 100% and from 100 to 0%.
In the preferred embodiment, the power consumption requirements satisfy the existing roadside interface unit (WIU) specifications. Registration requirements include percentage of occupancy, method of determining occupancy, and address at a specific time; contents and timing of message transmission; calibration time and results; interrupted rail determinations; error codes; and etc.
The embodiment described above is based on a maximum track circuit length of 3,660 meters (12,000 feet), which is fixed (i.e., does not move), although the maximum track circuit length may vary in alternative embodiments. Although the bit description described above is a 1 for a virtual channel unoccupied block and a 0 for a virtual channel occupied block, the reverse logic can be used in alternative embodiments.
One technique for measuring track position and generating TC-B is based on currents transmitted from one end of a physical track block to the other end of the physical track block and shunted by the wheels of the train. Generally, since the impedance of the track is known, the current transmitted from an insulated joint will be proportional to the position of the shunt along the block. Once the position of the train is known, the occupancy of the individual blocks of virtual track is also known.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, these descriptions are not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the described embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art by reference to the description of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment described could readily be used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures to carry out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be noted by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
It is therefore contemplated that the claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the true scope of the invention.
5 sheets
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96 members in 10 offices
Priority claims4
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|---|---|---|---|
| 62502224 | United States of America | – | |
| 201762502224 | United States of America | P | |
| 15965680 | United States of America | – | |
| 201815965680 | United States of America | A |
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| KR20200006070A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| MX2019013152A | Mexico | A | |
| EP3619089A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
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Numbers
- Publication
- 2022012149
- Application
- 2022012149
Titles2
- Spanish
- SISTEMA DE BLOQUE DE RIEL VIRTUAL DE FERROCARRIL
- English
- RAILWAY VIRTUAL RAIL BLOCK SYSTEM
Classification
- CPC, 8
- B61L1/188
- B61L23/168
- B61L11/08
- B61L21/10
- B61L23/044
- B61L7/088
- B61L3/221
- B61L2011/086
- IPC, 2
- B61L1 18
- B61L21 10