Train control system and method of controlling a train or trains

• US 20060052913A1
• Filed: 10/27/2005
• Published: 03/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Siemens Mobility, Inc. (Siemens AG)
• Original Assignee: Quantum Engineering, Inc. (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Shockley, James Francis, Kane, Mark Edward, Hickenlooper, Harrison Thomas
• Granted Patent: US 7,139,646 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/19
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0027 Radio-based, e.g. using GSM-R
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0036 Conductor-based, e.g. using CAN-Bus, train-line or optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0054 Train integrity supervision, e.g. end-of-train [EOT] devices
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0062 On-board target speed calculation or supervision
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0072 On-board train data handling
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/0081 On-board diagnosis or maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 15/009 On-board display devices
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 2205/04 Satellite based navigation systems, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 25/021 Measuring and recording of train speed
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 25/023 Determination of driving direction of vehicle or train
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 25/025 Absolute localisation, e.g. providing geodetic coordinates
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 25/026 Relative localisation, e.g. using odometer
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 27/20 Trackside control of safe travel of vehicle or train, e.g. braking curve calculation
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 3/008 On-board target speed calculation or supervision track-side control of safe travel B61L27/20; speed control circuitry B60L3/08; speed control of electric drives B60L15/20

Abstract

A train control system includes positioning systems at the end of the train and at the front of the train, allowing the conductor or engineer to unambiguously determine that no cars of the train have become detached. The positioning system at the end of the train is also used to verify that the entire train has cleared a block. This information can be relayed to a dispatcher, thereby eliminating the need for trackside sensing equipment. A control unit prevents the train from moving without an authorization that includes the train'"'"'s current position.

Claims

1. A system for controlling a train comprising:

a control unit;

and a second unit in communication with the control unit, the second unit being located on a first vehicle of a train; and

a third unit being configured to perform a same function as the second unit, the third unit being located on a second vehicle of the train different from the first vehicle;

wherein the control unit is configured to establish communications with the third unit in the event of a problem with the second unit.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second and third units comprise positioning systems.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second and third units comprise brake interfaces.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein communications between the control unit and the third unit are conducted via a power line.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first vehicle is a locomotive.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second vehicle is a locomotive.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the second vehicle is a car without a motor.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the second and third units comprise positioning systems.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the second and third units comprise brake interfaces.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein communications between the control unit and the third unit are conducted via a power line.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first vehicle is a locomotive.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the second vehicle is a locomotive.

15. The method of claim 2, wherein the second vehicle is a car without a motor.

8. A method comprising the steps of:

detecting at a control unit a problem with a second unit, the second unit being located on a first vehicle of a train;

establishing communication between the control unit and a third unit when a problem with the second unit is detected, the third unit being located on a second vehicle being different from the first vehicle.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the control unit and the second unit are located on the same vehicle.