Method for operating a data transfer system, and data transfer system

Abstract

A method for operating a data transfer system includes connecting a first data transfer device to a first data line which is connected to a first data interface, connecting a second data transfer device to a second data line which is connected to a second data interface, and transferring data over the first data interface. In order to achieve reliable operation of the data transfer system, a transfer of data through the second data interface is prevented. A data transfer system and a rail vehicle set having a plurality of railcars and a data transfer system are also provided.

Claims

1. A method for operating a data transfer system, the method comprising the following steps: connecting a first data transfer device to a first data line; connecting the first data line to a first data interface of an item of equipment; connecting a second data transfer device to a second data line; connecting the second data line to a second data interface of the item of equipment; transferring data over the first data interface; preventing data transfer over the second data interface; switching off an energy supply to the second data interface in order to prevent a transfer of data over the second data interface; and continuing to supply the item of equipment with energy after switching off the energy supply to the second data interface.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first data transfer device is a data transfer device of a first type, and the second data transfer device is a data transfer device of a second type different than the first type.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first and second data transfer devices are buses.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second data transfer devices are buses or networks, and the first data transfer device has a higher data transfer rate than the second data transfer device.

5. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises interrupting the second data line in order to prevent the transfer of data over the second data interface.

6. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises preventing data transfer within the second data interface in order to prevent the transfer of data over the second data interface.

7. The method according to claim 6, which further comprises preventing the data transfer within the second data interface by interrupting a data-carrying element of the second data interface.

8. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises providing the first and second data interfaces as interfaces of a control unit, and using the control unit to prevent the transfer of data over the second data interface.

9. The method according to claim 1, which further comprises providing the first data interface as an interface of a first control unit, providing the second data interface as a data interface of a second control unit, and using the first control unit to prevent the transfer of data over the second data interface.

10. A data transfer system, comprising: first and second data transfer devices; an item of equipment including first and second data interfaces; a first data line connected to said first data transfer device and connected to said first data interface; a second data line connected to said second data transfer device and connected to said second data interface; an energy supply line connected to said second data interface; an interrupt device for preventing a transfer of data over said second data interface, said interrupt device being an element of said energy supply line, or an element of said second data line or an element of said second data interface; wherein said item of equipment, which includes said second data interface, is continued to be supplied with energy after switching off said energy supply to said second data interface to prevent a transfer of data over said second data interface.

11. The data transfer system according to claim 10, which further comprises a control unit including said first and second data interfaces, said control unit being configured to transmit a control command to said interrupt device.

12. The data transfer system according to claim 10, which further comprises: a first control unit including said first data interface; a second control unit including said second data interface; and a control line connected between said first control unit and said interrupt device for transmitting a control command to said interrupt device.

13. The data transfer system according to claim 10, wherein said interrupt device is an electrically actuable switch.

14. A rail vehicle set, comprising: a plurality of railcars; and a data transfer system according to claim 10; said second data transfer device of said data transfer system being connected in common to all of said railcars, or said first and second data transfer devices of said data transfer system each being connected in common to all of said railcars.

15. The rail vehicle set according to claim 14, wherein said second data transfer device is a train bus or data bus or each of said first and second data transfer devices is a respective train bus or data bus.

16. The data transfer system according to claim 10, which further comprises a switch connected to switch off said energy supply to said second data interface to prevent the transfer of data over said second data interface, wherein the item of equipment, which includes said second data interface, is continued to be supplied with energy after said switch switches off said energy supply to said second data interface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

(1) FIG. 1 shows a data transfer system that includes two data transfer devices, two data lines and a control unit having two data interfaces;

(2) FIG. 2 shows a further data transfer system that includes two data transfer devices, two data lines and two control units each having a data interface;

(3) FIG. 3 shows a first rail vehicle set having three railcars and a data transfer system;

(4) FIG. 4 shows a second rail vehicle set having three railcars and another data transfer system; and

(5) FIG. 5 shows a third rail vehicle set having three railcars and yet another data transfer system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(6) FIG. 1 shows a data transfer system 2 in a schematic illustration. The data transfer system 2 includes a first data transfer device 4 and a second data transfer device 6. The two data transfer devices 4, 6 in the present exemplary embodiment each take the form of a bus, in particular a train bus for a train control system. Furthermore, the data transfer system 2 includes a control unit 8 having a first data interface 10 and a second data interface 12.

(7) Furthermore, the data transfer system 2 has a first data line 14 that is connected to the first data interface 10 and to the first data transfer device 4. Moreover, the data transfer system 2 has a second data line 16 that is connected to the second data interface 12 and to the second data transfer device 6.

(8) The two data transfer devices 4, 6 are bidirectional data transfer devices, and the two data lines 14, 16 are bidirectional data lines.

(9) Furthermore, the first data transfer device 4 has a higher data transfer rate than the second data transfer device 6. The data transfer devices 4, 6 are thus data transfer devices of different types.

(10) Further, the data transfer system 2 includes two energy supply lines 18. One of these two energy supply lines 18 is connected to the first data interface 10 and is intended to supply the first data interface 10 with power. The other of the two energy supply lines 18 is connected to the second data interface 12 and is intended to supply the second data interface 12 with power.

(11) Furthermore, the data transfer system 2 in the present exemplary embodiment has a first interrupt device 20, a second interrupt device 22 and a third interrupt device 24. Each of these three interrupt devices 20, 22, 24 takes the form of an electrically or electronically actuable switch and is intended to prevent transfer of data over the first data interface 10. Moreover, the three interrupt devices 20, 22, 24 are each connected to the control unit 8 by way of a control line 26.

(12) The first interrupt device 20 is an element of the first data line 14. By contrast, the second interrupt device 22 is an element of the energy supply line 18 that is connected to the first data interface 10, and the third interrupt device 24 is an element of the first data interface 10.

(13) Further, the data transfer system 2 in the present exemplary embodiment has a fourth interrupt device 28, a fifth interrupt device 30 and a sixth interrupt device 32. Each of the three last-mentioned interrupt devices 28, 30, 32 takes the form of an electrically or electronically actuable switch and is intended to prevent transfer of data over the second data interface 12. Moreover, the three last-mentioned interrupt devices 28, 30, 32 are each connected to the control unit 8 by way of a control line 26.

(14) The fourth interrupt device 28 is an element of the second data line 16. By contrast, the fifth interrupt device 30 is an element of the energy supply line 18 that is connected to the second data interface 12, and the sixth interrupt device 32 is an element of the second data interface 12.

(15) FIG. 1 illustrates the above-mentioned interrupt devices 20-24, 28-32 in an open condition only because this makes it clear that the interrupt devices 20-24, 28-32 each take the form of a switch. During operation of the data transfer system 2, preferably at least some of the switches are closed.

(16) The interrupt devices 20-24, 28-32 are controlled by the control unit 8. To change the condition (open or closed) of the respective interrupt device 20-24, 28-32, the control unit 8 transmits a corresponding control command to the respective interrupt device 20-24, 28-32.

(17) So that data can be transferred over the first data interface 10, it is necessary for the first three interrupt devices 20, 22, 24 to be closed such that, in terms of communication, the first data interface 10 is coupled to the first data transfer device 4 by way of the first data line 14. This has the effect that the first data transfer device 4that is to say the one of the two data transfer devices 4, 6 that has the higher data transfer rateis used by the control unit 8 for data transfer.

(18) So that an unintended and/or erroneous data transfer in the second data transfer device 6 cannot trigger unintended action in the control unit 8, or so that the control unit 8 cannot have the effect of unintended and/or erroneous data transfer in the second data transfer device 6, transfer of data over the second data interface 12 is prevented.

(19) In order to prevent the transfer of data over the second data interface 12, the second data line 16 is interrupted or disconnected using the fourth interrupt device 28. As an alternative or in addition, the energy supply line 18 that is connected to the second data interface 12 is switched off using the fifth interrupt device 30, with the control unit 8 continuing to be supplied with power (by way of an energy supply line not illustrated in the figures). As an alternative or in addition, a data-carrying element 34 of the second data interface 12 by way of which data from the second data interface 12 is carried to one or more other functional units of the control unit 8 is interrupted using the sixth interrupt device 32, and as a result the transfer of data within the second data interface 12 is prevented.

(20) If for example a functional fault of the first data transfer device 4 and/or the first device interface 10 occurs, the last-mentioned interrupt devices 28, 30, 32 are put into a closed condition. In this way, in terms of communication, the second data interface 12 is coupled to the first data transfer device 4 by way of the second data line 16. This has the effect that the second data transfer device 6that is to say the one of the two data transfer devices 4, 6 that has the lower data transfer rateis used by the control unit 8 for data transfer.

(21) In order in such a case to prevent the transfer of data over the first data interface 10, the first data line 14 is interrupted or disconnected using the first interrupt device 20. As an alternative or in addition, the energy supply line 18 that is connected to the first data interface 10 is switched off using the second interrupt device 22, with the control unit 8 continuing to be supplied with power. As an alternative or in addition, a data-carrying element 34 of the first data interface 10 by way of which data from the second data interface 12 is carried to one or more other functional units of the control unit 8 is interrupted using the third interrupt device 24, and as a result the transfer of data within the first data interface 10 is prevented.

(22) In principle any of the first three interrupt devices 20, 22, 24 as desired is sufficient to prevent the transfer of data over the first data interface 10. That is to say that in principle one or two of the first three interrupt devices 20, 22, 24 could be dispensed with.

(23) Accordingly, in principle any of the other three interrupt devices 28, 30, 32 as desired is sufficient to prevent the transfer of data over the second data interface 12. Thus, in principle one or two of the other three interrupt devices 28, 30, 32 could be dispensed with.

(24) FIG. 2 shows a further data transfer system 36 in a schematic illustration.

(25) The description of the succeeding exemplary embodiment will be limited primarily to the differences from the preceding exemplary embodiment, to which the reader is referred for the unchanged features and functions. Substantially like or mutually corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals where appropriate, and features that are not mentioned are incorporated into the succeeding exemplary embodiment without being described again.

(26) The further data transfer system 36 differs from the data transfer system 2 in FIG. 1 among other things in that the further data transfer system 36 has (instead of the single control unit 8) a first control unit 38 and a second control unit 40.

(27) In the present exemplary embodiment, the first data interface 10 is an element of the first control unit 38 and the second data interface 12 is an element of the second control unit 40.

(28) Moreover, the first three interrupt devices 20, 22, 24that is to say the interrupt device 20 arranged in the first data line 14, the interrupt device 24 arranged in the first data interface 10 and the interrupt device 22 arranged in the energy supply line 18 by way of which the first data interface 10 is supplied with powerare connected to the second control unit 40 by way of a respective control line 26. Accordingly, the other three interrupt devices 28, 30, 32 are connected to the first control unit 38 by way of a respective control line 26.

(29) The second control unit 40 is intended to transmit control commands to the first three interrupt devices 20, 22, 24, whereas the first control unit 38 is intended to transmit control commands to the other three interrupt devices 28, 30, 32.

(30) In the present exemplary embodiment, prevention and enabling of data transfer over the first data interface 10 is triggered by the second control unit 40, in that the second control unit 40 transmits a corresponding control command to at least one of the first three interrupt devices 20, 22, 24. By contrast, prevention and enabling of data transfer over the second data interface 12 is triggered by the first control unit 38, in that the first control unit 38 transmits a corresponding control command to at least one of the other three interrupt devices 28, 30, 32.

(31) FIG. 3 shows a first rail vehicle set 42 in a schematic illustration. The rail vehicle set 42 includes a first railcar 44, a second railcar 46 and a third railcar 48. In addition to these three railcars 44, 46, 48, the rail vehicle set 42 may include further cars that are not illustrated in the figures.

(32) Further, the rail vehicle set 42 has a data transfer system 50 that is a constituent part of a train control system. The data transfer system 50 includes a first data transfer device 4, a second data transfer device 6 and a third data transfer device 52, wherein the data transfer devices 4, 6, 52 each take the form of a train bus. Moreover, the second data transfer device 6 has a higher data transfer rate than the first data transfer device 4. The third data transfer device 52 in turn has a higher data transfer rate than the second data transfer device 6.

(33) The one first data transfer device 4 is a common train bus for all three railcars 44, 46, 48. The second data transfer device 6 is by contrast a common train bus for the second and third railcars 46, 48 but not the first railcar 44. Further, the third data transfer device 52 is a train bus for the second railcar 46 but not the other two railcars 44, 48.

(34) Furthermore, the data transfer system 50 includes a first control unit 54 that is arranged in the first railcar 44, a second control unit 56 that is arranged in the second railcar 46, and a third and a fourth control unit 58, 60 that are each arranged in the third railcar 48.

(35) The first, third and fourth control units 54, 58, 60 each have a single data interface 62. By contrast, the second control unit 56 has three data interfaces 62.

(36) Further, the data interface 62 of the first control unit 54 and the data interface 62 of the third control unit 58 are each connected to the first data transfer device 4 by way of a data line 64. The data interface 62 of the fourth control unit 60 is connected to the second data transfer device 6 by way of a data line 64.

(37) Furthermore, one of the three data interfaces 62 of the second control unit 56 is connected to the first data transfer device 4 by way of a data line 64. Another of the three data interfaces 62 of the second control unit 56 is connected to the second data transfer device 6 by way of a data line 64. Moreover, the third of the three data interfaces 62 of the second control unit 56 is connected to the third data transfer device 52 by way of a data line 64.

(38) Furthermore, for each of the data interfaces 62, the data transfer system 50 includes an energy supply line that is connected to the respective data interface 62. Moreover, for each of the data interfaces 62, the data transfer system 50 includes at least one interrupt device, which is intended to prevent transfer of data over the respective data interface 62, and a control line for transmitting control commands to the respective interrupt device. For the sake of greater clarity, the energy supply lines, the interrupt device and the control lines are not illustrated in FIG. 3 or in the subsequent figures.

(39) One of the control units 54, 56, 58, 60 is operated as a master control unit, and the other control units 54, 56, 58, 60 are operated as slave control units.

(40) So that all the control units 54, 56, 58, 60 can exchange data between themselves or with other components of the rail vehicle set, the first data transfer device 4 is used for data transfer, since the first data transfer device 4unlike the other two data transfer devices 6, 52is a common data transfer device for all the railcars 44, 46, 48.

(41) So that, further, unintended and/or erroneous data transfer in the second or third data transfer device 6, 52 cannot trigger an unintended action in one of the control units 54, 56, 58, 60, or so that none of the control units 54, 56, 58, 60 can have the effect of unintended and/or erroneous data transfer in the second or third data transfer device 6, 52, transfer of data over the data interfaces 62 that are connected to the second or third data transfer device 6, 52 is prevented, in a manner analogous to that described in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

(42) The transfer of data over the data interface 62 of the fourth control unit 60 is prevented by the third control unit 58. By contrast, the second control unit 56 itself prevents the transfer of data over those of its data interfaces 62 that are connected to the second or third data transfer device 6, 52.

(43) FIG. 4 shows a second rail vehicle set 66 in a schematic illustration.

(44) The description of the succeeding exemplary embodiments will be limited primarily to the differences from the preceding exemplary embodiment described in conjunction with FIG. 3, to which the reader is referred for the unchanged features and functions. Substantially like or mutually corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals where appropriate, and features that are not mentioned are incorporated into the succeeding exemplary embodiments without being described again.

(45) The data transfer system 68 of the second rail vehicle set 66 differs from the data transfer system 50 in FIG. 3 among other things in that, in the case of the data transfer system 68 of the second rail vehicle set 66, both the first data transfer device 4 and the second data transfer device 6 are respectively a common data transfer device for all three railcars 44, 46, 48.

(46) Further, in the present data transfer system 68, the first control unit 54 has two data interfaces 62. One of these two data interfaces 62 is connected to the first data transfer device 4 by way of a data line 64, and the other of the two data interfaces 62 is connected to the second data transfer device 6 by way of a data line 64.

(47) In the present exemplary embodiment, the second data transfer device 6 is used for data transfer. Further, and in a manner analogous to that described in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, transfer of data over the data interfaces 62 that are connected to the first or third data transfer device 4, 52 is prevented.

(48) The transfer of data over the data interface 62 of the third control unit 58 is prevented by the fourth control unit 60. By contrast, the second control unit 56 itself prevents the transfer of data over those of its data interfaces 62 that are connected to the first or third data transfer device 4, 52. Similarly, the first control unit 54 itself prevents the transfer of data over those of its data interfaces 62 that are connected to the first data transfer device 4.

(49) If there is a functional fault of the second data transfer device 6, then as an alternative the first data transfer device 4 may be used. In a case of this kind, in a manner analogous to that described in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, transfer of data over the data interfaces 62 that are connected to the second or third data transfer device 6, 52 is prevented.

(50) FIG. 5 shows a third rail vehicle set 70 in a schematic illustration.

(51) The data transfer system 72 of the third rail vehicle set 70 differs from the data transfer system 50 in FIG. 3 among other things in that, in the data transfer system 72 of the third rail vehicle set 70, all three data transfer devices 4, 6, 52 are common data transfer devices for all three railcars 44, 46, 48.

(52) In the present exemplary embodiment, precisely one control unit 54, 56, 58 is arranged in each of the three railcars 44, 46, 48. That is to say that there is no second control unit in the third railcar 48. Further, in the present data transfer system 72, each of the control units 54, 56, 58 has three data interfaces 62. Of the three data interfaces 62 of the respective control unit 54, 56, 58, in each case one data interface 62 is connected to the first data transfer device 4 by way of a data line 64, another data interface 62 is connected to the second data transfer device 6 by way of a data line 64, and the third data interface 62 is connected to the third data transfer device 52 by way of a data line 64.

(53) In the present exemplary embodiment, the third data transfer device 52 is used for data transfer. In a manner analogous to that described in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, transfer of data over the data interfaces 62 that are connected to the first or second data transfer device 4, 6 is prevented.

(54) Each of the three control units 54, 56, 58 itself prevents the transfer of data over those of its data interfaces 62 that are connected to the first or second data transfer device 4, 6.

(55) If there is a functional fault of the third data transfer device 52, then as an alternative one of the other two data transfer devices 4, 6 may be used. In a case of this kind, in a manner analogous to that described in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, transfer of data over the data interfaces 62 that are connected to the respectively other two data transfer devices is prevented.

(56) Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by means of the preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived herefrom without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.