EP3141447B1 - Change between segments of a network - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a mobile network subscriber for use in a wired network, in particular in a sliding ladder network of an overhead monorail, the wired network each having at least a first segment, a second segment and a segment boundary arrangement, the mobile network participant being provided for movement along the segments is.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for handover when changing a mobile network subscriber from a first segment via a segment boundary arrangement in a second segment, a segment and a modem arrangement and a network.

Such a mobile network subscriber is used, for example, in a conductor network of an industrial monorail or electric tram systems (EMS). Other applications exist, for example, in storage and retrieval equipment, industrial trucks, cranes, elevators and hoists, transfer cars and rides. Electric monorail systems consist of a stationary system control and power supply, the rail system and the mobile vehicles. The mobile vehicles are connected either via contact arrangements or customers, in particular grinder, with fixed busbars, loop conductors or slip rings or trailing cables are used. The need to segment the network results from the spatial extent of the network and the requirement to achieve sufficient signal strength in each area of the network.

Out DE 103 06 973 A1 a device with a fixed and at least one mobile subscriber is known, wherein a data transmission between the subscribers takes place via a conductor line which has at least two successive line segments.

The WO 2015/104229 A1 discloses a method and system for data transmission in such a multi-segment communication network.

The invention has for its object to provide a mobile network participant, a method, a segment arrangement, a modem arrangement and a network that allow easy and efficient switching between two segments of a network.

This object is achieved in a mobile network subscriber of the type mentioned by the features specified in claim 1.

For this purpose, the mobile network subscriber in each case a first slave modem, a second slave modem, a first contact arrangement and a second contact arrangement, wherein the slave modems for communication with at least one first master modem and / or a second master modem are provided over the contact arrangements and the segments. Furthermore, the segments in the region of the segment boundary arrangement have an overlap and the contact arrangements of the movable network participant are arranged such that in the region of the overlap of the segments at least partially the first contact arrangement with one of the segments and the second contact arrangement with another of the segments in combination.

Modems are the devices that allow communication between the mobile network participant and the stationary part of the network, including the segments and the movable contact arrangements. For example, the modems can have an Ethernet interface on one side and implement powerline communication on the side of the segments. The segments can be designed as profile rails, which also have live cables in addition to the data lines. It is also conceivable that the data signal on live lines is modulated. The overlap makes it possible to give even short vehicles sufficient time to repost from one segment to the next segment. The time remaining for the vehicle to rebook can be directly influenced by the length of the overlap. The rebooking process consists essentially of contacting a slave modem with the appropriate master modem to allow communication over both.

The invention is based on the finding that a mobile network subscriber according to the invention significantly reduces both the segment-side and the subscriber-side complexity and thus advantageously reduces the complexity and the costs of the entire system. The mobile network subscriber can be, for example, a vehicle of an overhead monorail system. The segments would then be formed as SCHLEIDER network segments running, for example, within the rails of the electric monorail system. Due to the potentially large extent of such networks, it is necessary to provide several such segments in order to always ensure a sufficiently high signal strength for communication between a central controller and the vehicles. Therefore, it is necessary for the mobile network subscriber to be able to change from a first to a second segment or back. The contact arrangements may be grinders via which the mobile network subscriber is connected to the fixed and immovable part of the network.

According to the invention, the mobile network subscriber has a slave PRP manager, which is designed to control and / or read out the slave modems on the basis of a redundancy protocol. The redundancy protocol is a Parallel Redundancy Protocol (abbreviated to PRP) according to IEC 62439, in particular according to IEC 62439-3. The redundant control increases the reliability of the mobile network participant and enables seamless emergency operation in the event of a problem.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the mobile network subscriber has a modem distributor which is designed to establish at least one connection between the contact arrangements and the slave modems. The modem distributor offers the advantage that the slave modems assigned to the mobile network subscriber can be connected as required to the corresponding contact arrangements. The modem distributor can be designed as a purely electromechanical switch, as a switch or even as a software switch in the control of the modem. Further advantages may result if the modem distributor is also controlled with a redundancy protocol by a slave PRP manager.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first contact arrangement with the first slave modem and the second contact arrangement with the second slave modem are permanently connectable. This is a particularly inexpensive and simple embodiment.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the contact arrangements of the movable network participant are each formed as a single and / or double grinder. Depending on the design of the segments, it may prove advantageous to carry out the contact arrangements as a single and / or double grinder. Double grinders have the advantage that they have a fundamentally larger contact surface, whereas the individual grinders have a lower friction.

The object is further achieved by a method for connection handover when changing a mobile network subscriber according to the invention from a first segment via a segment boundary arrangement into a second segment according to claim 5. The slave modem, which carries the active connection when entering the segment boundary arrangement, transfers the connection to the slave modem, which establishes a new connection when entering the segment boundary arrangement after the new connection has been established. This procedure allows the mobile Network participants that the segment can be changed easily and quickly. The change of the segment is possible regardless of the direction of movement of the mobile network participant. It is also conceivable that the slave modems of the mobile network participant are each assigned to fixed master modems.

The object is further achieved by a segment arrangement with a mobile network participant in a wired network, the segment arrangement each having at least a first segment, a second segment and a segment boundary arrangement, wherein the segments are formed such that the movable network participant along the segments is movable. The segment arrangement comprises a first master modem and a second master modem, which are provided for communicating with at least one of the slave modems of the mobile network participant via the segments and the contact arrangements. The segment boundary arrangement is advantageously designed to pass through at least the contact arrangements of the mobile network participant and the segments have an overlap in the region of the segment boundary arrangement. The mobile network subscriber is thus integrated into a higher-level network via the segments and the master modems. With the described segment arrangement, it is now possible to operate the mobile network subscriber according to the invention simply and efficiently.

According to the invention, the segment arrangement has a PRP manager, which is designed to control and / or read out the master modems on the basis of a redundancy protocol. The redundancy protocol is a Parallel Redundancy Protocol (abbreviated to PRP) according to IEC 62439, in particular according to IEC 62439-3. In addition to the redundancy and the higher levels of safety that can be achieved as a result, such as Safety Integrated Levels (SIL), this has the further advantage that data is redundant even during trouble-free operation can be transmitted to the mobile network subscriber. In addition to the reliability of the entire system, this potentially also increases the bandwidth of the possible transmissions to the mobile network subscribers.

In a further embodiment of a segment arrangement, neutral segments are arranged between two segment border arrangements such that the contact arrangement over which there is no active connection has contact with a neutral segment. Neutral segments are not connected to any master modem or any other active segment. This offers the advantage that the inactive contact arrangement is at a defined potential. The mechanical stability with respect to the mechanical guidance of the contact arrangements can be increased by the neutral segments.

In a further embodiment of a segment arrangement, the segment boundary arrangements directly adjoin one another. This means that the individual first segments are directly adjacent to each other except for brief interruptions. Analogously, the individual second segments are directly adjacent to each other. As a result, the mobile network subscriber has contact with each of a first and a second segment. The short breaks between the first segments and the breaks between the second segments are arranged such that the respective parallel segment is continuous therethrough. This embodiment allows full redundancy except for the very short break points.

It is also conceivable that the rebooking within the first or the second segment during the transition is carried out very quickly and therefore has no effect on the communication. This would be the case, for example, if the rebooking within the first or second segment is performed faster than the underlying communication clock requires. In combination with a redundancy protocol, As already described, a redundant system can easily be achieved.

In a further embodiment, third segments are arranged parallel to the first segments and the second segments. If the interruptions between the individual first segments and the interruptions between the individual second segments are too great or a bridging of them too long, it is conceivable to arrange third segments parallel to the first and second segments, which at least during the interruptions a redundant Enable connection. The mobile network subscriber could accordingly have a third contact arrangement with a third modem.

In one possible embodiment of a segment arrangement, another, redundant segment is arranged parallel to the segment carrying the active connection. In this case, parallel can also be called geometrically parallel as well as functionally parallel and not necessarily and permanently geometrically parallel. Thus, the establishment of a further connection is possible if there is a fault in the segment carrying the active compound. In combination with a PRP manager, it is conceivable that a connection is maintained over both segments via a redundancy protocol. The redundant segments are supplied, for example, by their own redundant modems. In a development of the preceding embodiment of a segment arrangement, a master modem is connected to at least one segment and one redundant segment. If, for example, a master modem in each case supplies its main segment and at least one further segment with data, this reduces the hardware expenditure on the segment side. This is possible, for example, if it is ensured that there is no further mobile network participant in the main segment which supplies the master modem and thus the master modem can supply the redundant segment.

In another embodiment, terminations are attached to the ends of the segments. Terminations are elements that are attached to the ends of the segments and attenuate the signals of the segment to which they are attached towards the next segment. This has the great advantage that cross-talk between the segments is significantly reduced and the overall communication quality is increased, for example, by improving the signal-to-noise ratio. Especially during the segment transition, the connection quality benefits from the terminations, since the vehicle is here in both segments and so a crosstalk without termination would attract attention very negative.

In a further embodiment, the segment arrangement has a control which is designed for communication with and for controlling a driving control of the mobile network subscriber. In this way, the segment arrangement can be easily and effectively extended for driving control of the mobile network subscriber.

The object is further achieved by a modem arrangement according to claim 12.

FIG 1-3

beispielhaft einen Segmentübergang eines beweglichen Netzwerkteilnehmers,

FIG 4

eine Segmentgrenzanordnung und

FIG 5

eine Ausgestaltung einer um Redundanzfunktionen erweiterten Segmentanordnung.

In the following the invention will be described and explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the figures. Show it:

FIGS. 1-3

exemplarily a segment transition of a mobile network participant,

FIG. 4

a segment boundary arrangement and

FIG. 5

an embodiment of a segmentation extended by redundancy functions.

FIG. 1 shows a mobile network participant 10, by means of a guide element 100 of the mobile network participant 10 is movably arranged along a guide rail 101. The guide element 100 can serve as a suspension of the movable network participant 10. It is conceivable, for example, that the guide rail 101 has a corresponding profile into which the guide element 100 engages and is displaceable therein. Furthermore, two first segments S1 as well as a second segment S2 offset therebetween and somewhat offset therefrom, the first segment S1 and the second segment S2 being connected via master modems MM1, MM2 to a PRP manager PRP and a plant control CTRL. Thus, the segments S1, S2 are integrated into a higher-level network. The superordinate network is not limited to the illustrated components, but may in turn comprise further components and be integrated into further networks. The mobile network subscriber 10 has a contact arrangement K1 and a contact arrangement K2. The two contact arrangements are each connected to a slave modem SM1, SM2. Furthermore, the mobile network subscriber 10 has a slave PRP manager PRP-10 and a travel controller CTRL-10. The slave PRP manager PRP-10 is designed to control the two slave modems SM1, SM2 on the basis of a redundancy protocol. In this case, the slave modem SM1 are directly connected to the contact arrangement K1 and the slave modem SM2 is connected directly to the contact arrangement K2. This has the advantage that no switching means have to be provided which enable switching between the contact arrangements K1, K2 and the slave modems SM1, SM2. However, it is also conceivable that an unclaimed switching arrangement is provided and the slave modems SM1, SM2 can each be arbitrarily assigned to a contact arrangement K1, K2. The segments S1, S2 each have a segment boundary arrangement 12, in each of which a first segment S1 and a second segment S2 overlap.

The contact arrangements K1, K2 are shown outside the segment boundary arrangement. The first contact arrangement K1 has contact with the first segment S1. The contact arrangement K2 has no contact with one of the segments S1, S2. In this State it is the mobile network subscriber 10, or its slave modems SM1, SM2, possible to communicate via the first segment S1 with the first master modem MM1. For example, the system controller CTRL could use the PRP manager PRP and the left master modem MM1 connected thereto, the segment S1, the first contact arrangement K1 and the first slave modem SM1 connected thereto to send messages or control commands to the mobile network subscriber CTRL-10 10 send.

FIG. 2 shows while maintaining the reference numerals FIG. 1 the mobile network participant 10, which is located with its contact arrangements K1, K2 in a segment boundary arrangement 12. So that the mobile network subscriber 10, or its travel control CTRL-10, can now continue to communicate with the system controller CTRL, a handover between the two slave modems SM1, SM2 is necessary. To pass the connection from the first slave modem SM1, which holds a connection via the first segment S1, to the second slave modem SM2, which now has a connection to the second segment S2, for example, the slave PRP manager PRP-10 could automatically initiate the login of the respective slave modem SM1, SM2. It is also conceivable that a component, not shown here, such as a slave modem manager, the slave modems SM1, SM2 controls accordingly and performs a handover.

The mobile network participant 10 or one of its components could recognize the retraction into the segment boundary arrangement 12, in which it is determined that both contact arrangements K1 and K2 respectively have contact with a segment S1, S2. Thus, there is also contact from the slave modems SM1, SM2 to the master modems MM1, MM2, which are assigned to the segments S1, S2.

FIG. 3 shows while maintaining the reference numerals FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 the mobile network participant 10, which has moved along the guide rail 101 so far that now only the second contact arrangement K2 is in communication with the second segment S2. The first contact arrangement K1 no longer has a connection. The mobile network subscriber 10 is now able to communicate via his second slave modem SM2, his second contact arrangement K2 and the second segment S2 with the second master modem MM2. Thus, despite the movement along the segments S1, S2 and the guide rail 101, an uninterrupted communication of the mobile network participant 10 with the plant control CTRL is possible. The use of the PRP Manager PRP and the PRP-10 Slave PRP Manager enables the use of a redundancy protocol, such as the Parallel Redundancy Protocol (abbreviated to PRP) according to IEC 62439, in particular according to IEC 62439-3. The use of the redundancy protocol simplifies the handover of the connection, and it is possible to extend the system with redundancy functions that would further increase the reliability of the overall system.

FIG. 4 shows a section of a segment boundary arrangement 12. It shows sections of a first segment S1 and a second segment S2, which overlap at a distance D and over a width 120. The segments S1, S2 each have a termination T at their ends. This termination T significantly reduces crosstalk between the two segments S1, S2. The length of the overlap 120 also determines the time that a mobile network subscriber 10 has to rebook between two segments S1, S2 available. The distance D is here to be seen as an example of how such an overlap can be formed. However, it does not have to be a structure that is essentially located in one plane; instead, three-dimensional rail arrangements can be used which have undercuts and are adapted to the purpose of use.

FIG. 5 shows a training in the 1 to 3 shown segment arrangement. In this case, the reference numerals from the 1 to 3 used. However, the mobile network subscriber 10 is shown only schematically and reduced to its two slave modems SM1, SM2. The main difference to that in FIG. 1 shown system consists in extended or closer together slid segments S1, S2. In this case, each first segment S1 again directly adjoins another first segment S1 with a short interruption. Analogously, every second segment S2 again directly adjoins another second segment S2 with a short interruption. In this case, the segments S1, S2 are arranged so that the segment boundary arrangements 12 directly adjoin one another. Each of the segments S1, S2 is supplied by its own master modem MM1, MM2. The mobile network subscriber 10 stands with its contact arrangements K1, K2 on the one hand in the first segment S1 and on the other hand in the second segment S2. In this way, when a fault occurs in one of the two segments S1 or S2, a redundant connection is always available. Not shown, but a useful development of the embodiment shown, each would be a PRP manager and a slave PRP manager, respectively the slave modem SM1, SM2 or master modem MM1, MM2 control and a fully redundant connection based on a Establish redundancy protocol. For example, a PRP manager could be provided for this purpose.

In summary, the invention relates to a mobile network subscriber 10 for use in a wired network 1, in particular in a sliding ladder network of an electric monorail, wherein the wired network 1 each at least a first segment S1, a second segment S2 and a segment boundary arrangement 12 and wherein the movable Network subscriber 10 is provided for movement along the segments S1, S2. In order to provide a mobile network subscriber 10, a segment arrangement, a method and a modem arrangement, which allow easy and efficient switching between two segments of a network, among other things, a mobile network subscriber is proposed, each comprising a first slave modem SM1, a second Slave modem SM2, a first contact arrangement K1 and a second contact arrangement K2, wherein the slave modems SM1, SM2 for communication with at least one first master modem MM1 and / or a second master modem MM2 via the contact arrangements K1, K2 and the segments S1, S2 are provided. The segments S1, S2 have an overlap 120 in the region of the segment boundary arrangement 12, wherein the contact arrangements K1, K2 of the movable network participant 10 are arranged such that in the region of the overlap 120 of the segments S1, S2 the first contact arrangement K1 is at least partially connected to one of the Segments S1, S2 and the second contact arrangement K2 are at least partially in communication with a further one of the segments S1, S2.

Claims (13)

1. Mobile network participant (10) for use in a wired network (1), in particular in a contact conductor network of an electrified monorail system,
   wherein the wired network (1) has at least one first segment (S1), one second segment (S2) and one segment border arrangement (12) in each case,
   wherein the mobile network participant (10) is provided for movement along the segments (S1, S2), characterised in that the mobile network participant (10) has a first slave modem (SM1), a second slave modem (SM2), a first contact arrangement (K1) and a second contact arrangement (K2) in each case,
   wherein the slave modems (SM1, SM2) are provided for communication with at least one first master modem (MM1) and/or a second master modem (MM2) via the contact arrangements (K1, K2) and the segments (S1, S2) in each case, wherein the segments (S1, S2) have an overlap (120) in the region of the segment border arrangement (12),
   wherein the contact arrangements (K1, K2) of the mobile network participant (10) are arranged such that, in the region of the overlap (120) of the segments (S1, S2), the first contact arrangement (K1) is at least partially connected to one of the segments (S1, S2) and the second contact arrangement (K2) is at least partially connected to another of the segments (S1, S2), furthermore having a slave PRP manager (PRP-S), which is embodied for actuating and/or reading out the slave modems (SM1, SM2) on the basis of a redundancy protocol, which is executed as a Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) .
2. Mobile network participant according to claim 1, having a modem router (M-SW) which is embodied for producing at least one connection between one of the contact arrangements (K1, K2) and one of the slave modems (SM1, SM2) in each case.
3. Mobile network participant according to claim 1 or 2,
   wherein the first contact arrangement (K1) can be permanently connected to the first slave modem (SM1) and the second contact arrangement (K2) can be permanently connected to the second slave modem (SM2).
4. Mobile network participant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact arrangements (K1, K2) are embodied as single or dual loops, in each case.
5. Method for connection handover when a mobile network participant (10) according to one of the preceding claims changes from a first segment (S1) into a second segment (S2) via a segment border arrangement (12),
   wherein the slave modem (SM1, SM2), which carries the active connection when entering the segment border arrangement (12), hands over the connection to the slave modem (SM1, SM2) which is establishing a new connection when entering the segment border arrangement (12), once the new connection has been established, wherein a slave PRP manager (PRP-S) actuates and/or reads out the slave modems (SM1, SM2) on the basis of a redundancy protocol, which is executed as a Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP).
6. Segment arrangement with a mobile network participant (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4 in a wired network (1),
   wherein the segment arrangement has at least one first segment (S1), one second segment (S2) and one segment border arrangement (12) in each case, wherein the segments (S1, S2) are embodied such that the mobile network participant (10) can be moved along the segments (S1, S2), characterised in that the segment arrangement has a first master modem (MM1) and a second master modem (MM2), which are provided for communication with at least one of the slave modems (SM1, SM2) of the mobile network participant (10) via the segments (S1, S2) and the contact arrangements (K1, K2),
   wherein the segment border arrangement (12) is embodied for passing through at least the contact arrangements (K1, K2) of the mobile network participant (10) and
   the segments (S1, S2) have an overlap (120) in the region of the segment border arrangement (12), furthermore having a PRP manager (PRP), which is embodied for actuating and/or reading out the master modems (MM1, MM2) on the basis of a redundancy protocol, which is executed as a Parallel Redundancy Protocol.
7. Segment arrangement according to claim 6, wherein neutral segments (SN) are arranged between two segment border arrangements (12) such that the contact arrangement (K1, K2), via which there is no active connection, has contact with a neutral segment (SN).
8. Segment arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the segment border arrangements (12) directly border one another.
9. Segment arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 8,
   wherein third segments are arranged in parallel with the first segments (S1) and the second segments (S2).
10. Segment arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 9,
    wherein terminations (T) are attached to the ends of the segments (S1, S2).
11. Segment arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 10, having a controller (CTRL), which is embodied for communication with and for actuating a drive controller (CTRL-10) of the mobile network participant (10).
12. Modem arrangement with a mobile network participant according to one of claims 1 to 4, having at least two slave modems (SM1, SM2).
13. Network (1), having at least one segment arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 11, as well as a mobile network participant (10).

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