TRAIN SAFETY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IT

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a train security system and a train security method, in particular, the present invention is suitable for being applied to a train security system in which the reset operation of axle counters is performed using train security devices.Background Art

[0002] In a typical railway, the position of a train is detected using an axle counter. An axle counter includes a detection device having a detector at each end of a section of a railway track. In the detection device, a counter is incremented every time the axle of a train passes through the start point of the section using a detector at the start point of the section, and similarly a counter is decremented every time the axle of the train passes through the end point of the section using a detector at the end point of the section. In the case where a value obtained by subtracting the value of one counter from the value of the other counter is zero, any train does not exist in the section, which means that the next train can come into the section.

[0003] As one of a train detection device, for example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an invention in which whether trains exist (a phase "trains are on-rail" is used hereinafter) in plural sections or not is checked.Citation ListPatent Literature

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-33989 Patent Literature 2: DE 19706021 A1 proposes a track monitoring device for railway operation. Summary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0005] Meanwhile, if an electric power failure occurs, the records of the cumulative numbers of axle passages regarding sections which are influenced by the electric power failure may be deleted. In addition, if there are undulations on the track of a section, there may be a case where a counter regarding the section does not become zero or the like. In such cases, it becomes necessary to manually reset axle counters, and in order for the axle counters to be reset, it is necessary to check that there is no train on a tack in one section or on tracks in plural sections, for example, on a track between two stations or on tracks between more than two stations (hereinafter referred to as a specific section). In such a case, a conventional checking method is executed in which two station attendants of adjacent stations execute checking, communicate with each other by telephone, and one station attendant request reset. After the other gives approval to the reset, the one station attendant executes the reset. Therefore, there is a problem in that, if a distance between the adjacent stations is large, or if a field of vision is spoor owing to the darkness of night or rainy weather, it is difficult to accurately check that a train is not on-rail.

[0006] The present invention has been achieved with the abovementioned problem in mind, and provides a train security system in which, if a train is on-rail between adjacent railway stations, human errors are prevented and safety is ensured by deterring the reset operation of the relevant axle counters, and a corresponding method.Solution to Problem

[0007] In order to solve the abovementioned problem, the present invention proposes in a first aspect a train security system for safely running trains according to claim 1.

[0008] In addition, the present invention proposes in a second aspect a train security method for safely running trains according to claim 6.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0009] The present invention makes it possible to realize a train security system in which, if a train is on-rail between adjacent railway stations, human errors are prevented and safety is ensured by deterring the reset operation of the relevant axle counters, and a method used for the train security system.Brief Description of Drawings

[0010] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining a train security system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of axle counter reset processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of checking processing for checking train on-rail between A station and B station according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows tables for train on-rail information held by respective stations according to the embodiment of the present invention. Description of Embodiments

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.(1) Configuration of Train Security System according to This Embodiment

[0012] Fig. 1 shows an entirety of a train security system 1 according to this embodiment. The train security system 1 is a system for safely running trains on a track 20 on a specific section (for example, between A station and B station). The train security system 1 includes: axle counters 10 for detecting the passages of trains; ground devices 14 for controlling trains; and train security devices 15 for making the instructions of the ground devices 14 observed absolutely.

[0013] Each axle counter 10 includes a detection device 11 that detects the passages of trains using the number of the passing axles of the trains, and an evaluator 16 that increments or decrements the count value in accordance with the number of the detected passing axles. The detection device 11 and the evaluator 16 are connected to each other via a cable or a communication line. Here, it will be assumed that a detection device 11 installed at the first installation location in the specific section is referred to as A station going-out doorway detector 101 and a detection device 11 installed at the last installation location is referred to as B station coming-into doorway detector 102.

[0014] Plural axle counters 10 are installed between A station and B station. In Fig. 1, it will be assumed that three axle counters 10 are an axle counter 10A managed at A station, an axle counter 10B managed at B station, and an axle counter 10E managed at a machine room.

[0015] The axle counter 10A counts the number of axles detected by a detection device 11A. An evaluator 16A counts the number of axles coming into the area of the detection device 11A and the number of axles going out from the area of the detection device 11A. The axle counter 10A includes the evaluator 16A and the detection device 11A.

[0016] Similarly, the axle counter 10B counts the number of axles detected by a detection device 11B. An evaluator 16B counts the number of axles coming into the area of the detection device 11B and the number of axles going out from the area of the detection device 11B. The axle counter 10B includes the evaluator 16B and the detection device 11B.

[0017] Similarly, the axle counter 10E counts the number of axles detected by a detection device 11E. An evaluator 16E counts the number of axles coming into the area of the detection device 11E and the number of axles going out from the area of the detection device 11E. The axle counter 10E includes the evaluator 16E and the detection device 11E.

[0018] A signal device 14A is connected to an interlocking logic unit 12A, a signal device 14B is connected to an interlocking logic unit 12B, and a signal device 14E is connected to an interlocking control unit 17. Furthermore, the interlocking logic unit 12B is connected to a signal device 14B1 and a signal device 14B2.

[0019] The train security devices 15 are installed at the respective stations, and include interlocking logic units 12 that control train security devices 15 in the vicinity of the respective stations, man-machine interface units 13 that receive the operations of station attendants, and the interlocking control unit 17 that is installed in the machine room between stations and control a train security device 15 in the vicinity of the machine room.

[0020] In Fig 1, it will be assumed that train security devices 15 are a train security device 15A installed in A station, a train security device 15B installed in B station, and a train security device 15E installed in the machine room. The train security device 15A includes a man-machine interface unit 13A and the interlocking logic unit 12A. Similarly, the train security device 15B includes a man-machine interface unit 13B and the interlocking logic unit 12B. The train security device 15E includes the interlocking control unit 17. The interlocking logic units 12A, 12B, and the interlocking control unit 17 are connected to one another via a network 30.(2) Axle Counter Reset Processing according to This Embodiment

[0021] Fig. 2 shows an example of a processing procedure of axle counter reset processing in which the interlocking logic unit 12A resets the count values of the axle counters 10. The interlocking logic unit 12A resets the count values of all the axle counters 10 between A station and B station in accordance with the processing procedure shown in Fig. 2.

[0022] When it becomes necessary to reset the values of the evaluators 16A, 16B, and 16E between A station and B station, a station attendant at A station checks with eyes that any train is not on-rail between A station and B station. Subsequently, the station attendant at A station performs the reset operation of the axle counters 10, and issues a reset request using the man-machine interface unit 13A (SP101).

[0023] The interlocking logic unit 12A receives the reset request from the man-machine interface unit 13A, and transmits the fact that the reset request has been issued to the interlocking logic unit 12B via the network 30.

[0024] The interlocking logic unit 12B transmits the fact that the interlocking logic unit 12B is waiting for the acknowledgement of the reset request to the man-machine interface unit 13B. The interlocking logic unit 12B waits for an acknowledgement operation made by a station attendant at B station via the man-machine interface unit 13B for a certain time period, and judges whether there is the acknowledgement or not (SP102). In this judgment, if a negative acknowledgement is obtained, the flow goes back to step SP101. Here, the station attendant at B station performs the acknowledgement operation after checking that no train is on-rail between A station and B station.

[0025] On receiving the positive acknowledgement at step SP102, the interlocking logic unit 12B transmits acknowledgement information to the interlocking logic unit 12A via the network 30. On receiving the acknowledgement information, the interlocking logic unit 12A executes checking processing for checking train on-rail between A station and B station (SP103).

[0026] Fig. 3 shows an example of a processing procedure of the checking processing for checking train on-rail between A station and B station executed by the interlocking logic unit 12A. The interlocking logic unit 12A checks whether a train is on-rail between A station and B station or not in accordance with the processing procedure shown in Fig. 3.

[0027] The interlocking logic unit 12A obtains the number (a) and passing directions (b) of axles passing through A station going-out doorway detector 101 that are shown by the count value of A station going-out doorway detector 101 from the evaluator 16A (SP201).

[0028] The interlocking logic unit 12A transmits the count value of A station going-out doorway detector 101 to the interlocking logic unit 12B via the network 30.

[0029] On receiving the count value, the interlocking logic unit 12A judges whether or not there is an axle passing through A station going-out doorway detector 101 and the passing direction of the axle is the traveling direction (a>0 and b=the traveling direction or not?) (SP202). If a negative acknowledgement is obtained at this judgment, the flow proceeds to step SP206.

[0030] On obtaining a positive acknowledgement at step SP202, the interlocking logic unit 12A judges that a train is on-rail between A station and B station (S203). In accordance with this judgment, the interlocking logic unit 12A updates "Up-Line" row of "Between A-B" column T12 of A station table T1 that is a table for train on-rail information shown in Fig. 4 so that "Up-Line" row becomes 1 (on-rail).

[0031] A station table T1 is possessed by the interlocking logic unit 12A, and B station table T2 is possessed by the interlocking logic unit 12B. In order to keep the contents of "Between A-B" column T12 of A station table T1 and the contents of "Between A-B" column T21 of B station table T2 equal, a changed content is always reflected in the contents of both columns via the network 30. For example, whether a change has occurred or not is checked at 500-millisecond cycles, and if there is a change, the content of the change is reflected in both tables.

[0032] In this embodiment, it will be assumed that a direction from A station to B station is an up-line direction, and a direction from B station to A station is a down-line direction. In addition, in this embodiment, it will be assumed that, as the railway track, two lines, that is, a line for up-line trains and a line for down-line trains are laid down. Therefore, each of A station table T1 and B station table T2 shown in Fig. 4 includes "Up-Line" row and "Down-Line" row.

[0033] Furthermore, each table includes on-rail information between a station to which each table belongs and neighboring stations. For example, B station table T2 includes "Between A-B" column T21 for storing on-rail information between B station and A station that is one of neighboring stations of B station, and "Between B-C" column T22 for storing on-rail information between B station and C station that is the other of neighboring stations of B station.

[0034] Because A station is a starting station, column T11 does not stores any on-rail information. Similarly, a terminal station includes only one column just like the starting station.

[0035] After the interlocking logic unit 12A updates A station table T1, the interlocking logic unit 12B obtains the number (c) and passing directions (d) of axles passing through B station coming-into doorway detector 102 that are shown by the count value of B station coming-into doorway detector 102 from the evaluator 16B (SP204).

[0036] On obtaining the count value of B station coming-into doorway detector 102, the interlocking logic unit 12B compares the count value of B station coming-into doorway detector 102 with the count value of A station going-out doorway detector 101 transmitted from the interlocking logic unit 12A. In other words, the interlocking logic unit 12B judges whether or not the number of axles passing through A station going-out doorway detector 101 and the number of axles passing through B station coming-into doorway detector 102 are equal to each other, and whether or not the traveling direction of axles passing through A station going-out doorway detector 101 and the traveling direction of axles passing through B station coming-into doorway detector 102 are equal to each other (a=c & b=d?) (SP205). If the interlocking logic unit 12A receives the fact that a negative result has been obtained from the interlocking logic unit 12B at this judgment via the tables for train on-rail information, this checking processing for checking train on-rail between A station and B station is finished.

[0037] On receiving a positive result at step SP205, the interlocking logic unit 12B judges that any train is not on-rail between A station B station (SP206). In accordance with this judgment, the interlocking logic unit 12B updates "Up-Line" row of "Between A-B" column T12 of B station table T2 that is a table for train on-rail information shown in Fig. 4 so that "Up-Line" row becomes 0 (non on-rail).

[0038] In order to keep the contents of "Between A-B" column T12 of A station table T1 and the contents of "Between A-B" column T21 of B station table T2 equal, a changed content is always reflected in the contents of both columns via the network 30. Therefore, the interlocking logic unit 12A recognizes that any train is not on-rail between A station and B station.

[0039] After obtaining on-rail information or non on-rail information from the checking processing for checking train on-rail between A station and B station, the interlocking logic unit 12A judges whether any train is non on-rail or not on the basis of this information (SP104). If a negative result is obtained at this judgment, the flow goes back to step SP101.

[0040] If the interlocking logic unit 12A obtains a positive result at step SP104, the interlocking logic unit 12A resets the count values of all the axle counters 10 between A station and B station (S105).

[0041] To put it concretely, the axle counter 10A is instructed to be reset via the interlocking logic unit 12A, the axle counter 10B is instructed to be reset via the interlocking logic unit 12B, and the axle counter 10E is instructed to be reset via the interlocking control unit 17.(3) Advantageous Effect of This Embodiment

[0042] Before the axle counters 10 are reset, a work operation, in which station attendants at both stations check that any train is not on-rail between both stations, is performed, and on top of that, the train security system 1 also checks that any train is not on-rail between both stations. Therefore, the reset operation of the axle counters can be prevented in the case where a train is on-rail between both stations, so that human errors can be prevented and safety can be ensured.(4) Another Embodiment

[0043] Although a configuration in which each of A station, B station, and the machine room manages one axle counter 10 has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and for example, it is also conceivable that each of A station, B station, and the machine room manages plural axle counters 10, or there are plural machine rooms.

[0044] In addition, although a case where a train security device 15 and a ground device are connected one-on-one has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this case, and for example, it is also conceivable that the train security device 15A is connected to all the ground devices 14 between A station and B station or connected to plural ground devices 14. Furthermore, the train security device 15A is not only directly connected to the ground devices 14E and 14B, but also can be connected to the ground devices 14E and 14B via the network 30, the interlocking control unit 17, or the interlocking logic unit 12B.

[0045] In addition, although a case where the ground devices 14 are used as signal devices has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this case, and for example, it is also conceivable that the ground devices 14 are balises and / or point-switches, and the ground devices 14 obtains information regarding trains disposed on a traveling track between A station and B station and the traveling track or controls the trains and the traveling track. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the interlocking logic units 12 are connected to plural ground devices 14 as is the case with the interlocking logic unit 12B being connected to the signal devices 14B1 and 14B2.

[0046] In addition, although the train security system 1 performs the check operation (SP104) after the acknowledgement operation performed by the attendant at B station (SP102 in Fig. 2), the present invention does not always require this order, and for example, this order can be reversed.

[0047] Furthermore, although the above embodiment has been described on the premise that the station attendant at B station performs the acknowledgement operation (SP102 in Fig. 2), the present invention can be achieved without the acknowledgement operation performed by the station attendant at B station.

[0048] In addition, although the above embodiment has been described on the premise that the track is a double track, the present invention can be achieved in the case of the track being a single track or a quadruple track.List of Reference Signs

[0049] 1··· Train Security System, 10··· Axle Counter, 11, 11A, 11B, 11E··· Detection Device, 12, 12A, 12B··· Interlocking Logic Unit, 13, 13A, 13B··· Man-Machine Interface Unit, 14··· Ground Device, 14A, 14B, 14B1, 14B2, 14E··· Signal Device, 15, 15A, 15B, 15E··· Train Security Device, 16, 16A, 16B, 16E··· Evaluator, 17··· Interlocking Control Unit, 20··· Track, 30··· Network

Claims

1. A train security system (1) for safely running trains, comprising: a plurality of axle counters (10) that are disposed at least at both ends of a specific section of a traveling track (20) and arranged in parallel with the specific section, and that detect the traveling directions and the number of axles of trains passing nearby; and a plurality of train security devices (15) that are disposed at least in the vicinities of both ends of the specific section and arranged in parallel with the specific section, wherein one train security device of the plurality of train security devices (15) is configured to obtain the number of axles coming into the specific section on the basis of one axle counter of the plurality of axle counters (10), and another train security device of the plurality of train security devices is configured to obtain the number of axles going out from the specific section on the basis of another axle counter of the plurality of axle counters, and the one train security device of the plurality of train security devices (15) and the other train security device of the plurality of train security devices are configured to communicate with each other, characterized in that, if the numbers of the axles, which are recognized by both the one train security device (15) and the other train security device (15) respectively, are equal to each other, the one train security device of the plurality of train security devices is configured to transmit a reset signal to all the axle counters (10) belonging to the specific section.

2. The train security system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the train security devices (15) are configured to communicate with ground devices (14) for controlling trains.

3. The train security system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the ground devices (14) are balises, point-switches, and / or signals, and the ground devices (14) are configured to obtain information regarding the trains disposed in the specific section of the traveling track (20), or are configured to control the trains and the traveling track.

4. The train security system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the one train security device of the plurality train security devices (15) is configured to receive a reset request via a man-machine interface unit (13) of the one train security device, and is further configured to transmit information that the one train security device has received the reset request to the other train security device of the plurality train security devices via a network (30), the other train security device (15) is configured to transmit information that the other train security device is waiting for an acknowledgement via a man-machine interface unit (13) of the other train security device, and when the other train security device receives the acknowledgement operation via the man-machine interface unit, the other train security device is configured to transmit the acknowledgement information to the one train security device via the network (30), and the one train security device (15) does not transmit a reset signal to any axle counter (10) belonging to the specific section if the numbers of axles, which are recognized by both the one train security device (15) and the other train security device (15) respectively, are not equal to each other although the one train security device has received the acknowledgement information.

5. The train security system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the one train security device (15) is configured to transmit the count value of the one axle counter to the other train security device via the network, and if the number of the axles coming into the specific section, which is obtained on the basis of the value of the one axle counter (10), is larger than 0, the one train security device is further configured to set a column corresponding to the specific section and a coming-into direction obtained on the basis of the value of the one axle counter in one table (T1), which is managed by the one train security device, of tables for train on-rail information to "on-rail", and the one train security device is further configured to reflect "on-rail" in a column corresponding to the specific section and the coming-into direction to the specific section in another table (T2), which is managed by the other train security device, of the tables for train on-rail information, while the other train security device (15) is configured to judge whether or not the number of the axles and the coming-into direction that are obtained on the basis of the count value of the one axle counter (10) transmitted from the one train security device, and the number of the axles and a coming-into direction that are obtained on the basis of the count value of the other axle counter are equal to each other respectively, and in the case where an affirmative result is obtained, the other train security device is further configured to set a column corresponding to the specific section and the obtained coming-into direction to "non on-rail", and reflects "non on-rail" in a column corresponding to the specific section and the obtained coming-into direction in the one table (T1), and the fact that the numbers of the axles, which are recognized by both the one train security device (15) and the other train security device (15) respectively, are equal to each other in the one train security device means that information of "non on-rail" is obtainable from the column corresponding to the specific section and the obtained coming-into direction in the one table (T1).

6. A train security method used for a train security system (1) for safely running trains, wherein the train security system (1) includes: a plurality of axle counters (10) that are disposed at least at both ends of a specific section of a traveling track (20) and arranged in parallel with the specific section, and that detect the traveling directions and the number of axles of trains passing nearby; and a plurality of train security devices (15) that are disposed at least in the vicinities of both ends of the specific section and arranged in parallel with the specific section, the train security method comprising: a first step in which one train security device of the plurality of train security devices (15) obtains the number of axles coming into the specific section on the basis of one axle counter of the plurality of axle counters (10); a second step in which another train security device of the plurality of train security devices (15) obtains the number of axles going out from the specific section on the basis of another axle counter of the plurality of axle counters (10); and a third step in which the one train security device of the plurality of train security devices (15) and the other train security device of the plurality of train security devices communicate with each other, characterized in that, if the numbers of axles, which are recognized by both the one train security device (15) and the other train security device (15) respectively, are equal to each other, the one train security device of the plurality of train security devices transmits a reset signal to all the axle counters (10) belonging to the specific section.