Train formation control system and train formation control method

Abstract

This invention provides a train formation control system and method that enable network connection between train formations and network separation within train formations without waiting for the physical coupling / uncoupling of electrical couplers, and that perform processing related to the coupling and splitting of train formations. [Solution] In the train formation control system, train formation 1A and train formation 1B are each equipped with a control device and a millimeter-wave transmission device. When train formation 1A and train formation 1B are separate formations, each control device, upon receiving the coupling signal, causes each millimeter-wave transmission device to search for each other to establish a transmission path. Once the transmission path is established, it performs the coupling process between train formation 1A and train formation 1B. When train formation 1A and train formation 1B are a single formation, upon receiving the coupling signal, it performs the separation process between train formation 1A and train formation 1B. Once the separation process is complete, it terminates radio wave transmission to each millimeter-wave transmission device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a train formation control system and a train formation control method.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, various systems such as a monitoring camera system and a communication system for monitoring passengers are installed in train formations, and these systems are generally network-connected within the train formation. On the other hand, when combining or splitting train formations, it is necessary to combine or separate systems between each train formation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses combining a new formation and an old formation with different control characteristics, converting a command of B characteristics into a command of A characteristics by a control transmission device and transmitting it to a control device of the old formation, and transmitting the converted command of A characteristics to a control device of the new formation to control the new formation by A characteristics. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a network configuration for combining and splitting trains.

[0005] However, both Patent Documents 1 and 2 use the detection of physical coupling / uncoupling of electrical couplers as a trigger for coupling or uncoupling of train formations, and the processing related to network connection and separation between train formations is performed after such physical coupling / uncoupling. Therefore, it is not possible to confirm the train formation to be coupled or uncoupled before physical coupling / uncoupling, nor is it possible to reconfigure the system in conjunction with the coupling or uncoupling of train formations.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a technology that enables network connection between train sets and network separation within train sets without waiting for the physical coupling / uncoupling of electrical couplers, and that allows processing related to the coupling and splitting of train sets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, one representative train formation control system of the present invention comprises a first train formation and a second train formation, each equipped with a control device and a radio wave transmission device. When the first and second train formations are separate formations, the control device, upon receiving the coupling signal, causes each radio wave transmission device to search for each other to establish a transmission path. Once the transmission path is established, it performs the coupling process between the first and second train formations. When the first and second train formations are a single formation, upon receiving the coupling signal, it performs the separation process between the first and second train formations. Once the separation process is complete, it terminates radio wave transmission to each radio wave transmission device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that enables network connection and separation between train sets without waiting for the physical coupling / uncoupling of electrical couplers, and that performs processing associated with the coupling and splitting of train sets. Issues, structures, and effects other than those mentioned above will be clarified by the following explanation of the implementation methods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a train formation control system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the state before the coupling process begins. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a trigger that starts the coupling process. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the preparation state for coupling processing. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the start state of the coupling process. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the completed state of the coupling process. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the state before the partitioning process begins. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a trigger that starts the splitting process. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the start state of the partitioning process. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of the execution state of the partitioning process. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of the completed state of the partitioning process. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the current formation. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a link-up state. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of a coupled configuration. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a reconnected state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0011] When there are a plurality of components having the same or similar functions, they may be described by attaching different subscripts (such as A-4 or B-1) to the same reference numeral. Also, when it is not necessary to distinguish these plurality of components, the subscripts may be omitted in the description.

[0012] In addition, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various elements or components, but these terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another.

[0013] The positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. of the components shown in the drawings may not represent the actual positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. in order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the positions, sizes, shapes, ranges, etc. disclosed in the drawings.

[0014] First, the terms used in this disclosure will be described. (Combination process) In this disclosure, the combination process is a process performed when combining train formations, which means the entire process of interconnecting the networks between train formations, integrating the information of each train formation, and constructing an integrated formation information and system as the combined train formation. For example, the process of reconstructing the monitoring camera system for each train formation into the monitoring camera system of one combined train formation is included in this. Note that the combination process may include physical processes such as the connection of electrical couplers.

[0015] (Separation process) In this disclosure, the separation process is a process performed when separating train formations, which means the entire process of separating the networks within the train formation, eliminating the integration of the information of the train formation, and reconstructing the formation information and system for each separated train formation. For example, the process of reconstructing the monitoring camera system of one train formation into the monitoring camera systems for each separated train formation is included in this. Note that the separation process may include physical processes such as the release of electrical couplers.

[0016] <Configuration of the train formation control system> Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the train formation control system of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a train formation control system. As shown in Figure 1, the train formation control system is installed on train 1A and train 1B. In this embodiment, train 1A is a four-car formation consisting of vehicles 10A-1 to 10A-4, and train 1B is a two-car formation consisting of vehicles 10B-1 and 10B-2. The leading or trailing vehicles 10A-1, 10A-4, 10B-1, and 10B-2 are equipped with driver's cabs (not shown). Hereinafter, the formation of train 1A will be referred to as formation A, and the formation of train 1B will be referred to as formation B. In this example, formation A and formation B face each other at vehicle 10A-4 and vehicle 10B-1, and these vehicles are coupled / uncoupled by an electrical coupler (not shown). In the following description, these vehicles may be referred to as coupled vehicles or uncoupled vehicles.

[0017] The train formation control system of this embodiment includes a camera 11, a monitor 12, a network switch 13, a millimeter-wave transmission device 14, and a control device 15. Each of these devices will be described below.

[0018] Camera 11 monitors train passengers and is installed in each car of trainset A and B. The video captured by camera 11 is displayed on monitor 12 via network switch 13 or sent to a video recording device (not shown) for storage. Camera 11 may include cameras that film passengers inside the cars as well as cameras installed on the sides of the cars that film passengers getting on and off at the car doors. Furthermore, for cameras installed on the sides of the cars, it is desirable to have at least one pair per car, facing each other so as to film the area around the car doors from both the front and rear directions of the car. Camera 11 may film continuously while the train is in operation, or it may be possible to switch the filming ON / OFF at the timing of arrival and departure at stations or when the car doors open and close.

[0019] Monitor 12 is a display device that shows the driver images captured by camera 11 and information necessary for train operation and formation management. Monitor 12 may be mounted in the driver's cab or located outside the train formation, such as in the operations control room. Monitor 12 may also consist of multiple screens.

[0020] The network switch 13 is a relay device for information and signals transmitted and received between vehicles, and is installed in each vehicle. For example, camera 11A-2 is connected to network switch 13A-2 in vehicle 10A-2, and camera 11A-4, monitor 12A-4, millimeter-wave transmission device 14A-4, and control device 15A-4 are connected to network switch 13A-4 in vehicle 10A-4. The network switches 13 in each vehicle are cascaded with the network switches 13 of adjacent vehicles, thereby creating an IP network within the train formation.

[0021] The millimeter-wave transmission device 14 is used for wireless communication with other train sets, and in this embodiment, it is installed in the coupled / separated cars. Note that any radio wave transmission device capable of wireless communication with other train sets can be used, not just a millimeter-wave transmission device.

[0022] The control device 15 has the function of controlling the operation of the entire train formation control system and performs coupling and uncoupling processes described later. In this embodiment, it is installed in the vehicle where the driver's cab is located.

[0023] <Combined processing> Next, the coupling process of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 6. Figure 2 shows an example of the state before the coupling process begins. In this example, car 4 of train set A and car 1 of train set B are the coupled cars. When train set A and train set B are separate train sets (divided into A and B), the coupling signal is OFF in their respective control devices 15A-4 and 15B-1.

[0024] The following describes the four steps involved in the coupling process. (Coupling Step 1) Figure 3 shows an example of a trigger for initiating the coupling process. The coupling signal is turned ON in the control devices 15A-4 and 15B-1 of each coupled vehicle by an operation by the crew or other personnel. The crew or other personnel may use a monitor or other input means for this operation.

[0025] (Coupling Step 2) Figure 4 shows an example of the preparation state for coupling processing. When the coupling signal is turned ON, each control device 15A-4 and 15B-1 sends an output start command to the millimeter-wave transmission devices 14A-4 and 14B-1 of the respective coupling vehicles, causing them to search for a train formation that can be coupled.

[0026] (Coupling Step 3) Figure 5 shows an example of the start state of the coupling process. When the search is successful and a train set that can be coupled is found, a transmission path is established between the millimeter-wave transmission devices 14A-4 and 14B-1 of each coupled car, and the network switch 13A of train set A and the network switch 13B of train set B link up. Each control device 15A-4 and 15B-1 executes the coupling process triggered by the link-up of the network switches 13A and 13B.

[0027] (Coupling Step 4) Figure 6 shows an example of the completed coupling process. Once the coupling process is complete, the networks of train set A and train set B are connected and become one unified network of train set A and B, and the individual systems of train set A and train set B that existed before coupling are reconstructed as the system of train set A and B.

[0028] If physical coupling (for example, connecting electrical couplers) is not performed between train set A and train set B during the coupling process in coupling step 3, then physical coupling will be performed after coupling step 4.

[0029] With this configuration, in this embodiment, even when coupling with an electrical coupler is not performed, the network is connected wirelessly between train sets, allowing for confirmation of the train set status after coupling and operation of the system of the newly coupled train set without physical constraints. Furthermore, there is no need to install new wiring between train sets when coupling.

[0030] <Splitting process> Next, the division process of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 11. Figure 7 shows an example of the state before the splitting process begins. This figure shows the same state as Figure 6. In this example, car 4 of train set A and car 1 of train set B are the cars to be split. When train sets A and B are in the state of being a single train set (coupled as train set A and B), the coupling signal is ON in the respective control devices 15A-4 and 15B-1.

[0031] The following describes the four steps involved in the splitting process. (Division Step 1) Figure 8 shows an example of a trigger for initiating the splitting process. The coupling signal is turned OFF in the control devices 15A-4 and 15B-1 of the split cars in the A and B formations by an operation by the crew or other personnel. Turning the coupling signal OFF may be done by an OFF input for the coupling signal, or by an ON input for a splitting signal separate from the coupling signal. Furthermore, the crew or other personnel may use a monitor or other input means for their operation.

[0032] (Division Step 2) Figure 9 shows an example of the start state of the splitting process. Each control device 15A-4 and 15B-1 starts the splitting process when the coupling signal is turned OFF.

[0033] (Division Step 3) Figure 10 shows an example of the execution state of the splitting process. Each control device 15A-4 and 15B-1 executes the splitting process, and upon completion, sends an output termination command to the millimeter-wave transmission devices 14A-4 and 14B-1 of each split vehicle to terminate millimeter-wave transmission.

[0034] (Division Step 4) Figure 11 shows an example of the completed state of the splitting process. When millimeter-wave transmission from the millimeter-wave transmission devices 14A-4 and 14B-1 of the split vehicle ends and the transmission path is disconnected, the network switch 13A of train set A and the network switch 13B of train set B link down. In this state, the connection between the network of train set A and the network of train set B is disconnected, and the systems of train sets A and B before splitting are reconstructed as the systems of train set A and B.

[0035] If a physical separation (for example, opening the electrical coupler) does not occur between train set A and train set B during the separation process performed in separation step 3, the physical separation will be performed after separation step 4.

[0036] With this configuration, in this embodiment, even when the electrical couplers are not released, the network is separated wirelessly, allowing for confirmation of the train formation after splitting and operation of the systems of each train formation after splitting, without physical constraints. Furthermore, there is no need to disconnect wiring between train formations during splitting.

[0037] <Organization management function> Next, the organization management function of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 15. The train formation control system of this embodiment is equipped with a formation management function using a monitor, making it easy to check or change the current formation status.

[0038] Figure 12 shows an example of the current train formation. As shown in Figure 12(a), the current A formation is a 4-car formation and is not coupled with any other formations. Figure 12(b) shows the formation status confirmation screen 20 displayed on monitor 12A-4 in this state. The formation status confirmation screen 20 displays formation information such as formation number 21, car number 22, connection status 23, output 24, and equipment status 25, and also provides buttons for changing the train formation: a coupling button 26, a splitting button 27, and a re-coupling button 28.

[0039] Here, car number 22 represents a car that can be coupled or separated, connection status 23 represents the connection status of the network between train formations, output 24 represents the output of the millimeter-wave transmission device 14, and equipment status 25 represents the status of equipment related to coupling / separation, such as the control device 15.

[0040] In this example, the train formation status confirmation screen 20 allows the user to confirm that the train formation number is A formation, that the cars that can be coupled are cars 1 and 4, that the train is not coupled with any other formations (there is no display of connection status 23 and output 24), and that the status of equipment such as the control device 15 is normal.

[0041] Figure 13 shows an example of a link-up state. When the coupling button 26 is pressed on the train formation status confirmation screen 20 in Figure 12(b), the coupling signal is turned ON in the control devices 15 of the train formation itself and surrounding train formations, and the millimeter-wave transmission device 14 searches for train formations that can be coupled together. Figure 13(a) shows the state in which train formation C becomes a coupled train formation and the network switch 13 links up with train formation C. Figure 13(b) shows the train formation status confirmation screen 20 displayed on monitor 12A-4 in this state.

[0042] In this example, the train formation status confirmation screen 20 allows us to confirm that car 4 of train formation A and car 1 of train formation C are coupled vehicles, that a transmission path has been established between train formation A and train formation C, and that the network switch 13 between train formation A and train formation C is in a link-up state.

[0043] Figure 14 shows an example of a coupled configuration. As shown in Figure 14(a), train set A is coupled with train set C to form train set AC. Figure 14(b) shows the train set status confirmation screen 20 displayed on monitor 12A-4 in this configuration.

[0044] In this example, the train formation status confirmation screen 20 confirms that the network between train formation A and train formation C is connected and the coupling process is complete.

[0045] Here, when a train set is coupled with another train set, if it has information about the coupling partner (the train set to be coupled) in advance, or if information about the coupling partner is sent from a higher-level system, then it will not mistakenly couple with the wrong train set. On the other hand, if the information about the coupling partner is not known in advance, there is a possibility that the coupling process may be performed with an unexpected partner.

[0046] The train formation management function of this embodiment can also handle such cases. For example, in Figure 14, if the correct coupling partner for train formation A is actually train formation B instead of train formation C, in this embodiment, the split button 27 is pressed to perform a split process with train formation C, and then the re-coupling button 28 is pressed to search for train formation B, thereby performing a coupling process with train formation B.

[0047] The re-coupling button 28 is necessary if there is a specific process required for re-coupling, such as recording that the unit has been re-coupled. However, if such a situation is not anticipated, it may be omitted and replaced with the coupling button 26.

[0048] Figure 15 shows an example of a re-coupled state. As shown in Figure 15(a), the AC train set is separated, and the A train set is re-coupled with the B train set to form the AB train set. Figure 15(b) shows the train set status confirmation screen 20 displayed on monitor 12A-4 in this state.

[0049] Thus, in this embodiment, the current train formation can be checked, and recovery can be easily performed even if the train is coupled / separated with an unexpected train formation.

[0050] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0051] The present invention also includes the following embodiments. <Variation> (Aspect 1) A train formation control system that includes a first train formation and a second train formation, and controls these train formations, The first train formation and the second train formation each include a control device and a radio transmission device, Each of the aforementioned control devices is In the case where the first train formation and the second train formation are different formations, when the coupling signal is turned ON, the respective radio transmission devices are made to search for each other to establish a transmission path, and once the transmission path is established, the coupling process between the first train formation and the second train formation is executed. If the first train formation and the second train formation constitute a single formation, when the coupling signal is turned OFF, the process of separating the first train formation and the second train formation is executed, and once the separation process is complete, radio wave transmission to each of the radio wave transmission devices is terminated. A train formation control system characterized by the following features.

[0052] (Aspect 2) A train formation control system that includes a first train formation and a second train formation which is a different formation from the first train formation, and controls these train formations, The first train formation and the second train formation each include a control device and a radio transmission device, When the coupling signal is turned ON, each control device causes each radio transmission device to search for each other to establish a transmission path, and once the transmission path is established, it executes the coupling process between the first train formation and the second train formation. A train formation control system characterized by the following features.

[0053] (Aspect 3) A train formation control system that includes a first train formation and a second train formation which is a single formation from the first train formation, and controls these train formations, The first train formation and the second train formation each include a control device and a radio transmission device, When the coupling signal is turned OFF, each control device performs a separation process between the first train formation and the second train formation, and when the separation process is completed, it terminates radio wave transmission to each radio wave transmission device. A train formation control system characterized by the following features.

[0054] (Aspect 4) In any of the train formation control systems in embodiments 1 to 3, Equipped with a monitor, Each control unit displays information about the train formation on a monitor and changes the train formation based on input from the monitor. A train formation control system characterized by the following features.

[0055] (Appendix 5) A train formation control method that includes a first train formation and a second train formation, and controls these train formations, The control devices provided in the first train formation and the second train formation, If the first train formation and the second train formation are different formations, when the coupling signal is turned ON, the radio transmission devices of the first and second train formations are made to search for each other in order to establish a transmission path, and once the transmission path is established, the coupling process between the first and second train formations is executed, If the first train formation and the second train formation constitute a single formation, when the coupling signal is turned OFF, the process of separating the first train formation and the second train formation is executed, and once the separation process is complete, radio wave transmission to each of the radio wave transmission devices is terminated. A train formation control method characterized by the following.

[0056] (Aspect 6) A train formation control method that includes a first train formation and a second train formation which is a different formation from the first train formation, and controls these train formations, The control devices provided in the first train formation and the second train formation, When the coupling signal is turned ON, the radio transmission devices of the first and second train sets are made to search for each other to establish a transmission path, and once the transmission path is established, the coupling process between the first and second train sets is executed. A train formation control method characterized by the following.

[0057] (Aspect 7) A train formation control method that includes a first train formation and a second train formation which is a single train formation, and controls these train formations, The control devices provided in the first train formation and the second train formation, When the coupling signal is turned OFF, the process of separating the first train formation from the second train formation is executed, and once the separation process is complete, radio wave transmission is terminated to the radio wave transmission devices of the first and second train formations. A train formation control method characterized by the following.

[0058] (Pattern 8) In any of the train formation control methods in embodiments 5 to 7, Each control device displays information about the train formation on a monitor and makes changes to the train formation based on input from the monitor. A train formation control method characterized by the following. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1A, 1B, 1C train formation 10, 10A-1, 10A-2, 10A-3, 10A-4, 10B-1, 10B-2: Vehicles 11, 11A-1, 11A-2, 11A-3, 11A-4, 11B-1, 11B-2: Camera 12, 12A-1, 12A-4, 12B-1, 12B-2: Monitor 13, 13A-1, 13A-2, 13A-3, 13A-4, 13B-1, 13B-2: Network switches 14, 14A-4, 14B-1: Millimeter-wave transmission equipment 15, 15A-1, 15A-4, 15B-1, 15B-2: Control devices 20: Formation Status Confirmation Screen 21: Train set number Car No. 22 23: Connection status 24: Output 25: Equipment Status 26: Coupling button 27: Split button 28: Reconnection button

Claims

1. A train formation control system that includes a first train formation and a second train formation, and controls these train formations, The first train formation and the second train formation each include a control device and a radio transmission device, Each of the aforementioned control devices is If the first train formation and the second train formation are different formations, when the coupling signal is turned ON, the respective radio transmission devices are made to search for each other to establish a transmission path, and once the transmission path is established, the coupling process between the first train formation and the second train formation is executed. If the first train formation and the second train formation constitute a single formation, when the coupling signal is turned OFF, the first train formation and the second train formation are separated, and once the separation process is complete, radio wave transmission to each of the radio wave transmission devices is terminated. A train formation control system characterized by the following features.

2. A train formation control system that includes a first train formation and a second train formation which is a different formation from the first train formation, and controls these train formations, The first train formation and the second train formation each include a control device and a radio transmission device, When the coupling signal is turned ON, each control device causes each radio transmission device to search for each other to establish a transmission path, and once the transmission path is established, it executes the coupling process between the first train formation and the second train formation. A train formation control system characterized by the following features.

3. A train formation control system that includes a first train formation and a second train formation which is a single formation from the first train formation, and controls these train formations, The first train formation and the second train formation each include a control device and a radio transmission device, When the coupling signal is turned OFF, each control device performs a separation process between the first train formation and the second train formation, and when the separation process is completed, it terminates radio wave transmission to each radio wave transmission device. A train formation control system characterized by the following features.

4. In the train formation control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Equipped with a monitor, Each control unit displays information about the train formation on a monitor and changes the train formation based on input from the monitor. A train formation control system characterized by the following features.

5. A train formation control method that includes a first train formation and a second train formation, and controls these train formations, The control devices provided in the first train formation and the second train formation, If the first train formation and the second train formation are different formations, when the coupling signal is turned ON, the radio transmission devices of the first train formation and the second train formation are made to search for each other in order to establish a transmission path, and once the transmission path is established, the coupling process between the first train formation and the second train formation is executed, If the first train formation and the second train formation constitute a single formation, when the coupling signal is turned OFF, the first train formation and the second train formation are separated, and once the separation process is complete, radio wave transmission to each of the radio wave transmission devices is terminated. A train formation control method characterized by the following.

6. A train formation control method that includes a first train formation and a second train formation which is a different formation from the first train formation, and controls these train formations, The control devices provided in the first train formation and the second train formation, When the coupling signal is turned ON, the radio transmission devices of the first and second train sets are made to search for each other to establish a transmission path, and once the transmission path is established, the coupling process between the first and second train sets is executed. A train formation control method characterized by the following.

7. A train formation control method that includes a first train formation and a second train formation which is a single formation from the first train formation, and controls these train formations, The control devices provided in the first train formation and the second train formation, When the coupling signal is turned OFF, the process of separating the first train formation and the second train formation is executed, and once the separation process is complete, radio wave transmission is terminated to the radio wave transmission devices of the first train formation and the second train formation, respectively. A train formation control method characterized by the following.

8. In the train formation control method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, Each control device displays information about the train formation on a monitor and makes changes to the train formation based on input from the monitor. A train formation control method characterized by the following.

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