Dead man's switch

Abstract

This invention provides a deadman's switch that, if the deadman's switch is held down due to a malfunction or other reason, will disable the train's movement, thereby preventing the train from continuing to run when the deadman's switch is inoperable. [Solution] The system includes a deadman switch state holding unit that maintains either the on or off state of the deadman switch, a stop detection unit that, when it detects that the train has stopped, switches the state held by the deadman switch state holding unit to the off state, and a contact unit that allows the train to run when the deadman switch state holding unit is in the on state, and prevents the train from running when the deadman switch state holding unit is in the off state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dead man device.

Background Art

[0002] A dead man device is a device that gives a warning with a bell or the like when the driver loses consciousness due to sudden illness or the like during the operation of a train, and applies an emergency brake when this is not confirmed for a certain period of time or more. Generally, dead man devices include those that continuously press a switch or knob provided in a main controller (master controller, master con), and those that continuously step on a foot switch or pedal. The dead man device has a function of outputting an emergency brake when the driver continuously presses or steps on the switch, knob, or pedal of the dead man device during the operation of the train, and releases the switch, knob, or pedal during the operation.

[0003] As a conventional dead man device, there is an adaptive dead man device that improves the safety of vehicle running by increasing the minimum burden on the driver. For example, in the adaptive dead man device of Patent Document 1, an arousal level check mode notification device or the like is provided, and the subsequent intermittent check time is flexibly changed from the normal intermittent check time according to the treatment action of the driver on the dead man switch. When a decrease in the arousal level is suspected (warning mode), a check is performed with a shorter intermittent check time.

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when the switch of the dead man device is continuously pressed due to a failure or the like, an emergency brake cannot be output, and there is a problem that the train can continue to run in a state where the function of the dead man switch is lost.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the problems described above, and aims to provide a deadman device that prevents a train from continuing to run when the deadman switch is not functioning, by disabling train operation if the deadman device switch is held down due to a malfunction or other reason. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The deadman device according to this disclosure includes: a deadman switch state holding unit that holds either the on state or the off state of the deadman switch; a stop detection unit that, when it detects that the train has stopped, switches the switch state held by the deadman switch state holding unit to the off state; and a contact unit that allows the train to run when the deadman switch state holding unit is in the on state, and prevents the train from running when the deadman switch state holding unit is in the off state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the deadman device described herein, if the switch of the deadman device is pressed continuously due to a malfunction or other reason, the train's operation is disabled, thereby preventing the train from continuing to run in a state where the deadman switch's function is lost. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of the deadman device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure (during train operation). [Figure 3] This figure shows the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure (when the train is stopped). [Figure 4] This figure shows the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure (when the deadman switch is turned on after the train has stopped). [Figure 5]This figure shows the configuration of the deadman device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This figure shows the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure (during train operation). [Figure 7] This figure shows the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure (when the train is stopped). [Figure 8] This figure shows the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure (when the deadman switch is turned on after the train has stopped). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals. The explanation of such parts will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a deadman device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, train 1 is equipped with a brake device 2, a drive device 3, and a deadman device 4.

[0013] The braking device 2 controls the deceleration, stopping, and maintenance of the train 1 based on brake commands input by the master controller (not shown) via brake command lines wired within the train 1.

[0014] The drive unit 3 accelerates train 1 based on power commands (notches) input by the master controller via power command lines wired within train 1.

[0015] The deadman device 4 includes a deadman switch 5, a deadman switch state holding unit 6, a speed detection unit 7, a stop detection unit 8, a deadman switch contact unit 9, and a contact unit 10.

[0016] The dead man's switch 5 is a switch or knob provided on the main controller installed on the train's driver's cab. The dead man's switch 5 can be either switched on by continuously pressing the switch or knob, or switched off by any other operation. The driver operates the main controller while continuously pressing the dead man's switch 5 to switch it on, thereby driving the train. The dead man's switch 5 outputs the switched-on state or the switched-off state to the dead man's switch state holding unit 6. Note that the dead man's switch 5 may also be a foot switch or pedal provided at the driver's feet on the driver's cab.

[0017] The dead man's switch state holding unit 6 receives the switched-on state or the switched-off state of the dead man's switch 5 and holds the switch state. Furthermore, when the stop detection of the stop detection unit 8 is turned on, the dead man's switch state holding unit 6 resets the held switch state, that is, switches it to the off state. When the stop detection of the stop detection unit 8 is turned off, the dead man's switch state holding unit 6 holds the held switch state as it is. The dead man's switch state holding unit 6 is composed of software generated by a program described in a programming language in order to hold the switch state and reset the switch state. Note that the dead man's switch state holding unit 6 may also be composed of hardware such as a latch relay circuit or a PLC (programmable logic controller) equipped with a program.

[0018] The speed detection unit 7 detects the speed of the train by means of a tachogenerator, a speed sensor, GPS (Global Positioning System), etc., and outputs the train speed to the stop detection unit 8.

[0019] When the train speed input from the speed detection unit 7 is 0 km / h, the stop detection unit 8 detects the stop of the train and the stop detection is turned on. When the train speed input from the speed detection unit 7 is other than 0 km / h, the stop detection is turned off. Furthermore, if the train speed is close to 0 km / h, for example, 1 km / h or 2 km / h, the train speed may be considered as 0 km / h. Furthermore, the method for detecting a train's stop can be any means necessary as long as it can detect that the train has stopped. For example, the train's stop could be detected when it stops at a station and its doors open.

[0020] The deadman switch contact section 9 is a contact provided on the brake command line that connects the master controller and the brake device 2. When the deadman switch 5 is switched on, the deadman switch contact 9 becomes unpressurized, and the brake command line connecting the master controller and the brake device 2 is disconnected. When the brake command line is disconnected, the brake device 2 applies the emergency brake. When the deadman switch 5 is in the off position, the deadman switch contact 9 is pressurized, and the master controller and the brake device 2 are connected.

[0021] The contact point 10 is a contact provided on the power command line that connects the master controller and the drive unit 3. When the deadman switch state holding unit 6 is switched on, the contact part 10 becomes pressurized, and the master controller and the drive unit 3 are connected. When the deadman switch state holding unit 6 is switched off, the contact part 10 becomes unpressurized, and the power command line connecting the master controller and the drive unit 3 is disconnected. When the power command line is disconnected, train 1 becomes unable to start and cannot run.

[0022] Figures 2, 3, and 4 show the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 shows the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure (during train operation).

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, when train 1 is in motion, the driver of the deadman device 4 presses and holds down the switch or knob of the deadman switch 5 to turn it on. The deadman switch contact 9 is pressurized, and the master controller and the brake device 2 are connected by a brake command line.

[0025] The deadman switch state holding unit 6 receives input indicating that the deadman switch 5 is in the ON state and holds that ON state as the switch state. Subsequently, for example, if the driver releases their hand from the switch or knob of the deadman switch 5, the deadman switch 5 will switch OFF, and even if the deadman switch state holding unit 6 receives input indicating that the deadman switch 5 is OFF, the deadman switch state holding unit 6 will continue to hold the ON state as the switch state.

[0026] Since train 1 is in motion, the speed detection unit 7 detects that the speed is not 0 km / h. Because the train speed input from the speed detection unit 7 is not 0 km / h, the stop detection unit 8 turns off.

[0027] When the stop detection of the stop detection unit 8 is turned off, the deadman switch state holding unit 6 maintains the switch-on state it is holding as the switch state. Since the deadman switch state holding unit 6 is in the switched-on state, the contact portion 10 becomes pressurized, and the master controller and the drive unit 3 are connected by the power command line.

[0028] Figure 3 shows the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure (when the train is stopped).

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, when train 1 comes to a stop, the driver continues to press the switch or knob of the deadman switch 5 while performing operations such as setting the master controller to the brake position. Therefore, the deadman switch 5 remains in the switched-on state. The deadman switch contact 9 remains pressurized, and the master controller and the brake device 2 remain connected by the brake command line.

[0030] As train 1 comes to a stop, the speed detection unit 7 detects a speed of 0 km / h. The stop detection unit 8 turns on because the train speed input from the speed detection unit 7 is 0 km / h.

[0031] When the vehicle stop detection unit 8 turns on, the deadman switch state holding unit 6 resets (turns off) the switch ON state and holds it in the switch OFF state. Since the deadman switch state retention unit 6 is in the off state, the contact portion 10 becomes unpressurized, and the power command line connecting the master controller and the drive unit 3 is disconnected.

[0032] Thus, while the deadman switch 5 remains in the ON state, the deadman switch state retention unit 6 is switched OFF due to the reset of the stop detection unit 8, and the power command line is disconnected. Therefore, if the deadman switch 5 remains in the ON state, train 1 will be unable to start and will be unable to move.

[0033] Figure 4 shows the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure (when the deadman switch is turned on after the train has stopped).

[0034] After train 1 comes to a stop, the driver briefly stops pressing the switch or knob of deadman switch 5, and then presses it again. At this time, as shown in Figure 4, the switch state of deadman switch 5 transitions in the following order: switch on, switch off, switch on.

[0035] When train 1 is stopped, the deadman switch state holding unit 6, which is in the off state, switches from the off state to the on state when the deadman switch 5 transitions from the off state to the on state. Since the deadman switch state holding unit 6 is in the switched-on state, the contact portion 10 becomes pressurized, and the master controller and the drive unit 3 are connected via the power command line.

[0036] In this way, when the driver continues to press the switch or knob of the deadman switch 5, the deadman switch state holding unit 6 switches from the off state to the on state, and the master controller and the drive unit 3 are connected via the power command line. As a result, train 1 can be started and train 1 can run.

[0037] As described above, the deadman device 4 according to this disclosure includes a deadman switch state holding unit 6 that holds either the on state or the off state of the deadman switch 5, a stop detection unit 8 that, when it detects that the train 1 has stopped, switches the switch state held by the deadman switch state holding unit 6 to the off state, and a contact unit 10 that allows the train 1 to run when the deadman switch state holding unit 6 is in the on state, and prevents the train from running when the deadman switch state holding unit 6 is in the off state.

[0038] Thus, the deadman device 4 according to this embodiment can prevent the train 1 from continuing to run when the deadman switch 5 is not functioning, by disabling the train 1's operation if the switch of the deadman device 4 is pressed continuously due to a malfunction or the like.

[0039] Embodiment 2. The deadman device of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8. In the description of Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0040] Figure 5 shows a deadman device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, in Embodiment 2, instead of the contact portion 10 provided on the power command line connecting the master controller and the drive unit 3 in Embodiment 1, a brake command line contact portion 11 is provided on the brake command line connecting the master controller and the brake unit 2.

[0042] When the deadman switch state holding unit 6 is switched on, the brake command line contact 11 becomes pressurized, and the master controller and the brake device 2 are connected. When the deadman switch state holding unit 6 is switched off, the brake command line contact 11 becomes unpressurized, and the brake command line connecting the master controller and the brake device 2 is disconnected. When the brake command line is disconnected, the brake device 2 applies the emergency brake, and train 1 becomes unable to move.

[0043] Figures 6, 7, and 8 show the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 6 shows the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure (during train operation).

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, when train 1 is in motion, the driver of the deadman device 4 presses and holds down the switch or knob of the deadman switch 5 to turn it on. The deadman switch contact 9 is pressurized, and the master controller and the brake device 2 are connected by a brake command line.

[0046] The deadman switch state holding unit 6 receives the ON state of the deadman switch 5 and holds the ON state as the switch state.

[0047] Since train 1 is in motion, the speed detection unit 7 detects that the speed is not 0 km / h. Because the train speed input from the speed detection unit 7 is not 0 km / h, the stop detection unit 8 turns off.

[0048] When the stop detection of the stop detection unit 8 is turned off, the deadman switch state holding unit 6 maintains the switch-on state it is holding as the switch state. Since the deadman switch state holding unit 6 is in the ON state, the brake command line contact 11 becomes pressurized, and the master controller and the brake device 2 are connected by the brake command line.

[0049] Figure 7 shows the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure (when the train is stopped).

[0050] As shown in Figure 7, when train 1 comes to a stop, the driver continues to press the switch or knob of the deadman switch 5 while performing operations such as setting the master controller to the brake position. Therefore, the deadman switch 5 remains in the switched-on state. The deadman switch contact 9 remains pressurized, and the master controller and the brake device 2 remain connected by the brake command line.

[0051] As train 1 comes to a stop, the speed detection unit 7 detects a speed of 0 km / h. The stop detection unit 8 turns on because the train speed input from the speed detection unit 7 is 0 km / h.

[0052] When the vehicle stop detection unit 8 turns on, the deadman switch state holding unit 6 resets (turns off) the switch ON state and holds it in the switch OFF state. Since the deadman switch state holding unit 6 is in the off state, the brake command line contact 11 becomes unpressurized, and the brake command line connecting the master controller and the brake device 2 is disconnected.

[0053] Thus, while the deadman switch 5 remains in the ON state, the deadman switch state retention unit 6 is switched OFF due to the reset of the stop detection unit 8, and the brake command line is disconnected. Therefore, if the deadman switch 5 remains in the ON state, the emergency brake is applied due to the disconnection of the brake command line, rendering train 1 unable to move.

[0054] Figure 8 shows the operation of the deadman device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure (when the deadman switch is turned on after the train has stopped).

[0055] After train 1 comes to a stop, the driver briefly stops pressing the switch or knob of deadman switch 5, and then presses it again. At this time, as shown in Figure 8, the switch state of deadman switch 5 transitions in the order of switch-on state, switch-off state, and switch-on state.

[0056] When train 1 is stopped, the deadman switch state holding unit 6, which is in the off state, switches from the off state to the on state when the deadman switch 5 transitions from the off state to the on state. Since the deadman switch state holding unit 6 is in the ON state, the brake command line contact part 11 becomes pressurized, and the master controller and the brake device 2 are connected via the brake command line.

[0057] In this way, when the driver continues to press the switch or knob of the deadman switch 5, the deadman switch state holding unit 6 switches from the off state to the on state, and the master controller and the brake device 2 are connected via the brake command line. As a result, the emergency brake of train 1 is released, and train 1 becomes able to move.

[0058] As described above, the deadman device 4 according to this disclosure includes a deadman switch state holding unit 6 that holds either the on state or the off state of the deadman switch 5, a stop detection unit 8 that, when it detects that the train 1 has stopped, switches the switch state held by the deadman switch state holding unit 6 to the off state, and a brake command line contact unit 11 that allows the train 1 to run when the deadman switch state holding unit 6 is in the on state, and prevents the train from running when the deadman switch state holding unit 6 is in the off state.

[0059] Thus, the deadman device 4 according to this embodiment can prevent the train 1 from continuing to run when the deadman switch 5 is not functioning, by disabling the train 1's operation if the switch of the deadman device 4 is pressed continuously due to a malfunction or the like.

[0060] Furthermore, combining, modifying, or omitting each embodiment as appropriate is also included within the scope of the technical ideas shown in the embodiments.

[0061] For example, in Embodiments 1 and 2, the deadman device 4 is separate from the master controller, but the master controller may also include the deadman device 4. Alternatively, the train safety device may include the deadman device 4. Or, the deadman device may be configured with multiple devices, such as providing the deadman switch 5 in the master controller and the deadman switch state holding unit 6 in the train safety device.

[0062] Furthermore, the Train Control System (TCMS) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) may be equipped with a deadman's device 4. If the Train Control System (TCMS) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) are equipped with a deadman's device 4, the deadman's device 4 may apply the brakes to train 1 using the service brake instead of the emergency brake. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 1 Train, 2 Brake device, 3 Drive device, 4 Deadman device, 5 Deadman switch, 6 Deadman switch state retention unit, 7 Speed ​​detection unit, 8 Stop detection unit, 9 Deadman switch contact unit, 10 Contact unit, 11 Brake command line contact unit

Claims

1. A deadman switch state holding unit that maintains either the on state or the off state of the deadman switch, When a train stops, the stop detection unit sets the switch state held by the deadman switch state holding unit to the switch-off state, A contact portion which, when the deadman's switch state holding portion is switched on, allows the train to run, and when the deadman's switch state holding portion is switched off, prevents the train from running. A dead man's device equipped with a dead man's device.

2. The aforementioned contact portion is provided on the power command line connecting the master controller and the drive unit. The dead man device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned contact portion is provided on the brake command line connecting the master controller and the drive unit. The dead man device according to claim 1.

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