Crossing barrier breakage detector

Abstract

To provide a crossing rod breakage detection device capable of detecting the breakage of a crossing rod even though it is a weight-less type railway crossing gate.SOLUTION: A crossing rod breakage detection device 10 detects the breakage of a crossing rod in a weight-less type railway crossing gate which lifts a crossing rod 4 by a driving force of a motor 2 and lowers the crossing rod by its own weight. The crossing rod breakage detection device 10 measures a regenerative current of the motor 2 when the crossing rod 4 is lowered by its own weight and detects the breakage of the crossing rod by comparing the measured value and a value for determination of the regenerative current.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a crossbar breakage detection device for a railway crossing crossing barrier. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, timer units that detect the breakage of the crossing bar have been commercialized for weight-type crossing gates. When a crossing bar is hit by a vehicle or other object and breaks, the weight balance is lost and the time it takes for the crossing bar to rise becomes shorter. The breakage of the crossing bar is detected based on this change in operation time. This timer unit is installed in the crossing equipment box and is capable of detecting the breakage of up to four crossing gates. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-269138 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, a weight-type crossing gate that uses a balance weight requires a large installation space. In addition, it takes time to adjust the lowering characteristics of the weight, and in snowy regions, a snow cover must be provided for the weight section. For this reason, in recent years, a weightless crossing gate that descends by the weight of the crossing bar without the need for a weight has been adopted (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] However, in this type of circuit breaker, the speed and position of the motor that drives the circuit breaker are controlled by a motor driver, and it is not possible to detect the shortening of the lift time caused by the weight balance, so there is a problem that breakage cannot be detected with the conventional timer unit.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a shroud bar breakage detection device which can detect breakage of a shroud bar even in a waitless type shroud. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A crossing bar breakage detection device for a railroad crossing according to one embodiment of the present invention is a crossing bar breakage detection device that raises the crossing bar by the driving force of a motor and lowers it by its own weight, and is characterized in that it measures the regenerative current of the motor when the crossing bar descends by its own weight, and detects breakage of the crossing bar by comparing this measured value with a value for judging the regenerative current. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the regenerative current of the motor when the cutter can descends under its own weight is measured, and this measured value is compared with a value for judging the regenerative current to detect breakage of the cutter can. Therefore, even in the case of a weightless type cutter can, breakage of the cutter can can be detected from a change in the regenerative current. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a crossing barrier bar breakage detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of a railroad crossing gate equipped with the crossing bar breakage detection device shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an external view of the crossing gate shown in FIG. 2 when the barrier bar is broken. [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cutter bar breakage detection device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a crossing bar breakage detection device for a railway crossing barrier according to an embodiment of the present invention. This crossing bar breakage detection device 10 is equipped with a control device 1 and a current sensor 5 that measures the current flowing through a motor 2. The motor 2 is driven by the control device 1, and the rotation of the motor 2 is reduced by gears or the like of a transmission mechanism 3 and transmitted to a crossing bar support shaft. One end of a crossing bar 4 is supported on the crossing bar support shaft, and the control device 1 controls the drive of the motor 2, causing the other end of the crossing bar 4 to rise / fall around the crossing bar support shaft as the rotating shaft. At this time, the current value of the current flowing through the motor 2 measured by the current sensor 5 is input to the control device 1 and used for speed control and position control of the motor 2.

[0011] The control device 1 includes a memory unit (memory) 6 that stores a value for judging the regenerative current measured by the current sensor 5, a judgment unit 7 that detects breakage of the barrier bar 4 by comparing the current value stored in the memory unit 6 with the regenerative current of the motor 2 when the barrier bar 4 descends under its own weight, a motor drive unit (motor driver) 8 that controls the speed and position of the motor 2, and a communication unit 9 such as a radio device that notifies external systems such as a railroad crossing protection device and an automatic train control device of a malfunction.

[0012] When a raise command is input to this control device 1 from a higher-level system, for example a railroad crossing protection device, the motor 2 is driven and the barrier bar 4 is raised via the transmission mechanism 3. On the other hand, when a lowering command is input, the barrier bar 4 descends under its own weight while performing dynamic braking to close the crossing. At this time, if the judgment unit 7 detects an abnormality, such as breakage of the barrier bar 4, the communication unit 9 outputs fault information indicating a fault to the railroad crossing protection device.

[0013] Figure 2 shows the appearance of a crossing barrier equipped with the barrier bar breakage detection device 10 shown in Figure 1, with (a) being a front view and (b) being a side view. The barrier body 11 is installed via a support 13 on a base 12 fixed to the ground. A motor 2 that drives the barrier bar 4 to move up and down is built into the barrier body 11. The rotational force of this motor 2 drives a rotating shaft 14 via a transmission mechanism 3 consisting of gears and the like (not shown). A barrier bar holder 15 is attached to the rotating shaft 14, and one end of the barrier bar 4 is held by this barrier bar holder 15.

[0014] When a rise command is input from the crossing protection device, the rotating shaft 14 is driven by the torque of the motor 2, and the barrier bar 4 changes from a horizontal state (crossing closed state) to a vertical state (crossing open state) as shown by the solid arrow in Fig. 2(a). On the other hand, when a descent command is input, the barrier bar 4 descends under its own weight while performing dynamic braking by the motor 2, and the barrier bar 4 changes from a vertical state to a horizontal state as shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 2(a).

[0015] FIG. 3 is an external view of the crossing bar of the crossing gate shown in FIG. 2 when it breaks. FIG. 3 shows a state in which a vehicle or the like attempting to pass through the crossing comes into contact with the crossing bar 4, causing the crossing bar 4 to break near its base. When a command to raise is input from the crossing safety device in this state, the rotational force of the motor 2 drives the rotating shaft 14, and the base of the crossing bar 4 changes from a horizontal state to a vertical state, leaving the broken crossing bar 4 on the ground. Then, when a command to lower is input, the crossing bar 4 descends under its own weight while performing dynamic braking by the motor 2. At this time, since the crossing bar 4 has broken and only its base remains, which is lighter, the descent of its own weight becomes gentle. As a result, the rotational speed of the motor 2 is low and the regenerative current generated is smaller than in a normal case, so that the breakage of the crossing bar 4 can be detected by comparing the value of the regenerative current with that in a normal case.

[0016] Fig. 4 shows the operation of the crossing bar breakage detection device 10 shown in Fig. 1. First, the crossing bar is installed at the crossing (step S1), and various adjustments are made (step S2). Next, the current value due to dynamic braking of the motor 2 when the crossing bar 4 is not broken is stored and initial setting is made (step S3). That is, the crossing bar 4 is lowered under its own weight while performing dynamic braking by the motor 2, and the regenerative current of the motor 2 generated at this time is measured by the current sensor 5 and stored in the memory unit 6 as a value for judgment. The above steps S1 to S3 are the operations during installation and adjustment.

[0017] Next, the operation of the crossing bar during operation will be described. In the operating state (step S4), when a command to raise the crossing bar 4 is input from the crossing protection device to the control device 1 due to the passage of a train or the like, the motor 2 is rotated and driven by the motor drive unit 8 while being speed-controlled and position-controlled, and this driving force drives the rotating shaft 14 via the transmission mechanism 3. The rotation of the rotating shaft 14 is transmitted to one end of the crossing bar 4 by the crossing bar holder 15, and the other end of the crossing bar 4 is raised (step S5). When a command to lower the crossing bar 4 is input from the crossing protection device to the control device 1 after a train has passed, the crossing bar 4 descends under its own weight (step S6). At this time, the current due to the dynamic braking (regenerative current) of the motor 2 is measured by the current sensor 5 and stored in the memory unit 6 (step S7).

[0018] When the descent of the bar 4 is completed (step S8), a breakage judgment is performed (step S9). The breakage judgment is performed by the judgment unit 7 comparing the regenerative current measured in step S7 with the judgment value stored in the memory unit 6. Since the judgment value is the regenerative current when the bar 4 is not broken, if the measured regenerative current is substantially the same, it is judged to be normal, and if it differs by a predetermined value or more (if it is low), it is judged to be abnormal, that is, the bar 4 is broken. Alternatively, if the difference by a set predetermined value or more continues for a predetermined period of time, it is judged to be the bar 4 is broken.

[0019] If step S9 determines that the system is normal, the process proceeds to step S5 when a command to raise is received from the crossing protection device, and the barrier bar 4 is raised (step S10). Thereafter, the operations from step S5 to step S10 are repeated unless an abnormality is determined. If an abnormality is determined in step S9, the barrier bar 4 continues to descend under its own weight, while fault information is output from the communication unit 9 to the crossing protection device (step S11).

[0020] Next, the breakage determination in step S9 described above will be described in detail. The regenerative current is a current that flows when the motor 2 acts as a generator when rotated by an external force, and can be expressed by the following equation (1) where V is the regenerative voltage. V = Ke × ω…(1) Here, Ke is the back electromotive force constant (constant value) and ω is the rotation speed. If the regenerative current is I, then the following equation (2) is obtained. I = R / V…(2) Here, R is the internal resistance of the motor 2. Since the internal resistance of the motor is constant, the regenerative current also varies with the change in the regenerative voltage. Breakage of the breaker can 4 can be detected by the variation in the regenerative current.

[0021] The regenerative voltage of the motor 2 changes depending on the rotation speed of the motor shaft. The rotation speed varies depending on the load (weight) of the circuit breaker bar, which causes the regenerative voltage to vary, and the regenerative current to vary (and therefore the torque). If the circuit breaker bar 4 is broken, the regenerative current will decrease, so by detecting this change in the regenerative current, it can be determined whether the circuit breaker bar 4 is broken or not.

[0022] The change in regenerative current when the breaker bar is broken and not broken can be expressed as follows. When the breaker bar 4 descends, it is lowered by regenerative control rather than electrically. The kinetic energy K generated when the breaker bar 4, when not broken, changes from a vertical position to a horizontal position can be expressed by the following equation (3). K = (1 / 2)Jω 2 …(3) Here, J is the moment of inertia and ω is the angular velocity. Moreover, the regenerative energy P generated when the barrier bar 4 changes from a vertical state to a horizontal state is expressed by the following equation (4). P=I 2 R…(4) Here, I is the regenerative current, and R is the motor's internal resistance (a constant value).

[0023] If we consider that all of the kinetic energy K is converted into regenerative energy P (ignoring losses due to heat and friction), then "K = P". Since J=MD (M: mass of the bar 4, D: constants such as inner diameter and outer diameter), the kinetic energy K has the mass of the bar 4 as a variable parameter, and the regenerative power also changes accordingly.

[0024] When the barrier bar 4 breaks, the energy K' generated when it changes from a vertical state to a horizontal state can be expressed by the following equation (5). K'=(1 / 2)J'ω 2 …(5) If the mass of the bar 4 is M, then when the bar 4 breaks, its mass becomes m, and since "M>m", the generated energy is "K>K'". Therefore, the regenerative power that is generated is also "P>P'", "P'=I'R". Therefore, it can be seen that the parameter that changes when regenerative power P' is generated can be determined from the regenerative current by taking the difference between the current I when the circuit breaker bar 4 is not broken and the current I' when it is broken.

[0025] According to the above-described configuration, the regenerative current of the motor 2 is measured when the crossing bar 4 descends under its own weight, and this measured value is compared with the value used to judge the regenerative current, so that breakage of the crossing bar 4 can be detected even in a weightless-type railroad crossing barrier.

[0026] The circuit configurations and operation procedures described in the above embodiments are merely schematic illustrations to enable the present invention to be understood and implemented. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and may be modified in various forms without departing from the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims.

[0027] <Variation 1> For example, the regenerative current when the breaker can 4 is not broken is measured and stored in the memory unit 6 as a value for judging the regenerative current when the breaker can be installed, but the previous measured value of the regenerative current may also be used. By using the previous measured value in this way, the effects of aging and fluctuations in weather conditions can be suppressed compared to when the breaker was installed.

[0028] <Variation 2> Alternatively, the average value of multiple measurements of the regenerative current may be used. Here, the average value may be the average value for a day, the previous day, or the average value for a month or a year, and the difference between the average value and the measured value is calculated to determine whether the breaker is broken or not. In this way, taking the average value of multiple measurements allows for a more accurate determination than using only the previous measurement value.

[0029] <Modification 3> Furthermore, instead of using measured values ​​as values ​​for judging the regenerative current, estimated values ​​or theoretical values ​​of the regenerative current may be calculated in advance and stored in the memory unit 6, and the difference between these estimated values ​​or theoretical values ​​and the current measured value may be calculated to judge whether the breaker bar is broken or not. In this way, it is not always necessary to use actual measured values ​​as values ​​for judgment.

[0030] <Variation 4> Furthermore, a threshold value may be set as a value for judging the regenerative current, and whether or not the breaker can is broken may be judged based on whether or not the regenerative current exceeds the threshold value. If the threshold value can be compared with the measured value of the regenerative current, there is no need to store the threshold value in the memory unit 6.

[0031] <Variation 5> Furthermore, a test mode may be provided in which the comparison of the regenerative current of the motor is performed at a specified time interval when no trains are passing. In this case, instead of completely closing the crossing, the barrier bar 4 is tilted about 10° from the vertical position and the regenerative current at this time is detected, thereby minimizing the impact on vehicles and people crossing the crossing.

[0032] <Variation 6> In addition, although the case of using a dedicated hardware configuration has been explained in Fig. 1, it can also be realized by using existing hardware such as the current sensor and memory in the motor driver used to control the motor in the waitless type circuit breaker. In this case, it can be realized inexpensively because it only requires some modification to the software.

[0033] <Variation 7> Furthermore, since the latter half of the downward movement of the cutter bar 4 is less affected by wind and the current is easier to measure, there is little risk of erroneous detection, so the regenerative current in the latter half of the downward movement of the cutter bar 4 can be measured and used for judgment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] Reference Signs List 1: control device, 2: motor, 3: transmission mechanism, 4: circuit breaker, 5: current sensor, 6: storage unit (memory), 7: judgment unit, 8: motor drive unit (motor driver), 9: communication unit (communication means), 10: circuit breaker breakage detection device, 11: circuit breaker body, 12: base, 13: support, 14: rotating shaft, 15: circuit breaker holder

Claims

1. A crossing bar breakage detection device for a crossing gate in which a crossing bar is raised by the driving force of a motor and lowered by its own weight, A breaker bar breakage detection device for a stepping barrier, characterized in that a regenerative current of the motor is measured when the breaker bar descends under its own weight, and the breakage of the breaker bar is detected by comparing the measured value with a value for judging the regenerative current.

2. 2. The crossing bar breakage detection device for a railroad crossing barrier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the value for judging the regenerative current is a previous measured value, an average value of a plurality of measured values, a measured value of the regenerative current of the motor generated by the descent of the crossing bar due to its own weight when it is not broken, or a preset value.

3. 2. The crossing bar breakage detection device for a railroad crossing as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the comparison result of the regenerative currents continues to differ by a set predetermined value or more for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that the crossing bar is broken.

4. A crossing bar breakage detection device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a communication means for notifying an external system of a fault when it is determined that the crossing bar is broken.

5. 5. A crossing gate bar breakage detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a test mode in which the comparison operation of the regenerative current of the motor is performed at a predetermined time interval at the time of installation.

6. 6. A crossing barrier breakage detection device for a railroad crossing barrier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the crossing barrier is a waitless type crossing barrier, and a current sensor and memory provided in advance in a motor driver are used to detect and store regenerative current, and the detected current is used for comparison of the regenerative current of the motor.

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