Rail breakage detection system and rail breakage detection method

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a rail breakage detection system and a rail breakage detection method, with which rail breakage detection is precisely performed and safety of maintenance personnel etc. is improved. The present invention is characterized as follows. A tandem device (2) detects a rail breakage on the basis of track circuit information (10) of a segment of an on-rail position transmitted from a track circuit (9), and wireless train position information (8) transmitted from train control systems (3, 5). When the tandem device (2) detects a rail breakage, the tandem device (2) sets a breakage status of the segment where the rail breakage was detected. Unless information of a request, by operation of a tandem control terminal (6), for rail breakage restoration of the segment where the rail breakage was detected is received, the setting of the rail breakage status of said segment is not cancelled.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rail breakage detection system and a rail breakage detection method, and more particularly to a rail breakage detection system and a rail breakage detection method for detecting a break in a rail on which a train runs. [Background technology]

[0002] Detecting rail breaks is very important because breaks in the rails on which trains run can disrupt the safe running of trains. Conventional rail break detection was performed by installing an electronic circuit in the track circuit to send an electric current through the track. In recent years, train control systems have been replaced by radio train control systems. Radio train control systems use radio waves to detect trains, instead of using track circuits.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 1, which is a conventional technology, discloses a technology that includes a plurality of track circuits that are provided in a plurality of sections on a rail and that use the rail as part of an electrical circuit to detect the presence or absence of a train, a train system that controls the train by detecting its own position and communicating information bidirectionally between onboard and ground via radio, and a rail break detection device, and that is capable of detecting whether a rail break has occurred in each section on the rail based on the information on the presence or absence of a train detected by each track circuit and the information on the train's position detected by the train control system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-43618 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The radio train control system described above can be made into a system that does not require track circuits, but it is necessary to consider how to detect rail breaks.

[0006] Furthermore, in the rail break detection system described in Patent Document 1, there are cases where maintenance personnel remain on the track circuit after completing the work to repair the rail break and the track circuit is raised. In this case, there is a risk that a train will enter the broken and repaired track circuit and the maintenance personnel will come into contact with the train. Furthermore, in the rail break detection system described in Patent Document 1, the track circuit detects the presence of a train on the track when a train or maintenance vehicle without a radio is in operation or when the on-board train control device or ground train control device fails. However, because the train control system using a radio does not detect the presence of a train on the track, there is a problem of false detection of a break.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a rail breakage detection system and a rail breakage detection method that accurately detects rail breakage and improves the safety of maintenance personnel and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, one representative rail break detection system of the present invention is a rail break detection system that detects a break in the rail along which a train runs, and includes a track circuit that uses the current flowing in the rail to detect the train's position on the track for each section, a train control system that controls the train using wireless communication between the ground and on board the train to obtain radio train position information that is train position information, an interlocking device that has the function of detecting a rail break, and an interlocking control terminal that communicates with the interlocking device, wherein the interlocking device detects a rail break based on the track circuit information for the section of the train's position transmitted from the track circuit and the radio train position information transmitted from the train control system, and when the interlocking device detects a rail break, the interlocking device sets a break status for the section where the rail break was detected, and the rail break status setting for that section is not released unless the interlocking control terminal receives information requesting rail break restoration for the section where the rail break was detected.

[0009] Furthermore, one of the rail break detection methods of the present invention is a rail break detection method for detecting a break in a rail along which a train runs, and is characterized by comprising: a track circuit that detects the train's position on the track for each section by using a current flowing in the rail; a train control system that controls the train by using wireless communication between the ground and on board the train to obtain radio train position information that is train position information; interlocking devices that have a function of detecting rail breaks; and an interlocking control terminal that communicates with the interlocking devices, and comprising the steps of: detecting a rail break by the interlocking devices based on track circuit information for the section of the train's position transmitted from the track circuit and the radio train position information transmitted from the train control system; and, when a rail break is detected by the interlocking devices, setting a break status for the section in which the rail break was detected, and not canceling the rail break status setting for that section unless information requesting rail break restoration for the section in which the rail break was detected is received by operating the interlocking control terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, in the rail breakage detection system and rail breakage detection method, rail breakage detection can be accurately performed and the safety of maintenance personnel and the like can be improved. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system for implementing aspects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment of a rail breakage detection system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a characteristic configuration diagram showing an example of a breakage determination method of the rail breakage detection system of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an interlocking device of the rail breakage detection system of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a rail break detection operation in the rail break detection system of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a rail break recovery operation in the rail break detection system of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a switch for turning on / off the breakage detection function in the rail breakage detection system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <Computer system for implementing aspects according to the embodiment> 1 is a block diagram of a computer system 300 for implementing aspects according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mechanisms and devices of various embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any suitable computing system. The main components of the computer system 300 include one or more processors 302, memory 304, a terminal interface 312, a storage interface 314, an I / O (input / output) device interface 316, and a network interface 318. These components may be interconnected via a memory bus 306, an I / O bus 308, a bus interface unit 309, and an I / O bus interface unit 310.

[0014] Computer system 300 may include one or more processing units 302A and 302B, collectively referred to as processors 302. Each processor 302 executes instructions stored in memory 304 and may include an on-board cache. In some embodiments, computer system 300 may include multiple processors, while in other embodiments, computer system 300 may be a single processing unit system. The processing unit may be a central processing unit (CPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like.

[0015] In some embodiments, memory 304 may include random-access semiconductor memory, storage devices, or storage media (either volatile or nonvolatile) for storing data and programs. In some embodiments, memory 304 represents the entire virtual memory of computer system 300 and may include virtual memory of other computer systems connected to computer system 300 via a network. While memory 304 may be conceptually considered a single entity, in other embodiments, memory 304 may be a more complex organization, such as a hierarchy of caches and other memory devices. For example, memory may exist as multiple levels of caches, and these caches may be divided by function. As a result, one cache may hold instructions, while other caches hold non-instruction data used by the processor. Memory may also be distributed and associated with various different processing units, such as in a so-called Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA) computer architecture.

[0016] Memory 304 may store all or a portion of the programs, modules, and data structures that implement the functions described herein. For example, memory 304 may store latent factor identification application 350. In some embodiments, latent factor identification application 350 may include instructions or descriptions that execute the functions described below on processor 302, or may include instructions or descriptions that are interpreted by other instructions or descriptions. In some embodiments, latent factor identification application 350 may be implemented in hardware via semiconductor devices, chips, logic gates, circuits, circuit cards, and / or other physical hardware devices instead of or in addition to a processor-based system. In some embodiments, latent factor identification application 350 may include data other than instructions or descriptions. In some embodiments, a camera, sensor, or other data input device (not shown) may be provided to communicate directly with bus interface unit 309, processor 302, or other hardware in computer system 300. Such a configuration may reduce the need for processor 302 to access memory 304 and the latent factor identification application.

[0017] Computer system 300 may include a bus interface unit 309 that facilitates communication between processor 302, memory 304, display system 324, and I / O bus interface unit 310. I / O bus interface unit 310 may couple to I / O bus 308 for transferring data to and from various I / O units. I / O bus interface unit 310 may communicate with multiple I / O interface units 312, 314, 316, and 318, also known as I / O processors (IOPs) or I / O adapters (IOAs), via I / O bus 308. Display system 324 may include a display controller, a display memory, or both. The display controller may provide video, audio, or both data to display device 326. Computer system 300 may also include one or more sensors or other devices configured to collect data and provide the data to processor 302. For example, computer system 300 may include environmental sensors that collect humidity data, temperature data, pressure data, etc., and motion sensors that collect acceleration data, movement data, etc. Other types of sensors may also be used. Display memory may be dedicated memory for buffering video data. Display system 324 may be connected to a display device 326, such as a standalone display screen, a television, a tablet, or a mobile device. In some embodiments, display device 326 may include a speaker for rendering audio. Alternatively, the speaker for rendering audio may be connected to an I / O interface unit. In other embodiments, the functionality provided by display system 324 may be implemented by an integrated circuit that includes processor 302. Similarly, the functionality provided by bus interface unit 309 may be implemented by an integrated circuit that includes processor 302.

[0018] The I / O interface unit provides functionality for communicating with various storage or I / O devices. For example, the terminal interface unit 312 may be attached to user I / O devices 320, such as user output devices such as a video display, a television with speakers, and user input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a keypad, a touchpad, a trackball, buttons, a light pen, or other pointing device. A user may use a user interface to enter input data or instructions into the user I / O devices 320 and the computer system 300 and receive output data from the computer system 300 by operating the user input devices. The user interface may be displayed on a display, played through speakers, or printed via a printer via the user I / O devices 320, for example.

[0019] Storage interface 314 may be attached to one or more disk drives or direct access storage devices 322 (typically magnetic disk drive storage devices, but may also be an array of disk drives or other storage devices configured to appear as a single disk drive). In some embodiments, storage device 322 may be implemented as any secondary storage device. Contents of memory 304 may be stored in storage device 322 and retrieved from storage device 322 as needed. Network interface 318 may provide a communications path that allows computer system 300 and other devices to communicate with each other. This communications path may be, for example, network 330.

[0020] 1 includes a bus structure providing direct communication paths between processor 302, memory 304, bus interface 309, display system 324, and I / O bus interface unit 310; however, in other embodiments, computer system 300 may include point-to-point links, multiple hierarchical buses, parallel or redundant communication paths in a hierarchical, star, or web configuration. Furthermore, while I / O bus interface unit 310 and I / O bus 308 are shown as a single unit, computer system 300 may actually include multiple I / O bus interface units 310 or multiple I / O buses 308. Additionally, while multiple I / O interface units are shown isolating I / O bus 308 from various communication paths leading to various I / O devices, in other embodiments, some or all of the I / O devices may be directly connected to a single system I / O bus.

[0021] In some embodiments, computer system 300 may be a device that receives requests from other computer systems (clients) without a direct user interface, such as a multi-user mainframe computer system, a single-user system, or a server computer. In other embodiments, computer system 300 may be a desktop computer, a portable computer, a laptop, a tablet computer, a pocket computer, a telephone, a smartphone, or any other suitable electronic device.

[0022] <System configuration> Figure 2 is an overall configuration diagram showing one embodiment of the rail breakage detection system of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the rail breakage detection system 1 is configured with an on-board train control device 5 mounted on a train 4 running on a rail track R, and an interlocking device 2, a ground train control device 3, a track circuit train detection device 7, and an interlocking control terminal 6 installed on the ground side such as in a station equipment room. The on-board train control device 5 and the ground train control device 3 form a train control system capable of wireless communication 15 via a wireless communication line.

[0023] The ground train control device 3 is a ground-side safety device. Its main function is to control the on-board train control device 5 so that the train in question does not collide with the train in front. The ground train control device 3 calculates how far the train in question can proceed based on the train's position information obtained from the on-board train control device 5. The calculated control information is then transmitted from the ground train control device 3 to the on-board train control device 5 via wireless communication 15. The ground train control device 3 also obtains position information of the train equipped with the on-board train control device 5 via wireless communication 15. This position information can be used to identify where the train 4 is located on the track. This position information is then output to the interlocking device 2 as wireless train position information 8.

[0024] The on-board train control device 5 is a device mounted on the train that can acquire information about and control the train 4. For example, a speed sensor mounted on the train 4 is used to measure the speed of the train and calculate the distance that the train has traveled. This identifies the current position of the train. At this time, the train's exact position can be determined by correcting the position using a ground coil installed on the track R on the ground side. This position information is sent from the on-board train control device 5 to the ground train control device 3 via wireless communication 15. The on-board train control device 5 also controls the train 4 based on the control information sent from the ground train control device 3.

[0025] The track circuit 9 is a track circuit for each of a plurality of sections on the track R, and is a device using electric circuits that transmits information for detecting the presence or absence of a train 4. Using the current flowing through the track R, it is possible to detect whether or not a train 4 is on the track for each section. Specifically, by passing a current through the rails and utilizing the fact that the current flow changes depending on the presence or absence of a train wheelset, the position of a vehicle running on the track is detected for each section.

[0026] The track circuit train detection device 7 can identify the location of the train 4, i.e., the section where the train 4 is located, based on information from the track circuit 9. This information is output to the interlocking device 2 as track circuit information 10.

[0027] The interlocking device 2 performs rail break detection processing based on radio train position information 8 from the ground train control device 3 and track circuit information 10 from the track circuit train detection device 7. It also performs rail break recovery operations and turns the break detection function on and off. Details of the interlocking device 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 7.

[0028] The interlocking control terminal 6 has a display function and an operation function that can display the contents processed by the interlocking device 2. For example, when the interlocking device 2 detects a rail break, it can display the broken track circuit and enable the rail break status recovery operation described below. The display function of the interlocking control terminal 6 can be configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. The interlocking control terminal 6 may be configured with a touch panel, or may be equipped with operation means such as a keyboard or mouse. Information 16 corresponding to the operation is transmitted from the interlocking control terminal 6 to the interlocking device 2. Furthermore, information 17 corresponding to the processing result is transmitted from the interlocking device 2 to the interlocking control terminal 6. Furthermore, the interlocking control terminal 6 may be equipped with a speaker that emits sound.

[0029] The interlocking device 2, ground train control device 3, on-board train control device 5, interlocking control terminal 6, and track circuit train detection device 7 can be implemented by the computer system 300 shown in FIG.

[0030] <Example of fracture determination method> FIG. 3 is a characteristic configuration diagram showing an example of a breakage determination method of the rail breakage detection system of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 shows the track presence information from radio train position information 8 and track circuit information 10 for each section 01S, 02S, and 03S of track circuit 9. As explained in Figure 2, radio train position information 8 and track circuit information 10 can confirm the track position, making it possible to obtain information on whether or not a train is on the track in that section. In Figure 3, "↑" indicates "no track presence detection" and "↓" indicates "track presence detection."

[0032] In the example of Figure 3, in sections 01S and 03S, both the radio-controlled train position information 8 and the track circuit information 10 indicate "not on track detected." On the other hand, in section 02S, the radio-controlled train position information 8 indicates "not on track detected," while the track circuit information 10 indicates "on track detected." In this way, in section 02S, the interlocking device 2 indicates a rail break as an inconsistency between the track circuit information 10 and the radio-controlled train position information 8. In this way, when an inconsistency is detected, such as the radio-controlled train position information 8 indicating "not on track" and the track circuit information 10 indicating "on track," the rail break detection system 1 detects a rail break.

[0033] <Example of interlocking device configuration> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an interlocking device of the rail breakage detection system of the present invention.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, the interlocking device 2 includes a receiving unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a processing unit 13. The receiving unit 11 receives radio train position information 8, track circuit information 10, and information 16 corresponding to the operation of the interlocking control terminal 6. The storage unit 12 stores the radio train position information 8 and track circuit information 10 received by the receiving unit 11, information 16 corresponding to the operation of the interlocking control terminal 6, and processing results by the processing unit 13. The processing unit 13 detects inconsistencies between the radio train position information 8 and the track circuit information 10 stored in the storage unit 12, detects a rail break, and records the results in the storage unit 12. The processing unit 13 also performs processing such as rail break recovery operations and ON / OFF processing of the break detection function. The processing unit 13 also transmits information 17 corresponding to the processing results to the interlocking control terminal 6.

[0035] <Flowchart (Rail Break Detection)> 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the rail breakage detection operation in the rail breakage detection system of the present invention. The rail breakage detection operation in the rail breakage detection system 1 configured as above will be described with reference to the flow shown in FIG.

[0036] First, in step A1, the processing unit 13 of the interlocking device 2 detects the presence of a train in the track circuit section based on the track circuit information 10 obtained from the track circuit train detection device 7. This process detects the presence of a train in each section of the track circuit 9. In other words, the process is performed when the state of the section of the track circuit 9 is "presence of a train."

[0037] Next, in step A2, the processing unit 13 of the interlocking device 2 determines whether the track circuit section in which "on track" was detected in step A1 is a track circuit section subject to breakage detection. The track circuit section can be determined by registering the sections to be investigated in advance. If the track circuit section in question is a track circuit subject to breakage detection, the process proceeds to step A3. On the other hand, if the track circuit section in question is not a track circuit subject to breakage detection, the processing unit 13 ends the process.

[0038] In step A3, the processing unit 13 of the interlocking device 2 detects whether an inconsistency has occurred, where the track circuit information 10 indicates "on track" and the radio train position information 8 indicates "off track." Then, it is determined whether this inconsistency continues for a specified time or longer. If the result shows that the above state continues for the specified time or longer, the process proceeds to step A4. On the other hand, if the above state does not continue for the specified time or longer, the processing unit 13 ends the process. Note that the specified time here can be a time required to determine that a rail break has occurred.

[0039] In step A4, the processing unit 13 of the interlocking device 2 detects the rail break, and then stores the rail break status in the storage unit 12, and sets the rail break status for the section of the track circuit.

[0040] Next, in step A5, the processing unit 13 of the interlocking device 2 outputs the track circuit section with the broken rail to the interlocking control terminal 6. The interlocking control terminal 6 receives this information and can display the track circuit section in question as a diagram or text information, allowing users to know the section with the broken rail.

[0041] Next, in step A6, the processing unit 13 of the interlocking device 2 issues an alarm to the interlocking control terminal 6. Upon receiving this, the interlocking control terminal 6 can issue an alarm by displaying a warning in the form of graphics or text information, or by sound or voice.

[0042] <Flowchart (Rail breakage recovery operation)> 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a rail break recovery operation in the rail break detection system of the present invention. Here, the rail break recovery operation of the rail break detection system 1 will be described with reference to the flow shown in FIG.

[0043] First, in step B1, the processing unit 13 of the interlocking device 2 receives a rail break restoration request from the interlocking control terminal 6. The rail break restoration request is sent when the operator of the interlocking control terminal 6 inputs (e.g., selects) the track circuit of the relevant section. The track circuit can be selected, for example, from a list of track circuit names or from a map display. For this reason, the interlocking control terminal 6 has a function for performing displays and operations for this purpose.

[0044] Next, in step B2, the processing unit 13 of the interlocking device 2 determines whether or not the rail break can be restored. If both the track circuit information 10 and the radio-controlled train position information 8 indicate "not present on the rail," the process proceeds to step B4. On the other hand, if either the track circuit information 10 or the radio-controlled train position information 8 indicates "present on the rail," the process proceeds to step B3. This is intended to proceed to step B4 only if a safe state, that is, "not present on the rail," can be confirmed in both the track circuit information 10 and the radio-controlled train position information 8. If either the track circuit information 10 or the radio-controlled train position information 8 indicates "present on the rail," the work to restore the break has not been completed, and maintenance personnel or equipment may still be present, making it dangerous to restore the rail, so the process proceeds to step B3.

[0045] In step B3, the processing unit 13 of the interlocking device 2 outputs a refusal to accept the rail breakage recovery request to the interlocking control terminal 6, and ends the processing. Upon receiving the refusal information, the interlocking control terminal 6 can display that fact using text information or a diagram.

[0046] In step B4, the processing unit 13 of the interlocking device 2 determines whether both the track circuit information 10 and the radio-controlled train position information 8 have been in the "not present on the track" state for a certain period of time or longer. This certain period of time can be determined in advance as the time required to confirm that a safe state continues. If both the track circuit information 10 and the radio-controlled train position information 8 have been in the "not present on the track" state for a certain period of time or longer, the process proceeds to step B5. On the other hand, if the status of either the track circuit information 10 or the radio-controlled train position information 8 has changed from "not present on the track," the process proceeds to step B3, where the processing unit 13 outputs a refusal to accept the rail break recovery request to the interlocking control terminal 6, and the process ends.

[0047] In step B5, the processing unit 13 of the interlocking device 2 restores the rail break status of the track circuit section. This completes the rail break restoration. Restoring the rail break status here means that the rail break status setting is cancelled and the status is restored to a safe state. In the rail break status state, for example, the ground train control device 3 can control the track circuit section via the on-board train control device 5 to prevent trains from entering the track circuit section. This avoids the risk of a train entering (invading) the track while maintenance personnel or work equipment for inspection or repair remains. On the other hand, restoring the rail break status when safety is ensured allows trains to safely enter the track circuit section.

[0048] Next, in step B6, the processing unit 13 of the interlocking device 2 outputs the information that the rail break status has been restored to the ground train control device 3 and the interlocking control terminal 6. The ground train control device 3 that receives this information can control entry into the section where the rail break status has been restored. In addition, the interlocking control terminal 6 that receives this information can notify the fact by displaying a diagram or text information, etc.

[0049] <Configuration example of break detection function ON / OFF switch> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the breakage detection function ON / OFF changeover switch 14 of the rail breakage detection system of the present invention.

[0050] A plurality of changeover switches 14 are provided according to the track circuit sections. A changeover switch 14 may be provided for each track circuit section, or a plurality of changeover switches 14 may be provided for a specific range of track circuit sections. In FIG. 7, the changeover switch 14-1 corresponds to the three sections 01T, 02T, and 03T, the changeover switch 14-2 corresponds to the three sections 04T, 05T, and 06T, and the changeover switch 14-3 corresponds to the three sections 07T, 08T, and 09T. When the break detection function is turned ON by operating these changeover switches 14-1, 14-2, and 14-3, the rail break detection process described in FIGS. 5 and 6 is performed in the corresponding track circuit section. On the other hand, when the break detection function is turned OFF, the rail break detection process described in FIGS. 5 and 6 is not performed in the corresponding track circuit section.

[0051] The changeover switch 14 can be provided in the interlocking control terminal 6. For example, it can be realized by linking with a touch panel switch with a display such as that shown in Fig. 7, or with another physical switch. Information on the operation signal of the changeover switch 14 is sent to the processing unit 13 of the interlocking device 2. The processing unit 13 performs processing to turn on / off the break detection function of the corresponding section in accordance with the received operation signal.

[0052] The changeover switch 14 is effective, for example, when a maintenance vehicle not equipped with a radio is in operation or when the on-board train control device 5 or the ground train control device 3 fails. In this case, the break detection function can be switched on or off for a specific track circuit by switching the break detection ON / OFF changeover switch 14 from the interlocking control terminal 6. For example, when the changeover switch 14-1 in Fig. 6 is turned ON, the detection functions for 01T, 02T, and 03T are enabled. When the changeover switch 14-1 is turned OFF, the detection functions for 01T, 02T, and 03T are disabled, preventing false detection of rail breaks.

[0053] <Effects> In the rail break detection system of the embodiment described above, the interlocking device 2 uses track circuit information 10 received from the track circuit 9 and the ground train control device 3 uses radio train position information 8 received via radio from the on-board train control device 5. A rail break is detected when an inconsistency is detected, where the track circuit information 10 indicates "on track" and the radio train position information 8 indicates "off track." Therefore, if track circuits are already installed, comprehensive track break detection is possible without the need to install new rail break detection devices on the rails. When the interlocking device 2 detects a rail break, the track circuit section where the rail break was detected can be output to the interlocking control terminal 6 to notify users.

[0054] Furthermore, the interlocking device 2 maintains the rail break status, and rail break restoration is not completed unless the rail break status of the track circuit section where the rail break was detected is restored by operator input from the interlocking control terminal 6. This prevents trains from entering the track circuit where the rail break was detected, reducing the risk of maintenance personnel (workers) being struck by trains or colliding with work equipment. Furthermore, when restoring the rail break status, safety is improved by confirming that both the track circuit information 10 and the radio train position information 8 have been in the "not present on the track" state for a certain period of time or more.

[0055] Furthermore, when a maintenance car is in operation or when the on-board train control device 5 or the ground train control device 3 fails, the break detection function ON / OFF changeover switch 14 can be switched from the interlocking control terminal 6. This allows the break detection function to be enabled or disabled for a specific track circuit section. Therefore, even when the ground train control device 3 does not detect track presence but the track circuit train detection device 7 does, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of a rail break by switching the rail break detection function of the interlocking device 2 OFF.

[0056] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1...rail breakage detection system, 2...interlocking device, 3...ground train control device, 4...train, 5...on-board train control device, 6...interlocking control terminal, 7...track circuit train detection device, 8...radio train position information, 9...track circuit, 10...track circuit information, 11...receiving unit, 12...storage unit, 13...processing unit, 14, 14-1, 14-2, 14-3...change-over switch, 15...radio communication, 16...information according to operation, 17...information according to processing result, R...track, 300...computer system, 302...processor, 302A, 302B...processing device , 304...memory, 306...memory bus, 308...I / O bus, 309...bus interface unit, 310...I / O bus interface unit, 312...terminal interface unit, 314...storage interface, 316...I / O device interface, 318...network interface, 320...user I / O device, 322...storage device, 324...display system, 326...display device, 330...network, 350...latent factor identification application

Claims

1. A rail breakage detection system that detects breakage in a rail on which a train runs, The system comprises a track circuit that uses the current flowing through the rail to detect the position of the train on the track for each section, a train control system that uses wireless communication between the ground and the train to control the train and acquire wireless train position information that is train position information, an interlocking device that has a function to detect rail breakage, and an interlocking control terminal that communicates with the interlocking device, the interlocking device detects a rail break based on track circuit information for the section of track location transmitted from the track circuit and the radio train position information transmitted from the train control system, When the interlocking device detects a rail break, the interlocking device sets a break status for the section in which the rail break was detected, and the setting of the rail break status for that section is not released unless information on a rail break restoration request for the section in which the rail break was detected is received through operation of the interlocking control terminal, A rail break detection system characterized in that the rail break status setting is not cancelled unless neither the track circuit information nor the radio train position information detects a presence on the track for a certain period of time or more in the section where the setting is to be cancelled.

2. 2. The rail breakage detection system according to claim 1, a train location information indicating a section of the track circuit where a train is detected, and a train location information indicating a section of the track circuit where a train is not detected, the interlocking device determines that the section is a rail break;

3. 2. The rail breakage detection system according to claim 1, A rail break detection system characterized in that, when the interlocking device detects a rail break, the interlocking device outputs the section of the track circuit in which the rail break was detected, and the interlocking control terminal has a display function that enables the section of the track circuit in which the rail break was detected to be confirmed.

4. 2. The rail breakage detection system according to claim 1, a rail break detection system, wherein the interlocking control terminal has a function capable of specifying whether or not to perform rail break detection for a specific section of the track circuit, and the interlocking device does not perform rail break detection for the section specified as not to perform rail break detection.

5. (delete)

6. A rail breakage detection method for detecting a break in a rail on which a train runs, comprising: The system uses a track circuit that uses the current flowing through the rail to detect the position of the train for each section, a train control system that can control the train and acquire train position information by using wireless communication between the ground and the train, an interlocking device that has the function of detecting rail breakage, and an interlocking control terminal that communicates with the interlocking device, detecting a rail break by the interlocking device based on track circuit information for the section of track location transmitted from the track circuit and the wireless train position information transmitted from the train control system; a step of, when a rail break is detected by the interlocking device, setting a break status for the section in which the rail break is detected, and not canceling the setting of the rail break status for that section unless information of a rail break restoration request for the section in which the rail break is detected is received by operation of the interlocking control terminal; A rail break detection method characterized in that the rail break status setting is not cancelled unless neither the track circuit information nor the radio train position information detects a presence on the track for a certain period of time or more in the section where the setting is to be cancelled.

7. 7. The rail breakage detection method according to claim 6, a step of detecting a rail break, wherein if the track circuit information includes a section of the track circuit where a train is detected on the track, and the radio train position information does not include a section where a train is detected on the track in the track circuit information, the step of detecting a rail break determines that the section is broken.

8. 7. The rail breakage detection method according to claim 6, a step of outputting, when a rail break is detected by the interlocking device, the section of the track circuit in which the rail break is detected; and displaying, by the interlocking control terminal, a display that enables the section of the track circuit in which a rail break has been detected to be confirmed.

9. 7. The rail breakage detection method according to claim 6, A rail break detection method, characterized in that, using the interlocking control terminal, the rail break detection is not performed for a section designated as not to be subjected to the rail break detection.