Wireless train control system

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a wireless train control system that enables a train to safely travel even in a non-wireless communication section. To this end, a wireless train control system according to an embodiment of the present invention is for controlling a traveling train, said wireless train control system comprising: a wireless communication unit that carries out wireless communication with the train; and a control unit that controls the train traveling in a first section which includes a wireless communication section where wireless communication with the train is possible and in a second section which includes a non-wireless communication section where wireless communication with the train is not possible, wherein the control unit sets the second section as an occlusion section.

Description

Radio train control system

[0001] The present invention relates to a radio train control system.

[0002] Conventionally, radio train control systems have achieved continuous control by detecting trains through continuous radio communication. Such radio train control systems can detect trains without relying on track circuits, which require periodic maintenance. However, even on lines with long train intervals or lines where point control ATS is updated, it is necessary to install ground and on-board equipment necessary for continuous control.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a train control system as follows: "A direct protection mode in which non-block protection is achieved by directly transmitting a non-block protection signal from a train 20a in non-block operation to a plurality of trains 20b and 20c located on the surrounding line, and an indirect protection mode in which non-block protection is achieved by transmitting a non-block protection signal from a train 20a in non-block operation to a base station 16, and transmitting a train control signal from the base station 16 that receives the non-block protection signal to a plurality of trains 20b and 20c located on the surrounding line."

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a ground control method in which "the ground control device (10) determines a control mode for train operation control in the communication area of ​​the wireless communication device based on communication level information indicating the communication state between the train and the wireless communication device, which is determined over a specified period of time, and is equipped with a control unit (13) that performs train operation control in accordance with the determined control mode for trains entering or approaching the communication area after the control mode has been determined, and a memory unit (12) that stores one or more pieces of communication level information for one or more wireless communication devices."

[0005] JP 2003-34249 A International Publication No. 2020 / 235009

[0006] However, train control systems using continuous wireless communication, such as those described in Patent Document 1, have the problem of requiring the introduction and maintenance of both a wireless train control system and a track circuit control system. Another problem is that a ground coil is required when switching between the wireless train control system and the track circuit control system. Furthermore, a wireless train control system, such as those described in Patent Document 2, that manages wireless communication devices as safety devices and brings a train to an emergency stop when the wireless communication level is low, requires continuous wireless communication in order for the train to run, and therefore has the problem of not being able to permit the train to run in discontinuous wireless communication sections.

[0007] Furthermore, in the prior art, sufficient consideration has not been given to running in discontinuous wireless communication zones.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a radio train control system that allows trains to run safely even in non-radio communication sections.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, one embodiment of the present invention is a wireless train control system that controls a running train, and includes a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the train, and a control unit that controls the train running in a first section including a wireless communication section where wireless communication with the train is possible, and a second section including a non-wireless communication section where wireless communication with the train is not possible, and the control unit sets the second section as a block section.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operation control system that allows trains to run safely even in non-wireless communication sections. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the description of the following embodiments of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a train control system in a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a ground control device in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an on-board device in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing state transitions of the on-board control device in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining an example of an operation submode state switching position of the on-board control device in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of state transitions of the train control system in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart related to stop command processing of the on-board control device in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a flowchart of stop commands of the ground control device in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an on-board device of a radio train control system in a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a ground control device of a radio train control system in a third embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In addition, in the description of the drawings, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. When there are multiple components having the same or similar functions, they may be described by using the same reference numerals with different subscripts. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted. The position, size, shape, range, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, range, etc., in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, range, etc. disclosed in the drawings.

[0013] First Embodiment First, a radio train control system 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the radio train control system 1 according to the first embodiment. The radio train control system 1 mainly includes a track device 2 and an on-board device 5, which are connected to each other via wireless communication. The track device 2 includes a track control device 10, a track radio command device 20, a display terminal 30, a base station 40, a control network 51, and a wireless network 52. The on-board device 5 includes an on-board radio device 60 and an on-board control device 70.

[0014] In the present disclosure, the wireless train control system 1 controls trains running on tracks connected to track circuits, but may also control other types of transportation equipment and function as a transportation equipment control system.

[0015] The control network 51 is a network that connects the ground control device 10 and the display terminal 30, and the wireless network 52 is a network that connects the ground wireless control device 20 and the base station 40. The wireless network 52 may be a public network or a network that communicates with a public network.

[0016] The display terminal 30 is a display interface for the radio train control system 1 and functions as a display unit. The display terminal 30 also electrically displays the operation screen of the radio train control system 1 as an image for the dispatcher, and can change the display content in immediate response to changes in the processing status or operations by the dispatcher.

[0017] The ground radio control device 20 is a control device that controls the radio network 52, and can identify the radio communication area 4 in which the on-board device 5 can communicate. In other words, the ground radio control device 20 can identify the base station 40 connected to the on-board device 5.

[0018] The base station 40 has an antenna and emits a radio signal. It is installed at a radio installation location 7 and performs radio communication within a radio communication area 4, which is the effective range of a radio network where radio communication is enabled. Here, the radio installation location 7 is preferably located on a track where trains pass, such as a stop station or an interlocking station, but may be located elsewhere. For example, the radio communication area 4 of the base station 40 may be located in a location where part of the track where trains pass is included.

[0019] <Ground Control Device> Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ground control device 10 in the first embodiment. The ground control device 10 receives train position information from the on-board control device 70 via the transceiver unit 11, performs calculations via the control unit 12, and transmits the stopping limit point from the transceiver unit 11. Here, the stopping limit point is the longest point at which the train is permitted to run. The ground control device 10 includes the transceiver unit 11, the control unit 12, and an operation submode switching position information database 13.

[0020] The ground control device 10 receives the operation sub-mode status from the on-board control device 70 via the transmitter / receiver 11. The ground control device 10 transmits the operation sub-mode status received from the on-board control device 70 to the display terminal 30 via the control network 51. The display terminal 30 displays the operation sub-mode status and notifies the dispatcher.

[0021] The transmitter / receiver 11 also wirelessly connects and communicates with the ground radio control device 20 and the control network 51. Furthermore, when the control unit 12 receives a driving submode status of a first submode 101 (described later), it acquires next driving submode switching position information from a driving submode switching position information database 13 and transmits it to the on-board control device 70 via the transmitter / receiver 11. The driving submode switching position information database 13 is a database that stores position information for determining the driving mode, and functions as a mode switching position database.

[0022] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the on-board device 5 in the first embodiment. The on-board device 5 includes an on-board radio device 60, an on-board control device 70, and a display 80.

[0023] The on-board radio device 60 includes a mobile station 61 and an on-board radio control device 62. The mobile station 61 has an antenna and emits radio signals, is installed inside the train, and performs radio communication within the radio communication area 4. The on-board radio control device 62 controls the mobile station 61 based on commands received from the on-board control device 70.

[0024] The display 80 is a display unit that displays information from the on-board control device 70. The information displayed on the display 80 includes, for example, speed information displayed on a speedometer, information on a driving submode (described later), and the like.

[0025] The on-board control device 70 includes a transceiver 71, a controller 72, and an on-board database 73, and connects the transceiver 71 to a display 80, a brake, etc. The controller 72 also includes an operation submode switching manager 72a and a position calculator 72b.

[0026] The on-board database 73 is a database that records route information. The on-board database 73 records location information of stations that are radio device installation locations 7, distance information between stations, information on the size of the wireless communication area 4, and the like.

[0027] The driving submode switching management unit 72a manages switching of the driving submodes among the first submode 101, the second submode 102, the third submode 103, and the fourth submode 104 based on driving submode switching position information received from the ground control device 10. In addition, the control unit 72 transmits the current driving submode status to the ground control device 10 via the transceiver unit 71 and the on-board radio device 60.

[0028] The position calculation unit 72b calculates train position information from the route information recorded in the on-board database 73 and information on the distance traveled by the train. The control unit 72 also transmits the train position information to the ground control device 10 and generates a deceleration pattern based on the received stopping limit point.

[0029] The on-board control device 70 also transmits the driving sub-mode status to the display device 80. The display device 80 displays the driving sub-mode status and notifies the driver.

[0030] <Switching of operation mode state> Next, state transitions of the on-board control device 70 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing state transitions of the on-board control device 70 in the first embodiment. The on-board control device 70 has a switching function for operation modes 200. The operation modes 200 include an ATP mode 201 and another operation mode 202. The on-board control device 70 also has a special open mode 203.

[0031] The ATP mode 201 is a mode in which the running of a train is controlled by the radio train control system 1. In the ATP mode 201, the train is connected to the radio train control system 1 via radio communication in principle, and can automatically slow down or stop the train according to the signal aspect and the conditions of the line. The ATP mode 201 has a continuous control mode 204 and a discontinuous control mode 205, and transitions to the discontinuous control mode 205 in the second section including the non-radio communication section.

[0032] The continuous control mode 204, also referred to as the first operation mode, is an operation mode included in the ATP mode 201. In the continuous control mode 204, the on-board control device 70 is in a continuous control state in which control is always performed by radio control. At this time, the on-board control device 70 has no possibility of transitioning to any of the first sub-mode 101 to fourth sub-mode 104 described below. The on-board control device 70 runs the train in the continuous control mode unless it receives operation sub-mode switching position information from the ground control device 10. In other words, when the on-board control device 70 receives operation sub-mode switching position information from the ground control device 10, it transitions to the discontinuous control mode.

[0033] The discontinuous control mode 205, also referred to as the second operation mode, is also an operation mode included in the ATP mode 201. In the discontinuous control mode 205, the on-board control device 70 is in a discontinuous control state in which control by wireless control is not necessarily performed. The on-board control device 70 has four operation submodes: a first submode 101, a second submode 102, a third submode 103, and a fourth submode 104. At this time, the on-board control device 70 may transition to any of the first submode 101 to the fourth submode 104. For example, when the on-board control device 70 receives operation submode switching position information from the ground control device 10, it transitions to the discontinuous control mode 205.

[0034] The other operation mode 202 is a mode in which operation is controlled by another control system such as ATC, etc. The release mode 203 is a mode in which the train is completely released from control by the train control system.

[0035] The operation submode state of the operation submode 210 can be transitioned when the ATP mode 201 of the operation mode 200 is in the discontinuous control mode 205. The operation submode state does not transition when the operation mode 200 is in the continuous control mode 204, other operation mode 202, open mode 203, or other modes, but transitions sequentially from the first submode 101 to the fourth submode 104 when the operation mode 200 is in the discontinuous control mode 205. When the wireless communication areas 4 are continuous, the ATP mode 201 is in the continuous control mode 204 or the first submode 101, so there is no need to transition to the third submode 103, and the operation submode switching position information can be set so as to transition from the second submode 102 to the fourth submode 104.

[0036] <Driving sub-mode state switching positions> Next, the driving sub-mode state switching positions of the on-board control device 70 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the driving sub-mode state switching positions of the on-board control device 70 in the first embodiment.

[0037] The train travels through a first section including a wireless communication section where wireless communication is possible and a second section including a non-wireless communication section where wireless communication is not possible. In this embodiment, the range of the wireless communication area 4 corresponds to both the first section and the second section.

[0038] Next, the first submode 101 to the fourth submode 104 to which transitions occur in the discontinuous control mode 205 will be described. The first submode 101 is an operation submode executed within the range of the wireless communication area 4. In the first submode 101, the train is within the range of the wireless communication area 4, and therefore can connect to the ground control device 10 via wireless communication. Furthermore, the first submode 101 is transitioned by entering the wireless device installation location 7 based on a block attribute indicating a station premises, a code indicating a station, or operation submode switching position information provided from the ground.

[0039] When the train transitions to the first submode 101, the ground control device 10 blocks the section including the first submode 101. In other words, it prohibits other trains from entering the section.

[0040] The second submode 102 is an intermediate operation submode between the first submode 101 and the third submode 103. The second submode 102 is entered from the first submode 101 by exiting the station premises or the like where the radio device is installed 7. In the second submode 102, the train is in a weak radio wave strength zone, where the radio wave strength of wireless communication gradually weakens. Therefore, wireless communication is possible until the radio wave strength of wireless communication falls below a first threshold. Here, the first threshold is, for example, the radio wave strength at the stopping limit point. When the train moves beyond the stopping limit point, the radio wave strength of wireless communication falls below the first threshold, and wireless communication becomes impossible. Therefore, the train is considered to have moved into a second zone including a non-wireless communication zone, where wireless communication is impossible, and transitions to the third submode 103.

[0041] The third submode 103 is an operation submode that is executed outside the range of the wireless communication area 4. The third submode 103 is transitioned from the second submode based on operation submode switching position information received from the ground control device 10. In the third submode 103, the train is outside the range of the wireless communication area 4, and therefore cannot connect to the ground control device 10 via wireless communication.

[0042] When a train transitions to the third submode 103, the ground control device 10 blocks the section including the third submode 103. In other words, other trains cannot enter the section. In this embodiment, the ground control device 10 virtually combines multiple sections including the second submode 102, the third submode 103, and the fourth submode 104 into one block section, but other sections may also be combined into one block section. For example, the second submode 102 and the third submode 103 may be virtually combined into one block section, or the third submode 103 and the fourth submode 104 may be virtually combined into one block section.

[0043] In the third submode 103, the train is located outside the wireless communication area 4 and is not subject to control from the ground control device 10. At this time, a train that has entered the third submode 103 cannot receive information about other trains, which hinders safe running. For this reason, it is desirable to stop the train in principle. However, the section including the third submode 103 where the train is running is blocked, and no other trains are running. In other words, the train can continue to run safely in the section including the third submode 103 without being controlled by the ground control device 10. This allows the train to operate in an operation mode where it runs without issuing a stop command even when it detects that it is outside the wireless communication area 4, i.e., that wireless communication has been cut off.

[0044] The fourth submode 104 is an intermediate operation submode between the third submode 103 and the first submode 101. Like the third submode 103, the fourth submode 104 transitions based on operation submode switching position information received from the ground control device 10. In the fourth submode 104, the train is in a radio wave strength strengthening zone, where radio wave strength of wireless communication gradually increases. Therefore, wireless communication is possible until the radio wave strength of wireless communication exceeds a second threshold. Here, the second threshold is the radio wave strength at the stopping limit point. When the train moves beyond the stopping limit point, the radio wave strength of wireless communication exceeds the second threshold, and wireless communication becomes possible. Alternatively, the operation submode switching position may be set so that the train transitions to the fourth submode 104 after entering the wireless communication area 4 and establishing wireless communication. Alternatively, the operation submode switching may be achieved by installing a ground coil and passing through the ground coil.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the example has been described in which the driving submodes are transitioned in the order of the first submode 101, the second submode 102, the third submode 103, and the fourth submode 104, but the driving submodes may be transitioned in a different order. For example, the driving submodes may be transitioned directly from the first submode 101 to the third submode 103, or from the second submode 102 to the fourth submode 104 without passing through the third submode 103.

[0046] In a radio train control system, if the on-board device 5 is located outside the range of the radio communication area 4, the train stops running. However, in the radio train control system 1, when running in the third submode 103, the train can run both inside and outside the range of the radio communication area 4. Furthermore, when transitioning to the third submode 103, the ground equipment 2 cannot recognize the train position outside the range of the radio communication area 4, so a fixed block 110 is set.

[0047] In FIG. 5, there are two types of fixed routes 110, one for the first submode 101 and the other for the second submode 102 to the fourth submode 104. However, if the first submode 101 and the third submode 103 are included in different fixed routes 110, the fixed routes 110 may be set in other classifications.

[0048] <State transition of train control system> Next, state transition of the radio train control system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a flowchart of state transition of the radio train control system 1 in the first embodiment. First, the on-board control device 70 switches the operation mode 200 to the continuous control mode 204 of the ATP mode 201 by operation of the driver (S301).

[0049] Next, the on-board control device 70 detects from the track location and on-board database information that the train has entered the station premises or the like where the radio device is installed 7 (S302). As the train has entered the station premises, the on-board control device 70 receives operation sub-mode switching position information from the ground control device 10, switches to discontinuous control mode 205, and transitions to the first sub-mode 101 (S303). If the transition to the first sub-mode 101 has not occurred, this process is repeated. Next, the on-board control device 70 notifies the ground control device 10 that the train has transitioned to the first sub-mode 101 (S304).

[0050] Next, the on-board control device 70 receives operation sub-mode switching position information (S305). Specifically, after receiving the transition to the first sub-mode 101, the on-board control device 70 receives operation sub-mode switching position information corresponding to the section between the current station and the next station from the trackside control device 10.

[0051] Next, the on-board control device 70 sets operation sub-mode switching position information (S306). Next, the on-board control device 70 determines whether the train has entered the transition position of the second sub-mode 102 (S307). If the train has not entered the transition position of the second sub-mode 102, the process is repeated.

[0052] Next, the operation submode switching management unit 72a of the on-board control device 70 transitions to the second submode and notifies the ground control device 10 of the transition (S308).

[0053] Next, the driving submode switching management unit 72a determines whether the third submode 103 is set based on the driving submode switching position information (S309). If the third submode 103 is set, the process proceeds to S310. If the third submode 103 is not set, the process proceeds to S313.

[0054] If the wireless communication areas 4 are continuous, the driving submode switching management unit 72a may transition from the second submode 102 to the fourth submode 104 without setting the third submode 103 in the setting of the driving submode switching position information, and proceed to the processing of S313. In this case, if the third submode 103 is not set, the driving submode switching position information may be set to not include the second submode 102 or not include the fourth submode 104. Furthermore, neither the second submode 102 nor the fourth submode 104 may be set.

[0055] Next, the on-board control device 70 determines whether the transition position of the third sub-mode 103 has been entered (S310). If the transition position of the third sub-mode 103 has not been entered, the process is repeated.

[0056] Next, the on-board control device 70 notifies the ground control device 10 that the mode has been changed to the third sub-mode 103 (S311). In the third sub-mode 103, as shown in FIG. 7, control is performed so that the vehicle can travel both within and outside the range of the wireless communication area 4.

[0057] Next, when the train is traveling outside the wireless communication area 4, the on-board control device 70 determines whether wireless communication has been established before entering the next station (S312). If wireless communication has not been established, the process is repeated.

[0058] Next, the on-board control device 70 determines whether the transition position of the fourth sub-mode 104 has been entered (S313). If the transition position of the fourth sub-mode 104 has not been entered, the process is repeated.

[0059] Next, the on-board control device 70 notifies the ground control device 10 that the mode has been changed to the fourth sub-mode 104 (S314). When this process is completed, the process returns to S302.

[0060] <On-board control device stop command processing> Next, the stop command processing of the on-board control device 70 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart related to the stop command processing of the on-board control device 70 in the first embodiment. First, the on-board control device 70 sets the same communication interruption detection time as that of the ground control device 10 in the database (S401).

[0061] Next, the on-board control device 70 detects whether the communication interruption detection time has elapsed (S402). Specifically, the on-board control device 70 constantly monitors the presence or absence of wireless communication and detects that the communication interruption time set in S401 has elapsed.

[0062] Next, the on-board control device 70 checks whether the vehicle is in the third sub-mode 103 (S403). If the vehicle is in the third sub-mode 103, the process proceeds to S404. If the vehicle is not in the third sub-mode 103, the process proceeds to S405.

[0063] Next, if the on-board control device 70 is in the third sub-mode 103, it determines that the vehicle is traveling outside the wireless communication area 4, and ends the process without outputting a stop command to the brake device (S404).

[0064] Next, if the on-board control device 70 is not in the third submode, it determines that the problem is a failure of the wireless device or interference due to external noise, and outputs a stop command to stop the train from moving, and ends the process (S405).

[0065] <Stop Command Processing of Ground Control Device> Next, the brake instruction processing of the ground control device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart relating to the stop command processing of the ground control device 10 in the first embodiment.

[0066] First, the ground control device 10 sets a communication interruption detection time (S501). Specifically, the ground control device 10 sets the same communication interruption detection time in the database as that of the on-train control device 70. This is because, in the third submode 103 state, the vehicle is outside the range of the wireless communication area 4, and the ground control device 10 needs to maintain the third submode 103 state once it has received it, taking into account the case where the vehicle is traveling outside the range of the wireless communication area 4.

[0067] Next, the ground control device 10 detects whether the communication interruption detection time has elapsed (S502). Specifically, the ground control device 10 constantly monitors the presence or absence of wireless communication and detects that the communication interruption time set in S501 has elapsed.

[0068] Next, the ground control device 10 checks whether the operation submode received from the on-board control device 70 is the third submode 103 (S503). If it is the third submode 103, the process proceeds to S504, and if it is not the third submode 103, the process proceeds to S506.

[0069] Next, when the ground control device 10 is in the third sub-mode 103 state, it determines that the train is traveling outside the range of the wireless communication area 4 and performs processing not to output a stop command to the brake device (S504). Next, the ground control device 10 outputs a command not to set protection for trains around other trains under its control, and ends the processing (S505).

[0070] Furthermore, if the ground control device 10 is not in the third sub-mode 103 state, it determines that the train is traveling within the range of the wireless communication area 4, and performs processing to output a stop command (S506). Next, the ground control device 10 outputs a command to set protection to other trains under its control, and ends the processing (S507).

[0071] The wireless train control system 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. In the wireless train control system 1 of the present disclosure, the on-board control device 70 has an operation submode 210 and calculates a transition position to the second submode 102, the third submode 103, or the fourth submode 104 based on data switching position information received from the ground control device 10. A train controlled by the wireless train control system 1 transitions to each operation submode by entering the corresponding transition position. In the third submode 103, even if a wireless communication interruption is detected while the train is traveling outside the wireless communication area 4, a stop command is not output. This allows the use of the same equipment as in a train control system that performs continuous control, so that the same train can travel between a first section including a wireless communication section where wireless communication is possible and a second section including a non-wireless communication section where wireless communication is not possible.

[0072] In this embodiment, the radio device installation position 7 is assumed to be located inside a station. However, if the radio device installation position does not correspond to a station, the section may be set as a moving block.

[0073] In this embodiment, the running information of the preceding train, including the protection settings and the operation mode of the preceding train, is transmitted to other trains via the ground control device 10, but it is also possible to use a method of transmitting the information directly to the following train or a method of transmitting the information using an oncoming train.In addition to wireless communication, transmission methods such as transmission through rails are also possible.

[0074] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The wireless train control system 1b disclosed as the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the operation submode switching position information database 13 is disposed in the on-board control device 70, not in the ground control device 10. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment and the like will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be simplified or omitted.

[0075] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an on-board device 5b of a radio train control system 1b in the second embodiment. The on-board device 5b includes an on-board radio device 60, an on-board control device 70b, and a display 80. The on-board control device 70b also includes a transceiver 71, an operation submode switching management unit 72a, a control unit 72 having a position calculation unit 72b, an on-board database 73, and an operation submode switching position information database 13, and is connected to the transceiver 71, the display 80, the brakes, etc.

[0076] The radio train control system 1b according to the second embodiment has been described above. The radio train control system 1b according to the present disclosure stores the operation submode switching position information database 13 in the on-board control device 70b, and thereby calculates the positions at which the train transitions to the second submode 102, the third submode 103, and the fourth submode 104 by itself. Storing the operation submode switching position information database 13 in the on-board control device 70b eliminates the need for transmission and reception with the ground control device 10 for the train controlled by the radio train control system 1b. This allows the radio train control system 1b to reduce the amount of ground equipment and on-board equipment even on lines with wide train intervals.

[0077] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The radio train control system 1c disclosed as the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an operation submode switching management unit 72a is arranged in the ground control device 10, not in the on-board control device 70. In the following description, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment and the like will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be simplified or omitted.

[0078] 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a ground control device 10b of a radio train control system 1c according to the third embodiment. The ground control device 10b includes a transceiver unit 11, a control unit 12b, and an operation submode switching position information database 13. The control unit 12b includes an operation submode switching management unit 72a.

[0079] The above describes the radio train control system 1c according to the third embodiment. In the radio train control system 1c according to the present disclosure, the ground control device 10 manages the operation submode status. The ground control device 10b also compares the position information received from the on-board control device 70 with the mode switching position. However, according to the radio train control system 1c according to the present disclosure, when the train enters a position where a transition to a mode occurs, the ground control device 10 transmits a mode status instruction to the on-board control device 70, and the on-board control device 70 switches to that mode, thereby managing the operation submode status. In this way, the radio train control system 1c according to the present disclosure can control the train even if the train is traveling on a line that does not have an on-board database.

[0080] The configurations shown in the above embodiments can be combined or modified as appropriate within the scope that does not change the gist of the invention.

[0081] The present invention can also take the following aspects. (Aspect 1) A radio train control system for controlling a running train, comprising: a radio communication unit that radio-communicates with the train; and a control unit that controls the train running in a first section including a radio communication section where radio communication with the train is possible and a second section including a non-radio communication section where radio communication with the train is not possible, wherein the control unit sets the second section as a block section. (Aspect 2) The radio train control system according to Aspect 1, wherein the second section is a section formed by virtually combining a plurality of sections into one. (Aspect 3) The radio train control system according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the trains include a first train and a second train, and the control unit prohibits the second train from entering the second section when the first train is running in the second section. (Aspect 4) The radio train control system according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, comprising a base station that communicates by radio with the radio communication unit, wherein the control unit sets the second section based on a radio communication area that is an effective range of radio communication of the base station. (Aspect 5) The radio train control system according to Aspect 3 or 4, wherein the control unit, when the first train is traveling in the second section, transmits and receives information about the first train traveling in the second section from the first train. (Aspect 6) The radio train control system according to Aspect 5, wherein the information about the second section includes information about the operation mode of the first train. (Aspect 7) The radio train control system according to Aspect 5 or 6, wherein, when the first train is traveling in the second section, the first train continues traveling even if the radio communication is impossible.(Aspect 8) A radio train control system for controlling a running train, comprising: a radio communication unit that radio communicates with the train; a position calculation unit that calculates the running position of the train; an operation mode switching management unit that switches between a first operation mode in which running control is performed using radio communication based on a first section including a radio communication section where radio communication is possible with the train; and a second operation mode in which running control is performed without using radio communication based on a second section including a non-radio communication section where radio communication is not possible with the train; and an operation mode switching position database that has operation mode switching position information for switching between the first operation mode and the second operation mode, wherein the operation mode switching management unit switches between the first operation mode and the second operation mode based on the running position calculated by the position calculation unit and the operation mode switching position information stored in the operation mode switching position database. (Aspect 9) A radio train control system according to Aspect 8, (Aspect 10) The radio train control system according to Aspect 9, wherein the second operation mode does not output a stop command to the train in the non-wireless communication section. (Aspect 11) The radio train control system according to Aspect 10, wherein the first operation mode has a mode for controlling a train in the wireless communication section, and the second operation mode has a first sub-mode for controlling the train in the wireless communication section, a second sub-mode for controlling the train in a weak radio wave strength section in the wireless communication section where the radio wave strength of the wireless communication gradually weakens, a third sub-mode for controlling the train in the non-wireless communication section, and a fourth sub-mode for controlling the train in a strong radio wave strength section in the wireless communication section where the radio wave strength of the wireless communication gradually strengthens.(Aspect 12) The radio train control system according to Aspect 11, wherein the operation mode switching management unit changes from the second submode to the third submode when the radio wave strength of the radio communication falls below a first threshold, and changes from the fourth submode to the first submode when the radio wave strength of the radio communication exceeds a second threshold. (Aspect 13) The radio train control system according to Aspect 11 or 12, wherein the third submode is a range of the non-radio communication section, and is a mode in which a stop command is not output even when a disconnection of radio communication is detected, and no instruction to set protection for trains around the train in the non-radio communication section is given. (Aspect 14) The radio train control system according to any one of Aspects 8 to 13, comprising a display unit that displays a system status. (Aspect 15) A radio train control system according to any one of Aspects 8 to 14, comprising: a ground device set on the ground; an on-board device mounted on the train running on a track; and a wireless network for communication between the ground device and the on-board device; wherein the ground device has the operation mode switching position database; the on-board device has the position calculation unit and the operation mode switching management unit; the running position calculated by the position calculation unit is sent to the ground device via the wireless communication; the ground device further has a control unit, which determines an operation mode based on the running position in the position calculation unit of the on-board device and position information held in the operation mode switching position database, and outputs the determined operation mode to the on-board device; and the operation mode switching management unit included in the on-board device changes the operation mode of the train. (Aspect 16) The radio train control system according to any one of Aspects 9 to 15, further comprising an on-board device mounted on the train running on a track, the on-board device having the operation mode switching position database, the position calculation unit, and the operation mode switching management unit.(Aspect 17) The radio train control system according to any one of Aspects 9 to 16, comprising: a ground device installed on the ground, the ground device having the operation mode switching position database, the position calculation unit, and the operation mode switching management unit. (Aspect 18) The radio train control system according to any one of Aspects 15 to 17, wherein the radio network includes a network for communicating with a public network.

[0082] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Radio train control system 2 Ground equipment 4 Radio communication area 5 On-board equipment 7 Radio installation location 10 Ground control device 11 Transmitting / receiving unit 12 Control unit 13 Operation submode switching position information database 20 Ground radio coordinating device 30 Display terminal 40 Base station 51 Control network 52 Radio network 60 On-board radio device 61 Mobile station 62 On-board radio control device 70 On-board control device 71 Transmitting / receiving unit 72 Control unit 72a Operation submode switching management unit 72b Position calculation unit 73 On-board database 80 Display

Claims

1. A radio train control system for controlling a running train, a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the train; a position calculation unit that calculates the running position of a train; an operation mode switching management unit that switches between a first operation mode in which the train performs running control using wireless communication based on a first section including a wireless communication section in which wireless communication is possible, and a second operation mode in which the train performs running control without using wireless communication based on a second section including a non-wireless communication section in which wireless communication is not possible; a driving mode switching position database having driving mode switching position information for switching between the first driving mode and the second driving mode; The driving mode switching management unit switches between the first driving mode and the second driving mode based on the traveling position calculated by the position calculation unit and the driving mode switching position information stored in the driving mode switching position database. Radio train control system.

2. 2. The wireless train control system according to claim 1, The train is controlled to run without using a track circuit in the first section and the second section. Radio train control system.

3. 3. The radio train control system according to claim 2, The second operation mode does not output a stop command to the train in the non-wireless communication section. Radio train control system.

4. 4. The radio train control system according to claim 3, the first operation mode includes a mode for controlling a train in the wireless communication section, the second operation mode includes a first sub-mode for controlling a train in the wireless communication section; The control system has a second submode for controlling the train in a weak radio wave strength section in which the radio wave strength of the radio communication gradually weakens in the radio communication section, a third submode for controlling the train in the non-radio communication section, and a fourth submode for controlling the train in a strong radio wave strength section in which the radio wave strength of the radio communication gradually strengthens in the radio communication section. Radio train control system.

5. 5. The radio train control system according to claim 4, The operation mode switching management unit changes the operation mode from the second submode to the third submode when the radio wave intensity of the wireless communication is lower than a first threshold, and changes the operation mode from the fourth submode to the first submode when the radio wave intensity of the wireless communication is higher than a second threshold. Radio train control system.

6. 5. The radio train control system according to claim 4, The third sub-mode is a mode in which, in the range of the non-wireless communication section, a stop command is not output even when a disconnection of the wireless communication is detected, and protection setting is not instructed for trains around the train in the non-wireless communication section. Radio train control system.

7. 2. The wireless train control system according to claim 1, Equipped with a display that shows the system status Radio train control system.

8. 2. The wireless train control system according to claim 1, The train comprises a ground device installed on the ground, an on-board device mounted on the train running on a track, and a wireless network for communication between the ground device and the on-board device, The ground device has the driving mode switching position database, the on-board device includes the position calculation unit and the operation mode switching management unit, The traveling position calculated by the position calculation unit is sent to the ground device via the wireless communication, the wayside device further includes a control unit, the control unit determining a driving mode based on the running position in the position calculation unit of the on-board device and position information held in the driving mode switching position database, and outputting the determined driving mode to the on-board device; The operation mode switching management unit included in the on-board device changes the operation mode of the train. Radio train control system.

9. 2. The wireless train control system according to claim 1, an on-board device mounted on the train running on a track, The on-board device includes the driving mode switching position database, the position calculation unit, and the driving mode switching management unit. Radio train control system.

10. 2. The wireless train control system according to claim 1, a ground device installed on the ground, The ground device has the driving mode switching position database, the position calculation unit, and the driving mode switching management unit. Radio train control system.

11. 9. The radio train control system according to claim 8, The wireless network includes a network that communicates with a public network. Radio train control system.

12. A wireless train control system as claimed in claim 1, a control unit that controls trains that run on the first section and the second section, The control unit sets the second section as a block section. Radio train control system.

13. The wireless train control system according to claim 12, The second section is a section in which a plurality of sections are virtually combined into one section. Radio train control system.

14. The wireless train control system according to claim 12, the trains include a first train and a second train; The control unit prohibits the second train from entering the second section when the first train is traveling in the second section. Radio train control system.

15. The wireless train control system according to claim 12, a base station that wirelessly communicates with the wireless communication unit, The control unit sets the second section based on a wireless communication area that is an effective range of wireless communication of the base station. Radio train control system.

16. The wireless train control system according to claim 14, The control unit transmits and receives information from the first train that the first train is traveling in the second section when the first train is traveling in the second section. Radio train control system.

17. 17. The wireless train control system according to claim 16, The information about the second section includes information about the operation mode of the first train. Radio train control system.

18. 17. The wireless train control system according to claim 16, When the first train travels through the second section, the first train Continue driving even if wireless communication is not possible Radio train control system.