JP2001138916A - Information communication system of train - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information communication system for a freight train that can collect information on every car in a locomotive without excess wiring between the cars, and can offer communication on little power and without the influence of radio interference and of obstructions. SOLUTION: Each car 2 of a freight train has a wireless transmitter/receiver 4 at each of the front and rear ends, and a repeater 5 consisting of a microcomputer or the like. The transmitters/receivers 4 and repeaters 5 constitute an information channel 10 across the train for sequential information transmission to each car 2. Each repeater 5 is connected with sensor equipment 6 for detecting information on the car 2. A leading locomotive 1 has a host computer 3 for collecting and managing the information on each car 2 via the information channel 10.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information communication system for a train such as a freight train that transmits various information such as a connection order of a vehicle, an operation state, and a vehicle abnormality to a power vehicle.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Trains on railways, especially freight trains,
In a train in which one motor vehicle pulls another vehicle such as a freight car or a passenger car, electrical wiring for transmitting information to all connected vehicles is not provided. Therefore, it is difficult to collect and manage information on each vehicle in the leading powered vehicle. However, it is desired that the status of each vehicle can be monitored at the driver's seat even in a freight train or the like. In order to transmit a signal from a towed vehicle such as a freight vehicle or a general passenger car to a powered vehicle without performing electrical wiring, there is a method in which a transmitter that transmits a radio signal is installed in the towed vehicle. It is a many-to-one communication method from the vehicle to the leading powered vehicle.

[0003]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention When communication is carried out using radio, there are problems such as interference of radio waves, interference and deterioration of the communication state due to obstacles. In addition, since the number and configuration of towed vehicles such as freight vehicles connected to the powered vehicles constantly change, it is difficult to perform wireless communication by preparing fixed codes and frequencies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to collect information of each vehicle in a powered vehicle without extra wiring between vehicles, and to perform communication with low power and without being affected by interference or obstacles. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a train information communication system capable of performing the above.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A train information communication system according to the present invention is provided with wireless transceivers at the front and rear ends of each train of the train, and these transceivers are provided at opposite ends of the trains connected to each other. It is assumed that communication is performed bidirectionally between the transmitter and the receiver. As described above, since the wireless transceiver is used, the information of each vehicle can be collected in the powered vehicle without extra wiring between the vehicles. If communication between adjacent vehicles is possible, the entire train network can be formed, so even if vehicles are connected or disconnected on the way, it is possible to immediately reconstruct information and know the state of the train is there. In addition, the transceiver is provided at the front and rear ends of each vehicle,
Since the end portions of the adjacent vehicles connected to each other can communicate with each other, the communication distance can be reduced. Therefore, transmission and reception can be performed by low-power wireless communication, and communication can be performed without being affected by interference or an obstacle. Through this communication path, for example, when abnormality of the axle bearing is detected, the abnormality information can be reliably notified to the leading powered vehicle, and the state of the running freight vehicle can be monitored by the powered vehicle. .

In the present invention, each vehicle is provided with a repeater for transmitting information received from an adjacent vehicle via a transceiver at one end of the vehicle to an opposite vehicle via a transceiver at the other end. The information communication path of the entire train may be configured by the devices and the repeaters. In this way, one-to-one two-way communication is performed between adjacent vehicles and relayed by each vehicle, so that an information communication route for the entire train can be secured, thereby affecting the change in vehicle configuration. This enables information transmission without interference and interference problems.

The above repeater can be used for various purposes.
For example, a sensor device for detecting a matter generated in a vehicle equipped with the repeater is connected to the repeater, and the repeater transmits information detected by the sensor device to a power source via the information communication path. It may have a function of transmitting to the vehicle. By connecting the sensor device to the repeater in this way, information generated in the vehicle can be transmitted to the powered vehicle.

In the present invention, two or more sets of the transmitter / receiver and the repeater may be installed so that any one of the remaining sets is used when one set fails, so that a redundant configuration is provided. By providing two or more sets and providing a redundant configuration in this way, high reliability can be achieved.

In the present invention, the communication / relay means comprising a transmitter / receiver and a repeater of each vehicle has a main power supply and an auxiliary power supply. And an automatic power-on / off means for turning on the main power and turning off the main power under a predetermined condition when an emergency signal is generated due to the abnormal information generated. In particular, freight vehicles generally do not have a power source or current collecting means, and therefore require batteries and the like as power sources for the transceiver and the repeater. Therefore, by providing the automatic power-on / off means in this manner, power consumption can be suppressed, and long-time use can be performed without performing battery replacement or charging.

[0010] As described above, when a vehicle is provided with a transceiver and a repeater to form an information communication path for the entire train, a host computer is placed in the powered vehicle, and the host computer is connected to the host computer via the information communication path. Information request means to each vehicle, and information collection means for storing response information of each vehicle. As a result, the state of the entire train can be managed by the powered vehicle equipped with the host computer.

[0011] The host computer of the power vehicle has a transmitting unit of a configuration request command for obtaining a configuration response from each vehicle via the information communication path, and a relay of each vehicle performs predetermined processing on the configuration request command. And generating a vehicle identification information, responding the vehicle identification information as the configuration response, storing the vehicle identification information, and transmitting a configuration request command of the processing result as relay information. It is good. In the case of this configuration, when the train configuration changes, the host computer of the powered vehicle transmits a configuration request command to each vehicle, thereby attaching vehicle identification information to all vehicles and collecting train configuration information. be able to. Further, irrespective of the number of connected vehicles, vehicle identification information can be assigned and a vehicle can be specified.

In the present invention, when the host computer is placed and the information collecting means is provided, the relay device transmits one vehicle when relaying a vehicle designation signal transmitted from the host computer of the powered vehicle. A predetermined process for recognizing that the vehicle has passed has been applied to the vehicle designating signal and relayed, and when the vehicle designating signal before or after the predetermined process is a predetermined value, May be recognized as having been designated. As described above, by performing the predetermined processing each time the relay device relays the vehicle specifying signal, it is possible to specify the responding vehicle without attaching recognition information to each vehicle.

In the present invention, a sensor device for detecting a matter occurring in the vehicle is connected to the repeater, and when a predetermined abnormality is detected by the sensor device, an emergency signal is transmitted to transmit the information communication path. An emergency signal transmitting means for transmitting the signal to the host computer of the power vehicle may be provided. In this configuration, the emergency signal is transmitted to the host computer without waiting for an inquiry from the host computer. Therefore, the emergency signal can be immediately recognized by the host computer, and the response can be performed quickly.

[0014]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This information communication system is a train information communication system in a railway, and includes a host computer 3 for information management of a train installed in a powered vehicle 1 having a driver's seat, and a transponder installed in each towed vehicle 2. 5 and wireless transceivers 4 provided at both front and rear ends of each of the vehicles 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the case where the towed vehicle 2 is a freight vehicle has been described, but the freight vehicle 2 in the following description may be a vehicle serving as a passenger car. The repeater 5 is configured by a microcomputer. The transceivers 4 are bidirectionally communicated between the transceivers 4 at the opposite ends of the vehicles 1 and 2 and the vehicles 2 and 2 connected to each other. The wireless transceiver 4 may perform any of communication using weak radio waves, communication using magnetic coupling, communication using infrared rays, and communication using ultrasonic waves. The transceiver 4 and the repeater 5 constitute an information communication path 10 for the entire train. The information communication paths 10 may be provided in a redundant configuration by providing two or more pairs, and may be used as a countermeasure when a failure occurs.

The command is transmitted by the host computer 3 on the motor vehicle 1. The transponder 5 of the freight vehicle 2 transmits information only when called from outside and in an emergency. Each repeater 5 has a nonvolatile memory 7 (FIG. 3)
Is mounted, and a unique number of the vehicle body, maintenance information, and the like are input, and the information is updated as necessary. Also, the repeater 5 is provided with an input terminal 8,
An input terminal (not shown) connected to this allows input of container information on the vehicle 2 and input of various states of the vehicle 2 from another sensor device 6 or control device 9. . The number of the sensor device 6 and the control device 9 may be one or plural. As the sensor device 6, for example, a temperature detector that detects the temperature of the axle or the axle bearing is provided. The sensor device 6 is not limited to a single sensor, and may be configured as an abnormality detection unit, may include abnormality determination means in addition to the sensor, and may input a signal of the determination result to the repeater 5. The relay device 5 may have a function of determining an abnormality in the output of the sensor device 6.

This train information communication system relays commands transmitted from the leading motor vehicle 1 one after another, transmits them to the respective freight vehicles 2, and sequentially transmits responses to the commands in the reverse direction. Thus, necessary information is collected in the power vehicle 1. FIG. 2 shows the concept of a basic unit of communication. When a call signal is received from an adjacent vehicle, a response to the call signal is returned to the same vehicle (response operation). Information is transmitted to the vehicle on the opposite side as necessary (relay work). If a special code is given to the last vehicle, it is possible to confirm whether or not the information transmitted from the first powered vehicle 1 reaches the last vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 3, by connecting the repeater 5 to external devices (such as the sensor device 6 and the control device 9), information about the individual freight vehicles 2 can be collected in the repeater 5. Then, by adding various codes along with the rules of the call code and the response code, it is also possible to retrieve the information stored in the memory 7 of the repeater 5 and the abnormal information from the connected external device. The power supply 11 of the repeater 5 controls the main power supply 11a (FIG. 5) to be turned on only when a call signal is received or when an abnormal signal is transmitted, and always supplies a minimum necessary power to the auxiliary power supply 11b (FIG. 5). 5)
If the power is controlled so as to obtain the power, the power consumption can be reduced.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a conceptual configuration of the host computer 3 in the motor vehicle 1. The host computer 3 includes a train configuration detecting unit 12, an information collecting unit 13, and an emergency signal processing unit 14. The train configuration detecting means 12 includes a configuration request command transmitting unit 15 for obtaining a configuration response, which is information on a train configuration, for each vehicle 2, and a configuration response storage unit 16 for storing a response to the configuration. FIGS. 10 and 17 show two specific examples of the processing performed by the train configuration detecting means 12 which are different from each other. The information collecting means 13
A means for transmitting an information request command to each vehicle 2 and storing response information of each vehicle 2; an information request transmission unit 17 for transmitting the information request command; an information response storage unit 18 for storing response information; It becomes. FIGS. 12 and 19 show two specific examples of different types of processing performed by the information collecting means 13. The emergency signal processing unit 14 is a unit that performs a predetermined process on an emergency signal transmitted from the freight vehicle 2.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a conceptual configuration of the repeater 5 in the freight vehicle 2. The repeater 5 includes, in addition to the memory 7 and the input terminal 8, a configuration request processing unit 19,
It has an information request processing means 20, a reply information relay means 21, an emergency signal transmitting means 22, and an automatic power on / off means 23.

The configuration request processing means 19 is a means for performing processing described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In brief, the configuration request processing means 19 performs predetermined processing on the configuration request command received by the transceiver 4 to generate vehicle identification information (for example, an ID number), and responds with the vehicle identification information as a configuration response. In addition, it is means for storing the vehicle identification information and transmitting a configuration request command as a result of the processing as relay information. The information request processing means 20 is a means for performing a predetermined information response to the information request transmitted from the host computer 3, and performs the processing described later together with the flowchart of FIG. 13 or the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. .
The reply information relay means 21 is means for transmitting the reply information (configuration response, information response, emergency signal, etc.) received from the vehicle 2 far from the powered vehicle 1 to the powered vehicle 1 without processing. . However, the reply information relay means 21 may perform predetermined processing for recognizing the passage of one vehicle and transmit the processed information to the power vehicle 1 side.

The emergency signal transmitting means 22 is a means for transmitting an emergency signal to the host computer 3 of the motor vehicle 1 when a predetermined abnormality is detected by the sensor device 6.
The power automatic on / off means 23 turns on the main power supply 11a of the power supply 11 when receiving information from the adjacent vehicle 2 and when an emergency signal is generated by abnormal information generated by the sensor device 6, and Means for turning off the main power supply 11a under the condition (1), and performs the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. In a state in which a freight vehicle 2 is connected to a powered vehicle 1 to form a train, first, train configuration information is collected as follows. Here, a method of attaching identification information (ID number) to each freight vehicle 2 will be described. This situation is shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 10, and FIG. (1) The power vehicle 1 sends a configuration request. This configuration request is, for example, number “O”. (2) The received freight vehicle 2 recognizes that the number obtained by adding 1 to the received number is its own vehicle number, and returns a configuration response. In the first case, the configuration response is number “1”. (3) At the same time as returning the response, a configuration request is transmitted to the next vehicle 2 with the number “1”. (4) Each freight vehicle 2 is numbered by repeating the above (2) and (3). (5) The freight vehicle 2 that has received the response to the configuration request performs an operation of relaying the information as it is and delivering it to the leading powered vehicle 1. (6) A special code (final information) is given to the last cargo vehicle 2 in advance, or a signal is not relayed by confirming that a response to the transmission does not return within a predetermined time. To
Return a response with a predetermined code. (7) As described above, information on the number of trains is collected in the motor vehicle 1 and an ID number is assigned to each freight vehicle 2. The number of the configuration request issued from the first powered vehicle 1 first may be an arbitrary number.

The train configuration information is constructed, and each train 2
After the D number is assigned, various types of information can be collected as follows. This situation is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. (1) An information transmission request is transmitted from the first power vehicle 1 with the ID number of the target freight vehicle 2. (2) If the ID number does not match its own ID, the received freight vehicle 2 relays it as it is. (3) If the ID matches with the own ID, the requested information is returned and no relay is performed. (4) The freight vehicle 2 receiving the response delivers the information to the leading powered vehicle 1.

Without assigning an ID number to each freight vehicle 2,
A similar system can be configured. Train configuration information can be obtained as follows in the same manner as in the case of attaching the ID number. The processing is shown in FIGS.
Shown in (1) A configuration request is transmitted from the leading powered vehicle 1 (number “0”). (2) The received freight vehicle 2 adds 1 to the received number,
The number is returned as a reception response. (3) At the same time as returning the response, a configuration request is transmitted to the next freight vehicle 2 with the number “1”. (4) The configuration request is transmitted to each freight vehicle 2 by repeating the above (2) and (3). (5) The freight vehicle 2 that has received the response to the configuration request performs an operation of relaying the information and delivering it to the leading powered vehicle 1. (6) A special code (final information) is given to the last cargo vehicle 2 in advance, or a signal is not relayed by confirming that a response to the transmission does not return within a predetermined time. To
Return a response with a predetermined code. (7) As described above, the response information for the number of trains is collected in the first powered vehicle 1, and the number of connected freight vehicles 2 is clarified, so that the number can be confirmed. Also in this case, the number of the configuration request issued first may be any number.

In order to collect various kinds of information without assigning an ID number to each freight vehicle 2, information may be transmitted in the following procedure. This situation is shown in FIGS. 8, 19 and 20. (1) The first powered vehicle 1 is the number 2 freight vehicle 2 from the top
An information request signal is transmitted with a number indicating whether the request is a request. (2) Receiving the signal, the freight vehicle 2 subtracts 1 from the request number, and if it is not “0”, transmits an information request signal with the resulting number to the next freight vehicle 2. (3) When the subtraction result is “0”, a reply operation is performed for the requested information, and no relay is performed. (4) Upon receiving the response, the freight vehicle 2 adds 1 to the response number, relays the information, and delivers the information to the leading powered vehicle 1. In this manner, information can be collected without giving the freight vehicle 2 an ID number.

Normally, each freight vehicle 2 performs transmission work only when responding or relaying a request signal from the powered vehicle 1 or when relaying transmission information from a subsequent freight vehicle 2. However, in an emergency, the individual freight vehicles 2 can naturally transmit information. This situation is shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 14, and FIG. (1) A code indicating an emergency signal is attached and transmitted (number “1”). (2) Receiving the emergency signal, freight vehicle 2 adds 1 to the number and relays. (3) The originating freight vehicle 2 is identified by looking at the emergency signal number that has arrived at the leading vehicle.

When an ID number is assigned to the freight vehicle 2, the repeater 5 for transmitting an emergency signal transmits with the ID number attached, and the other freight vehicles 2 transmit the emergency signal and the ID number as they are. By relaying, it may be sent to the host computer 3 in the leading powered vehicle 1.

[0028]

According to the train information communication system of the present invention,
A wireless transceiver is installed at the front and rear ends of each train,
Since these transceivers are bidirectionally communicated between mutually connected ends of adjacent vehicles, information of each vehicle can be collected in a powered vehicle without extra wiring between the vehicles. In addition, communication can be performed with low power and without being affected by interference or obstacles. In addition, when a transmission unit of a configuration request command and a configuration request processing unit are provided, or when a function of performing predetermined processing on a vehicle designation signal is provided in a repeater, even if the configuration of the train changes, the train This can be handled by collecting and updating the configuration information. Therefore, the current train configuration, information specific to the freight vehicle, and the like are collected in the powered vehicle, and centralized management becomes possible. In addition, if an emergency signal transmitting means for notifying an abnormality is provided in the repeater of each freight vehicle, the emergency signal can be transmitted as an emergency signal, and the abnormality information is transmitted to the powered vehicle together with the information such as the connection position of the vehicle. Emergency response can be done quickly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a conceptual configuration showing an entire train information communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a conceptual configuration of a basic unit of the communication.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of equipment mounted on the cargo vehicle.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a conceptual configuration of the host computer.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a conceptual configuration of the repeater.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a concept of a transmission example of a train configuration request.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a concept of a transmission example of an information transmission request.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a concept of another transmission example of the information transmission request.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the concept of an example of transmitting an emergency signal.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing example of a train configuration detecting means.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing example of a configuration request processing means.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of an information collection unit.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing example of an information request processing unit.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing example of the emergency signal transmitting means.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for relaying an emergency signal.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing example of a power automatic on / off means.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing another processing example of the train configuration detecting means.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing another processing example of the component processing means.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing another processing example of the information collecting means.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing another processing example of the information request processing means.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Powered vehicle 2 ... Freight vehicle 3 ... Host computer 4 ... Transceiver 5 ... Repeater 6 ... Sensor equipment 10 ... Information communication path 11 ... Power supply 11a ... Main power supply 12 ... Train configuration detection means 13 ... Information collection means 14 ... Emergency Signal processing means 19 Configuration request processing means 20 Information request processing means 21 Reply information relay means 22 Emergency signal transmission means 23 Automatic power on / off means

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A train in which wireless transceivers are provided at the front and rear ends of each vehicle of the train, and these transceivers are bidirectionally communicated between the transceivers at opposite ends of the vehicles connected to each other. Information communication system. 2. A repeater for transmitting information received from an adjacent vehicle via a transceiver at one end of the vehicle to an opposite vehicle via a transceiver at the other end is provided in each vehicle. 2. The train information communication system according to claim 1, wherein an information communication path of the entire train is configured by the repeater. 3. The relay device is connected to a sensor device for detecting a matter generated in a vehicle on which the relay device is mounted, and the relay device transmits information detected by the sensor device to the information communication path. 3. The train information communication system according to claim 2, wherein the train information communication system has a function of transmitting the information to a power train via a vehicle. 4. The transceiver and the repeater are arranged such that, in the event of one set of failures, any of the remaining sets is used.
The train information communication system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein two or more sets are provided to form a redundant configuration. 5. A communication / relay means comprising a transmitter / receiver and a repeater of each vehicle has a main power supply and an auxiliary power supply. 5. The train according to claim 3, further comprising an automatic power-on / off means for turning on the main power and turning off the main power under a predetermined condition when an emergency signal is generated by the abnormal information. Information communication system. 6. A host computer is placed on a powered vehicle,
6. The host computer according to claim 2, further comprising an information collecting means for transmitting an information request command to each vehicle via the information communication path and storing response information of each vehicle. Train information communication system. 7. The host computer of the powered vehicle,
A transmission unit for transmitting a configuration request command to each vehicle via the information communication path, wherein a repeater of each vehicle performs predetermined processing on the configuration request command to generate vehicle identification information; While responding the identification information as the above configuration response,
7. The train information communication system according to claim 6, further comprising configuration request processing means for storing the vehicle identification information and transmitting the configuration request command of the processing result as relay information. 8. When relaying a vehicle designating signal transmitted from a host computer of a powered vehicle, the repeater performs a predetermined process for recognizing that one vehicle has passed through the vehicle designating signal. And relay it.
7. The train information communication system according to claim 6, wherein when the vehicle designating signal before or after the predetermined processing has a predetermined value, it is recognized that the own vehicle is specified. 9. A sensor device for detecting a matter that has occurred in a vehicle is connected to the repeater, and when a predetermined abnormality is detected by the sensor device, an emergency signal is transmitted and the relay device transmits the emergency signal through the information communication path. The train information communication system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising an emergency signal transmitting means for transmitting the emergency signal to a host computer of the powered vehicle.