JP2017013573A - Railroad crossing control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a railroad crossing control device which can prevent an unnecessary alarm from continuing without impeding a fail-safe design concept.SOLUTION: A railroad crossing control device (a C control device 24) includes: a train number counter which counts trains existing in a normal control interval I1 from a ringing start point to a ringing end point; a reception processing section which receives previous-interval information and next-interval information via a communication network; an alternative train number counter which counts trains existing in an alternative control interval (I2) on the basis of the previous-interval information and the next-interval information; and an output processing section which operates a railroad crossing ringing device on the basis of a value of the train number counter when start point detection means and end point detection means are normal, and which operates the railroad crossing ringing device on the basis of a value of the alternative train number counter when the start point detection means or the end point detection means are abnormal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a railroad crossing control device that performs sounding control of a railroad crossing.

Currently, a crossing safety system employs a configuration in which one railroad crossing control device independently controls one railroad crossing safety equipment. The railroad crossing safety facility is provided with a starting point controller and an end point controller, and when the starting point controller detects the entry of a train, the railroad crossing control device activates a ringing device such as a breaker. Further, when the end point controller detects the passage of the train, the railroad crossing control device releases the operation of the sounding device.
Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which a plurality of level crossing control devices provided on the same route are connected to each other through a communication network and used for level crossing control. For example, in Patent Document 1, a railroad crossing control apparatus acquires tracking information of a train via a communication network, and thus, even when a starting point controller or the like breaks down, there is no interruption of a railroad crossing when a train enters. A technique for avoiding no alarm is disclosed.

Japanese Patent No. 4976622

In current level crossing safety equipment, from the viewpoint of fail-safety, when a failure is detected in each element such as a starting point controller, control is performed to keep the operation of the ringing device. In this case, the operation of the ringing device continues until the maintenance staff investigates the cause and the failure is recovered. If the crossing of the railroad crossing continues even though the train does not pass, it will be inconvenient for the passers of the railroad crossing, and if there are high traffic volumes such as bus streets, the social impact will also increase.
An object of the present invention is to realize a railroad crossing control device that can reduce unnecessary alarms from continuing without violating the design concept of fail-safe.

In order to achieve the above object, the railroad crossing control apparatus of the present invention
An input processing unit that receives a signal that detects a train from a start point detection unit that detects a train approaching a level crossing and an end point detection unit that detects a train that has passed through the level crossing;
Based on the signal input to the input processing unit, the count of trains existing in the normal control section from the ringing start point where the starting point detecting means detects the train to the ringing end point where the end point detecting means detects the train is calculated. The number of train counters to perform,
Previous section information that can identify that the train has entered or advanced into the previous section that is the same route as the normal control section and is set in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the train from the normal control section. The rear section information that is the same route as the normal control section, and that can identify that the train has entered or advanced into the rear section that is a section set in the traveling direction of the train from the normal control section, A reception processing unit for receiving via a communication network;
Based on the previous section information and the rear section information, an alternative train number counter that counts the trains present in the alternative control section that is a section from the previous section to the rear section,
When the starting point detecting means and the end point detecting means are normal, a sounding device for a railroad crossing is operated based on the value of the train counter, and there is an abnormality in the starting point detecting means or the end point detecting means. In some cases, an output processing unit for operating a railroad crossing sounding device based on the value of the alternative train number counter,
It is characterized by having.
According to this configuration, even if the count value of the train number counter becomes inaccurate due to an abnormality in the starting point detection means or the end point detection means, the number of trains in the alternative control section from the previous section to the rear section is counted. Based on the count value of the alternative train number counter to be performed, it is possible to realize control of the ringing equipment without violating the fail-safe design concept. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the unnecessary operation of the ringing device due to the abnormality of the starting point detecting means or the end point detecting means.

Preferably, the preceding section information is counting information of a train existing between a ringing start point and a ringing end point of the front crossing counted by a control device of a front crossing which is another crossing on the same route. ,
The rear section information may be count information of a train existing between a ringing start point and a ringing end point of the rear crossing counted by a control device for a rear crossing that is another crossing on the same route.
According to this structure, the count information of the train produced | generated for control of a front crossing and a back crossing is employ | adopted as front section information and back section information. The count information is already reliable for level crossing control. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare special information as information to be transmitted / received via the communication network, and the counting of trains in the alternative control section can be realized easily and with high reliability.

Preferably, the preceding section information is train detection information of a first station that is in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the train from the level crossing.
The rear section information may be train detection information of the second station that is in the traveling direction of the train from the railroad crossing.
According to this structure, the train detection information of the station before and after a level crossing is used as front section information and back section information. Therefore, the number of trains in the alternative control section can be easily realized with high reliability.

More preferably, a mode switching unit for switching the operation mode is provided,
The mode switching unit
When the starting point detection means and the end point detection means are normal, and the reception processing unit receives information normally, the network mode is switched.
When the starting point detecting means or the end point detecting means is determined to be abnormal, and the reception processing unit receives information normally, the mode is switched to an alternative mode,
When the start point detection means and the end point detection means are normal and an abnormality related to reception of information by the reception processing unit is determined, the mode is switched to the local mode,
When the starting point detecting means or the end point detecting means is determined to be abnormal, and an abnormality relating to reception of information by the reception processing unit is determined, switching to the failure mode,
The train number counter operates in the network mode and the local mode,
The alternative train number counter operates in the network mode and the alternative mode,
The output processing unit
Control the ringing device based on the train number counter in the network mode and the local mode,
Control the ringing equipment based on the alternative train number counter in the alternative mode,
The operation of the ringing device may be continued during the failure mode.
According to this configuration, the control method of the ringing device can be appropriately switched according to the situation by switching the mode clearly. For example, it operates in the alternative mode when the starting point detecting means or the end point detecting means fails, and further operates in the failure mode when an abnormality occurs in the reception of information via the communication network. Therefore, it is possible to realize a crossing control that ensures a fail-safe design concept and is less likely to cause errors.

More preferably, an abnormality related to reception of information by the reception processing unit includes an abnormality in the communication network when a notification of a failure of a device for generating the preceding section information or the following section information is received. It is good to have a configuration including
According to this configuration, it is possible to determine, with a small processing load, a situation in which crossing control using the front section information and the rear section information becomes impossible. Further, such a determination can be made with high reliability.
More preferably, the mode switching unit is
Even in the network mode or the alternative mode, it is preferable that the failure mode be entered when an abnormality of a relay that operates the ringing device is detected.
According to this configuration, it is possible to realize control in which a fail-safe design philosophy is ensured even when the relay is abnormal.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can reduce that the unnecessary ringing of a level crossing continues without violating the design concept of fail safe.

It is a lineblock diagram showing an example of a level crossing security system concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of a level crossing control apparatus. It is a figure explaining the network cooperation function of a level crossing control apparatus. It is a mode transition diagram of a level crossing control device. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of a level crossing control apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st modification of a level crossing security system. It is a figure explaining the network cooperation function of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the network cooperation function of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the network cooperation function of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the network cooperation function of 5th Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a railroad crossing security system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The railroad crossing security system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of railroad crossing security facilities 20 provided at a plurality of points on a route N and a communication network W.
Each railroad crossing safety facility 20 controls a starting point controller 21 as a starting point detector, a stop point controller 22 as a stop point detector, an alarm breaker 23 as a ringing device, and an alarm breaker 23. And a level crossing control device 24.

The starting point controller 21 detects a train approaching a railroad crossing, and detects and outputs a signal when the train passes the ringing starting point. The ringing start point is set at a point separated from the railroad crossing along the route N in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the train.
The end point controller 22 detects a train that has passed through the railroad crossing. When the train passes through the ringing end point, this is detected and a signal is output. The ringing end point is set along the route N at a point separated from the railroad crossing in the traveling direction of the train.

The alarm breaker 23 is a device that performs a railroad crossing interruption and a notification of train passage by sound and light, and operates under the control of the railroad crossing control device 24.
The communication network W is connected to a plurality of level crossing control devices 24 and transfers information between the level crossing control devices 24. The communication network W may be connected to an information terminal 41 in a command room that performs security management of the route N and an information terminal 42 in a maintenance center at a railroad crossing.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the railroad crossing control device.
As shown in FIG. 2, the railroad crossing control device 24 includes an input processing unit 101, a train number counter 102, a normal alarm output processing unit 103, a reception processing unit 104, an alternative train number counter 105, and an alternative alarm output process. Unit 106, failure alarm output processing unit 107, mode switching unit 108, and operation unit 109. Further, the railroad crossing control device 24 may include a transmission processing unit 110. The normal alarm output processing unit 103, the alternative alarm output processing unit 106, and the failure alarm output processing unit 107 correspond to an example of an output processing unit according to the present invention.

Each block in FIG. 2 may be realized as hardware, or may be realized as software that functions when a CPU (central processing unit) executes a program. Moreover, you may implement | achieve by cooperation with hardware and software. In addition, a plurality of blocks such as the normal alarm output processing unit 103, the alternative alarm output processing unit 106, and the failure alarm output processing unit 107 may be configured as one functional block.
The input processing unit 101 inputs signals from the start point controller 21 and the end point controller 22, and identifies whether the train has passed the ring start point or ring end point. When the input processing unit 101 identifies that the train has passed the ringing start point or ringing end point, the input processing unit 101 outputs a signal indicating these to the train number counter 102.

The input processing unit 101 further has a function of detecting a failure of the start point controller 21 or the end point controller 22, and outputs a failure detection signal to the mode switching unit 108 when a failure is detected. Specifically, the input processing unit 101 determines that the starting point controller 21 and the starting point controller 21 and the stopping point controller 22 and the starting point controller 21 and the starting point controller 21 and the starting point controller 21 and the starting point controller 21 and the starting point controller 21 when the time consistency between Any of the end point controllers 22 may be determined as a failure. Further, a diagnosis function for the start point controller 21 and the end point controller 22 may be provided, and the input processing unit 101 may determine that these are faults when an abnormality diagnosis result is obtained.
The train number counter 102 counts the trains existing in the normal control section I1 (see FIG. 3) described later. The train number counter 102 adds one count value when the signal that the train has passed the ringing start point is input, and subtracts one count value when the signal that the train has passed the ringing end point is input. To do. The train counter 102 functions when a mode signal is input from the mode switching unit 108 and in a predetermined operation mode.

The normal alarm output processing unit 103 activates the alarm circuit breaker 23 when the count value of the train number counter 102 is 1 or more (interruptation of a railroad crossing and output of a train passing notification). The normal alarm output processing unit 103 has a relay diagnosis function for controlling the operation of the alarm circuit breaker 23, and outputs a relay operation abnormality signal to the mode switching unit 108 when the relay is abnormal. The normal alarm output processing unit 103 receives a mode signal from the mode switching unit 108 and functions when in a predetermined operation mode. Further, a relay abnormality can be detected by the input processing unit 101, and a relay operation abnormality signal may be output from the input processing unit 101 to the mode switching unit 108.
The reception processing unit 104 receives predetermined information from the level crossing control device 24 of another level crossing security facility 20 installed on the same route N via the communication network W. Details of the reception information will be described later. When the reception processing unit 104 receives information that can identify the approach or advance of a train, the reception processing unit 104 outputs this information to the alternative train number counter 105. In addition, when receiving a failure notification, the reception processing unit 104 outputs a failure notification reception signal indicating this to the mode switching unit 108. In addition, when the reception processing unit 104 detects an abnormality in the communication network W, the reception processing unit 104 outputs this detection signal to the mode switching unit 108.

The alternative train number counter 105 counts the trains existing in an alternative control section I2 (see FIG. 3) described later based on the information received by the reception processing unit 104. The alternative train number counter 105 receives a mode signal from the mode switching unit 108 and functions in a predetermined operation mode.
The alternative alarm output processing unit 106 outputs a signal for operating the alarm circuit breaker 23 based on the count value of the alternative train number counter 105. The alternative alarm output processing unit 106 receives a mode signal from the mode switching unit 108 and functions in a predetermined operation mode. Similar to the normal alarm output processing unit 103, the alternative alarm output processing unit 106 has a relay diagnosis function, and outputs a relay operation abnormality signal to the mode switching unit 108 when the relay is abnormal.

The failure alarm output processing unit 107 outputs to maintain the operation of the alarm breaker 23 in the failure mode.
The operation unit 109 is operated by maintenance personnel, and mainly includes a start-up switch for starting or resetting the crossing control device 24, a network transition switch for starting control of the crossing using the communication network W, and a failure. It has an on-site restoration completion switch to notify the restoration of equipment.

The mode switching unit 108 inputs a signal notifying the above-described plurality of types of abnormality and an operation signal from the operation unit 109. The mode switching unit 108 switches the operation mode of the level crossing control device 24 based on these signals.
The transmission processing unit 110 transmits information necessary for this control via the communication network W when the level crossing control device 24 of the other level crossing safety equipment 20 on the route N performs control of the level crossing by network cooperation. In 1st Embodiment, the transmission process part 110 transmits the count value of the train number counter 102, and the information of the failure detection signal of the input process part 101. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the network cooperation function of the crossing control device.
Next, between the two stations α and β, there is a track N of one track where the train travels in one direction, and there are a plurality of level crossings (denoted A level crossing to E level crossing) corresponding to these. A case where a plurality of level crossing security facilities 20 are provided will be described. Hereinafter, when each of the plurality of level crossing control devices 24 is specified and described, these will be referred to as A control device 24 to E control device 24. Further, when each of the plurality of start point controllers 21 and the plurality of end point controllers 22 is specified and described, these are described as A1 controller 21 to E1 controller 21 and A2 controllers 22 to E2 controller. Described as 22.

In the C control device 24, as shown in FIG. 3, the train number counter 102 counts the trains present in the normal control section I1 based on the train detection by the C1 controller 21 and the C2 controller 22 at the normal time. Has been. The normal control section I1 is a section from the ringing start point of the C railroad crossing to the ringing end point.
The normal control section is similarly set in the A crossing to the E crossing, and the A control device 24 to E control device 24 counts the trains existing in each normal control section.
The C control device 24 includes a communication network W from the B control device 24 of the B level crossing closest to the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the train along the route N and the D control device 24 of the D level crossing closest to the traveling direction. Receive information via. The received information includes information on normality or failure of components necessary for counting the trains in the normal control sections at the B and D crossings, and the train count values in the normal control sections at the B and D crossings. Information. The components that indicate normality or failure are mainly the start point controller 21 or the end point controller 22.

In this configuration, the information on the B crossing, the normal control section of the B crossing, and the count value thereof corresponds to an example of the front crossing, the previous section, and the previous section information according to the present invention. Further, the information on the D crossing, the normal control section of the D crossing, and the count value thereof correspond to an example of the back crossing, the rear section, and the rear section information according to the present invention.
The C control device 24 further counts the trains existing in the alternative control section I2 based on the information received via the communication network W. The alternative control section I2 is a section from the B1 controller 21 of the adjacent B railroad crossing to the D2 controller 22 of the adjacent D railroad crossing. Specifically, when the alternative train number counter 105 of the C control device 24 increases the count value of the number of trains in the normal control section of the B crossing by one, the own count value is incremented by one, and the normal control of the D crossing is performed. When the count value of the number of trains in the section decreases by 1, the self count value is decremented by one. Thereby, the number of trains existing in the alternative control section I2 is counted.

In the B crossing and the D crossing, alternative control sections can be set similarly, and the B control device 24 and the D control device 24 can also count the trains present in the respective alternative control sections. For example, when the number of trains in the alternative control section (section from the A1 controller 21 to the C2 controller 22) is counted by the B control device 24, each normal control section from the A control device 24 and the C control device 24. Information of the count value of the number of trains may be transmitted to the B control device 24.
Note that, if the configuration for counting the number of trains in the alternative control section I2 is only the C control device 24, the C control device 24 only needs to have the functional blocks indicated by the solid lines in FIG. Further, the B control device 24 and the D control device 24 only need to include the input processing unit 101, the train number counter 102, the normal alarm output processing unit 103, and the transmission processing unit 110 in FIG. On the other hand, if the B control device 24 to the D control device 24 also count the number of trains in the alternative control section, the B control device 24 to the D control device 24 display the function blocks indicated by the solid line and the broken line in FIG. It only has to have.

FIG. 4 is a mode transition diagram of the crossing control device.
The operation modes switched by the mode switching unit 108 include a local mode, a network mode, an alternative mode, and a failure mode.
The local mode is an operation mode that assumes a case where the start point controller 21 and the end point controller 22 are normal and the train counting process in the alternative control section I2 is impossible. The case where the counting process of the train in the alternative control section I2 is impossible includes the case of a network-related abnormality and the case where the initial value of the number of trains in the alternative control section I2 is not confirmed. The network-related abnormality includes a case where a failure has occurred in the start point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 of the adjacent B or D level crossing and a case where there is an abnormality in the communication network W.

The local mode is shifted to when the railroad crossing control device 24 is activated or reset by operating the start switch in the other three operation modes. The start-up switch is operated by a maintenance person after confirming that no train is present in the normal control section I2. The local mode or the network mode is shifted when a network-related abnormality occurs.
The network mode is an operation mode that assumes a case where the start point controller 21 and the end point controller 22 are normal and information reception by the reception processing unit 104 is normal.

The network mode is shifted when the maintenance engineer operates the network transition switch in the local mode, or when the maintenance engineer operates the on-site return completion switch in the alternative mode. The network transition switch is operated when it is confirmed by the maintenance staff that there is no train in the alternative control section I2. The on-site return completion switch is operated by maintenance personnel when the start point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 has a failure and the repair of the failure is completed.
The alternative mode is an operation mode that assumes a case in which the start point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 is out of order by the input processing unit 101 and the reception of information by the reception processing unit 104 is normal. In the alternative mode, when a failure of the start point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 is detected in the network mode, or in the failure mode, the network-related abnormality is recovered, and the maintenance staff can switch to the network transition switch. It is migrated when is operated.

The failure mode is an operation mode that assumes a case in which the start point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 has a failure by the input processing unit 101 and a network-related abnormality has occurred. Further, the failure mode is an operation mode that is assumed even when there is a malfunction in the relay of the normal alarm output processing unit 103 or the alternative alarm output processing unit 106.
The failure mode is shifted when the failure of the start point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 is detected in the local mode or when there is a network-related abnormality in the alternative mode. The failure mode is also shifted when there is a relay operation abnormality in the network mode or the alternative mode.

  In the local mode, the normal alarm output processing unit 103 functions, and the functions of the alternative alarm output processing unit 106 and the failure alarm output processing unit 107 are stopped. In the local mode, the train number counter 102 counts the trains in the normal control section I1. Thereby, in the local mode, the operation of the alarm breaker 23 is controlled based on the count value of the train in the normal control section I1. Specifically, when the count value of the train number counter 102 is “1” or more, the normal alarm output processing unit 103 activates the alarm circuit breaker 23. On the other hand, when the count value of the train number counter 102 is “0”, the normal alarm output processing unit 103 releases the operation of the alarm circuit breaker 23.

  In the network mode, as in the local mode, the normal alarm output processing unit 103 functions, and the functions of the alternative alarm output processing unit 106 and the failure alarm output processing unit 107 are stopped. In the network mode, the train number counter 102 counts the trains in the normal control section I1, and the alternative train number counter 105 counts the trains in the alternative control section I2. The operation control of the alarm breaker 23 in the network mode is the same as in the local mode. In the network mode, in addition to the processing in the local mode, a counting process by the alternative train number counter 105 is performed in order to shift to the alternative mode.

In the alternative mode, the alternative alarm output processing unit 106 functions and the functions of the normal alarm output processing unit 103 and the failure alarm output processing unit 107 are stopped. In the alternative mode, the function of the train number counter 102 is stopped, and the alternative train number counter 105 counts the trains in the alternative control section I2. Thereby, in the alternative mode, the operation of the alarm breaker 23 is controlled based on the count value of the train in the alternative control section I2. Specifically, when the count value of the alternative train number counter 105 is “1” or more, the alternative alarm output processing unit 106 operates the alarm circuit breaker 23. On the other hand, when the count value of the alternative train number counter 105 is “0”, the alternative alarm output processing unit 106 releases the operation of the alarm circuit breaker 23.
In the failure mode, the failure alarm output processing unit 107 functions, and the normal alarm output processing unit 103 and the alternative alarm output processing unit 106 are deactivated. Further, in the failure mode, the counting process of the train number counter 102 and the alternative train number counter 105 may be stopped. In the failure mode, the failure alarm output processing unit 107 continues to operate the alarm circuit breaker 23.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations of the crossing control device.
The switching of the operation mode of the C control device 24 and the control process in each operation mode are realized by the flowchart of FIG.
When the crossing control device 24 is activated or reset by the start switch, each control parameter is initialized in step S1, and the process proceeds to a loop process (steps S2 to S9) in the local mode.
In the loop processing in the local mode, the mode switching unit 108 sets a local mode flag (step S3), the input processing unit 101 inputs a signal (step S4), and the train number counter 102 updates the count value ( Step S5). Further, the mode switching unit 108 checks whether the input processing unit 101 has detected a failure of the starting point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 (step S6), and if no failure is detected, a normal alarm output processing unit 103 performs output determination and output processing according to the determination result (step S7), and the reception processing unit 104 and, if necessary, the transmission processing unit 110 perform communication processing (step S8).

  In the local mode loop process, the mode switching unit 108 checks whether there is normal information reception from the adjacent B control device 24 or D control device 24 (step S2). It is determined whether there is an operation of the network transition switch (step S9). If the normal information is received by the reception processing unit 104 and the above operation is performed, the mode switching unit 108 shifts the processing to the loop processing (step S10 to step S17) in the network mode. If not, the local mode loop process is repeated. In the local mode loop process, when the failure is detected in step S6, the process proceeds to the failure mode loop process (steps S25 to S29).

  In the loop processing of the network mode, the mode switching unit 108 sets a network mode flag (step S11), the input processing unit 101 inputs a signal (step S12), and the train number counter 102 updates the count value ( Step S13). Further, the alternative train number counter 105 updates the count value of the train in the alternative control section I2 (step S14). Next, the mode switching unit 108 checks whether or not a failure of the starting point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 is detected by the input processing unit 101 (step S15), and if no failure is detected, a normal alarm output processing unit 103 performs output determination and output processing according to the determination result (step S16), and the reception processing unit 104 and the transmission processing unit 110 perform communication processing if necessary (step S17).

In the network mode loop processing, first, the reception processing unit 104 checks whether there is a network-related abnormality (step S10), and if there is an abnormality, the mode switching unit 108 shifts the processing to the local mode loop processing. If there is no abnormality, the network mode loop process is repeated. In the loop process in the network mode, when the failure is detected in step S15, the process shifts to the loop process in the alternative mode (steps S18 to S24).
In the alternative mode loop processing, the mode switching unit 108 sets an alternative mode flag (step S19), the input processing unit 101 inputs a signal (step S20), and the alternative train number counter 105 updates the count value. (Step S21). Further, the alternative alarm output processing unit 106 performs output determination and output processing according to the determination result (step S22), and the reception processing unit 104 and the transmission processing unit 110 perform communication processing if necessary (step S23).

In the alternative mode loop processing, first, the reception processing unit 104 checks whether there is a network-related abnormality (step S18), and if there is an abnormality, the mode switching unit 108 shifts the processing to the failure mode loop processing. If there is no abnormality, the loop process in the alternative mode is repeated. In the alternative mode loop processing, the mode switching unit 108 determines whether or not the on-site restoration completion switch is operated (step S24), and if there is an operation, the processing shifts to the network mode loop processing.
In the failure mode loop processing, the mode switching unit 108 sets a failure mode flag (step S25), the input processing unit 101 inputs a signal (step S26), and the failure alarm output processing unit operates the alarm breaker 23. (Step S27), and if necessary, the reception processing unit 104 and the transmission processing unit 110 perform communication processing (step S28).
In the failure mode loop process, the mode switching unit 108 determines whether there is an operation of the network transition switch (step S29). If there is an operation, the process shifts to the alternative mode loop process. If there is no operation, the failure mode loop process is repeated.

  As described above, according to the railroad crossing safety facility 20 and the railroad crossing control device 24 according to the first embodiment, the C control device 24 is connected to each of the B railroad crossing and the D railroad crossing from the adjacent B control device 24 and D control device 24. Information on the count value of trains existing in the normal control section is acquired. And based on such information, the C control apparatus 24 counts the count value of the train which exists in the alternative control area I2. In addition, when a failure occurs in the start point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 of the C crossing, the C control device 24 shifts to an alternative mode, and the alarm circuit breaker 23 is set based on the count value in the alternative control section I2. Controls activation and deactivation. Further, the C control device 24 shifts to the failure mode when a failure is notified from the B control device 24 or the D control device 24, or when an abnormality is detected in the communication network W, and the alarm circuit breaker The control which maintains the operation | movement of 23 is performed. Therefore, according to the railroad crossing safety facility 20 of the present embodiment, the operation of the alarm breaker 23 can be reduced for a long time without violating the fail-safe design concept.

(First modification)
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of the railroad crossing security system according to the first embodiment.
As the alternative control section I2 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a section from the B1 controller 21 at the B crossing to the D2 controller 22 at the D crossing is employed. However, as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 6, the normal control section I1 for the C crossing and the normal control section for the B and D crossings may not cross each other. That is, the B2 controller 22 is installed away from the C1 controller 21 in the direction opposite to the train traveling direction, and the D1 controller 21 is installed away from the C2 controller 22 in the train traveling direction. is there. When such an arrangement is secured, an alternative control section I3 may be set as shown in FIG. This alternative control section I3 is a section from the ringing end point of the B crossing adjacent in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the train to the ringing start point of the D crossing adjacent in the traveling direction of the train.

When the alternative control section I3 is adopted in this way, the alternative train number counter 105 adds one to its own count value when the train count value received from the B control device 24 decreases by one, and the D control device 24 When the count value of the train received from No. 1 increases by one, it is sufficient to subtract one count value.
As described above, according to the railroad crossing safety facility 20 of the first modified example, the alternative control section I3 can be set narrower than in the first embodiment. Therefore, the period during which the unnecessary alarm of the alarm breaker 23 continues when the crossing control in the alternative mode is performed can be further shortened.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the network cooperation function according to the second embodiment of this invention.
In the railroad crossing safety system 10 according to the second embodiment, the information received by the C control device 24 from the B control device 24 and the D control device 24 and the counting method of the alternative train number counter 105 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Different. Other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment, and a detailed description of the same parts is omitted.
In the second embodiment, the C control device 24 receives train detection information by the B1 controller 21 and train detection information by the D2 controller 22. In addition, the C control device 24 receives information on normality or failure of the B1 controller 21 or the D2 controller 22.

In the second embodiment, the B crossing, the normal control section of the B crossing, and the train detection information by the B1 controller 21 correspond to an example of the front crossing, the previous section, and the previous section information according to the present invention. . Further, the D level crossing, the D level crossing normal control section, and the train detection information by the D2 controller 22 correspond to an example of the rear level crossing, the rear section, and the rear section information according to the present invention.
The alternative train number counter 105 increases the count value by 1 when the train detection information of the B1 controller 21 is input, and decreases the count value by 1 when the train detection information of the D2 controller 22 is input. Thereby, the number of trains in the alternative control section I2 can be counted by the alternative train number counter 105.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the number of trains existing in the alternative control section I2 can be counted by the alternative train number counter 105 of the C control device 24. As a result, when a failure occurs in the start point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 of the C crossing, the C control device 24 enters an alternative mode, and the alarm breaker 23 is based on the count value of the alternative train counter 105. It is possible to control the operation and release of the operation. Therefore, also in the railroad crossing control device 24 of the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce that the operation of the alarm breaker 23 continues for a long time without violating the fail-safe design concept.
In the second embodiment as well, a narrow alternative control section I3 can be adopted as shown in FIG. In this case, as information received by the C control device 24, instead of train detection information by the B1 controller 21, train detection information by the B2 controller 22 is received, and instead of train detection information by the D2 controller 22. In addition, information on train detection by the D1 controller 21 may be received.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the network cooperation function according to the third embodiment of this invention.
In the railroad crossing safety system 10 according to the third embodiment, the information received by the C control device 24 from the B control device 24 and the D control device 24 and the processing contents of the reception processing unit 104 and the alternative train number counter 105 are Different from the first embodiment. Other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment, and a detailed description of the same parts is omitted.
In the third embodiment, the C controller 24 receives information (for example, signal waveform data) indicating the output signal of the B1 controller 21 and the output signal of the D2 controller 22 from the B controller 24 and the D controller 24. Is received via the communication network W. In addition, the D control device 24 receives information about normality or failure of the B1 controller 21 or the D2 controller 22 from the B control device 24 and the D control device 24.
The B1 controller 21 or the D2 controller 22 may transmit information representing the output signal directly to the C controller 24 without going through the B controller 24 or the D controller 24.

In the third embodiment, the information indicating the B crossing, the normal control section of the B crossing, and the output signal of the B1 controller 21 corresponds to an example of the front crossing, the previous section, and the previous section information according to the present invention. To do. Further, the information indicating the D crossing, the normal control section of the D crossing, and the output signal of the D2 controller 22 correspond to an example of the back crossing, the rear section, and the rear section information according to the present invention.
In the third embodiment, when the reception processing unit 104 receives information representing the output signal of the B1 controller 21, it determines whether the train has passed the ringing start point of the B crossing based on this information. If it is determined that the vehicle has passed, the passing information is output to the alternative train counter 105. In addition, when receiving the information representing the output signal of the D2 controller 22, the reception processing unit 104 determines whether or not the train has passed the ringing end point of the D crossing based on this information. The passing information is output to the alternative train number counter 105. Note that these signal processing blocks for determining passage may be separately provided outside the reception processing unit 104.
If there is a train passing based on the information of the B1 controller 21, the alternative train number counter 105 of the third embodiment adds one count value, and if there is a train passing based on the information of the D2 controller 22. Subtract one count value.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the number of trains existing in the alternative control section I2 can be counted by the alternative train number counter 105 of the C control device 24. As a result, even if a failure occurs in the starting point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 of the C crossing, the operation of the alarm breaker 23 and the release of the operation can be controlled based on the count value of the alternative train counter 105. it can. Therefore, also in the railroad crossing control device 24 of the third embodiment, it is possible to reduce that the operation of the alarm breaker 23 continues for a long time without violating the fail-safe design concept.
In the third embodiment, the information of the B2 controller 22 is transmitted to the C controller 24 instead of the information of the B1 controller 21, and the information of the D1 controller 21 is replaced with the information of the D2 controller 22. By transmitting the information to the C control device 24, a narrow alternative control section I3 can be applied as shown in FIG.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the network cooperation function according to the fourth embodiment of this invention.
The level crossing security system 10 according to the fourth embodiment is obtained by changing the pattern of a communication partner that transmits and receives information via the communication network W for level crossing control in the alternative mode from the pattern according to the first embodiment. Other configurations and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment, and a detailed description of the same configurations is omitted.
In the fourth embodiment, the B control device 24, the C control device 24, and the D control device 24 use the information (A crossing and E crossing) used for crossing control in the alternative mode from the A control device 24 and the E control device 24. The information of the count value of the train in the normal control section of the vehicle is received. In addition, the B control device 24, the C control device 24, and the D control device 24 detect whether the predetermined components of the level crossing safety equipment 20 of the A level crossing and the E level crossing are normal or failed from the A control device 24 and the E control device 24. Receive information. The predetermined component is mainly the starting point controller 21 or the end point controller 22.

In the fourth embodiment, the information on the train crossings in the A level crossing, the A level crossing normal control section, and the A level crossing normal control section is the front level crossing, the previous section, and the previous section information according to the present invention. It corresponds to an example. Moreover, the information of the count value of the train of the E level crossing, the E level crossing normal control section, and the E level crossing normal control section corresponds to an example of the rear level crossing, the rear section, and the rear section information according to the present invention.
In the fourth embodiment, each of the alternative train number counters 105 of the B control device 24, the C control device 24, and the D control device 24 counts the trains existing in the alternative control section I4 of FIG. This alternative control section I4 is a section from the ringing start point of the A level crossing closest to the station α to the ringing end point of the E level crossing closest to the station β. Further, when each level crossing control device 24 is in the alternative mode, the operation of the alarm breaker 23 is controlled depending on whether or not the number of trains exists in the alternative control section I4.

Also in the fourth embodiment, the operation mode of the railroad crossing control device 24 changes as shown in FIG. 4 to a local mode, a network mode, an alternative mode, and a failure mode.
In the fourth embodiment, in the network mode, a fault occurs in each start point controller 21 or end point controller 22 of the A crossing or E crossing from the A control device 24 or the E control device 24 as a network-related abnormality. Shifts to local mode when notified. Similarly, when there is an abnormality in the communication network W, the mode is shifted to the local mode.
In the fourth embodiment, when it is determined that the network-related abnormality is present in the alternative mode, the mode is shifted to the failure mode.
As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the alternative train number counter 105 of the C control device 24 counts the trains existing in the alternative control section I4. Thereby, even if a failure occurs in the start point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 of the C crossing, the C control device 24 operates and cancels the operation of the alarm breaker 23 based on the count value of the alternative train number counter 105. Can be controlled. Similarly, the B control device 24 and the D control device 24 can perform the same control. Therefore, also in the railroad crossing control device 24 of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to reduce that the operation of the alarm breaker 23 continues for a long time without violating the fail-safe design concept.

In the present embodiment, the system configuration in FIG. 9 has been described as an example. However, only the combinations shown in FIG. 9 can communicate with each other for transmitting and receiving information via the communication network W for crossing control in the alternative mode. It can be changed to various combinations. For example, a combination of transmitting information from the B control device 24 and the E control device 24 to the C control device 24 and the D control device 24 therebetween, and the B control between the A control device 24 and the C control device 24. A combination for transmitting information to the device 24 may be merged. In other words, the crossing control device 24 that performs the crossing control in the alternative mode is separated in the opposite direction from the crossing control device 24 of the other crossing safety equipment 20 that is installed in the traveling direction of the train along the route N. It suffices if information can be received from the level crossing control device 24 of another installed level crossing security facility 20. Further, one railroad crossing control device 24 may perform both transmission and reception of information used for crossing control in the alternative mode.
In the example of FIG. 9, the example in which the count value information of the normal control section is applied as the information transmitted / received via the communication network W. However, as in the second embodiment, the starting point controller You may change into the information of the detection of each train by 21 and the end point control element 22. Moreover, it is good also as information showing each output signal of the starting point controller 21 and the end point controller 22 like 3rd Embodiment. Alternatively, a plurality of types of information may be mixed and used.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the network cooperation function according to the fifth embodiment of this invention.
The level crossing security system 10 according to the fifth embodiment changes the type and transmission source of information that the level crossing control device 24 receives via the communication network W for the level crossing control in the alternative mode from that of the first embodiment. It is a thing. Most of the configurations and functions of the crossing control device 24 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions of the same portions are omitted.
In the fifth embodiment, the reception processing unit 104 of the railroad crossing control device 24 receives information used in the alternative mode from the train detection devices 51 and 51 installed at the stations α and β, respectively.
The train detection devices 51 and 51 respectively detect whether or not a train is present on the route N at the stations α and β, and these pieces of information are transmitted to each level crossing control device 24 via the communication network W. Further, a diagnosis function for diagnosing normality or failure of the train detection devices 51, 51 is provided inside or outside the train detection devices 51, 51, and information on normality or failure as a result of the diagnosis is transmitted to the communication network W. To each level crossing control device 24.

Note that these pieces of information may be directly transmitted via the communication network W by providing the train detection device 51 with a communication function. Alternatively, a communication device having a communication function is provided around the train detection device 51, the communication device inputs an output signal of the train detection device 51, and the communication device transmits the information via the communication network W. Also good.
The reception processing unit 104 of each level crossing control device 24 receives train detection information from the train detection devices 51 and 51, and thereby signals to the alternative train number counter 105 that indicate the entrance and advance of the trains at the stations α and β. Output. For example, when the information of the train detection device 51 at the station α changes from a current line to a non-present line, a signal indicating that the train on the line N has advanced from the station α is output to the alternative train number counter 105. Further, when the information of the train detection device 51 at the station β changes from the non-existing line to the existing line, a signal indicating that the train on the line N has entered the station β is output to the alternative train number counter 105.

In the fifth embodiment, the information of the station α, the train detection section of the station α, and the train detection information of the station α corresponds to an example of the first station, the previous section, and the previous section information according to the present invention. Moreover, the information of the station β, the train detection section of the station β, and the train detection information of the station β corresponds to an example of the second station, the rear section, and the rear section information according to the present invention.
The alternative train number counter 105 adds one count value when a signal that a train has advanced from the station α is input, and subtracts one count value when a signal that a train enters the station β is input. Thereby, the alternative train number counter 105 can count the number of trains existing in this section with the section between the station α and the station β as the alternative control section I5.
Also in the fifth embodiment, the operation mode of the level crossing control device 24 changes as shown in FIG. 4 to a local mode, a network mode, an alternative mode, and a failure mode.
In the fifth embodiment, in the network mode, when it is determined that a failure has occurred in the train detection devices 51 and 51 at the stations α and β or there is an abnormality in the communication network W as a network-related abnormality, Transition to mode.
In the fifth embodiment, when the network-related abnormality is determined in the alternative mode, the mode is shifted to the failure mode.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the alternative train number counter 105 of the C control device 24 counts the trains existing in the alternative control section I5. Thereby, even if a failure occurs in the start point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 of the C crossing, the C control device 24 operates and cancels the operation of the alarm breaker 23 based on the count value of the alternative train number counter 105. Can be controlled. Similarly, the A, B, D, and E control devices 24 can perform the same control. Therefore, also in the level crossing control device 24 of the fifth embodiment, it is possible to reduce that the operation of the alarm breaker 23 continues for a long time without violating the fail-safe design concept.
In the present embodiment, as information received by the crossing control device 24 via the communication network W for the crossing control in the alternative mode, the information on the train detection at the station α and the information on the train detection at the station β are used. An applied example is shown. However, the information obtained from the section in the traveling direction of the train from the level crossing control device 24 and the information obtained from the section in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the train may be different types of information. For example, one is train detection information by a train detection device at a station and the other is count information of a normal control section of another railroad crossing, train passing information by a start point controller 21 or a stop point controller 22, or start Information indicating the output signal of the point controller 21 or the end point controller 22 may be used. Also by such information, the number of trains existing in the alternative control section I5 can be counted by the alternative train number counter 105.
Moreover, in 5th Embodiment, the example which counts the number of the trains which exist in the area between the station (alpha) and the station (beta) by the signal which the train advanced from the station (alpha) and the signal which the train entered to the station (beta) was shown. However, the number of trains existing in these sections including the station α and the station β may be counted based on the signal that the train has entered the station α and the signal that the train has advanced from the station β.

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the start point controller and the end point controller are shown as the start point detector and the end point detector. However, as a method of detecting a train, a method using a track circuit, a method of detecting an axle, a method of detecting the position of a train by radio, an RFID (radio frequency identifier) is added to the train, and a short distance from the RFID You may employ | adopt the system etc. which detect a train by the method of detecting a train by radio | wireless communication, the ground element which performs information transmission with the vehicle upper part mounted in a train. In addition, you may detect a train using the various methods using various physical quantities, such as light, magnetism, electricity, and vibration. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the alarm circuit breaker was illustrated as a ringing apparatus, as a ringing apparatus, the apparatus which performs either the output of the sound which alerts the passage of a train, the output of light, or the crossing of a level crossing If it is.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the network mode, the consistency check between the train number counter 102 and the alternative train number counter 105 may be performed. Then, when a contradiction occurs due to the consistency check, for example, the count value of the alternative train number counter 105 is smaller than the count value of the train number counter 102, the network mode may be switched to the local mode.
Moreover, in the said embodiment, when the relay which controls the action | operation of the alarm circuit breaker 23 was abnormal, it demonstrated that the normal alarm output process part 103 or the alternative alarm output process part 106 detected the operation | movement abnormality of a relay. However, if the output result of the relay is input to the input processing unit 101, the input processing unit 101 may detect a relay operation abnormality.

In the above embodiment, the railroad crossing safety system installed in the track section where the train travels in the same direction on one track has been described. However, the railroad crossing security system including the crossing control device according to the present invention is Even if it is not such a track section, it is applicable. For example, in the case of a track section where a train travels on a plurality of tracks, the same level crossing control shown in the embodiment may be performed in parallel on each track.
Further, in this specification, when it is described that the passage of the train is detected, any state from when the leading vehicle of the train enters the detection location until the last vehicle of the train advances from the detection location is detected. It shows that.
In addition, the details shown in the embodiments can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Railroad crossing safety system 20 Railroad crossing safety equipment 21 Starting point controller 22 Ending point controller 23 Alarm circuit breaker 24 Level crossing control device 51 Train detection device 101 Input processing unit 102 Train number counter 103 Normal alarm output processing unit 104 Reception processing unit 105 Alternative Train number counter 106 Alternative alarm output processing unit 107 Failure alarm output processing unit 108 Mode switching unit 109 Operation unit 110 Transmission processing unit I1 Normal control section I2, I3, I4, I5 Alternative control section N Route W Communication network α, β Station

Claims (6)

An input processing unit that receives a signal that detects a train from a start point detection unit that detects a train approaching a level crossing and an end point detection unit that detects a train that has passed through the level crossing;
Based on the signal input to the input processing unit, the count of trains existing in the normal control section from the ringing start point where the starting point detecting means detects the train to the ringing end point where the end point detecting means detects the train is calculated. The number of train counters to perform,
Previous section information that can identify that the train has entered or advanced into the previous section that is the same route as the normal control section and is set in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the train from the normal control section. The rear section information that is the same route as the normal control section, and that can identify that the train has entered or advanced into the rear section that is a section set in the traveling direction of the train from the normal control section, A reception processing unit for receiving via a communication network;
Based on the previous section information and the rear section information, an alternative train number counter that counts the trains present in the alternative control section that is a section from the previous section to the rear section,
When the starting point detecting means and the end point detecting means are normal, a sounding device for a railroad crossing is operated based on the value of the train counter, and there is an abnormality in the starting point detecting means or the end point detecting means. In some cases, an output processing unit for operating a railroad crossing sounding device based on the value of the alternative train number counter,
A railroad crossing control device comprising: The previous section information is a count information of a train existing between a ringing start point and a ringing end point of the front crossing counted by a control device of a front crossing which is another crossing of the same route,
The rear section information is count information of a train existing between a ringing start point and a ringing end point of the rear crossing, which is counted by a control device of a rear crossing that is another crossing on the same route. The railroad crossing control device according to claim 1. The previous section information is the train detection information of the first station that is in the reverse direction of the train direction from the railroad crossing,
The railroad crossing control device according to claim 1, wherein the rear section information is train detection information of a second station located in a traveling direction of the train from the railroad crossing. It has a mode switching part that switches the operation mode,
The mode switching unit
When the starting point detection means and the end point detection means are normal, and the reception processing unit receives information normally, the network mode is switched.
When the starting point detecting means or the end point detecting means is determined to be abnormal, and the reception processing unit receives information normally, the mode is switched to an alternative mode,
When the start point detection means and the end point detection means are normal and an abnormality related to reception of information by the reception processing unit is determined, the mode is switched to the local mode,
When the starting point detecting means or the end point detecting means is determined to be abnormal, and an abnormality relating to reception of information by the reception processing unit is determined, switching to the failure mode,
The train number counter operates in the network mode and the local mode,
The alternative train number counter operates in the network mode and the alternative mode,
The output processing unit
Control the ringing device based on the train number counter in the network mode and the local mode,
Control the ringing equipment based on the alternative train number counter in the alternative mode,
The railroad crossing control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the ringing device is continued in the failure mode.   The abnormality related to the reception of information by the reception processing unit includes a case where a notification of a device failure for generating the preceding section information or the following section information is received and a case where an abnormality occurs in the communication network. The crossing control device according to claim 4, wherein the crossing control device is included. The mode switching unit
5. The crossing control device according to claim 4, wherein, even in the network mode or the alternative mode, when the abnormality of the relay that activates the sounding device is detected, the control goes to the failure mode.

Images