JP6674209B2 - Backup operation monitoring device and railroad crossing safety device equipped with the backup operation monitoring device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a backup operation monitoring device and a level crossing security device including the backup operation monitoring device.

  A railroad crossing is a place where a railroad and a road intersect, and a railroad crossing safety device provided with safety equipment such as an alarm and a breaker is provided so that both passers-by can pass safely. In the railroad crossing safety device, the intersection is shut off when the train approaches, and an alarm sounds to ensure safety. Therefore, it is important to accurately detect that the train is approaching the railroad crossing.

  As a train detection method, a track circuit that detects by using the fact that a train axle short-circuits a rail is widely used. For the detection of a train at a railroad crossing, a method of detecting approach and passage of a train by providing a track circuit (railroad crossing controller) of a short section discretely in a way of approaching and a way out of a level crossing is used.

  However, the track circuit has a problem that a train cannot be detected when a rail short circuit due to an axle is hindered due to rust, ash fall, or fallen leaves on the rail top surface. In particular, track circuits (railroad crossings) in short sections are susceptible to this problem. Therefore, in order to prevent the railroad crossing from being unblocked / no alarm when the train cannot be detected by the railroad crossing controller, the automatic train stop (ATS), which is a train safety device, is installed from the on-board device. A railroad crossing backup device that detects a train by detecting a carrier wave is used. Various inventions have been made for such a railroad crossing backup device.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first example of a conventional railroad crossing safety device.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the railroad crossing safety device 100 includes a railroad crossing instrument box 110 and a controller box 120 connected to each other via a cable 130.

  The railroad crossing instrument box 110 is installed near a railroad crossing (see FIG. 7A), and stores a power supply 111, a failure detection receiver 112, and a relay 113. On the other hand, the control box 120 is installed at a fixed position before the railroad crossing, and has a railroad crossing controller 122 and a BU (Back Up) device (synonymous with “railroad crossing backup device”) 123 having a function of a failure detection transmitter. The BU device 123 detects a failure occurring in the railroad crossing controller 122 and the BU device 123, and transmits failure information indicating that the failure has been detected to the BU device (failure detection receiver) 112.

  The railroad crossing controller 122 is a device that detects a train by detecting a rail short circuit caused by an axle in a section where the railroad crossing controller 122 is installed. On the other hand, the BU device 123 is a device that detects a train by receiving a carrier wave emitted from an ATS vehicle upper child of a train by a ground child installed between rails near the railroad crossing controller 122. While the railroad crossing controller 122 is in the train detection state while the rail is short-circuited, the BU device 123 continuously receives the carrier wave of the ATS vehicle upper child for a certain period of time and then enters the train detection state. It is characterized by becoming. When the railroad crossing controller 122 or the BU device 123 enters the train detection state, the relay 113 causes the railroad crossing to perform a cutoff / ringing operation.

  Early BUs were unresponsive in the event of a failure, losing the train detection function. For this reason, there has been a problem in that when the railroad crossing controller has a short-circuit failure in a state where the BU device has failed, there is no interruption. As an additional measure, a failure detector has been developed which detects a failure by comparing the train detection state between the BU device and the level crossing controller.

  The BU device 123 compares the train detection state of the railroad crossing controller 122 with the train detection state of the BU device 123. If one device detects the train and the other device cannot detect the train within a predetermined time, one of the devices is detected. Is determined to be faulty, and fault information is transmitted to the BU fault detection receiver 112. The BU device 112 that has received the failure information from the BU device 123 outputs the failure information to an external device such as a centralized monitoring device. Thus, the railroad crossing safety device 100 according to the first example is configured to detect a failure of the railroad crossing controller 122 and the BU device 123 (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of a conventional railroad crossing safety device.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the railroad crossing safety device 200 includes a railroad crossing instrument box 210 and a controller box 220 that are interconnected via a cable 230.

  The railroad crossing instrument box 210 is installed near a railroad crossing (see FIG. 8A), and the power supply 211, the controller relay 212, the BU device relay 213, and the state of the controller relay 212 and the BU device relay 213 are shown. A mismatch detector 214 for detecting a mismatch is stored. On the other hand, the control box 220 is installed at a certain position before the level crossing, and has a level crossing controller 221 and a BU device 222.

  The railroad crossing controller 221 is a device that detects a train by entering a train detection state when a train enters a section where the railroad crossing controller 221 is installed, and enters a train non-detection state when the train advances through the section. The BU device 222 enters a train detection state when detecting an upper child mounted on a train with a ground child installed between the rails, and maintains the train detection state for a time (for example, 10 seconds) set in the BU device 222, After that, it is a device that detects trains by returning to the train non-detection state. When any one of the relay 212 corresponding to the train detection of the railroad crossing controller 221 and the relay 213 corresponding to the train detection of the BU device 222 enters the train detection state, the railroad crossing is cut off / ringed.

  The mismatch detector 214 compares the state of the relay 212 and the state of the relay 213. If one device detects the train and the other device cannot detect the train within a certain period of time, one of the devices detects the train. Is determined to be a failure, and failure information is output to an external device such as a centralized monitoring device. As a result, the railroad crossing safety device 200 according to the second example detects a failure of the controller 221 or the BU device 222.

  In addition, for example, Patent Literature 2 discloses a technology that realizes a failure determination of a railroad crossing backup device itself by a self-diagnosis function of an internal circuit of the railroad crossing backup device.

JP-A-11-310133 JP 2010-195200 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technique, in order to detect the occurrence of a failure in the BU device, for example, installation of a device such as a mismatch detector 214 shown in FIG. Since additional laying of the cable 230 between them is required, the cost is high.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and does not require additional laying of cables between a railroad crossing instrument box and a control box. The present invention provides a backup operation monitoring device capable of realizing operation monitoring of a railroad crossing backup device, and a railroad crossing safety device provided with the backup operation monitoring device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the backup operation monitoring device according to the present invention provides (1) a train detection state according to a train presence / absence in a detection section arranged on a track before a railroad crossing. A first train detecting means provided with first switching means for instantaneously switching between a train non-detection state and a train approaching the railroad crossing by a ground contact provided in or near the detection section; Switch between the train detection state and the train non-detection state by contactly sensing, and when switching from the train non-detection state to the train detection state, hold the train detection state for at least the preset switching delay time A second train detecting means provided with a second switching means for switching between a train detection state and a train non-detection state, and at least one of the first switching means and the second switching means. But In the case of the train detection state, a third train detection means including a third switching means for holding the train detection state, and a third train detection means which is installed at a fixed position before the level crossing, detects the first and second trains. A control box having means, a railroad crossing tool box installed near the railroad crossing and storing the third switching means, and a security provided at the railroad crossing and operating when the third switching means is in a train detection state A backup operation monitoring device for monitoring the operation of the second train detecting means of the railroad crossing safety device comprising: the backup operation monitoring device is installed in the railroad crossing instrument box; An input unit to which a signal corresponding to the switching state of the switching unit is input, and a determination unit that determines whether the second train detection unit is normal based on the signal input to the input unit. An output unit that performs an output according to the determination of the determination unit; The third switching means measures the continuous train detection time from the input of the signal corresponding to the train detection state to the input of the signal corresponding to the train non-detection state of the third switching means. If the determined train continuous detection time is equal to or longer than the switching delay time, it is determined that the second train detection means is normal .

Further, the backup operation monitoring device according to the present invention has the following features.
(2) The monitoring time from when the signal corresponding to the train detection state of the third switching means is input to when a certain time longer than the switching grace time elapses is further measured, and the determination unit performs the monitoring. After the lapse of time, the second train detecting means determines whether or not the train is normal, and among the train continuous detection times measured within the monitoring time, the train continuous detection time that is equal to or longer than the switching grace time. If present, determine that the second train detection means is normal .
(3) The input unit includes the first to third train detection units as one unit, receives the train detection state from the third switching unit for each unit, and includes a determination unit for each unit .
(4) determination unit, when said second train detection means is determined to be normal, while the inhibiting periods specified from time train passing through the railroad crossing is estimated can pass through the detection objective section, By suppressing the start of a new failure determination, it is possible to avoid a malfunction in failure detection due to a tilt of a track circuit when a train advances.
(5) The input unit includes a first input unit to which a signal corresponding to a switching state of the third switching unit is input, and a second input unit to which a signal complementary to the first input unit is input. The input unit of the second train, when the signal input to the first input unit does not match the signal input to the second input unit, Judge whether the detection means is normal or not, and if they match, judge that the input system is faulty .
(6) The input unit includes a BU failure detection feedback input that captures a BU failure output output from the output unit when the determination unit determines that the second train detection unit has failed, and the determination unit includes the feedback input and the BU failure detection input. To have a self-diagnosis function to judge that the output failure occurs when the failure determination does not match.

Further, the railroad crossing safety device according to the present invention includes the backup operation monitoring device according to any one of the above (1) to ( 6 ).

According to the backup operation monitoring device according to the present invention, a train detection state and a train non-detection state are immediately changed between a train detection state and a train non-detection state according to the presence or absence of a train in a detection section arranged on a track before a railroad crossing. A first train detecting means provided with first switching means for switching, and a train approaching the railroad crossing by a ground contact provided in or near the detection section for non-contact sensing of the train detection state and the train A second switching unit that switches between the non-detection state and the train detection state to the train detection state, and includes a second switching unit that holds the train detection state for at least a preset switching grace time. , And switches between a train detection state and a train non-detection state, and when at least one of the first switching means and the second switching means is in the train detection state, the train detection state Condition A third train detecting means provided with third switching means for maintaining a state, a control box installed at a fixed position before the level crossing and having the first and second train detecting means, A level crossing equipment box installed in the vicinity and storing the third switching means, and a security facility provided at the level crossing and operating when the third switching means is in a train detection state; A backup operation monitoring device for monitoring the operation of the second train detection means, wherein the backup operation monitoring device is installed in the railroad crossing equipment box and is adapted to a switching state of the third switching means. An input unit to which a signal is input, a determination unit that determines whether the second train detection unit is normal based on the signal input to the input unit, and performs an output according to the determination by the determination unit. An output unit, and the third switching means. The train continuous detection time from the time of input of the signal corresponding to the train detection state to the time of input of the signal corresponding to the train non-detection state is measured, and the determination unit is configured to switch the timed train continuous detection time. If it is longer than the grace time, the second train detection means is determined to be normal. Therefore, no additional cable is required to be laid between the railroad crossing instrument box and the control box, and the train detection unit is relatively inexpensive. A backup operation monitoring device capable of realizing the operation monitoring of the railroad crossing backup device by the constant time operation monitoring can be provided.

Further, in the backup operation monitoring device according to the present invention, the monitoring time from the input of the signal corresponding to the train detection state of the third switching means to the elapse of a certain time longer than the switching grace time is further measured. In addition, the determination unit is configured to determine whether the second train detection unit is normal after the elapse of the monitoring time, and the switching is performed during the train continuous detection time measured within the monitoring time. If it is determined that the second train detection means is normal when there is a continuous train detection time longer than the grace time, it is possible to avoid erroneous detection due to the swing of the track circuit.

Further, in the backup operation monitoring device according to the present invention, the input unit sets the first to third train detection units as one unit, and takes in the train detection state from the third switching unit for each unit, and If the determination unit is provided for each, it is possible to determine the failure of the railroad crossing backup device without being affected by the continuous operation or the like on a single track.

Also, the backup operation monitoring apparatus according to the present invention, the determination unit, when the second train detection means is determined to be normal, the train passing through the railroad crossing is estimated that can pass through the detection objective section If the start of a new failure determination is inhibited during the inhibition time determined from the predetermined time, it is possible to avoid a malfunction of failure detection due to the swing of the track circuit when the train advances.

Further, in the backup operation monitoring device according to the present invention, the input unit has a first input unit to which a signal corresponding to a switching state of the third switching unit is input, and the input unit is complementary to the first input unit. And a second input unit to which a signal having the following is input: the determination unit determines that the signal input to the first input unit does not match the signal input to the second input unit. In this case, it is determined whether the second train detecting means is normal or not. If the two trains coincide with each other, it is determined that the input system has failed . The reliability of the determination result can be further improved.

In the backup operation monitoring device according to the present invention, the input unit includes a BU failure detection feedback input that captures a BU failure output output by the output unit when the determination unit determines that the second train detection unit has failed. If the judgment unit has a self-diagnosis function of judging that the feedback input and the BU failure judgment do not match each other as an output failure, the reliability of the judgment result of the BU failure judgment outputted from the backup operation monitoring device is improved. Can be further improved.

  Further, in the railroad crossing safety device according to the present invention, since the above-mentioned backup operation monitoring device is provided, the reliability of the railroad crossing safety device can be further improved.

It is a figure showing an example of composition of a level crossing safety device provided with a backup operation monitoring device concerning an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific configuration of a backup operation monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of the backup operation monitoring device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of the backup operation monitoring device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of the backup operation monitoring device according to the embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing a process of the backup operation monitoring device according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the 1st example of the conventional railroad crossing safety device. It is a figure showing the 2nd example of the conventional railroad crossing safety device.

  The present invention provides a backup operation monitoring device, specifically, an input unit that captures a train detection state, a determination unit that determines a failure based on the train detection state, and an output unit based on the determination of the determination unit. In the apparatus provided, the determination unit performs a predetermined monitoring time after the train detection state transitions to the train detection, and when the train detection continues for a predetermined determination time or more, the railroad crossing backup device is normal. It is characterized by determining that there is.

  In other words, a railroad crossing controller that is arranged in front of a railroad crossing and detects a train, a railroad crossing backup device that backs up a train detection operation by the railroad crossing controller, and the train is crossed by one of the railroad crossing controller and the railroad crossing backup device. And a relay whose state is switched when detected.The relay is provided with a level crossing protection device, and if the time at which the state of the relay is switched is equal to or longer than a predetermined determination time, the level crossing backup device is determined to be normal If the time during which the state of the relay is switched is shorter than the predetermined determination time, the railroad crossing backup device is determined to have failed.

  In addition, with regard to the backup operation monitoring device according to the present embodiment, in other words, the train detection status and the train detection status are determined in accordance with the presence or absence of the train in the detection section arranged on the track before the railroad crossing. A first train detecting means including a first switching means for instantaneously switching between a non-detected state and a train approaching the railroad crossing by a ground contact provided in or near the detection section; Switch between the train detection state and the train non-detection state upon detection, and when the train is switched from the train non-detection state to the train detection state, the train detection state is held at least for a preset switching grace time. A second train detecting means including a second switching means, and switching between a train detection state and a train non-detection state, wherein at least one of the first switching means and the second switching means Is in the train detection state, the third train detection means provided with the third switching means for holding the train detection state, and the third switching means provided at the railroad crossing is activated when the third detection means is in the train detection state. A backup operation monitoring device for monitoring the operation of the second train detecting means of the railroad crossing safety device including a security facility, and an input to which a signal corresponding to a switching state of the third switching means is input. Unit, a determination unit that determines whether the second train detection unit is normal based on a signal input to the input unit, and an output unit that performs output according to the determination of the determination unit. , The time of continuous train detection from the time of input of the signal corresponding to the train detection state of the third switching means to the time of input of the signal corresponding to the train non-detection state, and the determination unit is configured to measure the time The train continuous detection time is longer than the switching grace time When the second train detection means also said to be the backup operation monitoring apparatus and judging to be normal.

  Here, the first train detecting means can be understood as, for example, a railroad crossing controller constituted by the above-mentioned track circuit, and the first switching means is provided in the track circuit, and a third switch means described later. This can be understood as a predetermined relay constituting a part of the train detection means.

  Also, the second train detecting means can be understood as a train detection system (BU device) for detecting the approach of a train by receiving a carrier wave from the above-mentioned ATS vehicle, for example. The means is provided in the system for non-contact train detection, and can be interpreted as a predetermined time relay that constitutes a part of a third train detection means described later.

  When switching from the train non-detection state to the train detection state, the second switching means holds the train detection state at least for a preset switching delay time. This switching grace time can be set to about 10 seconds, and an error range of about 10 ± 3 seconds (7 to 13 seconds) is taken into account in consideration of the accuracy of the switching time of the time relay used as the second train detecting means. Permissible.

  The third train detecting means is, for example, an alarm or a breaker attached to a railroad crossing, according to the state of the first switching means or the second switching means which switches between a train detection state and a train non-detection state, respectively. The third switching means can be understood as a relay (detection relay) that functions as a trigger for operating the security equipment in the operation system.

  Specifically, when at least one of the first switching unit and the second switching unit is in the train detection state, the third switching unit holds the train detection state.

  A part of the first to third train detecting means and the first to third switching means are preferably signal relays as single function parts mainly from the viewpoint of fail-safe characteristics. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and may be a solid-state relay or an electronic relay process reproduced on a program incorporated in a programmable logic controller (PLC), a microcomputer, or the like.

  The present invention relates to a railroad crossing safety device provided with the first to third train detection means, security equipment, and the like, in which the second train detection means operates as a backup device of the first train detection means. Is provided.

  Characteristically, an input unit to which a signal corresponding to a switching state of the third switching unit, that is, a signal indicating that the third switching unit is in a train detection state or a train non-detection state, is input; A determination unit that determines whether the second train detection unit is normal based on a signal input to the unit, and an output unit that performs an output in accordance with the determination of the determination unit; The train continuous detection time from the time of input of the signal corresponding to the train detection state of the means to the time of input of the signal corresponding to the train non-detection state is timed, and the determination unit determines the time that the train continuous detection time is timed. If it is longer than the switching delay time, it is determined that the second train detecting means is normal.

  Therefore, it is not necessary to lay new wiring for the backup operation monitoring device between the railroad crossing instrument box and the control box, and only by providing the backup operation monitoring device in the railroad crossing instrument box, the second train detecting means, That is, the backup operation of the railroad crossing backup device can be monitored.

  In addition, the backup operation monitoring device also uses a device such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a microcomputer according to the reliability required in a railroad crossing installation environment, similarly to the first to third train detection units and the like. Can be realized.

  That is, with the backup operation monitoring device according to the present embodiment, it is possible to detect the possibility of failure of the railroad crossing backup device with a simple configuration and at low cost.

  In the backup operation monitoring device according to the present embodiment, the determination unit delays the determination until the monitoring time elapses, and crosses the case where the train detection duration of the train detection state does not exceed the determination time at the time of the monitoring time elapse. By determining that the backup device has failed, erroneous detection due to tilt of the track circuit may be avoided.

  In other words, the backup operation monitoring device further measures the monitoring time from the time when the signal corresponding to the train detection state of the third switching means is input to the time when a certain time longer than the switching grace time elapses, and determines the determination unit. Is for determining whether or not the second train detection means is normal after the elapse of the monitoring time, and for the train continuous detection time counted during the monitoring time, When the continuous detection time exists, the second train detection means may be determined to be normal.

  When a train enters or exits the track circuit, a temporary short-circuit failure called a back and forth before and after that may occur. When this phenomenon is detected by the backup operation monitoring device, it is erroneously determined that the second train detection means is faulty. Although there is a possibility of making a determination, and a method of taking in an alarm state of a railroad crossing as a countermeasure is also conceivable, there is a limitation that a failure cannot be identified because a warning state is maintained in a continuation train or a train passing at a railroad crossing part.

  On the other hand, in the backup operation monitoring device according to the present embodiment, the above-described configuration allows the state of the first switching unit to be switched between the train detection state and the train non-detection state for a short time depending on whether the track circuit or the like is conductive. Even if the switch is performed many times during the period (flicking and fluttering), the switching time is longer than the monitoring grace time within the monitoring time, without being affected by the track circuit lifting or the train operation restrictions such as continuing trains If there is a continuous train detection time, the result can be derived that the second train detection means is normal by comprehensively judging.

  Further, the input unit is provided for each of the detection relays corresponding to the starting point controller of the railroad crossing and the railroad crossing backup device, that is, when the first to third train detecting units are one unit, the third switching unit is provided for each unit. It is also possible to take in the train detection state from and provide a determination unit for each unit.

  This is presumed to be the case where the first to third train detecting means are provided on each side of the railroad crossing for a forward track and a return track on a single track, one unit on each side, or more units are provided on a double track.

  With this configuration, it is possible to determine the failure of the railroad crossing backup device without being affected by the continuous operation or the like on a single track.

  In addition, when the determination unit determines that the railroad crossing backup device is normal, a new failure determination is performed during a deterrent time determined from a time estimated that a train passing the railroad crossing can pass through the detection target section. May be prevented so that a malfunction of the failure detection due to the swing of the track circuit when the train advances is avoided.

  That is, if the determination unit determines that the second train detection unit is normal, the predetermined inhibition time during which all of the vehicles constituting the train are estimated to pass through the detection section, The new determination may not be performed regardless of the signal input to the input unit.

  By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to avoid malfunction of failure detection due to tilting of the track circuit when the train advances, and the second train detection means is abnormal even though the second train detection means is normal. It is possible to prevent the transmission of a signal indicating that there is an error (not normal).

  The input unit includes a first input of a train detection state and a second input having complementarity with the first input, and the determination unit checks that the states of the first input and the second input do not match. As a condition for BU failure determination, a self-diagnosis function may be provided that determines a failure of the input when the first input and the second input match.

  That is, the input unit includes a first input unit to which a signal corresponding to a switching state of the third switching unit is input, and a second input to which a signal complementary to the first input unit is input. A determination unit configured to determine whether the signal input to the first input unit and the signal input to the second input unit are different from each other. Is determined as normal, and if they match, it may be determined that the input system has failed.

  The signal input to the second input unit has a signal complementary to the signal input to the first input unit. Is a signal corresponding to a train detection state, the other signal may be input according to a train non-detection state.

  With this configuration, if the signal input to the first input unit does not match (matches) the signal input to the second input unit, the second train detection unit The backup operation monitoring device itself is suspected of having a failure, particularly in the input system, before the failure determination of the backup operation monitoring device itself, and the backup operation monitoring device can have a self-diagnosis function and the backup operation monitoring device has a failure Thus, it is possible to prevent the failure determination of the second train detecting means from being performed.

  In the backup operation monitoring device according to the present embodiment, the input unit includes a BU failure detection feedback input that captures a BU failure output output from the output unit when the determination unit determines that the backup device has failed, May have a self-diagnosis function of judging a case where the feedback input and the BU failure judgment do not match each other as an output failure.

  If the feedback signal does not match the output signal, the backup operation monitoring apparatus itself may be suspected of having a failure, particularly in the output system, before the failure determination of the second train detection means, as described above. In addition, the backup operation monitoring device can be provided with a self-diagnosis function, and it is possible to prevent the failure judgment of the second train detecting means from being performed in a state where the backup operation monitoring device is in failure.

  In addition, the determination unit determines that if the input of the train detection state exceeds the stoppage time assumed in the event of a transportation failure (hereinafter, referred to as a failure stoppage time) and continues train detection, the track circuit is regarded as an illegal fall. It may have a diagnostic function.

  For example, a train may stop in a detection section constituting a track circuit at the time of some kind of failure. Even in this case, if the recovery from the failure is completed, the train will start moving soon, and the first train detection means The switching means should be in the train non-detection state.

  However, if the third switching means keeps the train detection state for longer than the time normally required for failure recovery, a malfunction of the first train detection means, for example, an illegal fall of the track circuit will be suspected. .

  That is, with such a configuration, it is possible to monitor not only the failure of the second train detection means but also the failure of the first train detection means.

  In addition, since the railroad crossing safety device according to the present embodiment includes the backup operation monitoring device having the above-described configuration, a more reliable railroad crossing safety device can be provided.

  Hereinafter, the backup operation monitoring device according to the present embodiment and the railroad crossing safety device including the backup operation monitoring device will be further described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the railroad crossing protection device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a railroad crossing protection device including a railroad crossing backup operation monitoring device according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the railroad crossing safety device 1 including the backup operation monitoring device 13 according to the present embodiment includes a railroad crossing tool box 10 and a control box 20 that are interconnected via a cable 30. .

  The railroad crossing instrument box 10 is installed near a railroad crossing (see FIG. 1A), and includes a power supply 11, a detection relay 12 functioning as a third switching unit, and a backup operation monitoring device 13 that analyzes the state of the detection relay 12. Is stored.

  On the other hand, the control box 20 is installed at a fixed position before the railroad crossing, and is a railroad crossing controller 21 functioning as first train detecting means connected in series, and a BU device (functioning as second train detecting means) Railroad crossing backup device) 22.

  The railroad crossing controller 21 includes a railroad crossing controller relay 21a functioning as first switching means. When a train enters a predetermined section (detection section) on the track on which the railroad crossing controller 21 is installed, the rail-to-rail short circuit occurs. The railroad crossing controller relay 21a is turned off (train detection state), and when the train advances into the section, the railroad crossing controller relay 21a is turned on (train non-detection state) to detect the train. That is, the railroad crossing controller relay 21a switches immediately between the train detection state and the train non-detection state in accordance with the presence or absence of the train in the detection section.

  On the other hand, the BU device 22 is a device that backs up train detection by the railroad crossing controller 21 and includes a BU relay 22a that functions as a second switching unit. Upon passing, the ATS wave from the train is received, the BU relay 22a is turned on (train detection state), and the GU device 22 or the BU relay 22a is maintained in the switching grace time (for example, 10 seconds) ON state. Then, the device detects the train by returning to the OFF state (train non-detection state). That is, the BU relay 22a switches between the train detection state and the train non-detection state by contactlessly sensing the train by the grounding element, and at least is set in advance when the train is switched from the train non-detection state to the train detection state. The train detection state is maintained over the set switching delay time.

  The detection relay 12 constitutes an integrated detection circuit unit 12a as third train detection means together with the above-mentioned railroad crossing controller relay 21a and the BU relay 22a, and is in an ON state (train non-detection state) in a normal state. Yes, when the railroad crossing controller relay 21a is in the OFF state or when the BU relay 22a is in the ON state, the BU relay 22a is in the OFF state (train detection state) and activates an alarm, a circuit breaker, and the like. When the railroad crossing controller relay 21a is turned on and the BU relay 22a is turned off, the relay is turned on. That is, the open / close state (OFF / ON state) of the detection relay 12 is switched when a train is detected by any of the railroad crossing controller 21 and the BU device 22.

  That is, a level crossing controller relay 21a (first switching means) provided in the level crossing controller 21 (first train detecting means) and a BU relay 22a provided in the BU device 22 (second train detecting means) (Second switching means) is stored in a control box 20 installed at a fixed position before the railroad crossing, while the detection relay 12 (third switching means) is mounted on the railroad crossing instrument box 10 installed near the railroad crossing. And the detector relay 12a, the BU relay 22a, and the detection relay 12 are connected in series by a cable 30 laid between the controller box 20 and the railroad crossing instrument box 10, and the integrated detection circuit unit 12a (the 3 train detection means).

  Although FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the railroad crossing is one single track section and the railroad crossing controller 21 and the BU device 22 are installed at one place, actually, the railroad crossing the railroad crossing is performed. On the other side, it is assumed that both the controller and the BU device are installed in the same manner. Further, it is assumed that both the controller and the BU device are similarly installed in a multiple-track section having a plurality of tracks per level crossing. In the present embodiment, in order to facilitate understanding, the line is a single-line line, and only one unit will be described as a representative, and other units are not shown.

  The backup operation monitoring device 13 is a device that detects a failure of the BU device 22, the railroad crossing controller 21, and the backup operation monitoring device 13 itself based on the state of the detection relay 12. Next, the internal configuration of the backup operation monitoring device 13 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration and internal processing of the backup operation monitoring device 13. That is, FIG. 2 includes a conceptual description for understanding of the present invention, and it is not always necessary to physically realize each unit described below by a machine or an electric circuit. Needless to say, it may be configured to be realized by:

  As shown in FIG. 2, the backup operation monitoring device 13 includes an input unit 40, a determination unit 41, and an output unit 42.

  The input unit 40 is a unit for inputting, for example, the detection state of the train obtained from the detection relay 12, that is, the third switching unit, into the backup operation monitoring device 13.

  Specifically, the input unit 40 includes a first input unit 43 and a second input unit 44, and a signal corresponding to the train detection state of the third switching unit is input.

  The second input unit 44 is configured to receive a signal via an inverter 45. Therefore, a signal complementary to the signal input to the first input unit 43 is input to the second input unit. In the present embodiment, the inverter 45 is realized by connecting the second input unit 44 to a terminal complementary to the terminal connected to the first input unit 43 among the terminals provided in the detection relay 12. ing.

  Also, the input unit 40 has a BU failure output signal output from the output unit 42 when the determination unit 41 determines that the BU device 22 (second train detection means) is not normal, and the BU device 22 is normal. A BU status feedback input unit 46 is provided which feeds back a signal indicating the presence (hereinafter, also referred to as a BU status signal) to the backup operation monitoring device 13 again. The feedback signal of the BU state signal input to the BU state feedback input section 46 is used for self-diagnosis in the determination section 41.

  The determination unit 41 is a unit that determines a failure based on a train detection state, and determines whether the second train detection unit is normal based on a signal input to the input unit.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the determination unit 41 is provided with a timer unit 41a, and detects train continuity from the time of input of a signal corresponding to the train detection state of the detection relay 12 to the time of input of a signal corresponding to the train non-detection state. A certain period of time (for example, 20 to 40 seconds, which is longer than a switching grace period (for example, 7 to 13 seconds, 7 seconds in the present embodiment)) from the input of the signal corresponding to the train detection state of the detection relay 12. In the embodiment, the monitoring time until the elapse of 20 seconds is measured.

  Further, the determining unit 41 includes an input checking unit 47, a BU failure determining unit 48, an illegal drop determining unit 49, and an output checking unit 50.

  The input checking unit 47 compares the signals input to the first input unit 43 and the second input unit 44 of the input unit 40, and outputs the signal input to the first input unit 43 and the signal input to the second input unit 44. It is determined whether or not the signal does not match.

  The BU failure determination unit 48 determines whether the BU device 22 is normal based on a signal corresponding to the switching state of the detection relay 12 input from the input unit 40 via the input checking unit 47.

  The illegal fall determination unit 49 compares the train continuous detection time with a preset stoppage time at the time of a failure, and determines whether or not the continuous train detection time is longer than the stoppage time at the time of the failure, that is, when the stoppage time at the time of the failure is exceeded. This section determines whether or not the level crossing controller 21 as the first train detecting means is normal based on whether or not the level crossing controller 21 continues train detection.

  The output checking unit 50 compares the feedback signal of the BU status signal input via the BU status feedback input unit 46 of the input unit 40 with the determination by the BU failure determination unit 48, and when both contradict, the backup operation is performed. The monitoring device 13 itself is a part that determines that there is an abnormality.

  The BU failure determination unit 48 determines that the BU device 22 is normal, and instructs the BU status output unit 52 to send a signal indicating that the BU device 22 is normal. Signal), or conversely, the BU device 22 is determined to be normal despite the fact that the BU device 22 is determined to be abnormal and instructing the BU status output unit 52 to send a signal indicating that the BU device 22 is abnormal. When there is a feedback signal, it is determined that the backup operation monitoring device 13 itself is abnormal.

  The output unit 42 is a unit that outputs according to the determination of the determination unit 41. A signal output from the backup operation monitoring device 13 via the determination unit 41 is transmitted to a predetermined device for centrally managing the train operation status and the like via a transmission device (not shown) provided in the railroad crossing instrument box 10. Sent to the management device installed in the facility. Then, by being recognized by a monitoring person or the like in the facility via the display means or the notification means of the management device, an event such as a failure occurring in the railroad crossing safety device 1 is dealt with as necessary. It will be.

  The output unit 42 includes a self-diagnosis abnormality output unit 51, a BU status output unit 52, and an illegal drop output unit 53.

  The self-diagnosis abnormality output unit 51 compares the feedback signal of the BU status signal in the output checking unit 50 with the determination in the BU failure determination unit 48 and determines that both are inconsistent (particularly in the output system of the backup operation monitoring device 13). When it is determined that there is an abnormality), or when it is determined that the signal input to the first input unit does not match the signal input to the second input unit (particularly input to the backup operation monitoring device 13). If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the system, an output system abnormal signal or an input system abnormal signal is transmitted.

  The BU status output unit 52 is a unit that transmits a BU failure signal when the BU failure determination unit 48 determines that the BU device 22 is not normal, or transmits a signal indicating that the BU device 22 is normal. .

  The illegal fall output unit 53 is a unit that outputs an illegal fall signal when the illegal fall determination unit 49 determines that the continuous train detection time is longer than the stop time at failure.

  When the output system abnormal signal, the input system abnormal signal, the BU failure signal, and the illegal fall signal are output from the output unit 42, the failure of the railroad crossing controller 21, the BU device 22, and the backup operation monitoring device 13 itself is prevented. It will be recognized and prompt response will be made.

  Next, the internal processing of the backup operation monitoring device 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. The backup operation monitoring device 13 according to this embodiment is formed using a programmable logic controller (PLC), and a part of the input unit 40 and a part of the output unit 42 are provided in the PLC. A part of the input unit 40, a part of the determination unit 41, and a part of the output unit 42 are realized by a time element relay or a program described in a storage area in the PLC.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a main process performed in the backup operation monitoring device 13 according to the present embodiment. First, the backup operation monitoring device 13 performs a process of initializing a result of a determination made in the past as to whether or not the BU device 22 is normal (step S10).

  Next, the backup operation monitoring device 13 acquires a train detection state based on a signal corresponding to the switching state of the detection relay 12 (third switching unit) input from the input unit 40 (Step S11).

  Next, the backup operation monitoring device 13 determines whether or not the train is in the train detection state based on the obtained train detection state (step S12).

  If it is determined that the vehicle is not in the train detection state (train non-detection state) (step S12: No), the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle is in the train detection state (step S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the backup operation monitoring device 13 starts measuring the monitoring time.

  Next, the backup operation monitoring device 13 acquires the detection state of the train based on the signal corresponding to the switching state of the detection relay 12 (third switching unit) input from the input unit 40 (Step S14).

  Next, the backup operation monitoring device 13 calculates the continuous train detection time from when the signal corresponding to the train detection state of the detection relay 12 is input to when the signal corresponding to the train non-detection state is input (step S15).

  Next, the backup operation monitoring device 13 determines whether or not the continuous train detection time is equal to or longer than the switching delay time (7 seconds in the present embodiment) (Step S16).

  If it is determined that the continuous train detection time is not equal to or longer than the switching delay time (step S16: No), the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, when it is determined that the continuous train detection time is equal to or longer than the switching delay time (step S16: Yes), the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, the backup operation monitoring device 13 sets the BU normal flag to the ON state.

  Next, the backup operation monitoring device 13 determines whether the monitoring time has passed a predetermined time (20 seconds in the present embodiment) (Step S18).

  If it is determined that the monitoring time has not passed the predetermined time (step S18: No), the process returns to step S14. On the other hand, if it is determined that the monitoring time has passed the predetermined time (step S18: Yes), the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S19, the backup operation monitoring device 13 determines whether or not the BU normal flag is ON.

  If it is determined that the BU normal flag is ON (step S19: Yes), the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if it is determined that the BU normal flag is not ON (step S19: No), the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, the backup operation monitoring device 13 makes a BU failure determination. In the backup operation monitoring device 13, the BU failure signal is transmitted from the BU status output unit 52 of the output unit 42 by performing the BU failure determination.

  Next, the backup operation monitoring device 13 starts measuring the inhibition time (step S21).

  Next, the backup operation monitoring device 13 determines whether or not a preset time (20 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed (step S22).

  If it is determined that the inhibition time has not elapsed the predetermined time (step S22: No), the process of step S22 is looped until the inhibition time elapses the predetermined time. On the other hand, if it is determined that the inhibition time has passed the predetermined time (step S22: Yes), the process returns to step S10, and is initialized again to resume monitoring of the backup operation.

  Next, a self-diagnosis process performed in the backup operation monitoring device 13 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The backup operation monitoring device 13 according to the present embodiment performs an input abnormality diagnosis process, an illegal drop diagnosis process, and an output abnormality diagnosis process. These processes are interrupted at a predetermined timing while performing the main process described above.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the input abnormality diagnosis processing. In the input abnormality diagnosis processing, the backup operation monitoring device 13 first obtains signals input from the first input unit 43 and the second input unit 44 (Step S30).

  Next, the backup operation monitoring device 13 determines whether the signal input to the first input unit 43 matches the signal input to the second input unit (Step S31).

  Here, when it is determined that the signal input to the first input unit 43 does not match the signal input to the second input unit (Step S31: No), the input abnormality diagnosis processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the signal input to the first input unit 43 matches the signal input to the second input unit (Step S31: Yes), it is determined that the input system is abnormal (Step S31). Step S32). When this input abnormality determination is performed, an input system abnormality signal is output from the self-diagnosis abnormality output section 51 of the output section 42 described above.

  Next, the illegal fall diagnosis processing will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the illegal fall diagnosis process. In the illegal fall diagnosis process, the backup operation monitoring device 13 first calculates a train continuous detection time (step S40).

  Next, the backup operation monitoring device 13 determines whether or not the continuous train detection time is equal to or longer than the failure stop time (180 minutes in the present embodiment) (Step S41).

  Here, when it is determined that the continuous train detection time is not equal to or longer than the stop time at the time of failure (step S41: No), the illegal fall diagnosis process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the continuous train detection time is equal to or longer than the failure stop time (step S41: Yes), it is determined that the track circuit is an illegal fall (step S32). When the illegal fall determination is performed, an illegal fall signal is output from the illegal fall output unit 53 of the output unit 42 described above.

  Next, the output abnormality diagnosis processing will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the output abnormality diagnosis process. In the input abnormality diagnosis process, the backup operation monitoring device 13 firstly receives the feedback signal input via the BU status feedback input unit 46 and the BU failure determined by the BU failure determination unit 48 in step S20 of the main flow process. The determination result is obtained (step S50).

  Next, the backup operation monitoring device 13 determines whether both the feedback signal and the BU failure determination result are inconsistent (whether they are not equal) (step S51).

  Here, when it is determined that both the feedback signal and the BU failure determination result do not contradict each other (step S51: No), the output abnormality diagnosis processing ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that both the feedback signal and the BU failure determination result are inconsistent (step S51: Yes), it is determined that there is an abnormality in the output system (step S52). When the output abnormality determination is performed, an output system abnormality signal is output from the self-diagnosis abnormality output section 51 of the output section 42 described above.

  As described above, according to the backup operation monitoring device 13 according to the present embodiment, the input unit (for example, the input unit 40) that captures the train detection status, and the determination unit that determines failure based on the train detection status (for example, A determination unit 41) and an output unit (for example, the output unit 42) based on the determination of the determination unit, wherein the determination unit measures a predetermined monitoring time after the train detection state transits to the train detection. When the train detection continues for a predetermined time or more, the railroad crossing backup device is determined to be normal, so no additional cable is required to be laid between the railroad crossing instrument box and the control box. It is possible to provide a backup operation monitoring device capable of realizing operation monitoring of a railroad crossing backup device based on constant-time operation monitoring of a train detection unit at a low cost.

  Finally, the description of each of the above embodiments is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For this reason, it goes without saying that various modifications can be made according to the design and the like, other than the embodiments described above, as long as the technical idea according to the present invention is not deviated.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 railroad crossing protection device 12 detection relay 12 a integrated detection circuit unit 13 backup operation monitoring device 21 railroad crossing controller 21 a railroad crossing controller relay 22 BU device 22 a BU relay 30 cable 40 input unit 41 determination unit 42 output unit 43 first input unit 44 first 2 input unit 45 Inverter 46 BU failure detection feedback input unit 47 Input checking unit 48 BU failure determining unit 49 Illegal drop determining unit 50 Output checking unit

Claims (7)

A first switching means including a first switching means for instantaneously switching between a train detection state and a train non-detection state according to the presence / absence of a train in a detection section arranged on a track before a railroad crossing; Train detection means;
A train approaching the railroad crossing is contactlessly sensed by a ground contact provided in or near the detection section to switch between a train detection state and a train non-detection state, and from a train non-detection state to a train detection state. A second train detecting unit including a second switching unit that holds a train detection state at least for a preset switching delay time when the mode is switched to,
The state switches between the train detection state and the train non-detection state, and when at least one of the first switching unit and the second switching unit is in the train detection state, the third state that holds the train detection state is maintained. A third train detecting means provided with a switching means,
A control box that is installed at a fixed position before the level crossing and has the first and second train detection means;
A railroad crossing tool box installed near the railroad crossing and in which the third switching means is stored;
A security device provided at the railroad crossing, wherein the third switching means operates when the train is in a train detection state; and a backup operation monitoring device for monitoring the operation of the second train detection means, comprising: ,
The backup operation monitoring device is installed in the railroad crossing instrument box,
An input unit to which a signal corresponding to a switching state of the third switching unit is input, and a determination unit that determines whether the second train detection unit is normal based on the signal input to the input unit. And an output unit that performs an output in accordance with the determination of the determination unit. The train continuous detection time is measured, and the determining unit determines that the second train detection unit is normal when the measured train continuous detection time is equal to or longer than the switching grace time. Backup operation monitoring device. The monitoring unit further measures the monitoring time from when the signal corresponding to the train detection state of the third switching means is input to when a certain time longer than the switching delay time elapses, and the determination unit determines whether the monitoring time has elapsed. Later, the second train detecting means determines whether the train is normal or not, and if there is a train continuous detection time that is equal to or longer than the switching grace time among the train continuous detection times measured within the monitoring time. The backup operation monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the second train detection means determines that the second train detection means is normal . The input unit includes the first to third train detection units as one unit, receives a train detection state from the third switching unit for each unit, and includes a determination unit for each unit. Item 2. The backup operation monitoring device according to item 1. Determining unit when said second train detection means is determined to be normal, while the inhibiting periods specified from time train passing through the railroad crossing is estimated can pass through the detection objective section, a new fault 2. The backup operation monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein by suppressing the start of the determination, it is possible to avoid a malfunction in the failure detection due to a tilt of the track circuit when the train advances. The input unit includes a first input unit to which a signal corresponding to a switching state of the third switching unit is input, and a second input unit to which a signal complementary to the first input unit is input. The determination unit, when the signal input to the first input unit and the signal input to the second input unit do not match, the second train detection means 2. The backup operation monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the backup operation is normal . The input unit includes a BU failure detection feedback input that captures a BU failure output output by the output unit when the determination unit determines that the second train detection unit has failed, and the determination unit determines whether the feedback input and the BU failure determination are performed. 2. The backup operation monitoring device according to claim 1, further comprising a self-diagnosis function of determining a case of a mismatch as an output failure. A railroad crossing safety device comprising the backup operation monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .

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