JP7227768B2 - transmitter - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a transmission device configured to periodically output a signal.

As an example of a conventional transmission device, a transmitter of a train position detection device described in Patent Document 1 is known. The transmitter is configured to output a plurality of signals having different frequencies in a periodic time series, and the output signal of the transmitter is passed through a filter assigned to each of the plurality of track circuits. It is applied to each of the plurality of track circuits.

Japanese Patent No. 3202952

By the way, there is known a method of monitoring the signal level of the output signal of the transmitter and detecting a failure of the transmitter when the signal level of the output signal is below a specified level consecutively a plurality of times. This approach has the advantage that a failure of the transmitter (especially the loss of its output signal) can be easily and quickly detected.

However, when the above method is applied to the transmitter of the train position detection device, there are the following problems. For example, when the train position detection device targets five track circuits, the transmitter of the train position detection device periodically transmits five signals f1 to f5 (signal length: t (ms)) having different frequencies. output in time series. In this case, the output signal of the transmitter of the train position detection device has a form as shown in FIG. 9(A). There is a non-signal period T0 (=4×t (ms)) during which the signals f1 to f5 are not output. In order to determine whether or not there is a failure in the transmitter of the train position detection device using the above method, it is necessary to determine whether each signal f1 to f5 is being output. Since the signals f1 to f5 are not output, the determination of the presence/absence of failure has to be suspended. Therefore, if the above method is applied to the transmitter of the train position detection device, it takes time to detect the failure of the transmitter.

Such a problem is not limited to the transmitter of the train position detection device described above, but a transmitter configured to periodically output a signal, in other words, a no-signal period during which no signal is output may occur. It is common to transmitters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to make it possible to easily and quickly detect a failure in a transmission device configured to periodically output a signal.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a transmitting device periodically outputs a main signal and outputs a sub-signal having the same frequency as the main signal and a lower level than the main signal between two main signals. and a failure determination unit that determines whether or not there is a failure in the transmission unit based on the signal levels of the main signal and the sub-signal.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, a transmission device has a plurality of signal generators that generate signals with different frequencies, and combines and outputs the signals generated by the plurality of signal generators. a transmission unit; and a failure determination unit that determines whether or not there is a failure in the transmission unit based on signal levels of signals generated by the plurality of signal generation units. Each of the plurality of signal generators periodically generates a main signal and generates a sub-signal having a signal level lower than that of the main signal between two of the main signals. Based on the signal levels of the main signal and the sub-signal generated by each of the signal generators, it is determined whether or not there is a failure in the transmitter.

In the transmission device, the failure of the transmission section is based on the signal level of the main signal that is periodically output or generated and the signal level of the sub-signal that is output or generated between two main signals. is determined. Therefore, it is possible to easily and quickly detect a failure in a transmission device configured to periodically output a signal.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transmission device according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the output signal of the transmission part of the said transmitter. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the transmission device, FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of an output signal of a transmission section of a conventional transmission device, and FIG. 4B is a diagram of an output signal of the transmission section of the transmission device; It is a figure which shows an example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the train position detection apparatus to which this invention was applied. It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transmission device of the train position detection device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an output (generated) signal (n-th train detection signal TDn) from an n-th (n=1 to 5) signal generation section constituting a transmission section of the transmission device of the train position detection device; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an image of an output signal (combined signal TS) of a transmission section of a transmission device of the train position detection device; 4 is a flow chart showing an example of train status detection processing executed by the control device of the train position detection device. (A) is a diagram showing an output signal of a transmitter of a conventional train position detection device, and (B) is a diagram showing signals of respective frequencies constituting the output signal of the transmitter.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transmission device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a transmission device 1 according to the embodiment includes a first transmission unit 2 of an active system, a second transmission unit 3 of a standby system, a failure determination unit 4, a switching unit 5, and a switching control unit. and part 6.

The first and second transmitters 2 and 3 have the same configuration and include a signal generator 7 and a level detector 8 . Although the first transmission unit 2 will be described below, the same applies to the second transmission unit 3 as well.

A signal generator 7 periodically generates a main signal Mf (length: t (ms)) having a predetermined frequency f at predetermined intervals T (>t), and generates a main signal Mf having the same frequency as the main signal Mf and having a length of t (ms). A sub-signal Sf having a smaller signal level (amplitude) than the main signal Mf is generated between the two main signals Mf. The signal generator 7 may be configured to include an amplifier (not shown). Although not particularly limited, for example, a modulated signal (telegram) obtained by modulating a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency f with a digital signal is used as the main signal Mf, and a waveform whose amplitude is 1/n of the main signal Mf is used as the sub-signal Sf. be done. In this case, the length of the main signal Mf is equal to the length of the sub-signal Sf, and the sub-signal Sf constitutes a telegram having the same contents as the main signal Mf.

In this embodiment, the signal level (amplitude) of the main signal Mf is V(v), and the sub-signal Sf has a waveform with the amplitude V of the main signal Mf being "1/3". The predetermined interval T is set to be five times the length t (ms) of the main signal Mf (and the sub-signal Sf) (T=5×t), and the signal generator 7 generates the main signal Mf at the predetermined interval. T and arranged to generate four sub-signals Sf between two main signals Mf. In this embodiment, the signals (main signal Mf and sub-signal Sf) generated by the signal generator 7 are output signals of the first transmitter 2 .

FIG. 2 shows an example of signals (main signal Mf and sub-signal Sf) generated by the signal generator 7, that is, output signals of the first transmitter 2. FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the output signal of the first transmitter 2 consists of four sub-signals Sf (amplitude: V/3, length: t) between two main signals Mf (amplitude: V, length: t). : t) are arranged.

Returning to FIG. 1, the level detector 8 detects the signal level of the signals (main signal Mf and sub-signal Sf) generated by the signal generator 7 and outputs the detected signal level Vr to the failure determination unit 4. It is configured. The detection timing of the level detector 8 is set so that the signal level of each main signal Mf and each sub-signal Sf generated by the signal generator 7 can be detected. For example, the level detection unit 8 starts detecting the signal level after "t/2 (ms)" has elapsed from the start of the generation of the main signal Mf by the signal generation unit 7. It can be configured to detect the signal level and output the detected signal level Vr to the failure determination section 4 .

Based on the signal levels (the signal level of the main signal Mf and the signal level of the sub-signal Sf) Vr detected by the level detectors 8 of the first and second transmitters 2 and 3, the failure determination unit 4 determines the first and second 2 Determine whether or not there is a failure in the transmitters 2 and 3.

In the present embodiment, the failure determination section 4 determines that the signal level Vr detected by the level detection section 8 of the first transmission section 2 is less than the specified level Vth (<V/3) continuously a plurality of times (here, twice). When , it is determined that the first transmission unit 2 is out of order, and in other cases, it is determined that the first transmission unit 2 is not out of order (normal). When the failure determination unit 4 determines that the first transmission unit 2 is out of order, the failure determination unit 4 sends a failure occurrence signal (hereinafter referred to as “first failure occurrence signal”) for the first transmission unit 2 to the switching control unit 6. At the same time, the first failure occurrence signal is output to an external device or the like (not shown) to urge the administrator or the like to repair or replace the first transmission section 2 .

In addition, the failure determination unit 4 determines that the signal level Vr detected by the level detection unit 8 of the second transmission unit 3 has become less than the specified level Vth (<V/3) for a plurality of consecutive times (two times in this case). In other cases, it is determined that the second transmission unit 3 is not out of order (normal). When the failure determination unit 4 determines that the second transmission unit 3 is out of order, the failure determination unit 4 sends a failure occurrence signal (hereinafter referred to as “second failure occurrence signal”) for the second transmission unit 3 to the external device or the like. This is output to urge the administrator or the like to repair or replace the second transmission unit 3 .

The switching unit 5 is controlled by the switching control unit 6 and configured to connect either one of the first transmission unit 2 and the second transmission unit 3 to the signal transmission path 9 . When the first transmitter 2 is connected to the signal transmission path 9, the output signal of the first transmitter 2 is supplied to a receiving device (not shown) or the like via the signal transmission path 9, and the second transmitter 3 performs signal transmission. When connected to the path 9 , the output signal of the second transmitter 3 is supplied to a receiving device or the like (not shown) via the signal transmission path 9 . Also, the switching unit 5 is initialized to connect the first transmitting unit 2 to the signal transmission line 9 . Therefore, the transmitter 1 normally supplies the output signal of the first transmitter 2 to a receiver (not shown) or the like via the signal transmission line 9 .

When the first failure occurrence signal is input, that is, when the first transmission unit 2 fails, the switching control unit 6 controls the switching unit 5 to switch the second transmission unit 3 instead of the first transmission unit 2. is connected to the signal transmission line 9 . As a result, the transmitter 1 supplies the output signal of the second transmitter 3 to the receiver or the like via the signal transmission line 9 . That is, when the active first transmission unit 2 fails, the standby second transmission unit 3 is used in place of the active first transmission unit 2 .

Note that in FIG. 1 , the switching unit 5 is configured as a changeover switch, and is controlled by the switching control unit 6 mainly based on the first failure occurrence signal from the failure determination unit 4 . However, it is not limited to this. In the transmission device 1, for example, instead of the failure determination section 4, the switching section 5, and the switching control section 6, the first transmission section 2 and the second transmission section 3 may each be provided with a relay and a relay control section. In this case, the relay control section of the first transmission section 2 determines that the signal level Vr detected by the level detection section 8 of the first transmission section 2 continues a plurality of times (here, twice) to a prescribed level Vth (<V/ 3) It is determined that the first transmitter 2 is out of order when it is less than 3), otherwise it is determined that the first transmitter 2 is not out of order (normal). Then, if the first transmission unit 2 is normal, the relay control unit of the first transmission unit 2 turns on the relay of the first transmission unit 2 to connect the first transmission unit 2 and the signal transmission path 9, and If the transmitter 2 is out of order, the relay of the first transmitter 2 is turned off to disconnect the first transmitter 2 and the signal transmission line 9 . In addition, the relay control section of the second transmission section 3 controls the signal level Vr detected by the level detection section 8 of the second transmission section 3 to reach the specified level Vth (<V/3) continuously a plurality of times (here, twice). ), it is determined that the second transmitter 3 is out of order, and in other cases, it is determined that the second transmitter 3 is not out of order (normal). Then, if the first transmission unit 2 is faulty and the second transmission unit 3 is normal, the relay control unit of the second transmission unit 3 turns on the relay of the second transmission unit 3 to turn on the second transmission unit 3. Otherwise, the relay of the second transmitter 3 is turned off to disconnect the second transmitter 3 and the signal transmission line 9 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the transmission device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3A shows a transmission section of a conventional transmission device configured to periodically output a signal f (length: t (ms)) similar to the main signal Mf at predetermined intervals T (=5×t). Examples of output signals are shown, and FIG. 3B shows an example of output signals (main signal Mf, sub-signal Sf) of the first and second transmitters 2 and 3 of the transmitter 1 .

As shown in FIG. 3A, in the conventional transmission device, there is a no-signal period T0 (=4×t (ms)) during which no signal f is output from the transmission section. For this reason, for example, when it is determined that the transmission unit has failed when the signal level of the output signal of the transmission unit falls below a specified level two times in succession, the determination (in other words, failure detection) is performed. ) requires at least “10×t (ms)” as the time Tx required for the process. On the other hand, in the transmitter 1 according to the embodiment, the output signals of the first and second transmitters 2 and 3 are between the main signal Mf and the main signal Mf as shown in FIG. 3(B). It has a form in which four sub-signals Sf are arranged, and there is no non-signal period. Therefore, when the signal levels of the output signals of the first and second transmitters 2 and 3 are below the specified level two times consecutively, it is determined that the first and second transmitters 2 and 3 are out of order. In this case, the time Tx required for the determination (failure detection) is "2×t (ms)".

Therefore, according to the transmission device 1 according to the embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time Tx required to detect a failure of the transmission units (the first and second transmission units 2 and 3) compared to the conventional transmission device. As a result, especially when the first transmission unit 2 of the active system fails, it can be quickly detected and switched to the second transmission unit 3 of the standby system, so that the output signal from the transmission device 1 is interrupted. The time can be greatly reduced.

In the above-described embodiment, the signal generator 7 is configured to periodically generate the main signal Mf at a predetermined interval T and generate four sub-signals Sf between the two main signals Mf. . In other words, the first and second transmitters 2 and 3 are configured to periodically output the main signal Mf at predetermined intervals T and output four sub-signals Sf between the two main signals Mf. ing. However, it is not limited to this. The signal generator 7 (first and second transmitters 2 and 3) may be configured to generate (output) at least one sub-signal Sf between two main signals Mf. Also in this case, the detection timing is set so that the level detector 8 can detect the signal levels of each main signal Mf and each sub-signal Sf. Even in this way, it is possible to shorten the time Tx required for detecting a failure of the transmitters (the first and second transmitters 2 and 3) as compared with the conventional transmitter.

[Second embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a train position detection device to which the present invention is applied. The train position detection device 10 shown in FIG. 4 is configured to detect the status of a train T for a plurality of track circuits (here, ten track circuits TC1 to TC10) provided on a track R. ing. In FIG. 4, the train T runs on the track R in the order of the track circuits TC1, TC2, . . . , TC10. The train position detecting device 10 includes a transmitting device 11, filters F1 to F5, a first receiving device 70A, a second receiving device 70B, and a control device 90.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the transmission device 11. As shown in FIG. The transmission device 11 includes an active first transmission unit 12 , a standby second transmission unit 13 , a failure determination unit 14 , a switching unit 15 , and a switching control unit 16 .

The first and second transmitters 12 and 13 have the same configuration. The first and second transmitters 12 and 13 include first to fifth signal generators 21 to 25, a level detector 30, first to fourth delay units 41 to 44, and a combiner 50. . Although the first transmission unit 12 will be mainly described below, the second transmission unit 13 is also described in the same manner.

The first signal generator 21 generates and outputs a first train detection signal TD1 having a first frequency f1 for the track circuits TC1 and TC2 according to, for example, the following procedure, thereby generating a main signal Mf1 having a first frequency f1. A sub-signal Sf1 of a first frequency f1 which is periodically generated and whose signal level is lower than that of the main signal Mf1 between the two main signals Mf1 is generated.

(1) First, the first signal generator 21 modulates the carrier wave of the first frequency f1 with a digital signal indicating the ID information of the track circuit TC1 to generate the main signal Mf1. The generated main signal Mf1 is a message indicating the ID information of the first signal generator 21 . The amplitude of the main signal Mf1 is V(v), and the length of the main signal Mf1 is t(ms).

(2) Next, the first signal generator 21 generates 4 (=the number of target track circuits TC−1) waveforms with the amplitude V of the main signal Mf1 being 1/3, and converts these waveforms into sub-signals. Sf1. That is, the first signal generator 21 generates four sub-signals Sf1 having an amplitude of V/3 (v) and a length of t (ms). Here, the sub-signal Sf1 is a signal obtained by reducing only the amplitude of the main signal Mf1, and constitutes a message having the same contents as the main signal Mf1 (that is, a message indicating the ID information of the first signal generator 21).

(3) Then, the first signal generator 21 connects the generated main signal Mf1 and the four sub-signals Sf1 to form a signal for one cycle, and repeatedly outputs this signal for one cycle.

As a result, the first signal generator 21 periodically generates the main signal Mf1 at predetermined intervals T (=5×t (ms)) and generates four sub-signals Sf1 between the two main signals Mf1. It will be.

The second signal generator 22 generates and outputs the second train detection signal TD2 of the second frequency f2 for the track circuits TC3 and TC4 according to the same procedure as (1) to (3), thereby generating the second frequency A main signal Mf2 of f2 is periodically generated, and four sub-signals Sf2 having signal levels lower than that of the main signal Mf2 are generated between the two main signals Mf2. Similarly, the third signal generator 23 generates and outputs a third train detection signal TD3 of the third frequency f3 for the track circuits TC5 and TC6, thereby periodically generating the main signal Mf3 of the third frequency f3. Four sub-signals Sf3 having a signal level lower than that of the main signal Mf3 are generated between the two main signals Mf3. The fourth signal generator 24 generates and outputs a fourth train detection signal TD4 of a fourth frequency f4 for the track circuits TC7 and TC8, thereby periodically generating a main signal Mf4 of a fourth frequency f4. Four sub-signals Sf4 having signal levels lower than that of the main signal Mf4 are generated between the two main signals Mf4. The fifth signal generator 25 generates and outputs a fifth train detection signal TD5 of a fifth frequency f5 for the track circuits TC9 and TC10, thereby periodically generating a main signal Mf5 of a fifth frequency f5. Four sub-signals Sf5 having signal levels lower than that of the main signal Mf5 are generated between the two main signals Mf5.

Here, the main signal Mf2 and sub-signal Sf2 forming the second train detection signal TD2 are telegrams indicating the ID information of the second signal generator 22, and the main signal Mf3 and sub-signal forming the third train detection signal TD3. Sf3 is a telegram indicating the ID information of the third signal generator 23, the main signal Mf4 and the sub-signal Sf4 constituting the fourth train detection signal TD4 are telegrams indicating the ID information of the fourth signal generator 24, The main signal Mf5 and the sub-signal Sf5 that constitute the 5-train detection signal TD5 are messages indicating the ID information of the fifth signal generator 25. FIG.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the first to fifth train detection signals TD1 to TD5 output (generated) from the first to fifth signal generators 21 to 25. FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the n-th train detection signal TDn (n=1 to 5) consists of four sub-signals Sfn ( Amplitude: V/3, length: t).

Returning to FIG. 5, the level detector 30 generates the main signals Mf1 to Mf5 and the sub signals Sf1 to Sf5 constituting the first to fifth train detection signals TD1 to TD5, that is, the first to fifth signal generators 21 to 25. is detected, and the detected signal levels Vr1 to Vr5 are output to the failure determination section . Specifically, the level detector 30 detects the signal level Vr1 of the main signal Mf1 and the sub-signal Sf1 generated by the first signal generator 21, and detects the main signal Mf2 and the sub-signal Sf1 generated by the second signal generator 22. The signal level Vr2 of Sf2 is detected, the signal level Vr3 of the main signal Mf3 and sub-signal Sf3 generated by the third signal generator 23 is detected, and the signal level Vr3 of the main signal Mf4 and sub-signal Sf4 generated by the fourth signal generator 24 is detected. The signal level Vr4 is detected, and the signal level Vr5 of the main signal Mf5 and the sub-signal Sf5 generated by the fifth signal generator 25 is detected. The level detection unit 30 outputs the detected voltages Vr1 to Vr5 to the failure determination unit 14. FIG.

The first delay unit 41 receives the second train detection signal TD2 output from the second signal generation unit 22, delays the first train detection signal TD1 by t (ms), and outputs the signal. The second delay unit 42 receives the third train detection signal TD3 output from the third signal generation unit 23, delays the first train detection signal TD1 by 2×t (ms), and outputs the signal. The third delay unit 43 receives the fourth train detection signal TD4 output from the fourth signal generation unit 24, delays the first train detection signal TD1 by 3×t (ms), and outputs the signal. The fourth delay unit 44 receives the fifth train detection signal TD5 output from the fifth signal generation unit 25, delays the first train detection signal TD1 by 4×t (ms), and outputs the signal.

The synthesizing unit 50 combines the first train detection signal TD1 output from the first signal generating unit 21, the second train detection signal TD2 output from the first delay unit 41, and the third train detection signal TD2 output from the second delay unit 42. The detection signal TD3, the fourth train detection signal TD4 output from the third delay section 43, and the fifth train detection signal TD5 output from the fourth delay section 44 are input, and synthesized (waveform addition) is performed. Output. Then, in the present embodiment, the signal (combined signal) TS output from the synthesizing section 50 becomes the output signal of the first transmitting section 12 .

FIG. 7 is an image diagram of the combined signal TS output from the combiner 50, that is, the output signal of the first transmitter 12. As shown in FIG. As described above, the second train detection signal TD2 output from the first delay unit 41 is shifted by t (ms) with respect to the first train detection signal TD1, and the third train output from the second delay unit 42 is The detection signal TD3 is shifted by 2×t (ms) with respect to the first train detection signal TD1, and the fourth train detection signal TD4 output from the third delay section 43 is shifted by 3×t (ms) with respect to the first train detection signal TD1. The fifth train detection signal TD5, which is shifted by t (ms) and output from the fourth delay section 44, is shifted by 4×t (ms) with respect to the first train detection signal TD1. Therefore, the synthesized signal TS output from the synthesizing unit 50 (the output signal of the first transmitting unit 12) is the main signal Mf1 constituting the first to fifth train detection signals TD1 to TD5, as shown in FIG. to Mf5 are superimposed with sub-signals Sf1 to Sf5 constituting other train detection signals. For example, in the composite signal TS, the main signal Mf1 (that is, the main signal generated by the first signal generating section 21) constituting the first train detection signal TD1 constitutes the second to fifth train detection signals TD2 to TD5. The sub-signals Sf2 to Sf5 (that is, the sub-signals Sf2 to Sf5 generated by the signal generators other than the first signal generator 21) are superimposed to form the third train detection signal TD3. The main signal generated by the generator 23) includes sub-signals Sf1, Sf2, Sf4 and Sf5 of the first, second, fourth and fifth train detection signals TD1, TD2, TD4 and TD5 (that is, the third signal generator). sub-signals generated by signal generators other than 23) are superimposed.

The failure determination unit 14 determines whether there is a failure in the first and second transmission units 12 and 13 based on the signal levels Vr1 to Vr5 detected by the level detection units 30 of the first and second transmission units 12 and 13. .

In the present embodiment, the failure determination unit 14 determines that any of the signal levels Vr1 to Vr5 detected by the level detection unit 30 of the first transmission unit 12 continues a plurality of times (here, twice) to a prescribed level Vth (< V/3), it is determined that the first transmitter 12 is out of order, and otherwise, it is determined that the first transmitter 12 is not out of order (normal). Then, when the failure determination unit 14 determines that the first transmission unit 12 is out of order, the failure determination unit 14 sends a failure occurrence signal (hereinafter referred to as “first failure occurrence signal”) for the first transmission unit 12 to the switching control unit 16. At the same time, the first failure occurrence signal is output to an external device or the like (not shown) to urge the administrator or the like to repair or replace the first transmission section 12 .

Further, the failure determination unit 14 determines that any one of the signal levels Vr1 to Vr5 detected by the level detection unit 30 of the second transmission unit 13 continues a plurality of times (here, twice) at a specified level Vth (<V/3). ), it is determined that the second transmitter 13 is out of order, and in other cases, it is determined that the second transmitter 13 is not out of order (normal). Then, when the failure determination unit 14 determines that the second transmission unit 13 is out of order, the failure determination unit 14 sends a failure occurrence signal for the second transmission unit 13 (hereinafter referred to as “second failure occurrence signal”) to the external device or the like. This is output to urge the administrator or the like to repair or replace the second transmission unit 13 .

The switching unit 15 is controlled by the switching control unit 16 and configured to connect either one of the first transmission unit 12 and the second transmission unit 13 to the signal transmission path 17 . Also, the switching unit 15 is initialized to connect the first transmitting unit 12 to the signal transmission path 9 . Therefore, the transmitter 11 normally outputs the output signal (combined signal TS) of the first transmitter 12 to the signal transmission line 17 .

When the first failure occurrence signal is input, that is, when the first transmission unit 12 fails, the switching control unit 16 controls the switching unit 15 to switch the second transmission unit 13 instead of the first transmission unit 12 . is connected to the signal transmission line 9 . As a result, the transmitter 11 outputs the output signal (combined signal TS) of the second transmitter 13 to the signal transmission path 17 . That is, when the active first transmission unit 12 fails, the standby second transmission unit 13 is used in place of the active first transmission unit 12 .

5, the switching unit 15 is configured as a changeover switch, and is controlled by the switching control unit 16 mainly based on the first failure occurrence signal from the failure determination unit 14. FIG. However, it is not limited to this. As in the case of the first embodiment, in the transmission device 11, for example, instead of the failure determination unit 14, the switching unit 15, and the switching control unit 16, the first transmission unit 12 and the second transmission unit 13 each have a relay and A relay control may be provided.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the signal transmission line 17 extends from the switching section 15 and branches into first to fifth branch transmission lines 17a to 17e along the way. The first branch transmission line 17a is connected to the boundary between the track circuit TC1 and the track circuit TC2 via a transformer (not shown) or the like, and the second branch transmission line 17b is connected to the track circuit TC3 via a transformer (not shown) or the like. The third branch transmission line 17c is connected to the boundary between the track circuit TC5 and the track circuit TC6 via a transformer (not shown) or the like, and the fourth branch transmission line 17d is connected to a transformer (not shown). The fifth branch transmission line 17e is connected to the boundary between the track circuit TC9 and the track circuit TC10 via a transformer (not shown) or the like.

The filters F1 to F5 are bandpass filters that pass different frequency bands. Specifically, the filter F1 is configured to pass the first train detection signal TD1 of the first frequency f1 and provided in the first branch transmission line 17a. The filter F2 is configured to pass the second train detection signal TD2 of the second frequency f2 and is provided in the second branch transmission line 17b. The filter F3 is configured to pass the third train detection signal TD3 of the third frequency f3, and is provided in the third branch transmission line 17c. The filter F4 is configured to pass the fourth train detection signal TD4 of the fourth frequency f4 and is provided in the fourth branch transmission line 17d. The filter F5 is configured to pass the fifth train detection signal TD5 of the fifth frequency f5 and is provided in the fifth branch transmission line 17e.

As described above, the switching unit 15 is initially set to connect the first transmitting unit 12 to the signal transmission line 17, and basically the output signal (combined signal TS) of the first transmitting unit 12 is Input to filters F1 to F5. Then, the output of filter F1 (that is, first train detection signal TD1) is applied to the boundary between track circuit TC1 and track circuit TC2, and the output of filter F2 (that is, second train detection signal TD2) is applied to track circuit TC3. The output of filter F3 (ie, the third train detection signal TD3) is applied to the boundary between track circuit TC4 and the output of filter F4 (ie, the fourth train detection signal TD3) is applied to the boundary between track circuit TC5 and track circuit TC6. signal TD4) is applied to the boundary between track circuit TC7 and track circuit TC8, and the output of filter F5 (ie, the fifth train detection signal TD5) is applied to the boundary between track circuit TC9 and track circuit TC10.

On the other hand, when the first transmitter 12 fails, the second transmitter 13 is connected to the signal transmission line 17 instead of the first transmitter 12, so that the output signal (combined signal TS) of the second transmitter 13 is Input to filters F1 to F5. Then, the outputs of the filters F1 to F5 (first to fifth train detection signals TD1 to TD5) are applied to adjacent track circuits TC1 to TC10 in the same way as when the first transmitter 12 is connected to the signal transmission line 17. applied to corresponding ones of the boundaries of the track circuit.

In FIG. 4, the first receiver 70A has filters F11-F15 and demodulators 71-75. Filters F11-F15 are bandpass filters having characteristics similar to filters F1-F5. The first receiver 70A receives signals from the ends of the track circuits TC1, TC3, TC5, TC7, and TC9 (the ends on the train entry side) via the corresponding filters F11 to F15, and converts the received signals to It is configured to output to the control device 90 via the demodulators 71 to 75 that Specifically, when the train T is not on the track circuit TC1, the first receiver 70A outputs a signal corresponding to the first train detection signal TD1 applied to the boundary between the track circuit TC1 and the track circuit TC2. A signal corresponding to the second train detection signal TD2 received from the end of the track circuit TC1 and applied to the boundary between the track circuit TC3 and the track circuit TC4 when the train T is not on the track circuit TC3 is sent to the track circuit. A signal corresponding to the third train detection signal TD3 applied to the boundary between the track circuit TC5 and the track circuit TC6 when the train T is not on the track circuit TC5 is sent to the track circuit TC5. A signal corresponding to the fourth train detection signal TD4 applied to the boundary between the track circuit TC7 and the track circuit TC8 when the train T is not on the track circuit TC7 is received from the end of the track circuit TC7. and receives a signal corresponding to the fifth train detection signal TD5 applied to the boundary between the track circuit TC9 and the track circuit TC10 from the end of the track circuit TC9 when the train T is not on the track circuit TC9. do.

The second receiver 70B has filters F11 to F15 and demodulators 71 to 75, like the first receiver 70A. The second receiving device 70B receives signals from the ends of the track circuits TC2, TC4, TC6, TC8, and TC10 (ends on the train exit side) via the corresponding filters F11 to F15, and converts the received signals to It is configured to output to the control device 90 via the demodulators 71 to 75 that Specifically, when the train T is not on the track circuit TC2, the second receiver 70B outputs a signal corresponding to the first train detection signal TD1 applied to the boundary between the track circuit TC1 and the track circuit TC2. A signal corresponding to the second train detection signal TD2 received from the end of the track circuit TC2 and applied to the boundary between the track circuit TC3 and the track circuit TC4 when the train T is not on the track circuit TC4 is sent to the track circuit. A signal corresponding to the third train detection signal TD3 applied to the boundary between the track circuit TC5 and the track circuit TC6 when the train T is not on the track circuit TC6 and received from the end of the track circuit TC4. A signal corresponding to the fourth train detection signal TD4 applied to the boundary between the track circuit TC7 and the track circuit TC8 when the train T is not on the track circuit TC8 is received from the end of the track circuit TC8. , and when no train T is on the track circuit TC10, a signal corresponding to the fifth train detection signal TD5 applied to the boundary between the track circuit TC9 and the track circuit TC10 is received from the end of the track circuit TC10. do.

The control device 90 has a level detection function for detecting the signal level and various arithmetic processing functions. track circuit TC2, TC4, TC6, TC8 and TC10 (train exit side), and the output of the second receiver 70B (i.e., signals from the ends of the track circuits TC2, TC4, TC6, TC8 and TC10). Detects the status of trains in the circuits TC1 to TC10.The signals from the track circuits TC1 to TC10 are hereinafter referred to as "received signals from the track circuits TC1 to TC10."

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the process of detecting the status of the train T executed by the controller 90, and shows the process based on the signal received from the track circuit TC1.

In FIG. 8, at step S1, the signal level of the signal received from the track circuit TC1 is detected. In step S2, it is determined whether or not the signal level of the received signal detected in step S1 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined value. If the detected signal level of the received signal is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S3, and if the detected signal level of the received signal is less than the first predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S6. Here, the first predetermined value is set to a value smaller than the amplitude V/3 of the sub-signal Sf1.

In step S3, it is determined whether or not the received signal from the track circuit TC1 matches the ID information of the first signal generating section 21 or not. If the received signal from the track circuit TC1 matches the ID information of the first signal generator 21, the process proceeds to step S4, and the received signal from the track circuit TC1 does not match the ID information of the first signal generator 21. If so (including a case where a part is missing), the process returns to step S1.

In step S4, it is determined whether or not a reception signal matching the ID information of the first signal generator 21 has been received continuously for a predetermined number of times. If the number of receptions of the reception signal that matches the ID information of the first signal generator 21 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times, the process proceeds to step S5. Detect train absence at TC1. On the other hand, if the number of receptions of the reception signal matching the ID information of the first signal generator 21 is less than the predetermined number of times, the process returns to step S1. Although the predetermined number of times is not particularly limited, it can be set to three times, for example.

In step S6, it is determined whether the signal level of the received signal detected in step S1 is less than the second predetermined value. When the detected signal level of the received signal is less than the second predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S7, and when the detected signal level of the received signal is the second predetermined value or more, the process returns to step S1. Here, the second predetermined value is set to a value smaller than the first predetermined value and greater than the noise level.

In step S7, it is determined whether or not the detected signal level of the received signal has remained below the second predetermined value for a predetermined time or longer. If the signal level of the detected received signal is less than the second predetermined value and continues for the predetermined time or longer, the process proceeds to step S8, where the train T is on the track circuit TC1. Detect train presence at TC1. On the other hand, if the signal level of the detected received signal has not remained below the second predetermined value for the predetermined time or longer, the process returns to step S1.

Although the description of the processing based on the signals received from the track circuits TC2 to TC10 is omitted, the same processing as in FIG. 8 is also performed for these.

As described above, the controller 90 detects the status of the track circuits TC1 to TC10, and more specifically, the status of the track circuits TC1 to TC10. Then, the controller 90 outputs the detection result of the track status of each of the track circuits TC1 to TC10 to a higher-level device for train control (not shown).

The train position detection device 10 described above has the following effects.
As shown in FIG. 9(B), the conventional train position detecting device has a no-signal period T0 (=4×t (ms)) during which the signals f1 to f5 are not output. Therefore, when it is determined that the transmitter is faulty when any of the signal levels of the signals f1 to f5 falls below the specified level two times in a row, the time required for the judgment (failure detection) At least "10×t (ms)" is required for each signal f1 to f5 as Tx. On the other hand, in the transmission device 11 of the train position detection device 10 described above, the first to fifth train detection signals TD1 to TD5 output from the first signal generation section 21 to the fifth signal generation section 25 are shown in FIG. As shown, four sub-signals Sf1-Sf5 are arranged between the main signals Mf1-Mf5 and the main signals Mf1-Mf5, and the first-fifth train detection signals TD1-TD5 ( There is no no-signal period during which the main signals Mf1 to Mf5 or the sub-signals Sf1 to Sf5) constituting the are not output. Therefore, when any one of the signal levels Vr1 to Vr5 of the first to fifth train detection signals TD1 to TD5 falls below the specified level two times in succession, the first and second transmitters 12 and 13 fail. If it is determined that there is a failure, the time Tx required for the determination (detection of failure) is "2×t (ms)" for each of the first to fifth train detection signals TD1 to TD5. That is, according to the train position detection device, it is possible to shorten the time Tx required for failure detection as compared with the conventional train position detection device. As a result, especially when the first transmission unit 12 of the active system fails, it can be quickly detected and switched to the second transmission unit 13 of the standby system. can be greatly reduced.

In the conventional train position detection device, when five track circuits are targeted, the corresponding signals f1 to f5 are applied to each track circuit with a non-signal period T0 (=4×t (ms)). (See FIG. 9B). Therefore, when the train T is not on each track circuit (the train entry side or the train exit side), signals corresponding to the signals f1 to f5 are output from each track circuit (the train entry side or the train exit side). It will be received after the no-signal period T0. Therefore, when the number of times a signal (received signal) is received from each track circuit (on the train entry side or train departure side) reaches three times or more, each track circuit (on the train entry side or train departure side) When configured to detect train presence, at least “15×t (ms)” is required as the time required to detect train absence in each track circuit (on the train entry side or train exit side). On the other hand, in the train position detection device 10 described above, the main signal Mf1 or the sub-signal Sf1 constituting the first train detection signal TD1 is always applied to the track circuit TC1 and the track circuit TC2, and the track circuit TC3 and the track circuit TC4 are applied. The main signal Mf2 or sub-signal Sf2 forming the second train detection signal TD2 is always applied to the track circuit TC3 and the track circuit TC4, and the main signal Mf3 or sub-signal Sf3 forming the third train detection signal TD3 is always applied to the track circuit TC3 and the track circuit TC4. The main signal Mf3 or sub-signal Sf3 forming the third train detection signal TD3 is always applied to the track circuits TC5 and TC6, and the fourth train detection signal TD4 is formed to the track circuits TC7 and TC8. The main signal Mf4 or sub-signal Sf4 is always applied, and the main signal Mf5 or sub-signal Sf5 constituting the fifth train detection signal TD5 is always applied to the track circuits TC9 and TC10 (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the signal corresponding to the main signal Mf or the signal corresponding to the sub-signal Sf applied thereto is continuously received from the track circuit TC on which the train T is not on. Therefore, when detecting the absence of trains under the same conditions as above, that is, when the predetermined number of times in step S4 of FIG. The time required for this is "3×t (ms)". That is, according to the above-described train position detection device 10, it is possible to shorten the time required to detect the train non-existence of the track circuit TC as compared with the conventional train position detection device. As a result, it becomes possible to shorten the operation interval of the train T.

Furthermore, in the conventional train position detection device, as the number of target track circuits TC increases, the time Tx required to detect a failure and the time required to detect the absence of a train in each track circuit TC increase. In the train position detecting device according to the present invention, even if the number of target track circuits TC increases, there is no change in the time Tx required to detect a failure or the time required to detect the absence of a train in each track circuit TC. There is also

In the train position detection device described above, the first to fifth signal generators 21 to 25 generate the main signals Mf1 to Mf5 periodically at a predetermined interval T, and four signals are generated between the two main signals Mf1 to Mf5. It is configured to generate four sub-signals Sf1-Sf5. However, it is not limited to this. The first to fifth signal generators 21 to 25 may be configured to generate at least one sub-signal Sf1 to Sf5 between two main signals Mf1 to Mf5. Even in this way, it is possible to reduce the time Tx required to detect a failure and the time required to detect the absence of a train in each track circuit TC as compared with the conventional train position detection device.

In the above-described train position detection device 10, the main signal Mf and the sub-signal Sf forming the train detection signal TD are telegrams indicating the ID information of the signal generator that generated (generated) them. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the main signal Mf and the sub-signal Sf forming the train detection signal TD may be telegrams indicating information of the track circuit TC to which they are applied. In this case, the main signal Mf1 and sub-signal Sf1 of the first train detection signal TD1 can be telegrams indicating shared ID information between the track circuit TC1 and the track circuit TC2. The sub-signal Sf2 can be a telegram indicating shared ID information between the track circuit TC3 and the track circuit TC4, and the main signal Mf3 and the sub-signal Sf3 constituting the third train detection signal TD3 are shared between the track circuit TC5 and the track circuit TC6. The main signal Mf4 and the sub-signal Sf4 constituting the fourth train detection signal TD4 can be a telegram indicating ID information shared by the track circuit TC7 and the track circuit TC8, and the fifth train detection signal can be a telegram indicating ID information. The main signal Mf5 and sub-signal Sf5 forming TD5 can be telegrams indicating shared ID information between track circuit TC9 and track circuit TC10.

Further, in the train position detection device 10 described above, the first and second transmitters 12 and 13 have first to fourth delay units 41-44. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second to fifth signal generating sections 22-25 may have the functions of the first to fourth delaying sections 41-44.

Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, and further modifications and changes can be made based on the technical idea of the present invention. It is possible.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 transmitter 2 first transmitter 3 second transmitter 4 failure determination unit 5 switch 6 switch control unit 7 signal generator 8 level detector 10 Train position detection device 11 Transmitting device 12 First transmitting unit 13 Second transmitting unit 14 Failure determining unit 15 Switching unit 16 Switching control unit 21 to 25 First to fifth Signal generation unit 30 Level detection unit 41 to 44 First to fourth delay units 50 Synthesis unit 70A First receiver 70B Second receiver 90 Control device F1 to F5, F11 to F15 Filters Mf, Mf1 to M3 Main signals Sf, Sf1 to Sf5 Sub signals T Trains TC1 to TC5 Track circuits TD1 to TD5 First to fifth train detection signals TS Composite signal

Claims (8)

a transmitting unit that periodically outputs a main signal and outputs a sub-signal between two main signals that has the same frequency as the main signal and a lower signal level than the main signal;
a failure determination unit that determines whether or not there is a failure in the transmission unit based on the signal levels of the main signal and the sub-signal;
a transmitting device, including The transmitter includes a signal generator that periodically generates the main signal and generates the sub-signal between the two main signals, and the main signal and the sub-signal generated by the signal generator. 2. A transmitting device according to claim 1, configured to output a . 3. The transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the length of said main signal and the length of said sub-signal are equal. a transmission unit having a plurality of signal generation units each generating a signal with a different frequency, and synthesizing and outputting the signals generated by the plurality of signal generation units;
a failure determination unit that determines whether or not there is a failure in the transmission unit based on the signals generated by the plurality of signal generation units;
including
each of the plurality of signal generators periodically generates a main signal and generates a sub-signal having a signal level lower than that of the main signal between two of the main signals;
The failure determination unit determines whether or not there is a failure in the transmission unit based on the signal levels of the main signal and the sub-signal generated by each of the plurality of signal generation units.
transmitter. 3. The failure determination unit determines that the transmission unit is in failure when the signal level of the signal generated by one of the plurality of signal generation units falls below a prescribed level for a plurality of consecutive times. 5. The transmitting device according to 4. 6. The signal generated by the plurality of signal generators according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the signals are applied to a track circuit provided on a track to constitute a train detection signal for detecting presence of a train on the track circuit. transmitter. 7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein in the output signal of said transmitter, a main signal generated by each of said plurality of signal generators is superimposed with a sub-signal generated by another signal generator. Transmitter as described. 8. The transmission device according to claim 1, further comprising a standby transmission unit that is used in place of said transmission unit when said transmission unit fails.

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