1
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]
ON-BOARD APPARATUS, GROUND APPARATUS, AND TRAIN CONTROL
SYSTEM
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, A CORPORATION ORGANISED
AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF JAPAN, WHOSE ADDRESS IS 7-3,
MARUNOUCHI 2-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8310, JAPAN
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE
INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
2
DESCRIPTION
ON-BOARD APPARATUS, GROUND APPARATUS, AND TRAIN CONTROL
SYSTEM
5
Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an on-board
apparatus to be installed on a train, a ground apparatus,
and a train control system.
10
Background
[0002] Conventionally, an on-board apparatus on a train
calculates the location of the train on the basis of a
result of detection by a sensor that detects movement of
15 the train, and transmits location information on the train
to a ground apparatus. The on-board apparatus controls
running of the train by using stop limit information or the
like acquired from the ground apparatus. When operation is
finished, the train stays overnight at a specified place.
20 In order to avoid a situation in which the location of the
train is not fixed when the train moves on its own without
being driven by power, the on-board apparatus calculates
the location of the train even while the train is staying
overnight, and transmits the location information on the
25 train to the ground apparatus. As described above, the onboard apparatus calculates the location of the train even
while the train is staying overnight. Thus, the train
consumes power also during the overnight stay.
[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique of
30 reducing power to be consumed by a train while the train is
staying overnight, by cutting off power supply to an onboard safety device while the train is staying overnight,
and causing a ground apparatus to calculate the location of
3
the train on the basis of a result of sensor detection
acquired from the train.
Citation List
5 Patent Literature
[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application
Laid-open No. 2016-137731
Summary
10 Technical Problem
[0005] However, according to the technique described in
Patent Literature 1, there is a problem that the train
needs to cause the sensor to constantly operate even while
the train is staying overnight, so that power is consumed
15 by the sensor even during the overnight stay.
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of
the above, and an object of the present invention is to
obtain an on-board apparatus capable of reducing power to
be consumed while a train is staying overnight.
20
Solution to Problem
[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the
above-described problem, and relates to an on-board
apparatus to be installed on a train. The on-board
25 apparatus includes: an on-board control device that
controls running and stopping of the train during operation
of the train; and an on-board wireless device that performs
wireless communication with a ground apparatus, and starts
the on-board control device when receiving a first signal
30 from the ground apparatus while the train is staying
overnight, the first signal notifying that the train moves.
The on-board control device is started under the control of
the on-board wireless device while the train is staying
4
overnight, and performs control so as to stop the train.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0008] According to the present invention, the on-board
5 apparatus has an effect of enabling a reduction in power to
be consumed while a train is staying overnight.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration
10 example of a train control system according to a first
embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an onboard apparatus installed on a train according to the first
embodiment.
15 FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating operation of a
ground apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which
processing circuitry included in the on-board apparatus
according to the first embodiment includes a processor and
20 a memory.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the
processing circuitry included in the on-board apparatus
according to the first embodiment includes dedicated
hardware.
25 FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an onboard apparatus installed on a train according to a second
embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operation of a
ground apparatus according to the second embodiment.
30 FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of
a train control system according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first configuration
example of a train control system according to a fourth
5
embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second configuration
example of the train control system according to the fourth
embodiment.
5
Description of Embodiments
[0010] Hereinafter, on-board apparatuses, ground
apparatuses, and train control systems according to
embodiments of the present invention will be described in
10 detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the
present invention is not limited to the embodiments.
[0011] First Embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of
a train control system 300 according to a first embodiment
15 of the present invention. The train control system 300
includes a train 100, a ground apparatus 200, and a train
movement detection sensor 205. In the train control system
300, the train 100 calculates the location of the train 100,
and transmits location information on the train 100 to the
20 ground apparatus 200. The ground apparatus 200 calculates
stop limit information on the basis of the location
information acquired from the train 100, and transmits the
stop limit information to the train 100. The train 100
runs or stops by using the stop limit information and the
25 like.
[0012] When operation is finished, the train 100 stays
overnight at a specified place such as a train shed or
storage tracks. The train 100 is generally stopped while
staying overnight, but may move under the effect of a
30 strong wind or the like, that is, move on its own without
being driven by power of the train 100. In the present
embodiment, when the train 100 moves while staying
overnight, the ground apparatus 200 detects the movement of
6
the train 100 on the basis of a result of detection by the
train movement detection sensor 205, and notifies the train
100 of the movement of the train 100. In the train 100, an
on-board control device 104 is started in response to the
5 notification from the ground apparatus 200. The started
on-board control device 104 performs control so as to stop
the train 100.
[0013] A configuration of the train 100 will be
described. The train 100 includes an on-board wireless
10 device 101, the on-board control device 104, a switch 105,
a battery 106, a power supply device 107, a pantograph 108,
antennas 109, a tacho-generator 110, a pickup coil 111, and
braking devices 112. The on-board wireless device 101
includes a communication unit 102 and a start processing
15 unit 103. In addition, an on-board apparatus 120 to be
installed on the train 100 includes the on-board wireless
device 101, the on-board control device 104, the switch 105,
the battery 106, and the power supply device 107. Note
that with regard to constituent elements of the train 100,
20 constituent elements necessary in the present embodiment
are illustrated in FIG. 1, and description of general
constituent elements is omitted.
[0014] The communication unit 102 performs wireless
communication with the ground apparatus 200. The
25 communication unit 102 transmits data, such as location
information on the train 100 calculated by the on-board
control device 104, to the ground apparatus 200 via the
antennas 109 through wireless communication. In addition,
the communication unit 102 receives control information,
30 such as the stop limit information on the train 100
calculated by the ground apparatus 200, from the ground
apparatus 200 via the antennas 109 through wireless
communication.
7
[0015] In a case where while the train 100 is staying
overnight, the communication unit 102 receives, from the
ground apparatus 200, a first signal notifying that the
train 100 has moved, the start processing unit 103 causes
5 power to be supplied to the on-board control device 104 to
start the on-board control device 104. Specifically, when
receiving the first signal, the start processing unit 103
controls the switch 105 to connect the battery 106 and the
on-board control device 104, and causes the battery 106 to
10 supply power to the on-board control device 104. Normally,
the start processing unit 103 controls the switch 105 such
that the start processing unit 103 causes the battery 106
to supply power to the on-board control device 104 while
the train 100 is in operation, and does not cause the
15 battery 106 to supply power to the on-board control device
104 while the train 100 is staying overnight.
[0016] The tacho-generator 110 generates pulses the
number of which corresponds to the number of revolutions of
the wheels of the train 100, and outputs the generated
20 pulses to the on-board control device 104.
[0017] The pickup coil 111 receives a telegraphic
message from a ground coil (not illustrated) installed on
the ground, and outputs information on the telegraphic
message to the on-board control device 104. The
25 telegraphic message received by the pickup coil 111 from
the ground coil is, for example, location information
indicating a location where the ground coil is installed.
[0018] The on-board control device 104 controls running
and stopping of the train 100 during operation of the train
30 100. The on-board control device 104 calculates the speed
of the train 100, a distance traveled by the train 100, and
the like from the number of pulses acquired from the tachogenerator 110 and the diameter of the wheel of the train
8
100, and also calculates the location of the train 100 by
using the telegraphic message acquired from the pickup coil
111, that is, the location information on the ground coil.
The on-board control device 104 transmits data such as
5 location information on the train 100 to the ground
apparatus 200 via the on-board wireless device 101. In
addition, the on-board control device 104 generates a stop
deceleration pattern by using the stop limit information
and the like acquired from the ground apparatus 200 via the
10 on-board wireless device 101, and controls the running of
the train 100 by using the generated stop deceleration
pattern. When the speed of the train 100 exceeds the stop
deceleration pattern, the on-board control device 104
outputs a brake command to the braking devices 112. The
15 on-board control device 104 operates by receiving power
supplied from the battery 106 while the train 100 is in
operation, and is normally stopped without power supply
from the battery 106 while the train 100 is staying
overnight. In addition, in the present embodiment, the on20 board control device 104 is started under the control of
the start processing unit 103 while the train 100 is
staying overnight, and performs control so as to stop the
train 100.
[0019] The switch 105 connects or disconnects the
25 battery 106 to or from the on-board control device 104
under the control of the start processing unit 103. When
power is supplied from the battery 106 to the on-board
control device 104, the switch 105 is turned on to connect
the battery 106 and the on-board control device 104 under
30 the control of the start processing unit 103. When power
is not supplied from the battery 106 to the on-board
control device 104, the switch 105 is turned off to
disconnect the battery 106 from the on-board control device
9
104 under the control of the start processing unit 103.
Note that the switch 105 may be configured such that the
switch 105 can be manually turned on and off by a driver or
the like.
5 [0020] The battery 106 stores power supplied from the
power supply device 107 while the train 100 is in operation.
The battery 106 supplies power to the on-board wireless
device 101 while the train 100 is in operation and while
the train 100 is staying overnight. The battery 106
10 supplies power to the on-board control device 104 via the
switch 105. FIG. 1 illustrates the single battery 106.
However, this is an example, and the battery 106 may
include a plurality of batteries for the on-board wireless
device 101 and the on-board control device 104.
15 [0021] The power supply device 107 converts power
collected by the pantograph 108 from an overhead line (not
illustrated) into power that can be used by pieces of
equipment installed on the train 100. The power supply
device 107 also performs rectification in a case where the
20 power collected by the pantograph 108 from the overhead
line is AC power. The power supply device 107 outputs the
converted power to the battery 106.
[0022] The pantograph 108 is a power collector that
collects power from the overhead line (not illustrated) and
25 outputs the collected power to the power supply device 107.
[0023] The braking devices 112 decelerate the train 100
in response to the command from the on-board control device
104.
[0024] Note that although the train 100 is configured as
30 a two-car train in FIG. 1, this is an example, and the
train 100 may include three or more cars, or may be
configured as a single-car train. In addition, pieces of
equipment to be installed on each car are not limited to
10
those in the example of FIG. 1.
[0025] A configuration of the ground apparatus 200 will
be described. The ground apparatus 200 includes a ground
wireless device 201, an antenna 202, a base device 203, and
5 an interlocking device 204. Note that with regard to
constituent elements of the ground apparatus 200,
constituent elements necessary in the present embodiment
are illustrated in FIG. 1, and description of general
constituent elements is omitted.
10 [0026] The ground wireless device 201 performs wireless
communication with the train 100. The ground wireless
device 201 receives data, such as location information on
the train 100 calculated by the train 100, through wireless
communication via the antenna 202. In addition, the ground
15 wireless device 201 transmits control information, such as
stop limit information on the train 100 calculated by the
base device 203, from the base device 203 to the train 100
through wireless communication via the antenna 202.
[0027] The base device 203 manages the location of the
20 train 100 on the basis of data such as location information
from the on-board control device 104 of the train 100. In
a case where a plurality of the trains 100 is in operation,
the base device 203 generates deceleration information,
stop limit information, and the like for safely controlling
25 intervals between the trains, and transmits these pieces of
information to the train 100 via the ground wireless device
201. Furthermore, in a case where the base device 203
acquires, from the train movement detection sensor 205, a
detection result indicating that the train 100 has moved
30 while staying overnight, that is, the train 100 staying has
moved on its own without being driven by power, the base
device 203 generates a first signal for notifying that the
train 100 has moved, and transmits the first signal to the
11
train 100 via the ground wireless device 201.
[0028] The interlocking device 204 outputs control
information to a switch, a railroad signal, and the like
(not illustrated) while maintaining interlock, on the basis
5 of information on the existence of trains on tracks, route
control information, and the like. The information on the
existence of trains on tracks is managed by the base device
203. The route control information is received from
another train control system.
10 [0029] In the train control system 300, the train
movement detection sensor 205 detects that the train 100
has moved while staying overnight, that is, the train 100
staying has moved on its own without being driven by power.
For example, the train movement detection sensor 205
15 detects that the train 100 has moved while staying
overnight, that is, the train 100 staying has moved on its
own without being driven by power, based on whether
electromagnetic waves have arrived or have not arrived in a
specified section. The train movement detection sensor 205
20 is, for example, a sensor that is installed at a railroad
crossing or the like and detects the incoming train 100.
The train movement detection sensor 205 transmits a
detection result to the base device 203. Note that the
train movement detection sensor 205 may be installed at
25 each place where the single train 100 can stay overnight,
or may be installed at each place where a plurality of the
trains 100 can stay overnight. When installed at each
place where the single train 100 can stay overnight, the
train movement detection sensor 205 can accurately detect
30 movement of the train 100. When installed at each place
where a plurality of the trains 100 can stay overnight,
movement of a large number of the trains 100 can be
detected by a small number of the train movement detection
12
sensors 205.
[0030] In FIG. 1, rails 206 are installed at a place
where the train 100 stays overnight. A bumping post 207 is
installed at the place where the train 100 stays overnight.
5 [0031] Next, operation in the train control system 300
will be described in which the ground apparatus 200 detects
movement of the train 100 and the train 100 stops the
movement.
[0032] When operation is finished, the train 100 stays
10 overnight at a specified place. At this time, the train
100 lowers the pantograph 108 under the control of the onboard control device 104 or the power supply device 107,
and stops power supply from the overhead line. In addition,
the start processing unit 103 of the on-board wireless
15 device 101 turns off the switch 105 to disconnect the
battery 106 from the on-board control device 104, and stops
supply of power from the battery 106 to the on-board
control device 104. That is, in the case of a normal
overnight stay during which the train 100 does not move,
20 power is supplied from the battery 106 to the on-board
wireless device 101, but is not supplied from the battery
106 to the on-board control device 104 in the train 100.
As a result, the train 100 can reduce power to be consumed
by the train 100 during an overnight stay.
25 [0033] Power is not supplied from the battery 106 to the
on-board control device 104. Therefore, the train 100
cannot calculate the location of the train 100. Meanwhile,
power is supplied from the battery 106 to the on-board
wireless device 101. Thus, the train 100 can receive a
30 signal from the ground apparatus 200.
[0034] In the ground apparatus 200, the base device 203
periodically acquires a detection result from the train
movement detection sensor 205. When acquiring, from the
13
train movement detection sensor 205, a detection result
indicating that the train 100 has moved, the base device
203 generates a first signal for notifying that the train
100 has moved, and transmits the generated first signal to
5 the train 100 via the ground wireless device 201. In a
case where the train movement detection sensor 205 is
installed at a junction of tracks, that is, in the vicinity
of a point, the base device 203 acquires information on the
direction of the switch, and the like from the interlocking
10 device 204, estimates a place where the train 100 was
staying overnight, and identifies the train 100 that has
moved. When it is not possible to identify just a single
train as the train 100 that has moved, the base device 203
identifies a plurality of the trains 100 that may have
15 moved from the place where the train movement detection
sensor 205 is installed. That is, in a case where the
train movement detection sensor 205 is installed at each
place where the single train 100 can stay overnight, the
base device 203 performs control so as to transmit the
20 first signal to the single train 100. In addition, in a
case where the train movement detection sensor 205 is
installed at each place where a plurality of the trains 100
can stay overnight, the base device 203 performs control so
as to transmit the first signal to the plurality of trains
25 100.
[0035] In the train 100 staying overnight, the
communication unit 102 of the on-board wireless device 101
outputs, to the start processing unit 103, a signal
received from the ground apparatus 200. The start
30 processing unit 103 determines the type of the received
signal. When determining that the first signal has been
received, the start processing unit 103 turns on the switch
105 to supply power from the battery 106 to the on-board
14
control device 104, and starts the on-board control device
104.
[0036] Upon being started, the on-board control device
104 calculates the location of the train 100. In a case
5 where, as a result of calculating the location of the train
100, it is determined that the train 100 is moving even
during an overnight stay, the on-board control device 104
performs control so as to stop the train 100 by controlling
the braking devices 112. That is, in a case where the on10 board control device 104 detects the movement of the train
100 while the train 100 is staying overnight, the on-board
control device 104 performs control so as to stop the train
100. As a result, the on-board control device 104 of the
train 100 can stop the train 100 even in a case where the
15 train 100 moves while staying overnight.
[0037] Operation of the train 100 will be described with
reference to a flowchart. FIG. 2 is a flowchart
illustrating operation of the on-board apparatus 120
installed on the train 100 according to the first
20 embodiment. When operation is finished, the train 100
stays overnight at a specified place (step S101). The
start processing unit 103 of the on-board wireless device
101 turns off the switch 105 to stop power supply from the
battery 106 to the on-board control device 104, and turns
25 off the on-board control device 104 (step S102). The start
processing unit 103 determines whether the first signal has
been received from the ground apparatus 200 via the
communication unit 102 (step S103). When the first signal
has not been received from the ground apparatus 200 (step
30 S103: No), the start processing unit 103 maintains the
current state. When the first signal has been received
from the ground apparatus 200 (step S103: Yes), the start
processing unit 103 turns on the switch 105 to cause the
15
battery 106 to supply power to the on-board control device
104, and starts the on-board control device 104 (step S104).
Upon being started, the on-board control device 104
calculates the location of the train 100 (step S105). As a
5 result of calculating the location of the train 100, the
on-board control device 104 determines whether the train
100 is moving (step S106). When determining that the train
100 is not moving (step S106: No), the on-board control
device 104 maintains the current state. The case where the
10 train 100 is not moving refers to a case where movement of
the train 100 has been detected by the ground apparatus 200,
but the train 100 has already stopped. Note that in a case
where it is determined that the train 100 is not moving,
the on-board control device 104 may be turned off to end
15 the operation. For example, the on-board control device
104 instructs the start processing unit 103 of the on-board
wireless device 101 to turn off the switch 105 and stop
power supply from the battery 106 to the on-board control
device 104. When it is determined that the train 100 has
20 moved (step S106: Yes), the on-board control device 104
performs control so as to stop the train 100 by controlling
the braking devices 112 (step S107).
[0038] Operation of the ground apparatus 200 will be
described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 3 is a
25 flowchart illustrating operation of the ground apparatus
200 according to the first embodiment. In the ground
apparatus 200, the base device 203 acquires a detection
result from the train movement detection sensor 205 (step
S201). The base device 203 determines whether the
30 detection result indicates movement of the train 100 (step
S202). When determining that the detection result does not
indicate movement of the train 100 (step S202: No), the
base device 203 returns to step S201 and repeats the above-
16
described operation. When determining that the detection
result indicates movement of the train 100 (step S202: Yes),
the base device 203 generates a first signal for notifying
that the train 100 has moved (step S203). The base device
5 203 transmits the generated first signal to the train 100
via the ground wireless device 201 (step S204).
[0039] Note that when the movement of the train 100 is
detected in the train control system 300, a record of
transmission of the first signal remains in the base device
10 203 even in a case where the train 100 has already stopped.
Therefore, a worker or the like can actually take measures
to prevent movement of the train 100. Examples of the
measures to prevent movement include operating the braking
devices 112 in a cab (not illustrated) of the train 100,
15 and putting wheel chocks between wheels of the train 100
and the rails 206.
[0040] Next, a hardware configuration of the on-board
apparatus 120 will be described. In the on-board apparatus
120, the communication unit 102 of the on-board wireless
20 device 101 is a wireless communication device. The switch
105 is a relay. The battery 106 is a storage battery. The
power supply device 107 is a power conversion circuit. The
start processing unit 103 of the on-board wireless device
101 and the on-board control device 104 are implemented by
25 processing circuitry. The processing circuitry may be a
memory and a processor that executes a program stored in
the memory, or may be dedicated hardware.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which
processing circuitry included in the on-board apparatus 120
30 according to the first embodiment includes a processor and
a memory. In a case where the processing circuitry
includes a processor 91 and a memory 92, each function of
the processing circuitry of the on-board apparatus 120 is
17
implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of
software and firmware. The software or firmware is
described as a program, and stored in the memory 92. The
processor 91 reads and executes the program stored in the
5 memory 92 to implement each function of the processing
circuitry. That is, the processing circuitry includes the
memory 92 for storing programs. As a result of execution
of the programs, the on-board apparatus 120 is caused to
perform processing. In addition, it can also be said that
10 these programs cause a computer to execute a procedure and
a method for the on-board apparatus 120.
[0042] Here, the processor 91 may be a central
processing unit (CPU), a processing device, an arithmetic
device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a digital signal
15 processor (DSP), or the like. Furthermore, for example, a
nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a
random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a
flash memory, an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), or an
electrically EPROM (EEPROM) (registered trademark), a
20 magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact
disk, a mini disk, or a digital versatile disc (DVD) is
applicable to the memory 92.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which
the processing circuitry included in the on-board apparatus
25 120 according to the first embodiment includes dedicated
hardware. In a case where the processing circuitry
includes dedicated hardware, for example, a single circuit,
a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallelprogrammed processor, an application specific integrated
30 circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or
a combination thereof is applicable to processing circuitry
93 illustrated in FIG. 5. The functions of the on-board
apparatus 120 may be separately implemented by the
18
processing circuitry 93, or may be collectively implemented
by the processing circuitry 93.
[0044] Note that some of the functions of the on-board
apparatus 120 may be implemented by dedicated hardware, and
5 some of the other functions thereof may be implemented by
software or firmware. Thus, the processing circuitry can
implement each of the above-described functions by means of
dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination
thereof.
10 [0045] A hardware configuration of the ground apparatus
200 will be described. In the ground apparatus 200, the
ground wireless device 201 is a wireless communication
device. The base device 203 and the interlocking device
204 are implemented by processing circuitry. The
15 processing circuitry may be a memory and a processor that
executes a program stored in the memory, or may be
dedicated hardware.
[0046] As described above, according to the present
embodiment, the train 100 supplies power to the on-board
20 wireless device 101 without supplying power to the on-board
control device 104 while the train 100 is staying overnight.
When receiving, from the ground apparatus 200, the first
signal notifying that the train 100 has moved, the on-board
wireless device 101 causes the battery 106 to supply power
25 to the on-board control device 104, and starts the on-board
control device 104. The started on-board control device
104 performs control so as to stop the train 100. In a
case where the train 100 does not move while staying
overnight, the train 100 is put in a state in which power
30 is supplied only to the on-board wireless device 101. As a
result, while achieving a reduction in power to be consumed
during an overnight stay, the train 100 can be stopped in a
case where the train 100 moves during the overnight stay.
19
[0047] Second Embodiment.
In the first embodiment, in a case where the on-board
control device 104 is started while the train 100 is
staying overnight, the on-board control device 104
5 calculates the location of the train 100, and stops the
train 100 after determining that the train 100 is moving.
In a second embodiment, the on-board control device 104
immediately stops the train 100 in a case where the onboard control device 104 is started while the train 100 is
10 staying overnight. A difference from the first embodiment
will be described.
[0048] In the second embodiment, the configuration of
the train control system 300 is the same as that in the
first embodiment. In the second embodiment, when acquiring,
15 from the train movement detection sensor 205, a detection
result indicating that the train 100 has moved, the base
device 203 generates a second signal serving as an
instruction to stop the train 100, together with a first
signal for notifying that the train 100 has moved. The
20 base device 203 performs control so as to transmit the
generated first signal and second signal to the train 100
via the ground wireless device 201.
[0049] In the train 100, the communication unit 102 of
the on-board wireless device 101 outputs the first signal
25 to the start processing unit 103. In addition, the
communication unit 102 of the on-board wireless device 101
outputs the second signal to the on-board control device
104 after the on-board control device 104 is started. Upon
acquiring the second signal, the on-board control device
30 104 performs control so as to stop the train 100 by
controlling the braking devices 112 without calculating the
location of the train 100. That is, when the on-board
wireless device 101 receives the second signal together
20
with the first signal, the on-board control device 104
performs control so as to stop the train 100.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating operation of
the on-board apparatus 120 installed on the train 100
5 according to the second embodiment. Operation to be
performed in steps S101 to S104 is the same as the
operation in the first embodiment illustrated in the
flowchart of FIG. 2. Upon being started, the on-board
control device 104 determines, after step S104, whether the
10 second signal has been received from the on-board wireless
device 101 (step S111). When the second signal has not
been received (step S111: No), the on-board control device
104 proceeds to step S105. Operation to be performed in
subsequent steps S105 to S107 is the same as the operation
15 in the first embodiment illustrated in the flowchart of FIG.
2. When receiving the second signal (step S111: Yes), the
on-board control device 104 proceeds to step S107.
Operation to be performed in subsequent step S107 is the
same as the operation in the first embodiment illustrated
20 in the flowchart of FIG. 2.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operation of
the ground apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment.
Operation to be performed in steps S201 to S203 is the same
as the operation in the first embodiment illustrated in the
25 flowchart of FIG. 3. After step S203, the base device 203
generates a second signal serving as an instruction to stop
the train 100 (step S211). The base device 203 transmits
the generated first signal and second signal to the train
100 via the ground wireless device 201 (step S212).
30 [0052] As described above, according to the present
embodiment, when receiving the second signal from the
ground apparatus 200, the train 100 stops without
calculating the location of the train 100. As a result,
21
while achieving a reduction in power to be consumed during
an overnight stay as in the first embodiment, the train 100
can stop immediately as compared with the first embodiment.
[0053] Third Embodiment.
5 In the first embodiment, while the train 100 is
staying overnight, the start processing unit 103 of the onboard wireless device 101 controls the switch 105 to
control power supply to the on-board control device 104.
In a third embodiment, a start processing unit controls
10 power supply to the on-board control device 104 without
using the switch 105. The first embodiment will be cited
as an example in describing the present embodiment.
However, the present embodiment is also applicable to the
second embodiment.
15 [0054] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration
example of a train control system 300a according to the
third embodiment. The train control system 300a is
obtained by replacement of the train 100 with a train 100a,
in the train control system 300 of the first embodiment
20 illustrated in FIG. 1. The train 100a is obtained by
replacement of the on-board apparatus 120 of the train 100
of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 with an onboard apparatus 120a. The on-board apparatus 120a includes
an on-board wireless device 101a, the on-board control
25 device 104, a battery 106a, and a power supply device 107a.
The on-board wireless device 101a includes the
communication unit 102 and a start processing unit 103a.
[0055] In a case where while the train 100a is staying
overnight, and the communication unit 102 receives, from
30 the ground apparatus 200, a first signal notifying that the
train 100a has moved, the start processing unit 103a causes
power to be supplied to the on-board control device 104 to
start the on-board control device 104. Specifically, when
22
receiving the first signal, the start processing unit 103a
raises the pantograph 108 to cause the pantograph 108 to
acquire power, and causes the power supply device 107a to
supply the power to the on-board control device 104. In
5 the example of FIG. 8, the start processing unit 103a
raises the pantograph 108 via the power supply device 107a,
but may raise the pantograph 108 by issuing an instruction
to a device (not illustrated) that raises and lowers the
pantograph 108. Normally, the start processing unit 103a
10 causes the power supply device 107a to supply power to the
on-board control device 104 while the train 100a is in
operation, and does not cause the power supply device 107a
to supply power to the on-board control device 104 while
the train 100a is staying overnight.
15 [0056] The battery 106a stores power supplied from the
power supply device 107a while the train 100a is in
operation. The battery 106a supplies power to the on-board
wireless device 101a while the train 100a is in operation
and while the train 100a is staying overnight.
20 [0057] The power supply device 107a converts power
collected by the pantograph 108 from an overhead line (not
illustrated) into power that can be used by pieces of
equipment installed on the train 100a. The power supply
device 107a also performs rectification in a case where the
25 power collected by the pantograph 108 from the overhead
line is AC power. The power supply device 107a outputs the
converted power to the battery 106a and the on-board
control device 104.
[0058] Next, operation in the train control system 300a
30 will be described in which the ground apparatus 200 detects
movement of the train 100a and the train 100a stops the
movement.
[0059] When operation is finished, the train 100a stays
23
overnight at a specified place. At this time, the train
100a lowers the pantograph 108 to stop power supply from
the overhead line under the control of the on-board control
device 104 or the power supply device 107a. In addition,
5 the start processing unit 103a of the on-board wireless
device 101a stops power supply from the power supply device
107a to the on-board control device 104. That is, in the
case of a normal overnight stay during which the train 100a
does not move, power is supplied from the battery 106a to
10 the on-board wireless device 101a, but is not supplied from
the power supply device 107a to the on-board control device
104 in the train 100a. As a result, the train 100a can
reduce power to be consumed by the train 100a during an
overnight stay.
15 [0060] Power is not supplied from the power supply
device 107a to the on-board control device 104. Therefore,
the train 100a cannot calculate the location of the train
100a. Meanwhile, power is supplied from the battery 106a
to the on-board wireless device 101a. Thus, the train 100a
20 can receive a signal from the ground apparatus 200.
[0061] Operation of the ground apparatus 200 is the same
as the operation thereof in the first embodiment. In the
train 100a staying overnight, the communication unit 102 of
the on-board wireless device 101a outputs, to the start
25 processing unit 103a, a signal received from the ground
apparatus 200. The start processing unit 103a determines
the type of the received signal. When determining that the
first signal has been received, the start processing unit
103a raises the pantograph 108 to cause the pantograph 108
30 to acquire power, and causes the power supply device 107a
to supply the power to the on-board control device 104.
Subsequent operation of the on-board control device 104 is
the same as the operation thereof in the first embodiment.
24
Operation of the train 100a can be illustrated by the same
flowchart as the flowchart of the first embodiment provided
in FIG. 2.
[0062] As described above, according to the present
5 embodiment, because the switch 105 is not necessary, the
train 100a can be more simply configured than the train 100
of the first embodiment and at the same time, it is
possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first
embodiment.
10 [0063] Note that the case where power provided from the
outside is supplied through the overhead line has been
described in the first to third embodiments, but a means of
power supply is not limited to the overhead line. For
example, power may be supplied by a third-rail system.
15 [0064] Fourth Embodiment.
The first to third embodiments are based on the
assumption that the trains 100 and 100a are electric trains.
Meanwhile, the present invention can also be applied to a
train that runs by using an internal combustion engine
20 instead of electricity. Note that although the first
embodiment or the third embodiment will be cited as an
example in describing the present embodiment, the present
embodiment is also applicable to the second embodiment.
[0065] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration
25 example of a train control system 300b according to a
fourth embodiment. The train control system 300b is
obtained by replacement of the train 100 with a train 100b,
in the train control system 300 of the first embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1. The train 100b is obtained by
30 removal of the power supply device 107 and the pantograph
108 from the train 100 of the first embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 1 and addition of a power supply device 107b and an
internal combustion engine 113. An on-board apparatus 120b
25
to be installed on the train 100b includes the on-board
wireless device 101, the on-board control device 104, the
switch 105, the battery 106, and the power supply device
107b.
5 [0066] The internal combustion engine 113 is a diesel
engine that causes the train 100b to run. The internal
combustion engine 113 outputs, to the power supply device
107b, power generated during operation.
[0067] The power supply device 107b converts power
10 generated by the internal combustion engine 113 into power
that can be used by pieces of equipment installed on the
train 100b. The power supply device 107b outputs the
converted power to the battery 106.
[0068] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration
15 example of a train control system 300c according to the
fourth embodiment. The train control system 300c is
obtained by replacement of the train 100a with a train 100c,
in the train control system 300a of the third embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 8. The train 100c is obtained by
20 removal of the on-board wireless device 101a, the power
supply device 107a, and the pantograph 108 from the train
100a of the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, and
addition of an on-board wireless device 101c, a power
supply device 107c, and the internal combustion engine 113.
25 The on-board wireless device 101c includes the
communication unit 102 and a start processing unit 103c.
An on-board apparatus 120c to be installed on the train
100c includes the on-board wireless device 101c, the onboard control device 104, the battery 106a, and the power
30 supply device 107c.
[0069] In a case where while the train 100c is staying
overnight, and the communication unit 102 receives, from
the ground apparatus 200, a first signal notifying that the
26
train 100c has moved, the start processing unit 103c causes
power to be supplied to the on-board control device 104 to
start the on-board control device 104. Specifically, when
receiving the first signal, the start processing unit 103c
5 starts the internal combustion engine 113 to generate power,
and causes the power supply device 107c to supply the power
to the on-board control device 104. In the example of FIG.
10, the start processing unit 103c starts the internal
combustion engine 113 via the power supply device 107c, but
10 may instruct the internal combustion engine 113 to start.
Normally, the start processing unit 103c causes the power
supply device 107c to supply power to the on-board control
device 104 while the train 100c is in operation, and does
not cause the power supply device 107c to supply power to
15 the on-board control device 104 while the train 100c is
staying overnight.
[0070] The power supply device 107c converts power
generated by the internal combustion engine 113 into power
that can be used by pieces of equipment installed on the
20 train 100c. The power supply device 107c outputs the
converted power to the battery 106a and the on-board
control device 104.
[0071] Operation of the train 100b and the train 100c
can be illustrated by the same flowchart as the flowchart
25 of the first embodiment provided in FIG. 2.
[0072] As described above, according to the present
embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as
those of the first to third embodiments even in a case
where the present embodiment is applied to a train that is
30 not an electric train but a train using an internal
combustion engine.
[0073] The configurations set forth in the above
embodiments show examples of the subject matter of the
27
present invention, and it is possible to combine the
configurations with another technique that is publicly
known, and is also possible to make omissions and changes
to part of the configurations without departing from the
5 gist of the present invention.
Reference Signs List
[0074] 100, 100a, 100b, 100c train; 101, 101a, 101c
on-board wireless device; 102 communication unit; 103,
10 103a, 103c start processing unit; 104 on-board control
device; 105 switch; 106, 106a battery; 107, 107a, 107b,
107c power supply device; 108 pantograph; 109, 202
antenna; 110 tacho-generator; 111 pickup coil; 112
braking device; 113 internal combustion engine; 120, 120a,
15 120b, 120c on-board apparatus; 200 ground apparatus; 201
ground wireless device; 203 base device; 204 interlocking
device; 205 train movement detection sensor; 206 rail;
207 bumping post; 300, 300a, 300b, 300c train control
system.
20
28
We Claim :
1. An on-board apparatus to be installed on a train, the
apparatus comprising:
an on-board control device to control running and
5 stopping of the train during operation of the train; and
an on-board wireless device to perform wireless
communication with a ground apparatus, and start the onboard control device when receiving a first signal from the
ground apparatus while the train is staying overnight, the
10 first signal notifying that the train moves, wherein
while the train is staying overnight, the on-board
control device is started under control of the on-board
wireless device, and performs control so as to stop the
train.
15
2. The on-board apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising:
a switch to connect or disconnect a battery to or from
the on-board control device, wherein
20 when receiving the first signal, the on-board wireless
device controls the switch to connect the battery to the
on-board control device and cause the battery to supply
power to the on-board control device.
25 3. The on-board apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising:
a power supply device to convert power collected by a
pantograph into power that can be used by pieces of
equipment installed on the train, the pantograph collecting
30 power from an overhead line, wherein
when receiving the first signal, the on-board wireless
device causes the pantograph to acquire power, and causes
the power supply device to supply the power to the on-board
29
control device.
4. The on-board apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising:
5 a power supply device to convert power generated by an
internal combustion engine into power that can be used by
pieces of equipment installed on the train, the internal
combustion engine causing the train to run, wherein
when receiving the first signal, the on-board wireless
10 device causes the internal combustion engine to generate
power, and causes the power supply device to supply the
power to the on-board control device.
5. The on-board apparatus according to any one of claims
15 1 to 4, wherein
when detecting movement of the train while the train
is staying overnight, the on-board control device performs
control so as to stop the train.
20 6. The on-board apparatus according to any one of claims
1 to 4, wherein
when the on-board wireless device receives a second
signal together with the first signal, the second signal
serving as an instruction to stop the train, the on-board
25 control device performs control so as to stop the train.
7. A ground apparatus comprising:
a ground wireless device to perform wireless
communication with a train; and
30 a base device to perform control so as to transmit a
first signal to the train via the ground wireless device
when acquiring a detection result from a train movement
detection sensor while the train is staying overnight, the
30
first signal notifying that the train moves, the detection
result indicating that the train moves, the train movement
detection sensor detecting movement of the train.
5 8. The ground apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
when the train movement detection sensor is installed
at each place where a single train is capable of staying
overnight,
the base device performs control so as to transmit the
10 first signal to the single train.
9. The ground apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
when the train movement detection sensor is installed
at each place where a plurality of trains is capable of
15 staying overnight,
the base device performs control so as to transmit the
first signal to the plurality of trains.
10. The ground apparatus according to any one of claims 7
20 to 9, wherein
the base device performs control so as to transmit a
second signal together with the first signal, the second
signal serving as an instruction to stop the train.
11. A train control system comprising:
the on-board apparatus according to any one of claims
1 to 5 and the ground apparatus according to any one of
claims 7 to 9, or comprising: the on-board apparatus
5 according to claim 6 and the ground apparatus according to
claim 10.