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JP-2026074598-A - Train control system

JP2026074598AJP 2026074598 AJP2026074598 AJP 2026074598AJP-2026074598-A

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a train control system that can realize automated train operation at low cost while minimizing the impact on stop control and other functions in existing ATS systems and the need for additional equipment. [Solution] The train control system 1 generates an ATS speed check pattern P0 (safety pattern) using the ATS on-board device 2 based on the position information of the ground beacon G, and controls the acceleration and deceleration of the train T based on the driving pattern generated by the ATO on-board device 3 so as not to exceed the ATS speed check pattern P0. The ATO on-board device 3 in this train control system 1 has an ATO database 33 in which driving necessary information 33B based on the ground beacon G is stored, and generates a driving pattern by referring to the information in the ATO database 33 corresponding to the position information of the ground beacon G. [Selection Diagram] Figure 2

Inventors

  • 森田 隼史
  • ▲高▼橋 実

Assignees

  • 日本信号株式会社

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20241021

Claims (7)

  1. A train control system that generates a safety pattern using an ATS on-board device based on the position information of a ground beacon, and controls the acceleration and deceleration of the train based on a driving pattern generated by an ATO on-board device so as not to exceed the safety pattern, The ATO on-board device is a train control system that has a database containing operational information based on the ground beacons, and generates the operational pattern by referring to the information in the database corresponding to the position information of the ground beacons.
  2. The train control system according to claim 1, wherein the necessary driving information includes speed limit information, signal location information, and stopping position information corresponding to the ground beacon that serves as the base point.
  3. The train control system according to claim 2, wherein the speed limit information includes the distance from the installation position of the ground beacon (which serves as the base point) to the speed limit section set forward in the direction of travel of the train, the length of the speed limit section, and the speed limit within the speed limit section.
  4. The train control system according to claim 2, wherein the signal position information includes the distance from the installation location of the ground beacon, which serves as the base point, to the signal corresponding to the ground beacon.
  5. The train control system according to claim 2, wherein the stopping position information includes the distance from the installation position of the ground beacon, which serves as the base point, to the stopping position at a station located ahead of the train's direction of travel.
  6. The train control system according to claim 1, wherein the ground beacon is an existing ATS ground beacon located on the line on which the train travels.
  7. The train control system according to claim 1, wherein the ATO on-board device is capable of generating the driving pattern, which includes overrun protection patterns corresponding to all signals installed on the track on which the train travels.

Description

An application has been submitted for an exception to the loss of novelty. This invention relates to a train control system that enables the automatic operation of trains. In recent years, with the declining birthrate, aging population, and shrinking workforce, railway operators are required to improve operational efficiency and reduce labor in order to maintain the railway network. Automated train operation is attracting attention as one measure to improve work efficiency and mechanization. Automated train operation is generally achieved through a combination of Automatic Train Control (ATC) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO). ATC automatically applies the brakes when the train's speed exceeds a speed limit determined by factors such as the distance to the preceding train and the route conditions, and automatically releases the brakes when the speed falls below the limit. ATO controls the train's acceleration and braking according to a pre-set driving pattern. While automated train operation has primarily been implemented on lines where human access to the tracks is restricted, its introduction to other, more general lines is now being considered. However, as mentioned above, conventional automated train operation relies on a combination of ATC and ATO (Automatic Train Operation), and many existing lines lack ATC. Therefore, introducing automated train operation requires installing ATC on the target lines, resulting in significant implementation costs. On the other hand, existing lines that are not equipped with ATC often already have Automatic Train Stop (ATS) systems. Like ATC, ATS is a train safety system. In ATS, for example, when a train passes a trackside beacon, information such as signal indications, speed limits, and distance to the stopping point is transmitted to the train. Based on this information, a speed check pattern is created by the on-board equipment, and the train is controlled so that the brakes are applied if the train's speed exceeds the speed check pattern. If a system for automated train operation can be constructed by combining such ATS and ATO, the cost of introducing automated train operation to existing lines can be significantly reduced compared to conventional methods. As a conventional technology related to automated driving based on Automatic Train Stop (ATS), for example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an on-board device that stores attribute information and track condition information for each ground beacon. When this on-board device detects and identifies a ground beacon that is not of the stop control type, it performs speed control according to the route opening pattern based on the current driving position and track condition information. On the other hand, when the on-board device detects and identifies a ground beacon that is of the stop control type and is installed in conjunction with railway equipment, it performs speed control according to the route pattern based on given conditions, or speed control according to a stopping pattern that allows stopping up to the stopping limit point based on the current driving position, track condition information, and attribute information of the specific ground beacon. This enables automated driving equivalent to Grades of Automation (GOA) 2.5 while suppressing costs by utilizing existing ground beacons. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-50239 This figure shows a schematic configuration of a train control system according to one embodiment of the present invention.Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the ATS on-board equipment and ATO on-board equipment in the train control system.Figure 2 shows an example of the information stored in the ATO database.This figure shows an overview of the control operation in the train control system of the above embodiment.This figure shows an overview of the control operation in the train control system of the above embodiment.This figure shows an overview of the control operation in the train control system of the above embodiment.This figure shows an overview of the control operation in the train control system of the above embodiment.This figure shows an overview of the control operation in the train control system of the above embodiment.This figure shows an overview of the control operation in the train control system of the above embodiment.This figure shows an overview of the control operation in the train control system of the above embodiment. Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a train control system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 1, the train T to which the train control system 1 is applied is various types of vehicles that run on a predetermined track R. In this embodiment, the train T is, for example, a vehicle that runs on rails with steel wheels (railway