JP7260945B2 - Train approach warning device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a train approach warning device which is held by a worker performing track maintenance work on a railroad track and notifies the worker of an approaching train by sound.

The train approach warning device 20 constitutes a wireless train approach warning system together with the radio base station 10 (see FIG. 4(a)). It is determined whether or not a train is approaching based on information indicating train approach, such as a train detection signal from the track circuit 11. When a train approaches, a train approach signal is transmitted by radio. A normal state confirmation signal is transmitted wirelessly.
Since the train approach signal is for urging workers to quickly evacuate from the track, it is continuously transmitted over the duration of the train approach state.
On the other hand, the normal state confirmation signal is intermittently transmitted as a pulse with a period of several seconds.

The train approach warning device 20 receives a radio signal transmitted from such a radio base station 10 and emits a sound corresponding to the content of the signal from a speaker to notify the operator of the approach of the train. Each person who works on or around the track 12 is made to carry one for use. Then, when a train approach signal is received, a train approach warning sound consisting of voices such as "approaching inbound", "approaching inbound", and "approaching inbound and outbound" is emitted.
In addition, when the normal state confirmation signal is received, a normal state confirmation sound "beep, beep" is emitted each time the corresponding pulse is received.

It is difficult to miniaturize the main body 30 of the train approach warning device 20 because the radio wave environment is not good on or in the vicinity of the railroad track. Because the noise environment is not good above or near it, it is difficult to hear the alarm sound, so some people have introduced bone conduction speakers so that they can hear the train approach warning sound and normal status confirmation sound clearly even at noisy work sites (for example, patent Reference 1). The train approach warning device 20 (see FIG. 4(b)) includes a body portion 30 for mounting on the body, a headset portion 40 mounted on the head of a worker, and a cable connecting the two. 21.

Describing the structure of each part (see FIGS. 4B and 4C), the cable 21 is a flexible wired cable for signal transmission, and since a plurality of transmission signals are transmitted, a multi-core cable is used.
The main unit 30 includes a manual switch 31 for turning on/off the supply of operating power from a battery (not shown), a main control unit 32 which is composed of an appropriate logic operation circuit such as a microprocessor and operates when the manual switch 31 is turned on, and a wireless base station. A signal receiving unit 33 that receives a radio signal from 10 and notifies it to the main control unit 32, a light emission control unit 34 that outputs a light emission control signal according to the control of the main control unit 32, and a sound output according to the control of the main control unit 32 It has an acoustic output section 35 for outputting a signal and a speaker 36 driven by the acoustic output signal.

The headset unit 40 includes a known bone conduction speaker 41 driven by an acoustic output signal sent from the acoustic output unit 35 via the cable 21, and a light emitting diode or the like of, for example, blue or green. and a light emitting unit 42 driven by a light emission control signal sent via the cable 21 from.
When the manual switch 31 is turned on, the train approach warning device 20 starts to operate, and the main control unit 32 and the light emission control unit 34 cooperate to drive the light emission unit 42 to light up. A worker can easily visually confirm that the worker operates the train approach warning device 20 and is working in a safe state.

Also, when a train approaching signal arrives from the wireless base station 10 to the train approaching warning device 20 in operation, the signal receiving unit 33, the main control unit 32, and the sound output unit 35 operate in cooperation with each other in response to the reception of the train approaching alarm device 20. and the bone conduction speaker 41 generate an approaching train warning sound.
Furthermore, when the train approach alarm device 20 in operation receives a normal state confirmation signal from the radio base station 10, the signal receiving unit 33, the main control unit 32, and the sound output unit 35 cooperate with each other to operate the sound speaker. 36 and the bone conduction speaker 41 emit a normal state confirming sound.

In such a train approach warning device 20, by introducing the headset section 40 equipped with the bone conduction speaker 41, even if the body section 30 is worn on a part other than the head such as the torso of the worker, Even when working in a loud noise, it is possible to clearly transmit the speaker sound to the worker with high accuracy.
Therefore, it is possible to accurately meet the demand for ensuring the safety of workers when carrying out work along railway lines.

Utility Model Registration No. 3187252

However, work along railway lines involves not only standing work, but also crouching work. In the latter so-called crouching work, it has been pointed out that the presence of the wired cable 21 connecting the main unit 30 and the headset unit 40 is a concern, although it depends on the type of work and individual differences. There is also
Therefore, it is desirable to deal with the above-mentioned indications so that the worker can concentrate more easily on the work. Conceivable.

Specifically, it is conceivable to wirelessize signal transmission/reception performed between the main unit 30 and the headset unit 40 by introducing a low-power wireless module or the like.
However, in that case, it is necessary to provide both the main unit 30 and the headset unit 40 with a wireless transmission/reception function, and to provide each of the units 30 and 40 with a battery. and complication.
As the hardware becomes more complicated, there is a concern that the possibility of failures such as communication interruptions and circuit failures will increase.

Therefore, in the train approach warning device equipped with a bone conduction speaker, measures to ensure safety when making cableless between the main unit and the headset unit are embodied by a method that is less dependent on hardware as much as possible. This is the first technical issue.
In addition, there is concern that the possibility of battery depletion will increase as the number of on-board batteries required for a cableless system becomes more and more distributed. Realization is the second technical issue.

The train approach warning device of the present invention (Solution 1) was invented to solve the above-described technical problems,
A train approach warning device comprising a main unit capable of receiving a train approach signal and a normal status confirmation signal wirelessly transmitted from a radio base station along a railway line, and a headset unit equipped with a bone conduction speaker,
wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting the train approach signal and the normal state confirmation signal from the main body to the headset; alarm means for outputting from a speaker; normal state notification means for outputting a normal state confirmation sound corresponding to the normal state confirmation signal from the bone conduction speaker when the normal state confirmation signal is received; A state confirmation means for confirming whether or not an abnormal state in which neither a signal nor the normal state confirmation signal is received has continued, and an abnormality notification sound different from the train approach warning sound and the normal state confirmation sound when confirming the continuation of the abnormal state. from the bone conduction speaker.

Further, the train approach warning device of the present invention (solution 2) is the train approach warning device of the solution 1,
The headset section has a light-emitting section, and the abnormality notification means operates the light-emitting section when the abnormality notification sound is emitted.

Furthermore, the train approach warning device of the present invention (solution 3) is the train approach warning device of the solution 2,
The light emitting part is supported by a deformable tubular body.

Further, the train approach warning device of the present invention (solution means 4) is the train approach warning device of the above solution means 2 and 3,
An inoperable state of the wireless communication means, an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the wireless communication means, an inoperable state of the alarm means, an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the alarm means, and an inoperable state of the normal state notification means. an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the normal state notifying means; an inoperable state of the state confirming means; an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the state confirming means; an inoperable state of the abnormal notifying means; Abnormality detection means for detecting any one or more of an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the notification means is provided in the headset unit as a part of the state confirmation means or as a separate means. and

In addition, the train approach warning device of the present invention (solution means 5) is a train approach warning device of the train approach warning devices of the above solution means 2 to 4,
A bone conduction battery for supplying operating power to the bone conduction speaker and a light emitting battery for supplying operating power to the light emitting section are provided in the headset section.

Further, the train approach warning device of the present invention (solution means 6) is the train approach warning device of the solution means 5,
The headset section is provided with a microprocessor that receives operating power from the bone conduction battery, and the alarm means, the normal state notification means, the state confirmation means, and the abnormality notification means are implemented by the microprocessor. a continuation detection circuit for receiving a signal continuously output from the microprocessor and detecting whether or not the signal continues, wherein the continuation detection circuit It is characterized in that the light emitting unit is operated when a signal discontinuity is detected.

In addition, the train approach warning device of the present invention (solution means 7) is the train approach warning device of the above solution means 5 and 6,
A voltage detection unit for detecting whether or not the output voltage of the bone conduction battery has decreased; It is provided in the set part,
The power supply path switching means supplies operating power from the bone conduction battery to the light emitting unit without supplying operating power from the light emitting battery to the light emitting unit when the voltage detection unit does not detect a voltage drop. When a voltage drop is detected by the voltage detection unit, operating power is not supplied from the bone conduction battery to the light emitting unit, and operating power is supplied from the light emitting battery to the light emitting unit. It is characterized by being in a switching state.

In such a train approach warning device of the present invention (Solution 1), introduction of a wireless communication means realizes a cableless connection between the main body and the headset. Also, by introducing the warning means and the normal condition notification means, the basic notification function of delivering the train approach warning sound and the normal condition confirmation sound to the worker using the bone conduction speaker is maintained.
In addition, a state confirmation means is provided in the headset unit to confirm whether or not the abnormal state in which neither the train approaching signal nor the normal state confirmation signal is received continues, and then the continuation of the abnormal state is confirmed. Occasionally, the abnormality notification means emits an abnormality notification sound from a bone conduction speaker, so that the operator is clearly notified by sound that some abnormality has occurred, although it may be different from an approaching train. will be

More specifically, if everything from the wireless base station through the main unit to the headset is normal, more specifically, if the operation of each circuit related to signal transmission and the radio wave condition are normal. Since the signal of either the maintenance train approaching signal or the normal state confirmation signal is transmitted to the headset part by the basic notification function, the normal state confirmation sound or the train approaching warning sound is delivered to the operator. On the other hand, when some kind of abnormality occurs at some stage, neither the train approaching signal nor the normal state confirmation signal reaches the state confirmation means. Instead of a warning sound, an abnormality notification sound is generated in the headset unit, and is delivered to the worker except in special cases such as failure of the bone conduction speaker.

In this way, the soundness of the entire device is confirmed by a method that is less dependent on hardware, in which the headset unit, which is located at the end of the transmission path for the train approach signal and the normal status confirmation signal, confirms whether or not a clear signal can be received. is confirmed. Moreover, when there is an abnormality in which a clear signal that should be present cannot be received, an abnormality notification sound is generated to notify the operator of the abnormality. Safety is enhanced also from the standpoint of operator's perception of abnormality. Furthermore, even if the number of installed batteries increases, as one mode of an abnormal state in which a clear signal cannot be received, a dead battery in the main unit is detected by the state confirmation means of the headset, such a dead battery is fatal. There is no need to worry about causing a dangerous situation.
Therefore, according to the present invention, the above-mentioned first and second technical problems are solved.

Also, in the train approach alarm system of the present invention (Solution 2), a light-emitting section is provided in the headset section so that the light-emitting section is also activated when an abnormality occurs. Even when the sound does not reach the worker, the existence of the abnormality can be notified to the worker by light emission, which further increases safety.

Furthermore, in the train approach warning device of the present invention (Solution 3), by introducing a deformable tubular body to support the light emitting part, the position and orientation of the light emitting part can be easily changed. , according to the body shape of each worker, and even the same worker can be adjusted according to different postures depending on the work content, so that the safety can be further improved.

Further, in the train approach warning device of the present invention (Solution 4), by providing an abnormality detection means in the headset section so as to detect specific abnormal conditions, each specific abnormality can be detected. Safety is ensured even when
Therefore, according to the present invention, safety is further improved.

In the train approach alarm system of the present invention (Solution 5), the batteries in the headset are divided into a bone conduction battery and a light emitting battery, so that the bone conduction speaker, which consumes a lot of power, runs out of battery. Even if the device becomes inoperable, the light-emitting unit, which consumes less power, can be expected to continue to notify the abnormality over a long period of time, thereby further improving safety.

In addition, in the train approach warning device of the present invention (solution means 6), the main functions such as the warning means and the abnormality notification means are embodied by a microprocessor driven by a battery for bone conduction. By making the light-emitting part operate when the continuous signal transmission to the circuit is interrupted, the main part of the headset and the bone conduction speaker stop working due to the exhaustion of the bone conduction battery or the failure of the microprocessor. Even when the light is on, the light-emitting portion operates and the light-emitting operation is continued supported by the light-emitting battery, so that the safety is further improved.

In the train approach warning device of the present invention (solution means 7), before the voltage of the bone conduction battery in the headset section drops, the bone conduction battery is used to drive the bone conduction speaker and to the light emitting section. It is also used to supply power to the light-emitting battery to avoid consumption of the light-emitting battery, and after the voltage of the bone conduction battery drops, the light-emitting part is driven by the light-emitting battery, thereby reducing power consumption. Abnormality notification by a small number of light-emitting units continues for a long period of time with high accuracy, thereby further improving safety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS About Example 1 of this invention, the structure etc. of a train approach alarm device are shown, (a) is an external perspective view which concerns on the state with which the worker was mounted|worn, (b) is a block diagram of a schematic structure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a train approach warning system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a headset unit in Example 3 of the present invention, where (a) shows a state when the battery voltage of a bone conduction speaker or the like is sufficient, and (b) shows a bone conduction speaker or the like; This shows the state when the voltage of the battery of . Regarding the conventional train approach warning device, the structure etc. of the train approach warning device are shown, (a) is a conceptual diagram of a wireless train approach warning system using multiple train approach warning devices, and (b) is worn by a worker. 1 is an external perspective view of an approaching train warning device, and FIG. 1(c) is a schematic configuration block diagram of the approaching train warning device;

Concrete forms for carrying out such a train approach warning device of the present invention will be described with reference to Examples 1 to 3 below.
Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 embodies the above-described solution means 1 to 4 (claims 1 to 4 at the time of filing), and embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 6 (claims 5 and 6 as originally filed), and the third embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is as an embodiment of solution 7 (claim 7 as originally filed). .
For the sake of simplification and the like, block diagrams are frequently used in the illustration of the components, and the components necessary for the explanation of the invention and related components are mainly illustrated. Also, in these drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as in the conventional art.

A specific configuration of a first embodiment of the train approach warning device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the structure of a train approach alarm device 50, (a) is an external perspective view of the device worn by a worker, and (b) is a block diagram of the general configuration.

In short, this train approach warning device 50 is a cable-less version of the above-mentioned train approach warning device 20 and has an enhanced function of ensuring safety, and inherits many features from the conventional train approach warning device 20. Therefore, we will omit the repeated and complicated explanations of the components that have been inherited as they are, and describe them briefly.
The train approach warning device 50 (see FIG. 1(a)) includes a main body portion 60 for body mounting which is obtained by modifying the main body portion 30 described above, and a head mounted head which is obtained by modifying the headset portion 40 described above. The set unit 70 is provided, and the above-described wired cable 21 is eliminated due to the adoption of wireless technology.

The body portion 60 (see FIG. 1B) includes a wired portion 61 that inherits the housing from the body portion 30, and a small housing that can be attached to the wired portion 61 or attached to the body or the like along with the wired portion 61. However, both the housings 61 and 63 are connected by wire so that signals can be transmitted. It can be handled in the same way (see FIG. 1(a)), or it can be handled in a similar manner.

The wired unit 61 (see FIG. 1(b)) connects the manual switch 31, the main control unit 32, the signal receiving unit 33, the sound output unit 35, the sound speaker 36, and the main unit battery (not shown) to the main unit. 30, and can receive train approach signals and normal status confirmation signals wirelessly transmitted from radio base stations along railway lines, but the light emission control unit 34 is removed, while the signal output unit 62 is newly introduced. A signal similar to the signal output from the main control unit 32 to the sound output unit 35 and the light emitting unit 34 is also output to the signal output unit 62 . In this example, since the light emitting unit 42 is omitted, it is not necessary to send a signal to it.

A radio unit 63 (see FIG. 1B) includes a buzzer 64 for sound output, a sound output unit 65 for driving the buzzer 64, and a portion of the transmitting/receiving function of the radio communication means on the main body side, and also performs sound output. and a transmission/reception unit 66 that also controls the operation of the unit 65 .
When a signal is sent from the signal output unit 62 to the transmitting/receiving unit 66 by wire, the signal is sent to the transmitting/receiving unit 66 regardless of whether the signal corresponds to a train approach signal or a normal state confirmation signal. to the headset section 70 by radio.
In addition, when a sound output instruction is wirelessly sent from the headset unit 70 to the main unit 60 and received by the transmission/reception unit 66, the sound output instruction is issued from the transmission/reception unit 66 to the sound output unit 65, and a buzzer is generated accordingly. 64 also generates an abnormality notification sound.

The headset unit 70 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) inherits the bone conduction speaker 41 from the headset unit 40 described above, and further includes a transmission/reception unit 71, a processing unit 72, and a flexible pipe 73. It is equipped with a light-emitting portion 74 and a headset battery (not shown).
Since the light emitting part 74 is intended to call attention to the workers rather than to the supervisor, it can be simply driven from commercially available light emitting diodes that emit light in a conspicuous color such as red or yellow. A so-called self-blinking diode that blinks immediately is adopted.
The flexible pipe 73 is a tubular body extending from the vicinity of the bone conduction speaker 41 near the ear to the wearer's eyes. to the light-emitting portion 74 are housed in the hollow to protect the wires. In addition, since it is so deformable that it can be easily bent by hand, the position of the light emitting portion 74 can be easily adjusted.

The transmitting/receiving section 71 (see FIG. 1(b)) is a circuit responsible for the headset-side portion of the transmitting/receiving function of the wireless communication means. It is designed to receive it and hand it over to the processing unit 72 . When a sound output instruction is issued from the processing unit 72 to the transmission/reception unit 71, the transmission/reception unit 71 wirelessly transmits the sound output instruction to the main unit 60. FIG.
Wireless communication between the transmitting/receiving section 71 and the transmitting/receiving section 66 described above can be realized simply and in a small size by using commercially available components conforming to the short-range wireless communication standard for general digital equipment.

The processing unit 72 (see FIG. 1(b)) is a circuit mainly composed of a microprocessor. As a program executed by the processor to exhibit its functions, a normal state confirmation sound, a train approaching warning sound, or an abnormality notification sound can be selected. A sound output program that performs control to emit either from the bone conduction speaker 41, a light emission control program that performs control to emit light from the light emitting unit 74 that emits light in an easily noticeable blinking state, and the main unit 60 The train approach signal is also in the normal state. A status confirmation program (status confirmation means) for confirming based on the reception status of the transmission/reception unit 71 whether or not an abnormal state in which no confirmation signal is received has continued for a predetermined time or longer is installed.

Also, although not shown in the drawing, when the transmitting/receiving unit 71 receives the train approach signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting/receiving unit 66 and notifies the processing unit 72 of the fact that the transmitting/receiving unit 71 Also installed is an alarm program (alarm means) for activating the above-described sound output program in response to the above-mentioned sound output and causing the bone conduction speaker 41 to emit the above-described train approach alarm sound.
Although not shown, the processing unit 72 receives the normal state confirmation signal wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting/receiving unit 66, and the transmitting/receiving unit 71 notifies the processing unit 72 of the fact. Also installed is a normal state notification program (normal state notification means) for causing the bone conduction speaker 41 to emit the above-described normal state confirming sound by activating the above sound output program accordingly.

Furthermore, although not shown, an abnormality detection program (abnormality detection means) and an abnormality notification program (abnormality notification means) are also installed in the processing unit 72, and the processing unit 72 confirms the abnormal state by the state confirmation program. In response to this, the abnormality notification program activates the above-described light emission control program to blink the light emitting unit 74, and activates the above-described sound output program to emit the above-described abnormality notification sound from the bone conduction speaker 41. It is designed to be issued. The abnormal notification sound is different from the above-mentioned train approach warning sound and normal condition confirmation sound, and is easily and accurately audible. there is

Further, when an abnormal state is confirmed by the state confirmation program, the abnormality notification program requests the transmitting/receiving section 71 to wirelessly transmit a sound output instruction in addition to the above-described activation processing of both programs. there is As described above, when the sound output instruction reaches the radio unit 63, the abnormality notification sound is emitted from the buzzer 64 by the cooperative operation of the transmission/reception unit 66 and the sound output unit 65. But it is done.
Furthermore, the abnormality detection program is designed to detect as much as possible various types of abnormality that are not detected by the status confirmation program. When an abnormality is detected, the abnormality notification program emits an abnormality notification sound from the bone conduction speaker 41 as described above. , the light emitting part 74 is blinked.

Briefly describing the specific matters of the abnormality and detection to be detected by the abnormality detection program, the communication disabled state of the wireless communication means, such as the wireless connection between the transmission/reception unit 71 and the transmission/reception unit 66 being disconnected, is detected by the transmission/reception unit 71. when it is detected. In addition, the inoperable state of the warning means and the inoperable state of the normal state notification means are detected by the diagnostic function of the microprocessor that checks whether the impedance of the bone conduction speaker 41 and the light emitting part 74 is within the normal range or not. Sometimes it is also mentioned as a specific matter. Further, when the self-diagnostic function of the microprocessor or diagnostic processing built into each program detects that the state confirmation means and the abnormality notification means are inoperable, this is also a specific example.

The manner of use and operation of the train approach warning device 50 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing a state of attachment to a worker, and FIG. 1(b) is a block diagram showing signal flow and the like.

The train approach warning device 50 is also used by being held by a worker who performs track maintenance work or the like along the railway line (see FIG. 4A), similar to the conventional train approach warning device 20, and the main body 60 is used by the worker The headset part 70 is attached to the head of the operator, and the body part 60 and the headset part 70 are wirelessly connected to each other. Since there is no cable (see FIG. 1(a)), it is easier to work not only while standing but also while crouching. When the worker wearing the headset part 70 and wearing the helmet further deforms the flexible pipe 73 so that the light emitting part 74 is difficult to see, the flexible pipe 73 can be easily seen.

Before the work is started, the manual switch 31 is turned on to operate the main unit 60 during the work, and the headset unit 70 is also operated by turning on the manual switch (not shown).
Then, when the train approaches the work site, the radio base station 10 transmits a train approach signal by radio.
When the train approaching signal reaches the signal receiving section 33 of the wired section 61 of the main body section 60, the wired section 61 outputs a train approaching warning sound from the acoustic speaker 36 through the cooperative operation of the main control section 32 and the sound output section 35. emitted.

Moreover, the train approach signal is transmitted by wire to the transmission/reception unit 66 of the wireless unit 63 through the cooperative operation of the main control unit 32 and the signal output unit 62 of the wire unit 61, and further transmitted from the transmission/reception unit 66 to the transmission/reception unit of the headset unit 70. 71 wirelessly.
In the headset unit 70 that has received the train approach signal, a train approach warning sound is emitted from the bone conduction speaker 41 by processing the alarm program and the sound output program of the processing unit 72 .
In this way, when a train is approaching, the train approaching alarm sound is output from both the acoustic speaker 36 and the bone conduction speaker 41. Therefore, if the train approaching alarm device 50 is normal, the worker carrying the train approaching alarm device 50 can hear the sound before the wireless system. safety is ensured in the same manner as

Also, when the train is not approaching the work site, the radio base station 10 sends out a normal state confirmation signal by radio, and when the signal reaches the wired section 61, it is the same as described above (33, 32, 35, 36). ), the main unit 60 emits a normal state confirming sound. Moreover, the normal state confirmation signal is also wirelessly transmitted from the main unit 60 to the headset unit 70 by the same cooperative operation (32, 62, 66) as described above, and the signal is received by the transmitting/receiving unit 71. In the setting section 70 as well, the normal state confirmation sound is emitted from the bone conduction speaker 41 by the coordinated operation of the normal state notification program and the sound output program of the processing section 72 .
As described above, if the train approach warning device 50 is normal, a sound confirming the normal state is emitted from both the acoustic speaker 36 and the bone conduction speaker 41 when the train is not approaching. As before, the safe state of the work environment and the normal state of the alarm system can be recognized.

On the other hand, when some abnormality occurs and the train approach warning device 50 cannot receive either the normal state confirmation signal or the train approach signal, or when the signal is received but not transmitted to the headset unit 70, the headset If only the processing unit 72 and the light emitting unit 74 of the unit 70 can operate normally, the processing unit 72 of the headset unit 70 confirms an abnormal state by executing the state confirmation program, and detects the abnormal state accordingly. Since the light emitting section 74 is caused to blink by the cooperative operation of the notification program and the light emission control program, the occurrence of an abnormality can be clearly recognized by the operator, coupled with the fact that the light emitting section 74 is easy to see.

Moreover, if the bone conduction speaker 41 in the headset unit 70 can also operate normally, the abnormality notification sound is emitted from the bone conduction speaker 41 by the coordinated operation of the abnormality notification program and the sound output program. Further, if the headset section 70 and the wireless section 63 can operate normally, the buzzer 64 sounds due to the coordinated operation of the transmitting/receiving section 71, the transmitting/receiving section 66, and the sound output section 65, and an abnormality notification sound is emitted from there as well. .
Therefore, the operator can more clearly recognize the occurrence of the abnormality.

A worker who senses the occurrence of an abnormality by noticing one or more of the blinking of the light emitting unit 74, the abnormality notification sound of the bone conduction speaker 41, and the abnormality notification sound of the buzzer 64 immediately looks over the track and checks for an approaching train. Confirm and avoid immediate danger, and first ensure your own safety. Then, if he has time, he looks around, checks the blinking of the situation light emitting unit 74, the sound of the bone conduction speaker 41, the sound of the buzzer 64, and the sound of the acoustic speaker 36, and grasps and confirms the situation.
In a situation where the surrounding workers are also aware of the occurrence of an abnormality, it is assumed that the radio base station 10 will be abnormal and the radio environment will deteriorate, so wait for the situation to improve.

On the other hand, if one or a small number of workers have left the track without noticing it, if possible, check the track 12 and the surrounding workers to make sure there is no approaching train. Carefully approach the track 12 and furthermore the wireless base station 10 while checking carefully, and check whether the blinking of the light emitting part 74 stops and whether the bone conduction speaker 41 and the acoustic speaker 36 can emit a normal state confirmation sound. Try. When this happens, it is determined that the train approach warning device 50 is normal, and the work is resumed.

Instead, although it seems that all the surrounding workers are listening to the normal state confirmation sound, the light emitting unit 74 blinks or the abnormality notification sound is emitted from the bone conduction speaker 41 for the own train approach alarm device 50. Either the buzzer 64 emits an abnormality notification sound, or the light emitting unit 74 does not light up at all and the bone conduction speaker 41, the buzzer 64, and the acoustic speaker 36 make no sound at all. When such a situation occurs, it is highly possible that the train approach warning device 50 is broken or the battery is dead, so use of the device is avoided.
In this way, the worker carrying the train approach warning device 50 can easily and accurately secure his/her own safety.

A specific configuration of a second embodiment of the train approach warning device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the train approach warning device 80. As shown in FIG.
This train approach alarm device 80 is different from the train approach alarm device 50 of the first embodiment described above in that the function of the radio section 63 is transferred to the wired section 61 and the main body section 60 is integrated into the main body section 81. and that the function of the headset section 70 is enhanced to become the headset section 82 .

First, the modification from the main body portion 60 to the main body portion 81 will be described in detail. The signal is sent to the sound output unit 35 via the main control unit 32, and as a result, in the main unit 81, the abnormal notification sound is also emitted from the sound speaker 36. , and the sound output unit 65 are unnecessary and omitted. 2 also shows the main body battery 67. When the power supply line is turned on by the manual switch 31, operating power is supplied to each part 32, 33, 35, 62, 66, and to the acoustic speaker 36. Also, operating power is supplied via the sound output section 35 when necessary.

Next, the modification from the headset section 70 to the headset section 82 will be described in detail. A battery 89 is provided.
Any battery 89, 75, as well as the main body battery 67 mentioned above, may be provided in either a rechargeable built-in manner or a replaceable removable manner.
Further, the headset section 82 is provided with switches 92 and 93 that are both turned on and off according to the operating state P of the manual switch 91 .

When the switch 92 is turned on and becomes conductive, the relevant part of the line for supplying the operating power from the light-emitting battery 89 to the light-emitting section 74 is connected. Since it is inserted and connected, a further condition is imposed, and the supply of operating power from the light-emitting battery 89 to the light-emitting section 74 is turned on or off depending on whether the switch 88 is turned on or off. . Further, when the switch 93 is turned on and becomes conductive, the bone conduction battery 75 transmits signals from the bone conduction speaker 41, the processing section 83 described in detail below, and the continuation detection circuit newly added to the headset section 82. Operating power is supplied to a number of circuits, such as 84-85 and light emission starter circuits 86-88.

The processing unit 83 is an extension of the function of the processing unit 72 described above, and is also mainly composed of a microprocessor, and executes the above-described sound output program, light emission control program, state confirmation program, alarm program, and normal state notification. It inherits the program, the abnormality notification program, and the abnormality detection program from the processing unit 72 .
In addition to these programs, a new program is additionally installed in the processing unit 83 . Specifically, the illustrated periodic operation program (continuation signal sending means) and the not-illustrated operating voltage drop detection program (abnormality detection means) are installed.

Although not shown, the processing unit 83 is further provided with a voltage drop detection circuit composed of, for example, a combination circuit of a resistance voltage division and a comparator or a resistance voltage division and an A/D converter. The output can also be taken into the processing unit 83 .
The operating voltage drop detection program adds an operating voltage drop detection function to the function of the abnormality detection program described above, and is supplied from the bone conduction battery 75 to the processing unit 83 based on the output of the voltage drop detection circuit described above. It is adapted to detect whether the applied operating voltage is below a threshold. The threshold is set slightly higher than the operable lower limit of the processing unit 83 .

The detection of such a voltage drop in the processing unit 83 confirms the continuation of the abnormal state without signal reception by both the alarm program responsible for issuing the train approach warning sound and the normal state notification program responsible for issuing the normal state confirmation sound. Since both the status confirmation program and the abnormality notification responsible for issuing the abnormality notification sound are installed in the microprocessor of the processing unit 83, an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the wireless communication means and an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the alarm means can be detected. , an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the normal state notifying means, an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the state confirming means, and an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the anomaly notifying means are all detected together.

The periodical operation program (continuous signal sending means) causes the microprocessor-based processing unit 83 to send out pulse signals one after another at timings in which no time interval exceeds a predetermined time. Therefore, in the headset unit 82, if the microprocessor or the like malfunctions and the processing unit 83 does not operate normally, the state in which the processing unit 83 does not send a pulse signal continues beyond a predetermined time. there is The headset section 82 is also wired for sending the pulse signal from the processing section 83 to the counter 84 described below.

The continuation detection circuits 84 to 85 include a counter 84 whose count value is incremented according to the clock CLK until the above pulse signal is received and whose count value is cleared when the above pulse signal is received; and a latch 85 which keeps holding "1" when the bit value changes from "0" to "1", and whether the holding value of the latch 85 is "0". Whether or not the pulse signal continues is detected depending on whether it has become "1".

The light emission starting circuits 86 to 88 include a logical sum section 86 composed of a multi-input OR gate or the like, one of which is the value of the latch 85; has a switch 88 which is turned off to be in an open/blocking state, but is turned on to be in a closed/conducting state when driven by a relay 87 .
Then, when the value held in the latch 85 is "0", the switch 88 is turned off to make it cut off. , the light-emitting battery 89 supplies operating power to the light-emitting section 74 .

Therefore, when the continuation detection circuits 84 to 85 detect that the signal from the processing unit 83 is interrupted, the light emission starting circuits 86 to 88 supply operating power from the light emitting battery 89 to the light emitting unit 74 via the switch 88. to start the flashing operation of the light emitting section 74. As shown in FIG.
The light emission control program, which is activated in response to the detection of the operating voltage drop detection program or other abnormality detection means, is simple in that it sends a logical value "1" to the input of the logical sum section 86 of the light emission start circuits 86-88. It will be enough.

Since the main body part 81 of the train approach alarm device 80 of the second embodiment is integrated, it can be attached to a worker's torso or the like in the same way as the conventional main body part 30 which is used.
Since it can be used in substantially the same manner as the train approach warning device 50 described above and operates in the same manner, even workers accustomed to using conventional products can use it without any discomfort.

The operation of the approaching train warning device 80 is different from the operation of the approaching train warning device 50. To put it briefly, the abnormality notification sound is emitted from the acoustic speaker 36 instead of the buzzer 64. Due to the simplified configuration and the provision of a dedicated light-emitting battery 89 in the light-emitting portion 74, even when the bone conduction battery 75 runs out, it is possible to call attention by light emission until the light-emitting battery 89 runs out. It is now possible to continue, and by providing the continuation detection circuits 84 and 85, even when the processing unit 83 has deteriorated to the extent that it cannot detect an abnormality or control light emission, it is possible to call attention by light emission. is.

A specific configuration of a third embodiment of the train approach warning device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of part of the headset section 95, in which (a) shows the switching state of the switch 97 when the voltage of the bone conduction battery 75 is not lowered, and (b) shows It shows the switching state of the switch 97 when the voltage of the battery 75 drops.

This train approach warning device differs from the train approach warning device 80 of the second embodiment described above in that the headset section 82 is partially modified to become a headset section 95 .
A voltage detection section 96 and a switch 97 that are not present in the headset section 82 are added to the headset section 95 .

The voltage detection unit 96 is composed of, for example, a combination circuit of a resistive voltage dividing circuit that receives power from the bone conduction battery 75 and a comparator that also receives power from the bone conduction battery 75, and the output voltage of the bone conduction battery 75 is Depending on whether the output voltage of the bone conduction battery 75 exceeds or is smaller than a predetermined value for driving the bone conduction speaker 41, the presence or absence of a drop in the output voltage of the bone conduction battery 75 is detected. 97 is driven, but the switch 97 is not driven when a voltage drop is not detected.

The switch 97 embodies power supply path switching means for switching the operating power supply path to the light emitting section 74 with a single member. 2 terminals and a third terminal connected to the light-emitting battery 89, and when driven by the voltage detection unit 96, the first terminal is connected to the second terminal but not connected to the third terminal. When not driven by the voltage detection unit 96, the first terminal is connected to the third terminal, but the second terminal is not connected to the non-drive switching state.

In such a headset section 95, if the bone conduction battery 75 is sufficiently charged (see FIG. 3A), the voltage drop of the bone conduction battery 75 is not detected by the voltage detection section 96. At that time, since the voltage detection unit 96 drives the switch 97, the switch 97 is in a switched state when driven. Operating power is not supplied from the battery 89 for light emission to the light emitting section 74, but operating power is supplied to the light emitting section 74 from the battery 75 for bone conduction. Then, it becomes possible to operate the light emitting section 74 without using the light emitting battery 89, so that the electric power of the light emitting battery 89 is conserved.

When the power consumption of the bone conduction battery 75 progresses and a voltage drop occurs (see FIG. 3B), the voltage drop is detected by the voltage detector 96 . At that time, the voltage detection section 96 stops driving the switch 97, so that the switch 97 is switched to the non-driving state, and the operating power is not supplied from the bone conduction battery 75 to the light emitting section 74, so that light is emitted. Operating power is supplied from the battery 89 to the light emitting unit 74 . Then, although the light emitting operation of the light emitting section 74 is continued, the operating power is supplied from the light emitting battery 89 which has been preserved, so the light emitting section 74 continues to operate for a long time.

[others]
In the above embodiment, the emission of an abnormality notification sound by the bone conduction speaker 41 and the red blinking light emission by the light emitting unit 74 were given as specific notification means of the abnormality notification means. may be displayed in detail. If such a display member is small and lightweight, it may be mounted on the headset sections 70, 82, and 99. Then, it is preferable to wirelessly transmit the contents of the abnormality of the headset from the headset to the main body and display it on the main body. In the above embodiment, the light-emitting part 42 is omitted, but the light-emitting part 74 is intended for workers, while the light-emitting part 42 is intended for supervisors. .

In the above embodiments, the abnormality detection means was embodied as a part of the program of the state confirmation means installed in the microprocessor-based processing units 72 and 83 in the headset units 70 and 80. may be embodied in a program separate from the state confirmation means, as long as it is provided in the headset unit and exhibits the required functions, and may be embodied in another microprocessor or another circuit. It's okay to be there.
Further, the abnormality detection means is not limited to detecting all of the abnormalities listed in the description of the above embodiments, and may detect any one or more of the abnormalities.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, microprocessors are employed in the processing units 72 and 83, and many means are embodied in programs, but each means may be embodied in an individual dedicated circuit. . In that case, an abnormality detection circuit or the like may be provided for each circuit.
In the above embodiment, the switches 88, 92, 93, and 97 are illustrated with symbols such as mechanical switches, but these switches are not limited to mechanical switches, and are capable of functioning as desired. As long as it can exhibit the above, it may be made of other structures such as those made of semiconductor.

10... Radio base station, 11... Track circuit, 12... Track,
20... train approach alarm device, 21... cable,
30... main body part, 31... manual switch, 32... main control part,
33... Signal receiving unit, 34... Light emission control unit, 35... Acoustic output unit, 36... Acoustic speaker,
40...Headset unit, 41...Bone conduction speaker, 42...Light emitting unit,
50... train approach warning device,
60... main body,
61... wired section, 62... signal output section, 63... wireless section, 64... buzzer,
65... Acoustic output unit, 66... Transmitting/receiving unit (wireless communication means), 67... Main body battery,
70 ... headset section,
71...Transmitter/receiver (wireless communication means),
72 ... processing unit (microprocessor, alarm means, normal state notification means,
status confirmation means, abnormality notification means, abnormality detection means),
73... Flexible pipe (easily deformable tubular body), 74... Light-emitting part, 75... Bone conduction battery,
80... train approach warning device,
81...main body unit, 82...headset unit, 83...processing unit (microprocessor),
84 to 85... continuation detection circuit, 84... counter (continuation detection circuit),
85... latch (continuation detection circuit), 86 to 88... light emission start circuit,
86 logical sum unit 87 relay 88 switch 89 light-emitting battery
91... manual switch, 92, 93... switch,
95 ... headset section,
96... voltage detector, 97... switch (power supply path switching means)

Claims (7)

A train approach warning device comprising a main unit capable of receiving a train approach signal and a normal status confirmation signal wirelessly transmitted from a radio base station along a railway line, and a headset unit equipped with a bone conduction speaker,
wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting the train approach signal and the normal state confirmation signal from the main body to the headset; alarm means for outputting from a speaker; normal state notification means for outputting a normal state confirmation sound corresponding to the normal state confirmation signal from the bone conduction speaker when the normal state confirmation signal is received; A state confirmation means for confirming whether or not an abnormal state in which neither a signal nor the normal state confirmation signal is received has continued, and an abnormality notification sound different from the train approach warning sound and the normal state confirmation sound when confirming the continuation of the abnormal state. from the bone conduction speaker. 2. The train approach warning device according to claim 1, wherein said headset unit has a light emitting unit, and said abnormality notification means operates said light emitting unit when said abnormality notification sound is emitted. . 3. A train approach alarm system according to claim 2, wherein said light emitting part is supported by a tubular body which is easily deformable. An inoperable state of the wireless communication means, an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the wireless communication means, an inoperable state of the alarm means, an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the alarm means, and an inoperable state of the normal state notification means. an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the normal state notifying means; an inoperable state of the state confirming means; an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the state confirming means; an inoperable state of the abnormal notifying means; Abnormality detection means for detecting any one or more of an abnormal drop in the operating voltage of the notification means is provided in the headset unit as a part of the state confirmation means or as a separate means. The train approach warning device according to claim 2 or 3. 2. A bone conduction battery for supplying operating power to said bone conduction speaker and a light emitting battery for supplying operating power to said light emitting section are provided in said headset section. Item 5. The train approach warning device according to any one of items 4. The headset section is provided with a microprocessor that receives operating power from the bone conduction battery, and the alarm means, the normal state notification means, the state confirmation means, and the abnormality notification means are implemented by the microprocessor. a continuation detection circuit for receiving a signal continuously output from the microprocessor and detecting whether or not the signal continues, wherein the continuation detection circuit 6. A train approach warning device according to claim 5, wherein said light emitting unit is operated when a signal interruption is detected. A voltage detection unit for detecting whether or not the output voltage of the bone conduction battery has decreased; It is provided in the set part,
The power supply path switching means supplies operating power from the bone conduction battery to the light emitting unit without supplying operating power from the light emitting battery to the light emitting unit when the voltage detection unit does not detect a voltage drop. When a voltage drop is detected by the voltage detection unit, operating power is not supplied from the bone conduction battery to the light emitting unit, and operating power is supplied from the light emitting battery to the light emitting unit. 7. A train approach warning device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it is in a switching state.

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