Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a door closer device which performs a pull-in operation to lock a trunk door by means of a motor. If the pull-in operation exceeds a predetermined time the motor is reversed.

<CIT> discloses a state determination device according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

<CIT> (the "'<NUM> Publication") discloses a door lock device for locking a door of a railway vehicle. The door lock device includes a lock pin that reciprocates. The lock pin is driven by a solenoid. The door is locked or unlocked in accordance with the movement of the lock pin.

The door lock device as disclosed in the '<NUM> Publication sometimes experiences malfunctions such as delayed operation. Therefore, it is preferable to detect the malfunctions of the door lock device. However, in the technique disclosed in the '<NUM> Publication, no consideration is given to determination of whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device. In this respect, the above technique is susceptible of improvement.

The present invention addresses such a drawback, and one object thereof is to determine whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device.

Above object is achieved by a state determination device according to claim <NUM>, a state determination method according to claim <NUM>, a state determination program according to claim <NUM>, and a computer-readable storage medium according to claim <NUM>.

A state determination device for a door lock device according to the present invention comprises: a calculation section for calculating an elapsed time from a time when a drive signal for driving a door lock device is output to a time when lock operation or unlock operation of the door lock device is completed; and a determination section for determining whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device based on the elapsed time. In the above configuration, when the door lock device experiences a malfunction such as delayed operation, the elapsed time is prolonged. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device based on the elapsed time.

In the state determination device for a door lock device, the calculation section may calculate the elapsed time with a timing at which operation of the door lock device is completed defined as a timing at which, after the drive signal is output, an output signal of a door lock switch is switched between a state in which the door lock device locks a door leaf and a state in which the door lock device unlocks the door leaf.

In the above configuration, the completion of operation of the door lock device is determined using a door lock device, which is a conventional feature installed on a railway vehicle. Accordingly, no additional peculiar component is needed for determining the completion of the door lock device, and thus increase of the number of components can be avoided.

In the state determination device for a door lock device, the calculation section may calculate the elapsed time for the unlock operation of the door lock device.

In unlocking a door leaf, when the drive signal for driving the door lock device is output, the door lock device operates without the medium of the operation of the door leaf. As a result, it is possible to accurately obtain the elapsed time from the time when the drive signal for driving the door lock device is output to the time when unlock operation of the door lock device is completed. This is favorable for grasping the state of the door lock device.

In the state determination device for a door lock device, when the elapsed time is longer than a prescribed time, the determination section determines that a malfunction is present in the door lock device. In the above configuration, since it is determined that a malfunction is present in the door lock device when the elapsed time is longer than the prescribed time, the malfunction in the door lock device can be readily detected.

The determination section of the state determination device, when used for a railway vehicle which has railway a plurality of door lock devices installed thereon, calculates the prescribed time based on values of the elapsed time related to the plurality of door lock devices installed on the same railway vehicle.

It can be presumed that the plurality of door lock devices installed on the same vehicle have deteriorated to similar degrees since they were new. Since the prescribed time is calculated based on the door lock devices having deteriorated to similar degrees so as to be used for comparison between them, it is possible to determine whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device irrespective of its degree of deterioration. Further, since the prescribed time is calculated from the door lock devices on the same vehicle, it is not necessary to previously perform an experiment or simulation for calculating the prescribed time.

A state determination method for a door lock device according to the present invention comprises: a calculation step of calculating an elapsed time from a time when a drive signal for driving a door lock device is output to a time when operation of the door lock device is completed; and a determination step of determining whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device based on the elapsed time, wherein when the elapsed time is longer than a prescribed time, the determination step determines that a malfunction is present in the door lock device and when used for a railway vehicle which has a plurality of door lock devices installed thereon, the determination step calculates the prescribed time based on values of the elapsed time related to the plurality of door lock devices installed on the same railway vehicle. In the above configuration, when the door lock device experiences a malfunction such as delayed operation, the elapsed time is prolonged. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device based on the elapsed time.

A state determination program for a door lock device according to the present invention causes a computer to perform: a calculation process for calculating an elapsed time from a time when a drive signal for driving a door lock device is output to a time when operation of the door lock device is completed; and a determination process for determining whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device based on the elapsed time, wherein when the elapsed time is longer than a prescribed time, the determination process determines that a malfunction is present in the door lock device and wherein, when used for a railway vehicle which has a plurality of door lock devices installed thereon, the determination process calculates the prescribed time based on values of the elapsed time related to the plurality of door lock devices installed on the same railway vehicle. In the above configuration, when the door lock device experiences a malfunction such as delayed operation, the elapsed time is prolonged. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device based on the elapsed time.

A computer-readable storage medium according to the present invention stores a state determination program for a door lock device. When executed by a computer, the state determination program for a door lock device causes the computer to perform: a calculation process for calculating an elapsed time from a time when a drive signal for driving a door lock device is output to a time when operation of the door lock device is completed; and a determination process for determining whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device based on the elapsed time, wherein when the elapsed time is longer than a prescribed time, the determination process determines that a malfunction is present in the door lock device and wherein when used for a railway vehicle which has a plurality of door lock devices installed thereon, process calculates the prescribed time based on values of the elapsed time related to the plurality of door lock devices installed on the same railway vehicle.

In the above configuration, when the door lock device experiences a malfunction such as delayed operation, the elapsed time is prolonged. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device based on the elapsed time.

With reference to <FIG>, a description is hereinafter given of one embodiment in which a state determination device for a door lock device is formed in a door control unit.

A schematic configuration will be first described as to a door, a door opening-closing device, and a door lock device of a railway vehicle.

As shown in <FIG>, the railway vehicle includes a door with door leaves <NUM> that operate to open and close an opening, or a doorway of the railway vehicle. The door leaves <NUM> form a bi-parting door. The paired door leaves <NUM> are suspended with door suspending members <NUM> positioned above. Each of the door leaves <NUM> is provided with two door suspending members <NUM>. The door suspending members <NUM> slide along rails <NUM> extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The paired door leaves <NUM> constitute a sliding door with two leaves sliding in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The paired door leaves <NUM> slide in directions away from each other and enter an open state to open the doorway, and slide in directions coming close to each other and enter a closed state to close the doorway. The railway vehicle includes a plurality of doorways each provided with a corresponding pair of door leaves <NUM>. <FIG> shows only one pair of door leaves <NUM> among a plurality of such pairs.

A door opening-closing device <NUM> for driving the door leaves <NUM> is provided around, or more specifically, above the doorway of the railway vehicle. The door opening-closing device <NUM> includes an electric motor <NUM> as a drive source. The electric motor <NUM> is coupled to the two door leaves <NUM> via a door drive mechanism <NUM> that includes a rack and a pinion, for example. Specifically, the door drive mechanism <NUM> is coupled to outer door suspending members 42A among the two door suspending members <NUM> provided for each of the door leaves <NUM>. The outer door suspending members 42A are positioned outside the doorway in the sliding direction of the door leaves <NUM>. The door leaves <NUM> enter the open state when an output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> rotates in one direction, and the door leaves <NUM> enter the closed state when the output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> rotates in the other direction.

Above the doorway of the railway vehicle, there is provided a door lock device <NUM> for locking the paired door leaves <NUM> in the fully closed state. Only one door lock device <NUM> is provided for each pair of the door leaves <NUM>. The door lock device <NUM> is positioned around the middle of the doorway in the sliding direction of the door leaves <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the door lock device <NUM> includes a solenoid <NUM> as a drive source. The solenoid <NUM> includes a coil <NUM> having a cylindrical shape. A voltage from a power source <NUM> is applied to the coil <NUM>. A lock pin <NUM> shaped like a rod projects from inside the coil <NUM>. The lock pin <NUM> is biased by a compression spring <NUM> in such a direction as to project from the coil <NUM>. The solenoid <NUM> includes a built-in ammeter 39A for measuring an electric current A flowing through the coil <NUM>. A voltmeter 39B for measuring a voltage V of the power source <NUM> is installed on the wire connecting between the power source <NUM> and the coil <NUM>.

In the door lock device <NUM>, when a voltage is applied from the power source <NUM> to the coil <NUM> of the solenoid <NUM> to excite the coil <NUM>, the lock pin <NUM> is withdrawn into the coil <NUM> against the elastic force of the compression spring <NUM>. On the other hand, when no voltage is applied from the power source <NUM> to the coil <NUM> and the coil <NUM> is demagnetized, the lock pin <NUM> is projected from the coil <NUM> by the elastic force of the compression spring <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the door lock device <NUM>, the lock pin <NUM> is coupled to a projecting rod <NUM> via a coupling mechanism (not shown). The projecting rod <NUM> moves in accordance with the movement of the lock pin <NUM>. The door suspending members <NUM> provided for one of the paired door leaves <NUM> have a fixing member <NUM> attached thereto. The fixing member <NUM> is configured to engage with the projecting rod <NUM> when the door leaves <NUM> are in the fully closed state. The fixing member <NUM> is attached to a middle door suspending member 42B of one of the door leaves <NUM>, which is one of the two door suspending members <NUM> provided for this door leaf <NUM> and is positioned closer to the middle of the doorway in the sliding direction of the door leaves <NUM>.

When the door leaves <NUM> are in the fully closed state, the lock pin <NUM> projects from the coil <NUM> in response to the demagnetization of the coil <NUM> of the solenoid <NUM>, and thus the projecting rod <NUM> moves to engage with the fixing member <NUM>. As a result, the above one of the door leaves <NUM> enters a locked state in which this door leaf <NUM> is prohibited from sliding. As one door leaf <NUM> is prohibited from sliding, the other door leaf <NUM> is also prohibited from sliding by the door drive mechanism <NUM>. When the lock pin <NUM> is withdrawn into the coil <NUM> in response to excitation of the coil <NUM> of the solenoid <NUM>, the projecting rod <NUM> is disengaged from the fixing member <NUM>. The door leaves <NUM> then enter an unlocked state.

The movement of the lock pin <NUM> is transmitted to a door lock switch (DLS) <NUM> via a transmission mechanism (not shown). As shown in <FIG>, the door lock switch <NUM> outputs a lock signal LS as an output signal when the lock pin <NUM> is in a lock position where it projects from the coil <NUM>. The door lock switch <NUM> stops outputting the lock signal LS as an output signal when the lock pin <NUM> moves into an unlock position where it is withdrawn into the coil <NUM>. In this way, the door lock switch <NUM> switches the output of the lock signal LS between On and Off depending on whether the door lock device <NUM> locks or unlocks the door leaves <NUM>.

Next, an electrical configuration of the door opening-closing device <NUM> and the door lock device <NUM> will be described.

As shown in <FIG>, the door opening-closing device <NUM> and the door lock device <NUM> are controlled by a door control unit <NUM>. The door control unit <NUM> is provided for each pair of the door leaves <NUM> and installed in the vicinity of the doorway of the railway vehicle. The door control unit <NUM> may be formed of one or more processors that perform various processes in accordance with computer programs (software). Alternatively, the door control unit <NUM> may be formed of one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as microcomputers that perform at least a part of the various processes, or it may be formed of circuitry including a combination of such circuits. The processors include a CPU and a memory such as a RAM or ROM. The memory stores therein program codes or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. The memory, or a computer-readable medium, encompasses any kind of available media accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. The door control unit <NUM> also includes a non-volatile storage section. The door control unit <NUM> receives the lock signal LS from the door lock switch <NUM>. The door control unit <NUM> also receives the values of the electric current A and the voltage V from the ammeter 39A and the voltmeter 39B, respectively.

The door control unit <NUM> is connected with a vehicle control device <NUM> that serves as an upper-level device to control traveling of the railway vehicle and opening and closing of the door <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the door control unit <NUM> operates based on an instruction signal W from the vehicle control device <NUM>. The vehicle control device <NUM> may be formed of one or more processors that perform various processes in accordance with computer programs (software). Alternatively, the vehicle control device <NUM> may be formed of one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as microcomputers that perform at least a part of the various processes, or it may be formed of circuitry including a combination of such circuits. The processors include a CPU and a memory such as a RAM or ROM. The memory stores therein program codes or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. The memory, or a computer-readable medium, encompasses any kind of available media accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. The vehicle control device <NUM> also includes a non-volatile database <NUM>. The database <NUM> intensively stores information input from the door control unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the door control unit <NUM> includes a drive control section <NUM> for driving the door opening-closing device <NUM> and the door lock device <NUM> in accordance with the instruction signal W from the vehicle control device <NUM>. The drive control section <NUM> outputs a drive signal for driving the door opening-closing device <NUM> and the door lock device <NUM>. As a drive signal for driving unlock operation of the door lock device <NUM>, the drive control section <NUM> outputs to the power source <NUM> an excitation signal EM1 for exciting the solenoid <NUM>. When the excitation signal EM1 is output, the power source <NUM> applies a voltage to the solenoid <NUM> to excite the solenoid <NUM>. As a drive signal for driving lock operation of the door lock device <NUM>, the drive control section <NUM> outputs to the power source <NUM> a demagnetization signal EM2 for demagnetizing the solenoid <NUM>. When the demagnetization signal EM2 is output, the power source <NUM> stops applying a voltage to the solenoid <NUM> to demagnetize the solenoid <NUM>.

In the door lock device <NUM>, the movement of the lock pin <NUM> may undergo a large slide resistance due to clogging by foreign substances or partial wear. The slide resistance may also be enlarged in accordance with deformation of the vehicle body to which the door lock device <NUM> is attached. When the movement of the lock pin <NUM> undergoes a large slide resistance, the lock pin <NUM> may start moving at a delayed timing or move at a low speed after it starts moving, in response to the excitation signal EM1 or the demagnetization signal EM2 output to the solenoid <NUM>. To address this problem, the door control unit <NUM> includes a state determination device <NUM> for determining whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device <NUM>.

In addition to the enlarged slide resistance mentioned above, the door lock device <NUM> may undergo a fault such as a disconnection or a short circuit occurring in the solenoid <NUM> or the electrical system connected thereto, resulting in a reduced electric current flowing through the solenoid <NUM>. This also causes the lock pin <NUM> to start moving at a delayed timing or move at a low speed after it starts moving. The state determination device <NUM> also determines whether or not such a malfunction is present.

The state determination device <NUM> of the door control unit <NUM> includes a calculation section <NUM> for calculating the elapsed time from the time when a drive signal for driving the door lock device <NUM> is output to the time when the operation of the door lock device <NUM> in response to the drive signal is completed. The calculation section <NUM> calculates the elapsed time related to the unlock operation of the door lock device <NUM>. Specifically, the calculation section <NUM> calculates the elapsed unlock time H elapsed from the time when the excitation signal EM1 is output to the solenoid <NUM> to the time when the withdrawal of the lock pin <NUM> into the coil <NUM> is completed and the projecting rod <NUM> is disengaged from the fixing member <NUM>. In calculating the elapsed unlock time H, the calculation section <NUM> regards the timing at which the lock signal LS output from the door lock switch <NUM> switches from On to Off as the time at which the withdrawal of the lock pin <NUM> into the coil <NUM> is completed.

The state determination device <NUM> of the door control unit <NUM> includes a determination section <NUM> for determining whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device <NUM> based on the elapsed unlock time H. When the elapsed unlock time H is longer than a prescribed time H1 set previously, the determination section <NUM> determines that the movement of the lock pin <NUM> is delayed, that is, a malfunction is present in the door lock device <NUM>. Further, when the resistance R obtained by dividing the voltage V of the power source <NUM> by the electric current A flowing through the coil <NUM> is different from a prescribed resistance RQ set previously, the determination section <NUM> determines that a fault has occurred in the solenoid <NUM> or the electrical system connected thereto, that is, a malfunction is present in the door lock device <NUM>. In this way, the determination section <NUM> determines whether a fault has occurred, based on the relationship between the electric current A and the voltage V. The prescribed resistance RQ mentioned above is calculated by previously investigating through an experiment or simulation the relationship between the voltage and the electric current occurring when the voltage is applied to the solenoid <NUM>.

The determination section <NUM> calculates the prescribed time H1 as a reference value for determining whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device <NUM>. The determination section <NUM> calculates the prescribed time H1 based on values of the elapsed unlock time H related to a plurality of door lock devices <NUM> installed on the same vehicle among a plurality of vehicles constituting a train. The calculation section <NUM>, which has calculated the elapsed unlock time H, transmits the elapsed unlock time H to the vehicle control device <NUM>. The vehicle control device <NUM> stores the elapsed unlock time H on the database <NUM>. The vehicle control device <NUM> receives the values of the elapsed unlock time H from the plurality of door control units <NUM> installed on the railway vehicle. The database <NUM> stores data on the elapsed unlock time H related to the plurality of door lock devices <NUM> installed on the railway vehicle. This data covers a previous predetermined period. In calculating the prescribed time H1, the determination section <NUM> accesses the database <NUM> of the vehicle control device <NUM> to obtain data on the elapsed unlock time H related to the plurality of door lock devices <NUM> installed on the same vehicle, covering the previous predetermined period. The determination section <NUM> then calculates the average time from the obtained data and calculates the prescribed time H1 such that it is longer than the average time.

Next, a state determination process performed by the door control unit <NUM> will be described. Upon receiving from the vehicle control device <NUM> the instruction signal W for opening the door leaves <NUM>, the door control unit <NUM> starts the state determination process including a series of steps. At the time when the door control unit <NUM> receives from the vehicle control device <NUM> the instruction signal W for opening the door leaves <NUM>, the door leaves <NUM> are in the fully closed state, and the lock pin <NUM> is in the lock position where it projects from the coil <NUM>. In addition, the door lock switch <NUM> is outputting the lock signal LS.

As shown in <FIG>, the door control unit <NUM> starts the state determination process in step S10. In step S10, the calculation section <NUM> of the door control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the excitation signal EM1 has been output from the drive control section <NUM> to the solenoid <NUM>. When the excitation signal EM1 has not been output (NO in step S10), the calculation section <NUM> executes step S10 again. The calculation section <NUM> repeats step S10 until the excitation signal EM1 is output. When the excitation signal EM1 has been output (YES in step S10), the calculation section 61proceeds to step S20.

In step S20, the calculation section <NUM> starts counting the lock time H. The calculation section <NUM> proceeds to step S30. In step S30, the determination section <NUM> refers to the measurement results of the ammeter 39A and the voltmeter 39B. The determination section <NUM> then determines whether or not the resistance R obtained by dividing the voltage V by the electric current A is equal to the prescribed resistance RQ. When the resistance R is different from the prescribed resistance RQ (R≠RQ) (NO in step S30), the determination section <NUM> proceeds to step S100.

In step S100, the determination section <NUM> determines that a fault has occurred in the electrical system related to the solenoid <NUM>. The determination section <NUM> then outputs to the vehicle control device <NUM> first information J1 indicating that a fault has occurred in the electrical system related to the solenoid <NUM>. Upon receiving the first information J1, the vehicle control device <NUM> stores on the database <NUM> the information indicating that a fault has occurred in the electrical system related to the solenoid <NUM>. After executing step S100, the determination section <NUM> temporarily ends execution of the series of steps of the state determination process.

In step S30, when the resistance R is equal to the prescribed resistance RQ (R=RQ) (YES in step S30), the determination section <NUM> proceeds to step S40. In step S40, the calculation section <NUM> determines whether or not the output of the lock signal LS has been switched to Off. When the lock signal LS is being continuously output (NO in step S40), the calculation section <NUM> returns to step S30. The determination section <NUM> then executes step S30. The calculation section <NUM> and the determination section <NUM> repeat step S30 and step S40 until the output of the lock signal LS is switched to Off. When the output of the lock signal LS has been switched to Off (YES in step S40), the calculation section 61proceeds to step S50.

In step S50, the calculation section <NUM> ends the count of the lock time H that was started in step S20. The calculation section <NUM> then calculates the final elapsed unlock time H at the elapsed unlock time H as of the time when step S50 is reached. The calculation section <NUM> transmits the calculated elapsed unlock time H to the vehicle control device <NUM>. Subsequently, the calculation section <NUM> proceeds to step S60.

In step S60, the determination section <NUM> of the door control unit <NUM> calculates the prescribed time H1. As already described, the determination section <NUM> calculates the prescribed time H1 based on the values of the elapsed unlock time H related to a plurality of door lock devices <NUM> installed on the same vehicle. Subsequently, the determination section <NUM> proceeds to step S70. Step S60 corresponds to the calculation step and the calculation process.

In step S70, the determination section <NUM> determines whether the elapsed unlock time H is equal to or shorter than the prescribed time H1. When the elapsed unlock time H is longer than the prescribed time H1 (H>H1) (NO in step S70), the determination section <NUM> proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the determination section <NUM> determines that the movement of the lock pin <NUM> is delayed. The determination section <NUM> then outputs to the vehicle control device <NUM> second information J2 indicating that the movement of the lock pin <NUM> is delayed. Upon receiving the second information J2, the vehicle control device <NUM> stores on the database <NUM> the information indicating that the movement of the lock pin <NUM> is delayed. After executing step S110, the determination section <NUM> temporarily ends execution of the series of steps of the state determination process.

On the other hand, in step S70, when the elapsed unlock time H is equal to or shorter than the prescribed time H1 (H≤H1), the determination section <NUM> proceeds to step S80. In step S80, the determination section <NUM> determines that the door lock device <NUM> is operating normally. After executing step S80, the determination section <NUM> temporarily ends execution of the series of steps of the state determination process. Steps S70, S80, and S110 correspond to the determination process and the determination step.

The information related to the fault in the electrical system and the delay in movement of the lock pin <NUM> that is stored on the database <NUM> of the vehicle control device <NUM> is read out, for example, by a worker inspecting the railway vehicle and is utilized for replacement or repair of the door lock device <NUM>.

Operation in the embodiment will be now described. While the door leaves <NUM> are locked, the lock pin <NUM> projects from the coil <NUM> and the projecting rod <NUM> engages with the fixing member <NUM>. In addition, the output of the lock signal LS from the door lock switch <NUM> remains On. In this state, the door control unit <NUM> receives an instruction signal W for opening the door, and then the drive control section <NUM> of the door control unit <NUM> outputs the excitation signal EM1 to the solenoid <NUM>. In response to the excitation signal EM1, the solenoid <NUM> is excited and the lock pin <NUM> is withdrawn into the coil <NUM>. As the lock pin <NUM> is withdrawn, the output of the lock signal LS from the door lock switch <NUM> is switched to Off.

Advantageous effects of the embodiment will be now described. (<NUM>) In the state determination process, it is determined whether or not the elapsed unlock time H required for the unlock operation of the door lock device <NUM> is within the prescribed time H1. When the elapsed unlock time H is longer than the prescribed time H1, it is determined that the movement of the lock pin <NUM> is delayed. This determination makes it possible to detect a malfunction of the door lock device <NUM>.

(<NUM>) A malfunction of the door lock device <NUM> may be caused by a fault in the electrical system, in addition to an enlarged slide resistance. With this taken into account, the state determination process employs two-stage determination. The first stage is to determine whether or not the relationship between the voltage V of the power source <NUM> and the electric current A flowing through the coil <NUM> is appropriate. It is thus confirmed whether or not a fault has occurred in the electrical system related to the solenoid <NUM>. When no fault has occurred in the electrical system, then it is determined whether or not the elapsed unlock time H required for the unlock operation of the door lock device <NUM> is within the prescribed time H1. Confirming that no fault has occurred in the electrical system, it is thus determined whether or not the movement of the lock pin <NUM> is delayed. Accordingly, when it is determined that the movement of the lock pin <NUM> is delayed, it can be presumed that such a delay is caused by an enlarged slide resistance. In this way, the state determination process makes it possible not only to detect a malfunction of the door lock device <NUM>, but also to distinguish the causes of the malfunction of the door lock device <NUM>.

(<NUM>) The door lock switch <NUM>, which is an existing component, is used to confirm completion of the unlock operation of the lock pin <NUM>, and therefore, it is not necessary to add a new peculiar component such as a camera for monitoring the movement of the lock pin <NUM> to confirm completion of the unlock operation of the lock pin <NUM>. It is thus possible to avoid increase of the number of components for detecting a malfunction of the door lock device <NUM>.

(<NUM>) A fault in the solenoid <NUM> and the electrical system connected thereto may cause delayed movement of the lock pin <NUM>. Therefore, it is important to grasp the state of the electrical system in order to grasp the state of the door lock device <NUM>. Since the solenoid <NUM> is excited for the unlock operation of the lock pin <NUM>, it is possible to obtain information related to the electric current A flowing through the coil <NUM> of the solenoid <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to detect a fault in the solenoid <NUM> and the electrical system connected thereto.

(<NUM>) The determination section <NUM> calculates the prescribed time H1 based on the values of the elapsed unlock time H related to a plurality of door lock devices <NUM> installed on the same vehicle. Although the plurality of door lock devices <NUM> installed on the same vehicle deteriorate to slightly different degrees in accordance with the loads imparted thereto, it can be presumed that these door lock devices <NUM> as a whole have deteriorated to similar degrees since they were new. Since the prescribed time H1 is calculated based on the door lock devices <NUM> having deteriorated to similar degrees so as to be used for comparison between them, it is possible to determine whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device <NUM> irrespective of its degree of deterioration. Further, since the prescribed time H1 is calculated from the door lock devices <NUM> on the same vehicle, it is not necessary to previously perform an experiment or simulation for calculating the prescribed time H1, and therefore, the effort of performing such an experiment or simulation can be eliminated.

The above embodiment can be modified as described below. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination to the extent where they are technically consistent with each other and where they are in accordance with the appended claims.

The method of calculating the prescribed time H1 is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. The prescribed time H1 has a length with which to determine a delay in movement of the lock pin <NUM>, and specifically a length with which to determine a relatively slight delay in movement that does not affect the safe operation of the railway vehicle.

The prescribed time H1 may be calculated based on the elapsed unlock time H of the door lock devices on a plurality or all of the vehicles included in a train.

The prescribed time H1 may be calculated based on the elapsed unlock time H of only the door lock devices that satisfy a condition, not based on the elapsed unlock time H of all the door lock devices, among the door lock devices installed on the same vehicle or a plurality of vehicles included in a train. For example, with values of the elapsed unlock time H of a plurality of door lock devices sorted from the shortest one, the prescribed time H1 may be calculated as an average of a plurality of top-sorted values of the elapsed unlock time H.

When the difference between the loads imparted to the doors is previously known, the prescribed time H1 may be calculated based on the elapsed unlock time H of the door lock devices of the doors subjected to a load of the same degree.

The determination of a fault in the electrical system related to the solenoid <NUM> may be based on only one of the voltage V of the power source <NUM> and the electric current A flowing through the solenoid <NUM>. For example, it is possible to monitor the time series of the electric current A flowing through the solenoid <NUM> while a voltage is applied to the solenoid <NUM>, and determine that a fault has occurred in the electrical system related to the solenoid <NUM> when the variation of the electric current A is excessively large, or when the electric current A is instable.

It is not necessary to determine a fault in the electrical system related to the solenoid <NUM> at the timing of the unlock operation of the door lock device <NUM>. Only a delay in movement of the lock pin <NUM> may be determined at the timing of the unlock operation of the door lock device <NUM>.

It is possible to determine whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device <NUM> at the timing of the lock operation of the door lock device <NUM>. In the lock operation of the door lock device <NUM>, the solenoid <NUM> is demagnetized, unlike the unlock operation of the door lock device <NUM>. In other words, no voltage is applied to the solenoid <NUM> in the lock operation of the door lock device <NUM>, and therefore, information related to the electrical system such as the voltage V cannot be obtained in the lock operation of the door lock device <NUM>. Accordingly, a fault in the electrical system related to the solenoid <NUM> cannot be detected at the timing of the lock operation of the door lock device <NUM>. However, a delay in movement of the lock pin <NUM> can be detected in the lock operation of the door lock device <NUM>. Specifically, while the door leaves <NUM> operate from the open state to the closed state prior to the lock operation of the door lock device <NUM>, the solenoid <NUM> is excited and the lock pin <NUM> is withdrawn in the coil <NUM>. When the door leaves <NUM> are in the fully closed state, the solenoid <NUM> is demagnetized, such that the lock pin <NUM> projects from the coil <NUM> by the elastic force of the compression spring <NUM>, and the projecting rod <NUM> engages with the fixing member <NUM>.

To determine whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device <NUM> using the above lock operation, an elapsed lock time is compared with a prescribed time for the lock operation. The elapsed lock time is counted from the time when the demagnetization signal EM2 is output to the solenoid <NUM> to the time when the lock pin <NUM> completes projecting from the coil <NUM> and the door lock switch <NUM> switches to On. This makes it possible to determine whether or not the movement of the lock pin <NUM> is delayed. For example, it is possible to make determination related to an elapsed time in both the lock operation and the unlock operation of the door lock device <NUM>, so as to doubly monitor at least a delay in movement of the lock pin <NUM>.

The configuration of the door lock device <NUM> is not limited to the example in the above embodiment. For example, the movement of the lock pin <NUM> may be transmitted directly to the door lock switch <NUM> without a medium of a transmission mechanism. Further, the lock pin <NUM> may engage directly with the door leaves <NUM> to lock the door leaves <NUM>.

The door lock device <NUM> may be modified such that the lock pin <NUM> is withdrawn by a tension spring into the solenoid <NUM> upon demagnetization of the solenoid <NUM>, and the lock pin <NUM> projects from the solenoid <NUM> upon excitation of the solenoid <NUM>. It is also possible that the solenoid <NUM> alone drives the reciprocation of the lock pin <NUM> without use of a spring for return.

The door lock device may be configured such that the unlocked state and the locked state of the door leaves <NUM> are controlled in accordance with the electric motor <NUM> for driving the opening and closing of the door leaves <NUM>. In such configuration, the unlock operation of the door lock device and the opening operation of the door leaves <NUM> are performed as a series of operations in response to a drive signal for rotating the output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> in one direction. Specifically, when the door leaves <NUM> are in the fully closed state, the output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> rotates in one direction. At this time, the door lock device first operates such that the door leaves <NUM> enter the unlocked state, and then the door leaves <NUM> enter the open state. On the other hand, the closing operation of the door leaves <NUM> and the lock operation of the door lock device are performed as a series of operations in response to a drive signal for rotating the output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> in the other direction. Specifically, when the door leaves <NUM> are in the open state, the output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> rotates in the other direction. At this time, the door leaves <NUM> first enter the closed state, and then the door lock device operates such that the door leaves <NUM> enter the locked state. In this door lock device, the drive signal for rotating the output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> in one direction serves as both the drive signal for driving the unlock operation of the door lock device and the drive signal for opening the door leaves <NUM>. Also, the drive signal for rotating the output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> in the other direction serves as both the drive signal for closing the door leaves <NUM> and the drive signal for driving the lock operation of the door lock device.

In the lock operation of the above door lock device, when the drive signal for rotating the output shaft of the electric motor <NUM> in the other direction is output, the door leaves <NUM> are first closed. Therefore, the elapsed time from the time when the above drive signal is output to the electric motor <NUM> to the time when the lock operation of the door lock device is completed includes the elapsed time for the closing operation of the door leaves <NUM>. To confirm whether or not a malfunction related to the lock operation of the door lock device is present, it is possible to use a detection signal from the door closing switch (DCS) for detecting closing of the door leaves <NUM>. Specifically, an elapsed door closing time from the time when the drive signal is output to the time when the door closing switch detects closing of the door leaves <NUM> is calculated separately from the elapsed time from the time when the drive signal is output to the time when the lock operation of the door lock device is completed. The elapsed door closing time is added to a prescribed lock time determined previously by an experiment or the like as a prescribed time related to the lock operation of the door lock device, thereby to obtain the prescribed time. The elapsed time from the time when the drive signal is output to the time when the lock operation of the door lock device is completed is compared with the prescribed time. When the elapsed time is longer than the prescribed time, it is determined that the operation of the door lock device is delayed. It is also possible to determine that the operation of the door lock device is delayed when the above elapsed time subtracted by the elapsed door closing time is longer than the prescribed lock time.

In the unlock operation of the above door lock device, when the drive signal is output to the electric motor <NUM>, the door lock device first operates without the medium of the operation of the door leaves <NUM>. Accordingly, the elapsed time related to the unlock operation of the door lock device can be obtained accurately by calculating the elapsed time from the time when the drive signal is output to the electric motor <NUM> to the time when the door lock switch is switched to Off. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the operation of the door lock switch is delayed based on the above elapsed time. Further, it is also possible to detect a fault in the electric motor and the electrical system connected thereto by sensing the voltage applied to the electric motor <NUM> and the electric current flowing through the electric motor <NUM> during the lock operation and the unlock operation of the door lock device.

The method of determining the timing of completion of the lock operation or the unlock operation of the door lock device does not necessarily use the door lock switch. For example, a camera for monitoring the movement of the lock pin may be used to determine the timing of completion of the lock operation or the unlock operation of the door lock device.

A notification lamp or a buzzer for notifying a malfunction in the door lock device <NUM> may be provided on the driver's cab, for example. When a delay in the operation of the lock pin <NUM> or a fault in the electrical system is detected, the notification lamp or the buzzer may be actuated.

A dedicated server may be provided outside the railway vehicle, and the dedicated server may serve as a database that intensively stores information input from the door control unit <NUM>. The door control unit <NUM> may be connected to the server via an external communication network, and the door control unit <NUM> may transmit to the server various information such as related to whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device <NUM> or related to the elapsed unlock time H.

The storage section of the door control unit <NUM> may store information such as related to whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device <NUM> controlled by the door control unit <NUM> or related to the elapsed unlock time H. For example, a plurality of door control units <NUM> may be connected with each other to exchange information, such that it is no longer necessary to read information from the database <NUM> for calculation of the prescribed time H1.

A computer that serves as the state determination device for the door lock device is not limited to the door control unit <NUM>. For example, the vehicle control device <NUM> or a server outside the railway vehicle may serve as the state determination device for the door lock device. The computer serving as the state determination device may obtain information related to the timing at which the drive signal for driving the door lock device is output and the timing at which the operation of the door lock device is completed, such that the computer can calculate the elapsed unlock time and the elapsed lock time. When the elapsed unlock time or the elapsed lock time calculated is longer than the respective prescribed time, the computer serving as the state determination device may determine that a malfunction is present in the door lock device. In this configuration, the computer serving as the state determination device includes the calculation section and the determination section.

For example, when the vehicle control device <NUM> is used as the state determination device, the instruction signal W output from the vehicle control device <NUM> may be handled as the drive signal for driving the door lock device. Suppose that the door lock device uses the solenoid described for the above embodiment. In this case, when the door leaves <NUM> are in the fully closed state, the vehicle control device <NUM> outputs the instruction signal W for opening the door leaves <NUM>. The door control unit <NUM> receives the instruction signal W and outputs the excitation signal EM1 for the unlock operation of the door lock device <NUM>. The output of the lock signal LS from the door lock switch <NUM> is then switched to Off, and information indicating this switching is output to the vehicle control device <NUM>. In this process, the vehicle control device <NUM> calculates the elapsed time from the time when it output the instruction signal Wto the time when it received the information indicating that the lock signal LS has been switched to Off, and it compares the elapsed time with the prescribed time to determine whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device <NUM>. The prescribed time used in this case is set taking account of the elapsed time from the time when the vehicle control device <NUM> output the instruction signal W to the time when the signal is received by the door control unit <NUM>, and the elapsed time until the information indicating that the lock signal LS has been switched to Off is input to the vehicle control device <NUM>.

In the above case where the instruction signal W output from the vehicle control device <NUM> is handled as the drive signal for driving the door lock device, it is determined at the timing of the lock operation of the door lock device whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device. When the door leaves <NUM> are in the open state, the vehicle control device <NUM> outputs the instruction signal W for closing the door leaves <NUM>. The door control unit <NUM> receives the instruction signal W and first drives the door leaves <NUM> for the closing operation. After the door leaves <NUM> are fully closed, the door control unit <NUM> drives the door lock device <NUM> for the lock operation. The output of the lock signal LS from the door lock switch <NUM> is then switched to On, and information indicating this switching is output to the vehicle control device <NUM>. The elapsed time from the time when the vehicle control device <NUM> outputs the instruction signal Wto the time when the vehicle control device <NUM> receives the information indicating that the lock signal LS has been switched to On includes the elapsed time during the closing operation of the door leaves <NUM>. Therefore, in the case where the instruction signal W output from the vehicle control device <NUM> is handled as the drive signal for driving the door lock device, the detection signal of the door closing switch described above can be used. Specifically, the detection signal of the door closing switch can be used to calculate the elapsed door closing time from the time when the instruction signal W is output to the time when the door leaves are closed, such that it can be confirmed whether or not the lock operation of the door lock device is delayed, as with the modification in which the rotation of the electric motor <NUM> drives the door leaves <NUM> for closing operation and also drives the door lock device for the lock operation.

In the case where, as with the above modification, it is determined whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device based on the elapsed time from the time when the vehicle control device <NUM> outputs the instruction signal Wto the time when the operation of the door lock device is completed, the above elapsed time may be calculated on a server outside the railway vehicle to determine whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device.

The door may be a single sliding door. That is, it is possible to determine whether or not a malfunction is present in a door lock device for locking a single sliding door.

Claim 1:
A state determination device (<NUM>) for a door lock device (<NUM>), comprising:
a calculation section (<NUM>) for calculating an elapsed time from a time when lock operation or unlock operation of a door lock device (<NUM>) is started by a drive signal output for driving the door lock device (<NUM>) to a time when lock operation or unlock operation of the door lock device (<NUM>) is completed; and
a determination section (<NUM>) for determining whether or not a malfunction is present in the door lock device (<NUM>) based on the elapsed time,
wherein when the elapsed time is longer than a prescribed time, the determination section (<NUM>) determines that a malfunction is present in the door lock device (<NUM>) characterized in that the determination section (<NUM>) of the state determination device (<NUM>), when used for a railway vehicle which has a plurality of door lock devices (<NUM>) installed thereon, calculates the prescribed time based on values of the elapsed time related to the plurality of door lock devices (<NUM>) installed on the same railway vehicle.