Railway signals in Japan
The Japanese railway signals were laid down in the Japanese ministerial decree laying down technical standards of the railway ( Japanese 鉄 道 に 関 す る 技術上 の 基準 を 定 め る 省 令 , Tetsudō ni kansuru gijutsu jō no kijun wo sadameru shōrei ) of the MLIT from 2001.
In the beginning, Japan took over British railway signaling technology. This includes the route signaling, which shows the driver whether and where he is allowed to go. He had to know for himself how quickly he could be there. Later, the Japanese railway companies oriented themselves more towards the USA, where speed signaling predominates, i.e. the highest permitted speed is indicated, but different routes can be released by the same signal. This created a mixed system of route and speed signaling for Japanese railway signals.
Signal types
Fixed signals
Main signals
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| Left - the order of the alternating signal display for a bright five-light signal; right - an example of a blinking signal | |
Main signals ( 主 信号 機 , shu shingōki ) clear a section of the route or a path in the station for train travel. The section behind the main signal is called 外方 ( gaihō ).
In Japan only light signals are in operation. The signal colors green, yellow and red are used for main signal aspects.
- ●● two green lights
- Driving at top speed ( 高速 進行 , kōsoku shinkō )
- This signal concept is only available on the Hokuhoku line of the Hokuetsu Kyūkō and applies to trains with a speed higher than 130 km / h.
- ● a green light
- Ride ( 進行 , shinkō )
- No speed limit. The line speed and the permissible speed of the vehicles apply. The maximum speed on the Hokuhoku Line is 130 km / h.
- ● ● a green and a yellow flashing light (80 repetitions per minute)
- Speed reduction to 105 km / h ( 抑 速 , yokusoku )
- This signal image is only used between the Shinagawa and Yokohama stations of the Keihin Kyūkō Dentetsu. It asks the trains to travel less than 105 km / h.
- ● ● one yellow and one green light
- Reduce speed ( 減速 , gensoku )
- At the next signal, this signal aspect announces a speed limit or shows a warning because of a stop signal following the shortened braking distance. The permissible speed is 50–75 km / h. The speed limit depends on the route and the railway company. (Exceptions: Kintetsu : 95 km / h, Meitetsu : 85 km / h)
- ● a yellow light
- Warning ( 注意 , chūi )
- The speed limit is 40–55 km / h. The speed limit depends on the line and the railway company. (Exception: Kintetsu and Meitetsu: 65 km / h)
- ● ● two yellow lights
- Speed restriction to 25 km / h ( 警戒 , keikai )
- This signal aspect lights up when the section up to the end of the track or the stop signal is short, there is another train in the block section (driving on sight) or the slip path behind the following signal is too short.
- ● a red light
- Stop! ( 停止 , teishi )
- Stop at this signal. It is not allowed to continue driving without permission. If permissive driving is permitted, a train may continue to travel at 15 km / h after stopping one minute in front of the signal. This process is called non-blocking operation ( 無 閉塞 運 転 , muheisoku below ). In some railway companies this operation has been banned after accidents.
If one lamp of the signal should fail, the signal is to be interpreted as if it warrants caution. If a signal has gone out, it is used as a stop ( カ ラ ス , karasu ).
In the past, the shape signals were set with hand levers. Today the shape signals have been replaced by the bright light signals. Only at the Tsugaru Tetsudō , the Fukushima Rinkai Tetsudō and on a line of the JR Kamotsu ( Kuroyama-Kibunki-Niigata-Higashi-Kōsen-yōsen ) there are still form signals.
Entry signals
Entry signals ( 場内 信号 機 , jōnai shingōki ) regulate the entry of trains into stations. Entry signals are "absolute signals" ( 絶 対 信号 機 , zettai shingōki ), permissive driving is always not permitted. In some stations, the sections are divided several times by intermediate signals. Each entry signal has an ID number that is counted outside the station.
Exit signal
Exit signals ( 出 発 信号 機 , shuppatsu shingōki ) regulate the exit of trains from a station. They are also absolute signals. Here, too, there may be intermediate signals in the station area.
Block signals
A block signal (閉塞 信号 機 heisoku shingōki) is set up at the beginning of each section in the automatic route block system. In the case of non-subdivided operation, a train can also run over a signal indicating a stop if it has stopped one minute before the signal.
Each block signal is identified by an ID number. The number is assigned as follows:
- When the train enters the station, block signals are set up there. These are to be numbered. The last signal has the number 1.
- By the number that is formed from the distance between the origin of the line and the unique number.
The display of a block signal is related to the next signal. Therefore it cannot be manipulated by dispatchers or dispatchers. The display of the signal depends on the presence of the train and the display of the next signal.
Because accidents very often occur in a non-subdivided block operation, the operators have decided that a train may only continue to move if the dispatcher allows this via train radio.
If the train station is very crowded, a track can be divided into two sections. As soon as one train leaves one section, another train can enter there. No. 0 signals are used for this. The JR East (Japanese Railway Company East) treats the No.0 signals as part of an entry signal. The other operators use the last signal as the No.0 block signal. This signal is therefore an “entry and block signal”. In contrast to the entry signal, non-blocked operation is not permitted with the block signal.
Illustrations of entry, exit and block signals
The following figure shows the typical types of entry, exit and block signals. There are two different color systems for the 4-light signals. In this figure, for the sake of simplicity, a distinction is made between system A and system B. However, this name is not formal. There are also signals that have only one light or even six lights.
- If the signal has a display with two lamps, two more dark lamps should be inserted between the lights for better visibility.
- Some four-light signals are equipped with LEDs. You can also display the same signal aspects as a five-light signal.
- Signals with two lights are mainly used as exit signals on individual routes.
- A two light signal can have a red and a yellow light. This type of signal is used as an entry signal in front of a train station or a siding, as there is no need for a display to show the movement of the entry signal. This signal can also be used as a block signal.
High speed signal
High-speed signals (高速 信号 機 kōsoku shingōki) use signals with five or six lights indicating two green lights. The added green light is always the top lamp for a normal five-light signal, and for a six-light signal it is above the top yellow lamp. In the case of the 5-light signal, the top green lamp replaces the yellow lamp, so that it cannot indicate any speed restriction. The high-speed signal was first introduced in 1997 on the Hokuetsu Express on the Hokuhoku Line, where express trains can travel up to 160 km / h. From 2008 this signal was only used for these express trains. The two green lights (high-speed display) indicate no speed limit, one green light (display for driving) shows a speed limit of up to 130 km / h. The high-speed display can only be used on the 681 and 683 series “Hakutaka” trains.
Prompt signals
Usually only one train can be in a block section. This regulation ensures safety in rail traffic. However, this rule also ensures that no other train can pull in to be coupled with another train, as otherwise two trains are in the block section at the same time. The request signal (誘導 信号 機 yūdō shingōki) allows a train to drive on the occupied route block anyway in order to couple with another train. This is the only situation in which two trains can be in the same route block.
It is installed under the entry or maneuvering signal. At this signal, the train is allowed to enter the section block at less than 15 km / h (25 km / h for some companies). In the stations where two trains use the same route (example: Yosan Line, Matsuyama Station (Ehime), Nankai Kōya Line, Hashimoto Station (Wakayama)), the prompt signals are necessary so that two trains can be on the same route. However, if the line is divided into two block sections, these signals are unnecessary (example: Keihan Main Line, Yodoyabashi Station of Keihan Electric Railway).
There are two types of prompts that have different lights position and color. The signal is in the normal position with the lights off. Two white lights are used for small signals, otherwise one yellow light is used.
Shunting signals
A maneuvering signal (換 換 信号 gilt irekae shingōki) applies to maneuvering vehicles on secondary routes and in depots. It does not apply to train journeys. A shunting signal has a protected area so that a train travels below 45 km / h (25 km / h if the train is not locked) in front of the signal.
There are two types of shunting signals in which the position (灯 列 式 tōretsushiki) and the color of the lights (色 灯 式 shikitōshiki) are different. The position of the two illuminated signal lamps depends on the type of light signal. These types of lights were introduced primarily for the Japan Railway and the third sector. A color light signal is used on private railways and subways. It shows two lights: green and red. Green means driving, red means stop. Narrow vertical signals are used in narrow tunnels.
Position of light types
- Drive: diagonal position
- Halt: horizontal position
A stop display uses white and red lights in a horizontal position. A driving display uses two white lights in a diagonal position. This signal uses two color LEDs. When the “maneuvering signal recognition display” (入 換 信号 機 識別 標識 irekae shingōki shikibetsu hyōshiki) is switched on, this signal is a maneuvering signal, but when the display is off, this signal is a maneuvering display. The maneuvering signal is installed under the position lights. This sign looks like a white light due to the combination of a purple lens and a lightbulb.
Shunting display
A shunting display (入 換 標識 irekae hyōshiki or 入 標 irehyō for short) is not a signal, so the diagonal indication is not “driving” but “open” (開通 kaitsū). In addition, it does not have a protected area. A shunting signal is an absolute signal, a shunting indicator is a permissive one. A train is only allowed to shunt on the shunting display if the train is accompanied by shunting personnel and a locomotive shows a shunting car sign (入 換 動力 車 標識 irekae douryokusha hyōshiki) at night (single red light at both ends). With some railway operators, shunting signals are omitted. As an alternative, shunting displays are used. Violet instead of white lights are used for the maneuvering signal.
A speed of 25 km / h is permissible for shunting runs, and 45 km / h for individual locomotives on existing shunting routes. Stop signs are installed in front of a maneuvering signal or sign and are intended to prevent a return trip on the route and an incorrect route entry.
Announcement signals
An announcement signal (従 属 信号 機 jūzoku shingōki) announces a main signal. The display refers to the main signal. An announcement signal does not have its own protected area.
If the vehicle driver does not start braking until he recognizes a signal indicating a stop, he will run over the signal because the braking distance is insufficient. An announcement signal prompts the driver in advance to reduce the speed permitted by the main signal.
Distant signal
An advance signal (遠方 信号 機 enpō shingōki) is installed so that an entry signal, which would be recognizable too late due to a short distance or because of an unclear view of its display, can nevertheless be recognized early. Speed restrictions apply to the back of the distant signal in the same way as to the main signal, even if it is an announcement signal. This is mainly used for non-automatic route blocks.
Displays of an entry and distant signal correspond to the following:
- Indicates the stop signal
- Indicates the distant signal warning
- If the entry signal indicates a speed limit / warning
- Does the distant signal indicate a reduction in speed (even with two partial types)
- Does the entry signal indicate a speed reduction / travel
- Indicates the distant signal driving
A distant signal can never indicate stop and therefore has no red lamp. If there are several entry signals (please note that the railway signaling is based on the signaling of the route), the distant signal indicates a warning when the entry signal is red. Otherwise the distant signal would be connected to the entry signal which does not indicate stop (only an entry signal can give a different signal image than stop).
Passing signal
A passing signal (通過 信号 機 tsūka shingōki) is installed when the exit signal can only be seen from a short distance away. Its display deals with the display of the exit signal. A pass signal is installed next to the entry signal. It is only used when the entry signal has two lights (with three lights, the status of the exit signal can be displayed as a warning).
The display of the exit signal and that of the pass signal (which is subject to the exit signal) correspond to the following signals, the display is also characterized by an entry signal:
- The entry signal indicates stop
- The passing signal shows a warning despite the display of the exit signal
- The entry signal indicates driving, the exit signal, however, stop
- The passing signal indicates a warning
- The entry signal shows driving, the exit signal another display besides stop
- The passing signal indicates that you are driving
Even a passing signal can never indicate a stop and therefore has no red lamp. Several passing signals have a one-to-one relationship with one another.
Repeater
A signal repeater (中 継 信号 機 chūkei shingōki) deals with the entry, exit and block signals in places where the view is only given from a short distance and shows the display of the relevant signal. Three white lights are used per line. They indicate the following:
- Ride: vertical line
- Warning: diagonal line (speed reduction, warning or speed restriction)
- Stop: horizontal line
This signal repeats the display of the relevant signal and is also used in the event of speed restrictions that are displayed by the relevant signal, i.e. not from the point of the signal repeater.
Where high speed signals are set up, two signal repeaters are used which display a vertical line. Only one repeater is used for other signals.
Since the normal signal repeaters are difficult to install on subways, signals with a colored light are used as an alternative. That purple light is always shining. It always shows the corresponding signal.
Signal system
A signal system (信号 付 属 機 shingō fuzokuki) is located on an entry, exit and maneuvering signal and supplements the status of the signal.
Direction indicator
In principle, an installed entry or exit signal must be independent for each route. However, if there are more links than signals, one signal is used for multiple links. In this case, the direction indicator (進 路 表示 機 shinro hyōjiki) shows the route the train is allowed to enter.
The direction is indicated by displaying the position lights. The relative position of the illuminated lamps shows the route from the indicator (max. Three routes). For example, if the left light is on, the train will travel on the left path. Some indicators have route numbers or an arrow as an indicator.
Railway indicator
A railway indicator (線路 表示 器 senro hyōjiki) is on the shunting sign. Its structure depends on the position lights.
Provisional direction indicator
If a route has several paths and the corresponding signals are only recognizable from a short distance, temporary direction indicators ( 進 路 予 告 機 , shinro yokokuki ) are installed under the signal. The first indicator indicates which route the train will take.
The first direction indicator in the right picture shows that the right route is clear.
| Light indicator | Directional | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-way branch (left and right of the main line) |
2-way branch (left of the main line) |
2-way branch (to the right of the main line) |
|
| both lamps light up | Main line is free | Main line is free | Main line is free |
| only the left lamp lights up | left path is free | left path is free | No |
| only the right lamp lights up | right path is free | No | right path is free |
Some private railway companies use arrows or Kanji / Katakana characters with the first letter of the name of the railway line for the first direction indicators .
Temporary direction indicator with number display
A direction indicator with number display (進 路 予 告 告 番 線 表示 灯 shinro yokokuki bansen hyōjitō) supplements the first direction indicator and indicates which route is being taken. If a train is to enter route number 3, the display shows a "3". The color of the display corresponds to the display of the main signal with which the direction indicator was added in this area.
Train type display
A train type display (列車 種 別 表示 灯 ressha shubetsu hyōjitō) is installed at a start signal and shows what kind of train this signal is happening. The train type is transmitted from the onboard device. It is mainly installed and used in private railway companies. But it is also used in stations to pass on information when trains are stopping or moving backwards. The type of display depends on the railway company. Character and number displays and some symbols are used for this.
Cab signaling
A driver's cab signaling (車内 信号 shanai shingō) is an onboard device that displays a signal image on the driver's cab. The Yamanote Line, Keihin-Töhoku Line and Shinkansen use cab signaling. The Tōkyō Metro also uses this system. For example, on the Yamanote line there are many lights around the train's speedometer. The lamp corresponding to the maximum speed is illuminated. The driver's cab signaling was introduced for Shinkansen, because the signal images can no longer be seen due to the high speeds and can therefore not be confirmed.
Temporary signals
Distant signal
Slow travel begins
Slow travel ends
A temporary signal (臨時 信号 機 rinji shingōki) is installed so that the specified speed limit is observed and complied with at the associated construction site. His physical appearance looks like a shield, but it is a signal.
Advance signal for speed restriction
An advance signal for speed restriction (徐 行 予 告 信号 機 jokō yokoku shingōki) announces a signal to the driver , which signals a speed limit. The signal consists of a combination of black triangles and white squares. The speed at which the speed limit applies is shown below. Some operators prefer to use orange triangles instead of white triangles. Because the signal is similar to the Mitsubishi logo, it is often referred to as "Mitsubishi".
Slow speed signal
The slow speed signal (徐行信 号 機 jokō shingōki) is set up at the beginning of the section where the speed limit is applied. The signal is a yellow circle, the speed limit display is at the bottom of the sign.
End signal for slow travel
An end signal for slow travel (徐 行 解除 信号 機 jokō kaijo shingōki) is placed at the end of the section where the speed limit is applied. The signal is a green circle. A train has to drive slowly until the end of the train has passed the signal (see adjacent turnout area ). So z. B. the driver with a train that is 160 m long, only accelerate when he is 160 m away from the signal (i.e. the end of the train has passed the signal). To support the train drivers, some operators are installing signs that show when the train has passed the signal.
Hand signals
A hand signal (手 信号 teshingō) is used when signaling equipment breaks down or is not installed. Flags, lights, drawing devices or replacement devices for hand signals are used.
Replacement hand signal
A replacement hand signal (代 用手 信号 daiyō teshingō) is used instead of a hand signal when the entry or exit signal is out of order. In some stations they are installed in front of the specific positions.
Passing hand signal
A passing hand signal (通過 手 信号 tsūka teshingō) is used instead of a hand signal when the passing signal is out of order.
Temporary hand signal
A temporary hand signal (臨時 手 信号 rinji teshingō) is used when the hand signal is necessary. Otherwise the substitute or the pass hand signal is used.
Special signals
A special signal (特殊 信号 tokushu shingō) is used for train safety.
- Signal foot (発 炎 信号 hatsuen shingō)
- This device is used in the event of a fire and is intended to prompt the driver to stop immediately.
- Alarm signal (発 報 信号 happō shingō)
- A device that prompts the train to stop using an alarm signal. The signal is activated by the train safety radio.
- Flashing light signal (発 光 信号 hakkō shingō)
- A device that prompts the train to stop by flashing red lights.
A signal foot is necessary when the train stops at a limited distance.
Obstacle warning signal
An obstacle warning signal (特殊 信号 発 光 機 tokushu shingō hakkōki or tokuhatsu (特 発)) instructs a driver to stop the train because of an unforeseeable event on the route. The signal consists of red lights. Strongly glowing red LED lamps are often used, which can also be seen from a distance.
A detection device (踏 切 障害 物 検 知 装置 fumikiri shōgaibutsu kenchi sōchi) is installed at the level crossing, which switches on the obstacle warning signal for the level crossing, if z. B. a car cannot leave the level crossing. Detection lines are installed under the cliffs for falling rocks. If the line is damaged by falling rocks, the warning signal is activated. If a person is on the route, a warning system can activate the signal. To do this, press a button on the platform. These signals are used particularly in long tunnel sections. They are supposed to warn the driver if there has been an accident in the tunnel in order to prevent another accident.
Japanese railway signal factories
- KK Kyōsan Seisakusho ( 京 三 製作 所 , Eng. Kyosan Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ) [1]
- Nippon Shingō KK ( 日本 信号 , The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd. ) [2]
- Daidō Shingō KK ( 大同 信号 , Daido Signal Co., Ltd. ) [3]
See also
Web links
- LazyJack An article on shape signals, block systems, and internal locks (Japanese).
Individual evidence
- ↑ Archived copy ( Memento of the original dated June 12, 2008 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
- ↑ Article 190 of former railway operation regulation
- ↑ Railway-Technology.com: "Tokyo Metro, Kanto region, Japan" , accessed 2 August 2012
