Japanese railway signals

The Japanese railway signals were the MLIT from 2001 set in the Japanese ministerial decree on technical standards of the railway ( tetsudō ni kansuru gijutsu jo no Kijun where sadameru Shorei jap鉄道に関する技術上の基準を定める省令, ).

Japan had taken over the British railway signaling the beginning. This includes the way signaling that indicates to the driver whether and where they can go. He had to know even how fast he must be there. Later, the Japanese railway companies oriented more to the U.S., where a speed signaling predominates, so the speed limit is specified, but different routes can be released by the same signal. This created a mixed system of routes and speed signaling at the Japanese railway signals.

Signal types

Fixed signals

Main signals

Main signals (主 信号 机, shu shingōki ) be a section of the route or path in the station for train rides free. The portion after the main signal is called外方( gaihō ).

In Japan, only light signals in operation. For main signal aspects, the signal colors can be used green, yellow and red.

If a lamp of the signal fails, the signal is to be regarded as if it dictates caution. Should a signal be extinguished, it is considered maintenance term (カラス, karasu ).

Previously, the semaphore signals were provided with hand levers. Today, the semaphore signals were replaced by the bright light signals. Only in the case of the Tsugaru tetsudō, the Fukushima Rinkai tetsudō and on a range of JR Kamotsu ( Kuroyama - Kibunki - Niigata -Higashi Kosen - Yosen ) there are semaphore signals.

Entry Signals

Entry Signals (场内 信号 机, Jonai shingōki ) regulate the entry of trains in stations. Entry Signals are "absolute signals" (绝 対 信号 机, Zettai shingōki ), permissive driving is always inadmissible. In some stations, the sections are divided several times by intermediate signals. Here each entry signal has an ID number that is counted outside the station.

Exit-

Exit signals (出 発 信号 机, Shuppatsu shingōki ) regulate the exit of trains from a station. They are also absolute signals. Again, there may be intermediate signals in the station area.

Block signals

A block signal (闭塞 信号 机heisoku shingōki ) is situated at the beginning of each section in the automatic block system. In a non- partitioned operating a train can also be a stop signal at danger run over when he stopped a minute before the signal.

Each block signal is characterized by an ID number. The number is assigned as follows:

• When the train leaves the station are placed there block signals. These are numbered. The last signal is number 1
• Due to the number that is formed from the distance of the line of origin and the unique number.

The display of a block signal is in a context of the next signal. Therefore, it can not be manipulated by dispatcher or dispatcher. The display of the signal depends on the presence of the train and the display of the next signal.

Because it is very often come in a non- partitioned block operating in an accident, the operators have decided that a train may continue until the dispatcher allowed on this train radio.

At very crowded stations, a track can be divided into two sections. Once the leaves a train to a section, another train enter there. Are used for this No - 0 signals. The JR East (Japanese railway companies Ost) deals with the No.0 signals as part of an entry signal. The other operators use the last signal as No.0 block signal. This signal is thus a " break-in and block signal ". In contrast to the entry signal, the unlocked mode at block signal is not allowed.

Images of break-in, extension and block signals

The following figure shows the typical types of break-in, extension and block signals. Of 4- lights signals, there are two different color systems. In this figure, for simplicity, differentiates between System A and System B. However, this term is not formally. There are also signals that have only one light or even six lights.

• If the signal have a display with two lamps, two more dark lamps should be inserted between the lights for better visibility.
• Some signals with four lights are equipped with LED. You can also view the same signal images as a signal with five lights.
• Signals with two lights are mainly used as exit signals on individual routes.
• A signal with two lights, a red and a yellow have light. This type of signal is used as an entry signal in front of a railway station or a siding, as there is no need for a ride facing display the entry signal. This signal can be used as a block signal.

High-speed signal

For high-speed signals (高速 信号 机Kosoku shingōki ) signals are used with five or six lights that show two green lights. The added green light is always the top lamp with a normal signal with five lights on a signal with six lights it is located above the upper yellow lamp. In the 5 - lights signal the top green lamp replaces the yellow light, so that it can show no speed restriction. The high-speed signal was introduced in 1997 when Hokuetsu Express in Hokuhoku line for the first time where fast trains can travel up to 160 km / hr. This signal was used from 2008 for these high-speed trains. The two green lights ( high-speed display ) indicate no speed restriction, a green light (indicating drive) shows a speed limit of 130 km / hr. The high-speed display can be used only for the " Hakutaka " trains of the series 681 and 683.

Demand signals

Normally, only one train into one block section can be located. This control ensures safety in rail transportation. However, this rule also ensures that no other train for coupling can drive with another train, otherwise two trains are in the same block section. The request signal (诱导 信号 机Yudo shingōki ) allows a train, the occupied route block to drive yet to couple with another train. This is the only situation in which two trains may be in the same range block.

It is installed under the drive-in or the Shunting. The train may give this signal in the range block with below 15 km / h (25 km / h with some companies) retract. In the stations where two trains use the same track (example: Yosan line, Matsuyama Station ( Ehime ), Nankai Kōya line, Hashimoto Station ( Wakayama ) ), the request signals are necessary to ensure that two trains may reside on the same route. However, if the route is divided into two sub-blocks, these signals are unnecessary (example: Keihan Main Line, Keihan Electric Railway Station of Yodoyabashi ).

There are two types of request signals, wherein the position light and the color lights are different. The signal is at lights off in the normal position. For small signals, two white lights are used, otherwise a yellow light will be used.

Shunting

A Shunting (入 换 信号 机irekae shingōki ) applies to the maneuvering of vehicles on side roads and depots. It is not valid for train travel. A Shunting has a protected area, so that a train in advance of the signal at 45 km / h ( 25 km / h if the train is not closed ) runs.

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 ) is different. The position of the two luminous signaling lamps depends on the nature of the light signal. These types of lights have been introduced primarily for the Japan Railway and the third sector. A color light signal is used for private railways and subways. It shows two lights: green and red. Green means go, red means stop. In narrow tunnels narrow vertical signals are used.

• Ride: diagonal position
• Maintenance: horizontal position

In a maintenance display white and red lights are used in a horizontal position. On a trip display two white lights are used in a diagonal position. This signal uses two -color LED. If the " Shunting detection display" (入 换 信号 机 识别 标识irekae shingōki shikibetsu hyōshiki ) is turned on, this signal is a Shunting, but when the display is off, this signal is a Rangieranzeige. The Shunting is installed on the navigation lights. This sign looks like a white light by the combination of a purple lens and a light bulb.

Rangieranzeige

A Rangieranzeige (入 换 标识irekae hyōshiki or short入 标irehyō ) is no signal, so that the diagonal term " open" (开通Kaitsu ) is not " ride " but is. In addition, it does not have a protected area. A Shunting is an absolute signal, a Rangieranzeige a permissive. A train must at the Rangieranzeige first rank, when the train shunting is accompanied by a locomotive and at night a shunting car sign (入 换 动力 车 标识irekae douryokusha hyōshiki ) shows ( Single red light at both ends ). Some railway operators shunting be omitted. As an alternative Rangieranzeigen be used. In this case, instead of white violet lights are used in the Shunting.

In shunting a speed of 25 km / h allowed for individually driving ferent locomotives shunting existing 45 km / h Stop signs are installed in front of a Shunting or characters and to prevent a return to the track, as well as an incorrect entry of the route.

Announcement signals

A warning signal (従 属 信号 机jūzoku shingōki ) announces a main signal. The indicator refers to the main signal. A warning signal does not have a protected area.

When the driver when it detects a stop pointing signal begins only with the brakes, it is the signal run over because the braking distance is not sufficient. A warning signal prompts the driver to advance to reduce the rate allowed by the main signal.

Vorsignal

A distant signal (远方 信号 机ENPO shingōki ) is installed so that an entry signal, which on its display would be too late recognizable by short distance or due to unclear vision, yet is identified early. Speed ​​restrictions on the back of the distant signal equally as with the main signal, even if it is a warning signal. This is mainly used for non-automatic route block.

Viewing a break-in and a distant signal correspond as follows:

A distant signal can never show support and has therefore no red light. For multiple entry signals ( Please note that the railway signaling based on the signaling of the route), the distant signal is at a red entry signal warning. Otherwise, the warning signal would connect to the entry signal that does not display maintenance (only one entry signal, another signal image passed as a stop).

Passing signal

A passing signal (通过 信号 机Tsuka shingōki ) is installed when you can see only a short distance the exit signal. Its display is concerned with the display of the Ausfahrsignals. A passing signal is installed next to the entry signal. It is used only when the entry signal has two lights (with three lights of the status of the exit signal can be displayed as a warning ).

The display of the Ausfahrsignals and the Passiersignals (which is subject to an exit signal ) correspond to the following signals, the display is also marked by an entry signal:

Even a passing signal can never show support and has therefore no red light. Several Passiersignale have a one-to -one relationship with each other.

Repeater

A signal repeater (中 継 信号 机chūkei shingōki ) deals with the break-in, extension and block signal in places where visibility is given from a very close distance and the display shows the relevant signal. Three white lights per line may be used. They indicate the following:

• Ride: vertical line
• Warning: diagonal line (speed reduction, warning or speed restriction)
• Maintenance: horizontal line

This signal repeats the display of the relevant signal, and is also applied to speed limits which is indicated by the relevant signal, not from the point of signal repeater.

Where high-speed signals are placed two repeater are used to indicate a vertical line. For other signals, only one repeater is used.

Since subways the normal signal repeaters are difficult to install, can be used as an alternative signals with a colored light. This violet light is always lit. It always points to the display of the corresponding signal.

Set of signals

A signal conditioning (信号 付 属 机Shingo fuzokuki ) is located at a drive-in, extension and Shunting and complements the state of the signal.

Direction indicator

In principle an installed input or exit signal for each route must be independent. However, if more tracks are available as signals, a signal for multiple routes will be used. In this case, the direction indicator (进 路 表示 机Shinro hyōjiki ) indicates the directions in which the train may enter.

The direction is indicated by the position indicator lights. The relative position of the illuminated lamps shows the route of the indicator (max. three routes). For example, if the left light is lit, the train will go on the left path. Some indicators have numbers of the route or an arrow as a display.

Railway Gazette

A railway indicator (线路 表示 器senro hyōjiki ) is located at Rangierzeichen. Its structure depends on the position lights.

Preliminary direction indicator

When a route has multiple paths and the corresponding signals can only be seen at close range, preliminary indicators fall (进 路 予 告 机, Shinro yokokuki ) installed under the signal. The first indicator is known which way the train is going to use.

The first direction indicator in the right image shows that the right route is clear.

In some private railway companies arrows or Kanji / Katakana characters are used with the first letter of the name of the railway line in the first direction indicators.

Preliminary Indicator with number display

A direction indicator with number indicator (进 路 予 告 机 番 线 表示 灯Shinro yokokuki Bansen hyōjitō ) complements the first direction indicators and are known which route is taken. When a train in the distance shall enter number 3, the display shows a " 3". The color of the display corresponding to the display of the main signal, wherein the direction indicator has been added in this area.

Type of train display

A pull type indicator (列车 种 别 表示 灯ressha shubetsu hyōjitō ) is installed at a start signal and displays what happened this signal for a train. The type of train is transmitted by the onboard device. Mainly it is installed and used in private railway companies. But even in stations it is used for dissemination of information in entertaining and resetting trains. The type of display depends on the railways. Character and number display and some symbols are used for this purpose.

Cab signaling

A cab signaling (车内 信号Shanai Shingo ) is an onboard device that displays an image signal on the driver's cab. The Yamanote Line, Keihin - Töhoku Shinkansen line and use the cab signaling. The Tōkyō Metro uses this system. In the Yamanote Line, there are for example many lights around the speedometer of the train. The lamp, which corresponds to the maximum speed is illuminated. In the Shinkansen cab signaling was introduced because, due to the high speeds, the signal images are no longer visible and thus can not be confirmed.

Temporary signals

Slowly journey begins

Slow ride ends

A transient signal (临时 信号 机Rinji shingōki ) is installed in order to comply with the posted speed limitation in its construction site and comply. His physical appearance looks like a shield, but it is a signal.

Distant signal for speed limitation

A distant signal for speed restriction (徐 行 予 告 信号 机Joko yokoku shingōki ) announces the driver of a signal that indicates a speed restriction. The signal consists of a combination of black triangles and white squares. Below the speed is displayed, which applies to the speed restriction. Some operators use instead of the white triangles rather orange triangles. Since the signal to the Mitsubishi logo resembling it is often referred to as "Mitsubishi".

Signal for slow movements

The signal for slow movements (徐行信 号 机Joko shingōki ) is set up at the beginning of the section where the speed restriction is applied. The signal is a yellow circle, the display of the speed restriction is below the sign.

End signal for slow movements

A final signal for slow movements (徐 行 解除 信号 机Joko kaijo shingōki ) is situated at the end of the section where the speed restriction is applied. The signal is a green circle. A train must long drive slowly until the end of the train has passed the signal (see Subsequent turnouts ). So for example, should the driver with a train, which is 160 m long, only accelerate if it is 160 meters from the signal ( ie the end of the train has passed the signal). To assist the driver to install some operator signs, which indicate when the rear of the train has passed the signal.

Hand signals

A hand signal (手 信号teshingō ) is used when a signal equipment should break off or is not installed. Here, flags, lights, signs or replacement units will be used for hand signals.

Replacement Hand Signal

A replacement hand signal (代 用手 信号daiyo teshingō ) is used instead of a hand signal when the break-in or exit signal are out of service. In some stations they are installed before the determined positions.

Passier - hand signal

A Passier - hand signal (通过 手 信号Tsuka teshingō ) is used in place of a hand signal when the passing signal is inoperative.

Temporary Hand Signal

A temporary hand signal (临时 手 信号Rinji teshingō ) is used when the hand signal is necessary. Otherwise, use the replacement or the Passier - hand signal.

Special signals

A special signal (特殊 信号tokushu Shingo ) is used for train safety.

A signal base is necessary if the stop of the train is limited.

Obstacle warning

An obstacle warning (特殊 信号 発 光 机tokushu Shingo hakkōki or tokuhatsu (特 発) ) has a driver to due to an unforeseeable event on the track to stop the train. The signal consists of red lights. There are often used heavily lit red LED lamps, which can be seen even from a distance.

At the railroad crossing a Spotting device (踏 切 障害 物 検 知 装置fumikiri shōgaibutsu Kenchi Sochi ) is installed that turns the obstacle warning signal for the level crossing, such as when a car the level crossing can not leave. For rockfall detection lines are installed under the cliffs. Should be damaged by rockfall the line, the warning signal is activated. If a person is on the line, you can activate the signal through a warning system. To this end, we operated a button on the platform. Especially in long tunnel sections, these signals are used. It is to warn the driver if there was an accident in the tunnel to prevent another accident.

Japanese railway signaling factories

• K. K. Kyosan Seisakusho ( .京 三 制作 所, Eng. Kyosan Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd. )
• Nippon Shingo K. K. (日本 信号, The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.).
• Daido Shingo K. K. (大同 信号, Daido Signal Co., Ltd.).