AU2017100898A4

AU2017100898A4 - Condition Monitoring Apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2017100898A4
Application number: AU2017100898A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Daniel Cox; David Michael Geraghty; Ken Walsh
Original assignee: Mineral Resources Ltd
Current assignee: Mineral Resources Ltd
Priority date: 2016-06-30
Filing date: 2017-06-30
Publication date: 2017-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2025-06-30

Abstract

Abstract The present invention provides a condition monitoring apparatus for measuring a parameter of a wheel set (15) of a truck. The apparatus comprises at least one sensor (51) for measuring the parameter. The apparatus also comprises an alert means to alert an operator when the parameter exceeds a first preselected value or value range. Figure 5 Figure 6

Description

2017100898 30 Jun2017

Condition Monitoring Apparatus

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention is in the field of condition monitoring. In particular the present invention relates to monitoring the condition of wheel sets of multi-wheeled vehicles.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The use of trucks to transport large volumes of goods long distances is commonplace. To increase efficiencies in the transportation of goods, trucks are designed to carry the largest payload possible. It is well known to add more than one trailer to a prime mover to form a longer combination vehicle capable of increased payload. Another well-known means to increase the capacity of a truck is to add more wheel sets, therefore allowing the truck to carry a much heavier load.

[0003] A correctly functioning wheel set is critical in ensuring safe transportation. However, the wheel sets are exposed to significant wear and tear. If the wheel set is not properly maintained then it may fail fully or partially during operation. Failure of the wheel set can have a detrimental effect and may cause an accident, fire or cripple the truck such that it requires immediate repair.

[0004] A common failure of wheel sets is failure of the tyre and includes punctures and blow outs. Tyre blow outs may be caused by the brakes of the wheel set fully or partially locking the wheel creating significant friction between the tyre and the road. When this occurs the tyre is unable to freely rotate and will quickly wears away. Another failure of wheel sets relates to failure of the bearings.

[0005] When a wheel set underperforms in smaller trucks the driver is able to feel the change in performance of the truck. However, this is more difficult in larger sized trucks where a driver may not notice a change in performance of a wheel set until significant damage to the wheel set and/or truck has occurred. 2 2017100898 30 Jun2017 [0006] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of this invention to provide a condition monitoring apparatus for monitoring the condition of a wheel set, and which ameliorates, mitigates or overcomes, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice.

[0008] Throughout the specification the term ‘truck’ is used to describe a vehicle for carrying goods and includes semi-trailers, road trains, land trains, triples, turnpike doubles, Rocky Mountain doubles, longer combination vehicles, extended length vehicles, Queen city triples.

[0009] The present invention provides a condition monitoring apparatus for measuring a parameter of a wheel set of a truck, the apparatus comprises: at least one sensor for measuring the parameter; an alert means to alert an operator when the parameter exceeds a first preselected value or value range.

[0010] The condition monitoring apparatus may measure more than one parameter of the wheel set of a truck.

[0011] The condition monitoring apparatus may measure one or more parameters of each wheel set of a truck.

[0012] The condition monitoring apparatus may measure one or more parameters of selected wheel sets of a truck.

[0013] Preferably the at least one sensor is placed at or as close as practically possible to that part of the wheel set from which the parameter is to be measured. In one embodiment the at least one sensor may be a thermocouple positioned in/attached 3 2017100898 30 Jun2017 to/supported by an axle end cap of a bearing of the wheel set, such that when the axle end cap is received in an end of an axle the thermocouple is positioned to measure and monitor changes in temperature of the bearing. Each axle end cap may have a thermocouple positioned in/attached thereto.

[0014] The apparatus may measure more than one parameter of the wheel set. Each additional parameter may be measured by a further at least one sensor.

[0015] The one or more parameters to be measured may be selected from the following: tyre pressure, brake temperature, brake wear, bearing temperature.

[0016] The apparatus may measure the parameter and compare that parameter between wheel sets.

[0017] The at least one sensor may be connected to the alert means by one or a combination of: hardwiring, Wi-Fi, or other known means.

[0018] The alert means may comprise a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0019] The alert means may comprise an alarm.

[0020] The alert means may comprise a display. The display may be located in the cabin of the truck. The display may graphically display the condition of each trailer of the truck as represented by the measured parameter. The display may graphically display the condition of each wheel set of the truck as represented by the measured parameter. The display may graphically display the condition of each sensor incorporated in the truck.

[0021] The alert means may alert an operator when the alert means is not receiving a signal from the at least one sensor.

[0022] The preselected value may be that stipulated by the manufacture of the part of the wheel set being monitored. For instance, when monitoring tyre pressure the preselected value may be based on the inflation guidelines as set by the tyre manufacturer.

[0023] The alert means may alert an operator when the parameter exceeds a second preselected value. 4 2017100898 30 Jun2017 [0024] The alert means may slow or shut the truck down when the parameter exceeds a third preselected value and the operator has not taken action in response to the alert.

[0025] The preselected value may include the upper limit for safe performance of the part from which the parameter is being measured, or the optimum value for best performance.

[0026] The alert means may be in communication with a remote centre.

[0027] The present invention further provides a condition monitoring apparatus for measuring one or more parameters of each wheel set of a truck, the apparatus comprises: at least one sensor for measuring each of the one or more parameters of each wheel set; an alert means to alert an operator when any one of the one or more parameters exceeds a preselected value or value range.

[0028] The present invention provides a condition monitoring apparatus for measuring and monitoring changes in the temperature of a bearing in a wheel set of a truck, the apparatus comprises: a thermocouple supported by an axle end cap, the axle end cap being adapted to be received in an end of an axle; a programmable logic controller (PLC) for displaying the condition of the bearing; a connection means for connecting the thermocouple to the PLC; whereupon the temperature of the bearing exceeding a preselected value the PLC alerts an operator.

[0029] The preselected value may be a temperature above which the bearing shows signs of failing. 2017100898 30 Jun2017 5 [0030] The PLC may alert an operator by emitting an audible alarm and/or graphically represent a change in condition such as for example, a change in colour.

[0031] The present invention provides a condition monitoring apparatus for measuring and monitoring changes in the temperature of a bearing and/or a wheel hub assembly in a wheel set of a truck, the apparatus comprises: a thermocouple supported by an axle end cap, the axle end cap being adapted to be received in an end of an axle; a programmable logic controller (PLC) for displaying the condition of the bearing and/or the wheel hub assembly; a connection means for connecting the thermocouple to the PLC; whereupon the temperature of the bearing or the wheel hub assembly exceeding a preselected value the PLC alerts an operator.

[0032] The present invention provides a condition monitoring apparatus for measuring and monitoring changes in the temperature of a wheel hub assembly in a wheel set of a truck, the apparatus comprises: a thermocouple supported by an axle end cap, the axle end cap being adapted to be received in an end of an axle; a programmable logic controller (PLC) for displaying the condition of the wheel hub assembly; a connection means for connecting the thermocouple to the PLC; whereupon the temperature of the wheel hub assembly exceeding a preselected value the PLC alerts an operator. 6 2017100898 30 Jun2017

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of a non-limiting embodiment thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an image of an axle end cap having a thermocouple supported therethrough:

Figure 2 is an image of an end of an axle with the rim removed;

Figure 3 is an image of the axle under the trailer showing wires passing into an axle casing;

Figure 4 is an image of a hitch between trailers;

Figure 5 is an image of a side of a trailer of the truck; and Figure 6 is an image of a display.

[0034] In the figures like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The invention according to a first embodiment is in the form of a condition monitoring apparatus for use on a truck. The truck comprises a number of trailers 11 wherein each trailer 11 has a number of axle casings 17, each of which supports a wheel set 15 at each of its ends 41, and an axle 45 therein. Each wheel set 15 typically comprises two tyres each mounted on its own rim which are in a side by side relationship [0036] Referring to the figures, the condition monitoring apparatus comprises a sensor in the form of a thermocouple 51. The thermocouple 51 is supported by an axle end 7 2017100898 30 Jun2017 cap 53 such that the thermocouple 51 is in close proximity to the bearing 43 once assembled.

[0037] The thermocouple 51 has a set of wires 55 which pass through the axle casing 17, exiting the axle casing 17 at a position under the trailer 11, as best shown in figure 3. The wires then extend along the trailers of the truck (figures 4 and 5) and are connected to an alert means, which is in the form of a PLC and display 57 located in the cabin of the truck.

[0038] The PLC is programmed with a preselected value representative of a normal temperature range in which the bearing should operate. This range will largely be stipulated by the manufacturer’s specification, but may also be dependent on the payload and type of road.

[0039] The PLC receives data from the thermocouple. Upon the thermocouple reaching a temperature which exceeds the preselected value the display 57 changes such that the operator is alerted to a problem in the truck and, depending on the configuration of the display, which part of the truck has the problem.

[0040] The condition monitoring apparatus of the present invention may be configured to measure other parameters of the wheel set. However, by monitoring bearing temperature the operator will be alerted to a problem relating to the bearing, interference of the brakes, or a non-performing tyre.

[0041] The present invention allows operators of a truck to be alerted to a problem within the truck before that problem results in significant damage to the truck, and prevents a potential accident.

[0042] The present invention can be used as a preventative maintenance strategy where the truck may be proactively maintained to ensure optimal and reliable performance.

[0043] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally 2017100898 30 Jun2017 8 equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0044] Reference to positional descriptions, such as lower and upper, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0045] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

1. A condition monitoring apparatus for measuring a parameter of a wheel set of a truck, the apparatus comprises: at least one sensor for measuring the parameter; an alert means to alert an operator when the parameter exceeds a first preselected value or value range.

2. The condition monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus measures one or more parameters of one or more of each wheel set of a truck.

3. The condition monitoring apparatus according to claim 2 wherein each additional parameter is measured by a further at least one sensor

4. The condition monitoring apparatus according to claim 1,2 or 3 wherein the at least one sensor is placed at or as close as practically possible to that part of the wheel set from which the parameter is to be measured.

5. The condition monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the at least one sensor is a thermocouple positioned in/attached to/supported by an axle end cap of a bearing of the wheel set, such that when the axle end cap is received in an end of an axle the thermocouple is positioned to measure and monitor changes in temperature of the bearing.

6. The condition monitoring apparatus according to claim 5 wherein each axle end cap has a thermocouple positioned in/attached thereto.

7. The condition monitoring apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the one or more parameters to be measured are selected from the following: tyre pressure, brake temperature, brake wear, bearing temperature.

8. The condition monitoring apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus measures the parameter and compare that parameter between wheel sets.

9. The condition monitoring apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one sensor is connected to the alert means by one or a combination of: hardwiring, Wi-Fi, or other known means.

10. The condition monitoring apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the alert means comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC).

11 .The condition monitoring apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the alert means comprises an alarm.

12. The condition monitoring apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the alert means comprises a display.

13. The condition monitoring apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the display is located in the cabin of the truck.

14. The condition monitoring apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the display graphically displays the condition of each trailer of the truck as represented by the measured parameter.

15. The condition monitoring apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the display graphically displays the condition of each wheel set of the truck as represented by the measured parameter.

16. The condition monitoring apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the display graphically displays the condition of each sensor incorporated in the truck.

17. The condition monitoring apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein the alert means alerts an operator when the alert means is not receiving a signal from the at least one sensor.

18. The condition monitoring apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the preselected value is that stipulated by the manufacture of the part of the wheel set being monitored.

19. The condition monitoring apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the alert means alerts an operator when the parameter exceeds a second preselected value.

20. The condition monitoring apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the alert means slows or shut the truck down when the parameter exceeds a third preselected value and the operator has not taken action in response to the alert.

21 .The condition monitoring apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the preselected value includes the upper limit for safe performance of the part from which the parameter is being measured, or the optimum value for best performance.

22. The condition monitoring apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the alert means is in communication with a remote centre.

23. A condition monitoring apparatus for measuring one or more parameters of each wheel set of a truck, the apparatus comprises: at least one sensor for measuring each of the one or more parameters of each wheel set; an alert means to alert an operator when any one of the one or more parameters exceeds a preselected value or value range.

24. A condition monitoring apparatus for measuring and monitoring changes in the temperature of a bearing in a wheel set of a truck, the apparatus comprises: a thermocouple supported by an axle end cap, the axle end cap being adapted to be received in an end of an axle; a programmable logic controller (PLC) for displaying the condition of the bearing; a connection means for connecting the thermocouple to the PLC; whereupon the temperature of the bearing exceeding a preselected value the PLC alerts an operator.

25. The condition monitoring apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the preselected value is a temperature above which the bearing shows signs of failing.

26. The condition monitoring apparatus according to claim 24 or 25 wherein the PLC alerts an operator by emitting an audible alarm and/or graphically represents a change in condition.

27. A condition monitoring apparatus for measuring and monitoring changes in the temperature of a bearing and/or a wheel hub assembly in a wheel set of a truck, the apparatus comprises: a thermocouple supported by an axle end cap, the axle end cap being adapted to be received in an end of an axle; a programmable logic controller (PLC) for displaying the condition of the bearing and/or the wheel hub assembly; a connection means for connecting the thermocouple to the PLC; whereupon the temperature of the bearing or the wheel hub assembly exceeding a preselected value the PLC alerts an operator.

28. A condition monitoring apparatus for measuring and monitoring changes in the temperature of a wheel hub assembly in a wheel set of a truck, the apparatus comprises: a thermocouple supported by an axle end cap, the axle end cap being adapted to be received in an end of an axle; a programmable logic controller (PLC) for displaying the condition of the wheel hub assembly; a connection means for connecting the thermocouple to the PLC; whereupon the temperature of the wheel hub assembly exceeding a preselected value the PLC alerts an operator.