DE202019005736U1 - Measuring module for a coupling device for a track-guided vehicle, coupling device with such a module - Google Patents

Abstract

Measuring module for a coupling device of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, to form a mechanical coupling with another coupling device, the measuring module being insertable in the coupling device and a sensor system (6) for performing measurements and generating sensor data, a transceiver unit for data, and a processor unit for receiving and analyzing the sensor data, for sending and receiving data via the transceiver unit and in particular for outputting control signals to the coupling device and / or the track-guided vehicle based on the sensor data.

Description

The present invention relates generally to clutch assemblies for track-guided vehicles, particularly rail vehicles. In detail, the invention relates to a measuring module for a coupling device for a track-guided vehicle, a coupling device with such a module.

The term “track-guided vehicles” includes trains, wagons and multiple units that run or are guided on one or more rails. These are in particular fuel-operated or electric trains or trams.

The term “coupling arrangement” is to be understood as part of a coupling system of track-guided vehicles, whereby these are primarily mechanically connected to one another. The coupling arrangement or device allows both shock and tensile forces to be absorbed and passed on. These are mounted or designed on the rail vehicles in such a way that they can be displaced and pivoted in a curve or incline in order to maintain their alignment and thus the mechanical coupling in a stable manner.

Train couplings are usually designed in such a way that they can be coupled to one another in a mechanically stable and reliable manner in a wide variety of situations; regardless of the type of rail vehicle and / or straight or curved track sections on a horizontal plane or with an incline. Numerous pull couplings have self-centering gripping or joint areas, such as the cone-funnel arrangement in a Scharfenberg coupling or the centering mandrel of another type. However, the further the train couplings are away from one another or offset, the more difficult self-centering can be and the wear on the train couplings during the coupling process increases.

A too fast approach and an associated collision of the train couplings can also lead to increased wear and deformation and thus to a shorter operating time of the couplings.

In this context, reference is made, for example, to the publication WO 2016/193063 A1 referenced, which describes an automatic coupling system between rail vehicles.

The coupling system known from this prior art measures various situation-related properties such as the distance and / or relative speed of the rail vehicles, whereby the coupling process can be controlled when the coupling devices approach and can thus be carried out with reduced jolts.

However, a train driver cannot see whether the couplings of a first and a second train are compatible with one another and whether they fit together at all. To do this, the couplings must be read on site. This will slow down the coupling process, which will take more time. Or additional personnel are required to instruct the coupling process, which increases operating costs.

On the basis of this problem, the present invention is based on the object of designing or further developing a coupling device in such a way that the aforementioned disadvantages are overcome or at least reduced. In particular, a solution is sought which keeps the costs and the time required for such a configuration low. A method is also sought that enables a reliable coupling process between two rail vehicles.

With regard to the coupling device, the object on which the invention is based is achieved by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1.

Accordingly, the present invention relates in particular to a measuring module for a coupling device of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, for forming a mechanical coupling with another coupling device, the measuring module being insertable and / or mountable in the coupling device. In addition, the measuring module has a sensor system for performing measurements and generating sensor data, a transceiver unit for data, and a processor unit for receiving and analyzing the sensor data, for sending and receiving data via the transceiver unit and in particular for outputting control signals to the coupling device and / or the track-guided vehicle based on the sensor data.

The measuring module according to the invention has the advantage of serving as an upgrade for the known coupling devices. This saves costs and time compared to a complete replacement of the coupling devices in use, in which the corresponding rail vehicles would be out of service for a longer period of time.

Another advantage is the flexible networking and faster access to relevant data by means of the transceiver unit, which is both wired (ie by cable / line) and / or wireless (ie by radio) interface unit can be formed. The data, for example sensor data and / or analyzed sensor data, can be sent to the rail vehicle and / or to an external network and / or device, or control signals can be received from these.

The processor unit, which allows the sensor data generated to be processed or analyzed in advance, is also advantageous. In addition, the processor unit can control the sensors and the transceiver unit.

In advantageous embodiments, the sensor system, the transceiver unit and the processor unit are part of a smart connected sensor, SCS. This is a space-saving and electronic module that is designed in such a way that it can perform the functions of the units mentioned. In addition, it is programmable and can, for example, independently record and forward measurement data periodically or at certain times.

Furthermore, it has been found to be advantageous if the transceiver unit has a digital interface, in particular a Modbus, CAN, CANopen, IO-Link and / or Ethernet-compatible interface for wireless and / or wired data transmission with an external one Contraption. In this way, in particular, an on-board diagnosis can be implemented in the rail vehicle in order to send the measurement results to a vehicle system at an early stage. With such an on-board diagnosis, the vehicle system preferably automatically interrogates the corresponding sensor system.

It is also advantageous if the sensor system includes an image sensor, an acceleration or inertial sensor, a temperature sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a sensor for the detection of chemical substances, a mass flow sensor and / or a sensor for satellite-based position determination ( e.g. GPS, Galileo). This allows various measurement processes to be carried out, which can be selected depending on the task - e.g. detection of objects, distance and speed measurement, proximity measurement, environmental measurement, position measurement, incline measurement, vibration measurement, etc. In addition, measurement results from one sensor can be compared and confirmed with the measurement results from one or more other sensors.

The measuring module, in particular the sensor system, the transceiver unit and / or the processor unit, is preferably designed to determine the distance and / or the speed to another track-guided vehicle, in particular its coupling device. This has the advantage of performing a direct measurement of the components relevant during a coupling process. This reduces measurement errors and records reliable data.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor system has a transmitter for emitting a light pulse and a receiver for receiving the reflected light pulse and is designed to determine a pulse transit time from the transmitted and received light pulse and thus a distance to the reflection surface. This measurement is carried out in particular with a laser beam in order to improve the accuracy of the measurement.

Additionally or alternatively, the sensor system has a transmitter for emitting a light signal and a receiver for receiving the reflected light signal and for measuring the angle of incidence of the reflected light signal and is designed to determine a distance to the reflection surface based on the measured angle of incidence. Compared to the measurement of the pulse transit time, the triangulation by means of the angle is not tied to a measurement that is accurate in time and forms a cost-effective alternative or provides redundancy in the distance measurement.

It has proven to be advantageous if the sensor system has an RFID transponder, the RFID transponder being designed as a near-field and / or far-field component for the wireless transmission and reception of data. RFID transponders can be integrated inexpensively and flexibly. The RFID can store and provide data from its own rail vehicle and / or the coupling device so that it can be read out by another transponder. Conversely, the RFID can read out the data of a coupling device of an approaching rail vehicle and thus determine whether its own coupling device is compatible with the other coupling device. On the basis of the signal strength of the RFID of the other coupling device, the RFID can alternatively or additionally determine how far they are from one another.

According to further preferred embodiments of the present invention, the sensor system is assigned a memory device for storing information and data relevant in particular with regard to the operation of the clutch arrangement, the memory device being designed in particular to permanently store all of the data and information captured by the sensor system, and wherein the memory device is designed to be at least partially readable, preferably via remote access.

The invention further relates to a coupling device for a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, the coupling device being designed to form a mechanical coupling, in particular a Scharfenberg coupling, with another coupling device and having a measuring module according to the invention.

The coupling device is preferably equipped with a pneumatically and / or electrically operated actuator unit for moving and / or pivoting, in particular aligning, at least part of the coupling device for a coupling process, the processor unit of the measuring module for controlling the actuator unit based on the sensor data and by means of control signals is designed.

• Die Messmodule der vorliegenden Erfindung können gegenseitig in Kommunikation treten, insbesondere durch Funkkontakt, und Messdaten, Steuersignale und/oder gespeicherte Daten mittels der Senderempfängereinheit miteinander austauschen. Dadurch kann bereits bei gegenseitiger Annäherung der Kupplungseinrichtungen kontrolliert werden, ob z.B. die Kupplungseinrichtungen kompatibel miteinander sind. Zusätzlich kann aufgrund der beidseitigen Sensorik und deren Messdaten der Kupplungsvorgang sicherer gesteuert werden. Hierzu kann die Kupplungseinrichtung, insbesondere der Kupplungskopf, genauer ausgerichtet und die Geschwindigkeit des Zugs angepasst werden.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention, which were not mentioned in the subclaims, are as follows:

• The measuring modules of the present invention can enter into communication with one another, in particular through radio contact, and exchange measured data, control signals and / or stored data with one another by means of the transceiver unit. As a result, as soon as the coupling devices approach one another, it is possible to check whether, for example, the coupling devices are compatible with one another. In addition, the coupling process can be controlled more reliably due to the sensors on both sides and their measurement data. For this purpose, the coupling device, in particular the coupling head, can be aligned more precisely and the speed of the train can be adjusted.

The figures described below relate to preferred exemplary embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention, these figures not being used as a restriction, but essentially to illustrate the invention. Elements from different figures but with the same reference symbols are identical; therefore the description of an element from one figure is also valid for elements with the same name or with the same number from other figures.

• 1 eine schematische Seitenansicht auf zwei sich gegenüber angeordneten Schienenfahrzeugen mit Kupplungseinrichtungen;
• 2 eine schematische Ansicht der Daten- bzw. Netzwerkverbindung des erfindungsgemäßen Messmoduls einer Kopplungseinrichtung;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer Sensorik des erfindungsgemäßen Messmoduls;
• 4 ein Signaldiagramm der erzeugten bzw. gemessenen Signale durch eine Sensorik des erfindungsgemäßen Messmoduls;
• 5a eine schematische Darstellung eines Messprinzips des erfindungsgemäßen Messungsmoduls anhand eines entfernten Messobjekts; und
• 5b eine schematische Darstellung des Messprinzips anhand eines naheliegenden Messobjekts.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic side view of two opposite rail vehicles with coupling devices;
• 2 a schematic view of the data or network connection of the measuring module according to the invention of a coupling device;
• 3 a schematic representation of a sensor system of the measuring module according to the invention;
• 4th a signal diagram of the signals generated or measured by a sensor system of the measuring module according to the invention;
• 5a a schematic representation of a measurement principle of the measurement module according to the invention based on a remote measurement object; and
• 5b a schematic representation of the measurement principle based on a nearby measurement object.

In 1 is a representation of two trains 1 and 2 to see, each with a coupling device 3 , 4th are equipped. Both coupling devices 3 , 4th are designed to enter into a mechanical coupling with another coupling device. For this purpose, the coupling devices are each equipped with a coupling head 5 equipped, which has the necessary components of a coupling arrangement, such as a Scharfenberg coupling. The mechanical coupling of two coupling arrangements or devices enables shock and tensile forces to be transmitted to the car body (frame) of a rail vehicle. Since these forces are also transmitted in curves and inclines, the coupling devices are not rigidly attached to the respective rail vehicle. Instead, these devices are vertically and horizontally displaceable and also pivotable in a certain area and relative to the rail vehicle. In 1 are the coupling heads 5 at different heights and must be aligned prior to the mechanical coupling process. One in the coupling device 3 The built-in or designed measuring module (not shown) carries out one or more different measurements, for example to determine the distance, speed and / or position or alignment of the opposite coupling device 4th to recognize. These measurements can be made by optical sensors such as laser knives or cameras. Other sensors that work by means of other electromagnetic or acoustic waves can alternatively or additionally be used. As soon as the measurement module has recorded and analyzed the measurements required for a predetermined task or function, it can forward the data to the rail vehicle, in particular the train driver, and / or generate a control signal for braking and accelerating the rail vehicle and / or for aligning its own coupling device output the upcoming coupling with their other coupling device. In the case of 1 becomes the coupling head 5 by means of electrical and / or pneumatic actuators (not visible) downwards, offset to the level of the opposite coupling head.

2 is a schematic representation of the networking of the measuring module, in particular its sensors 6a and 6b to forward the measured and / or analyzed data from the sensors to external networks and / or systems. To this end, the measuring module and / or the sensors 6a , 6b corresponding interfaces and / or transceiver unit with which the data are sent. At the same time, data can also be received for the measuring module and the sensors 6a , 6b and / or to control the actuators of the clutch device. In 2 are data from the first sensor 6a via TCP / IP and SRWN-Link (Short Range Wireless Network) directly to a cloud or network system 7th transferable. The data from the second sensor 6b are via a BLE radio connection (Bluetooth Low Energy) to a mobile phone, for example 8th can be transmitted, in turn with a common radio connection to the cloud system 7th is connectable. An external client 9 can read out this data from the cloud system 7 or control signals via the cloud 7th to the measuring module and / or the sensor 6a , 6b send. The ones in the cloud 7th stored data of the sensors 6a , 6b are suitable and can be used to determine the status and operability of the rail vehicle and its coupling device.

3 shows a schematic representation of a sensor system 6th of the measuring module according to the invention. A transmitter is preferably used here 10 Used for optical signals such as lasers that send a signal 13th sends out. There is the signal 13th advantageously directed so that reflections can only take place from a certain direction and thus the significance of a reflected signal, in particular its origin, is clear. In this case in 3 becomes the signal 13th from a target object 12th reflected and as a reflection signal 14th from a recipient 11 the sensors 6th receive.

In 4th is a signal diagram of the signals generated or measured by a, such as in 3 shown, sensor system of the measuring module according to the invention. The X-axis is the time axis t and the Y-axis is the signal amplitude or strength. The recorded broadcast signal 13a comes from a transmitter and the recorded reflection signal 14a from a sensor receiver. A pulse signal is used to determine the distance between the sensor or transmitter and the reflection body 15th - eg an amplitude fluctuation - sent out with the transmission signal and the duration 17th measured until the reflected signal 14a an identical or similar impulse 16 having. Half the time 17th corresponds to the time it took for the signal from the transmitter to reach the target. The distance between the transmitter and the measurement object can also be calculated from this.

5a shows a schematic representation of a measurement principle of the measurement module according to the invention on the basis of a remote measurement object 12th . The sensors 6th assigns a transmitter 10 and a receiver 11 on, with the recipient 11 is formed, a distance between incident or reflected light 14th and transmitter and its angle 18a to determine. The measuring principle is essentially based on a triangulation based on the measured distance 19a between transmitter 10 and recipient 11 as well as the measured angle 18a at the receiver between the vertical axis and the axis of the reflected signal 14th . The further the measurement object 12th away, the greater the angle 18a and the shorter the distance 19a .

5b shows a schematic representation of the measuring principle by means of the sensor system 6th the end 5a , the measurement using a nearby measurement object 12th is carried out. Compared to the measurement in 5a is the distance 19b between recipient 11 and transmitter 10 greater than the distance 19a . Also is the angle 18b smaller than the angle 18a .

List of reference symbols

1

First train / multiple unit / wagon

2

Second train / multiple unit / wagon

3

Coupling device of the first train

4th

Coupling device of the second train

5

Coupling head

6th

Sensors

6a

first sensor

6b

second sensor

7th

Internet / cloud service platform

8th

external software or electronic device (e.g. mobile phone)

9

external client

10

Channel

11

recipient

12th

Measurement object

13th

Transmission signal

13a

Broadcast signal, recorded

14th

reflected signal

14a

reflected signal, recorded

15th

Transmission pulse

16

Receive pulse

17th

Duration of the signal pulse

18a

first reception angle

18b

second reception angle

19a

first transmitter-receiver distance

19b

second transmitter-receiver distance

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• WO 2016/193063 A1 [0006]

Claims (11)

Measurement module for a coupling device of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, to form a mechanical coupling with another coupling device, wherein the measuring module can be used in the coupling device and a sensor system (6) for performing measurements and generating sensor data, a transceiver unit for data, and a processor unit for receiving and analyzing the sensor data, for sending and receiving data via the transceiver unit and in particular for outputting control signals to the coupling device and / or the track-guided vehicle based on the sensor data. Measuring module according to Claim 1 , whereby the sensor system, the transceiver unit and the processor unit are part of a Smart Connected Sensor, SCS. Measuring module according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the transceiver unit has a digital interface, in particular a Modbus, CAN, CANopen, IO-Link and / or Ethernet-compatible interface, for wireless and / or wired data transmission with an external device. Measurement module according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , the sensor system (6) having an image sensor, an acceleration or inertial sensor, a temperature sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a sensor for the detection of chemical substances and / or a mass flow sensor. Measurement module according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th , wherein the measuring module, in particular the sensor system (6), the transceiver unit and / or the processor unit, is / are designed to determine the distance and / or the speed to another track-guided vehicle, in particular its coupling device. Measurement module according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the sensor system (6) has a transmitter (10) for emitting a light pulse (15) and a receiver (11) for receiving the reflected light pulse (16) and is designed, a pulse transit time from the transmitted and received light pulse and thus a distance to determine the reflection surface. Measurement module according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th , wherein the sensor system (6) has a transmitter (10) for emitting a light signal (13) and a receiver (11) for receiving the reflected light signal (14) and for measuring the angle of incidence of the reflected light signal and is designed, a distance to the To determine reflection surface based on the measured angle of incidence. Measurement module according to one of the Claims 1 until 7th , the sensor system (6) having an RFID transponder, the RFID transponder being designed as a near-field and / or far-field component for the wireless transmission and reception of data. Measurement module according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th The sensor system (6) is assigned a memory device for storing information and data relevant in particular with regard to the operation of the clutch device, the memory device being designed in particular to permanently store all of the data and information recorded by the sensor system (6), and wherein the memory device is designed to be at least partially readable, preferably via remote access. Coupling device (3) for a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, the coupling device (3) being designed to form a mechanical coupling, in particular a Scharfenberg coupling, with another coupling device (4) and a measuring module according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 having. Coupling device (3) according to Claim 10 , with a pneumatically and / or electrically operated actuator unit for moving and / or pivoting, in particular aligning, at least part of the coupling device (3) for a coupling process, the processor unit of the measuring module being designed to control the actuator unit based on the sensor data and by means of control signals is.

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