EP3656625B1 - Method of control of an application device for friction modifiers for a rail vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for controlling an application device for friction value modifiers for a rail vehicle and a control device for an application device for friction value modifiers for a rail vehicle.

In rail vehicles, the effect of a brake or a drive device depends crucially on the frictional connection between the wheels and the rails, because a driving force or braking force is transmitted to the rails via the wheels. A parameter known as the adhesion coefficient or adhesion coefficient determines the amount of braking force or driving force that can be transferred to the rail. If more force is applied to a wheel to brake or accelerate the rail vehicle than can be absorbed according to a prevailing traction across the wheel-rail contact, this can lead to slipping, skidding or locking of the wheel, which is an undesirable condition. The adhesion between a wheel and a rail is highly dependent on the friction conditions between the wheel and the rail. With high friction, a high level of traction is possible, while with low friction, for example with water or ice on the rail, there is only a low level of traction. In order to improve the efficiency of braking, in particular, rail vehicles can be equipped with particle scattering systems, via which, for example, sand can be spread onto a rail as grit. The sand can improve the adhesion between wheel and rail, and thus the frictional connection.

In principle, a distinction can be made here between stationary and vehicle-based systems for applying the friction value modifier. In the case of stationary systems, friction pastes that are applied to the rail are usually used. Vehicle-bound systems are usually scattering systems that scatter a granular medium (e.g. sand made of quartz or feldspar) onto the rail or directly into the wheel-rail gap. The spreading system is activated either manually by the driver or automatically by the braking and traction system when anti-skid or anti-skid protection is activated. The one to promote at activation Mass flow (delivery quantity over time) of the grit is defined in advance based on road tests or on the basis of standards and regulations. Depending on the vehicle concept, the mass flow is constantly set in one stage (only one mass flow is set), speed-dependent in several stages (different mass flows are set in different speed ranges) or speed-dependent continuously (the relationship between vehicle speed and mass flow is represented by a continuous function). Equivalently, a path-dependent flow rate can also be defined.

In the EP 1 181 179 B1 a method is described in which an anti-skid system regulates the brake cylinder pressure of an axle without a spreader system in the event of poor adhesion values to such an extent that the wheels do not lock. The resulting brake cylinder pressure and the desired brake cylinder pressure are compared and used as a measure for the mass flow. In the WO 2005 077 679 A1 describes a device that allows optical monitoring of the flow of grit.

the DE 10 2011 113 085 A1 discloses a particle scattering system for a rail vehicle.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved method for controlling an application device for friction coefficient modifiers and a corresponding control device. In order to optimize the starting, acceleration and braking of rail vehicles and to enable them in the worst conditions, the static friction between wheel and rail must be improved. Poor static friction is caused on the one hand by the material condition of the wheels and rails, such as (rolling contact) material fatigue, rust, and on the other hand by environmental influences, such as natural environmental influences (snow, ice, moisture, rain, dust, leaves, etc.) and environmental pollution (Oil, grease, fine dust, etc.) and their combinations that are deposited on wheels and rails.

This object is achieved by a control device for an application device for friction value modifiers for a rail vehicle and a method for controlling an application device for friction value modifiers for a rail vehicle according to the main claims. Advantageous configurations result from the dependent claims and the following description.

Different coefficient of friction modifiers offer different advantages in different situations. If an application device for coefficient of friction modifiers for a rail vehicle has at least two reservoirs for coefficient of friction modifiers, the optimum coefficient of friction modifier or a mixture of different coefficients of friction modifiers can be selected in different situations. The advantages of fluid friction value modifiers can also be used here.

A method for controlling an application device for friction coefficient modifiers for a rail vehicle comprises the following steps:
Reading in a control signal, the control signal representing environmental data and/or a coefficient of static friction between a rail and a wheel of the rail vehicle;

Determining a control signal for the dispensing device using the control signal, the control signal including information about a first delivery rate for a first coefficient of friction modifier and a second delivery rate for a second coefficient of friction modifier;

Providing the control signal to an interface to a first dosing device and to that of a dosing device;

Reading in a first filling level of a first storage container and a second filling level of a second storage container;

Comparing the filling levels with a predefined minimum filling quantity in order to adjust the control signal in the determining step with the aim of saving the coefficient of friction modifier and to provide a speed adjustment signal for adjusting the vehicle speed in the providing step.

• einen ersten Vorratsbehälter für einen ersten Reibwertmodifikator und zumindest einem zweiten Vorratsbehälter für einen zweiten von dem ersten Reibwertmodifikator verschiedenen Reibwertmodifikator; und
• eine erste Dosiereinrichtung für den ersten Vorratsbehälter und eine zweite Dosiereinrichtung für den zweiten Vorratsbehälter, wobei ansprechend auf ein Steuersignal der erste Reibwertmodifikator und/oder der zweite Reibwertmodifikator und/oder eine Mischung aus dem ersten und dem zweiten Reibwertmodifikators ausbringbar ist.

A corresponding application device for friction modifiers for a rail vehicle has the following features:

• a first reservoir for a first coefficient of friction modifier and at least one second reservoir for a second coefficient of friction modifier different from the first coefficient of friction; and
• a first dosing device for the first storage container and a second dosing device for the second storage container, wherein the first friction value modifier and/or the second friction value modifier and/or a mixture of the first and the second friction value modifier can be applied in response to a control signal.

A rail vehicle can have an application device for friction modifiers. A rail vehicle can be understood to mean a motorized rail vehicle, such as a locomotive or a railcar, or a non-motorized rail vehicle, such as a wagon. A coefficient of friction modifier can be understood as meaning a means for improving the adhesion or the non-positive connection between the wheels and the rail. The dispensing device can be provided for solid, granular, pasty or liquid coefficient of friction modifiers and solid abrasives for a rail vehicle for dispensing between rail and wheel. A friction value modifier can be understood to mean grit, particles of grit or a fluid, in particular a liquid. A coefficient of friction modifier can be suitable for improving a frictional connection between the rail and the wheel, for example by increasing the friction between the wheel and the rail. The application device has at least two reservoirs for receiving and providing friction modifiers such as a liquid or grit or particles. In this case, friction value modifiers of different materials, different sizes, different viscosities and/or different properties can be provided in different containers. The first reservoir is designed for a first friction value modifier in the form of a friction value-modifying liquid and the at least second reservoir is designed for a second friction value modifier that is different from the first friction value modifier. The dispensing device has at least one dosing device which is designed to provide a friction value modifier from one of the storage containers or a mixture of friction value modifiers from at least two different storage containers in response to a control signal, or alternatively to deliver it onto a rail. Alternatively, a dosing device can be assigned to each storage container. In this case, the dosing device can comprise a conveying device. The dosing device can be designed to mix coefficient of friction modifiers from at least two reservoirs, in particular the first reservoir and the second reservoir, in order to apply a corresponding mixture of coefficient of friction modifiers to the to deploy the rail. The quantity to be discharged or the mass flow to be discharged of the at least one friction value modifier can be determined before it leaves the dosing device or before it hits the rail, or alternatively it can be recorded. In this way, a specific quantity can be applied in a targeted and/or adjustable manner within a specific time and/or a corresponding quantity of friction value modifier to be removed can be removed from one or more storage containers. A conveying device as part of the dosing device can, for example, act electrically, pneumatically and/or mechanically. The dosing device can be designed to select a coefficient of friction modifier in response to a control signal. The control signal can include information about a reservoir, a coefficient of friction modifier, a quantity, a mass flow or a speed of the coefficient of friction modifier to be discharged.

A coefficient of friction modifier can be electrically conductive, so that there is a good electrically conductive contact between wheel and rail. In one embodiment, for example, the first coefficient of friction modifier can be quartz sand and the second coefficient of friction modifier can be aluminum particles.

Sand can reduce the electrical conductance between wheel and rail to the point of isolation. Due to the isolation of wheel and rail, track circuits of the rail section can be disturbed and rail sections can be incorrectly reported as free. In order to avoid isolation, electrically conductive grit can be used.

The dosing of the grit can be done pneumatically by positive and/or negative pressure or mechanically by a reciprocating piston, a worm or a cellular wheel. The manipulated variables for dosing are pressure, stroke or pulse width of the piston, speed of the screw or cell wheel. A fluid coefficient of friction modifier can be metered using a pump. In this way, coefficient of friction modifiers can be metered by means of a mechanism, by means of air or by means of a pump and conveyed at the same time or alternatively. In order to be able to generate the defined mass flows, the relationship between the manipulated variable and the mass flow can be determined in advance in the experiment and represented by a characteristic curve and stored in the control of the spreading system. The dosed spreading material can be conveyed further pneumatically through the conveying pipe. Alternatively, a downpipe can be used.

In one embodiment, the first coefficient of friction modifier can be a fluid that modifies the coefficient of friction.

The second friction modifier can be a friction modifier liquid, a granular friction modifier, a paste friction modifier, or a solid abrasive. Different coefficient of friction modifiers can have different properties for improving the friction between wheel and rail under different conditions. Different framework conditions can be caused, for example, by climatic influences such as temperature, rain or humidity and the resulting effects such as ice or snow.

The dispensing device can comprise at least one additional storage container for at least one additional coefficient of friction modifier and, alternatively or additionally, an additional dosing device for the additional storage container. The at least one further friction value modifier can be a friction value-modifying liquid, a granular friction value modifier, a pasty friction value modifier or a solid abrasive.

The dispensing device can include at least one lubricating pin applicator, which is designed to lubricate a wheel flange of the rail vehicle in response to the control signal. The coefficient of friction between wheel and rail can also be influenced with a lubricating stick applicator. This creates a further possibility for improving the frictional connection between wheel and rail.

The dispensing device can also have at least one friction pin applicator and/or lubricating pin applicator, which is designed to rub on the running surface of a wheel of the rail vehicle in response to the control signal.

The dispensing device can have a device for monitoring a fill level in the first storage container and additionally or alternatively in the second storage container. If the dispensing device includes additional storage containers, an additional device or additional devices can monitor the filling level of the additional storage containers.

The device for monitoring the fill level can be designed as a limit switch for a specific fill level, also referred to as a binary fill level sensor. the Device for monitoring the fill level can be designed as a fill level sensor for constant monitoring of the fill level, also referred to as an analog fill level sensor.

A control device for an application device for friction coefficient modifiers for a rail vehicle is set up to carry out and/or to control the steps of the method mentioned for controlling an application device in corresponding units.:
The control device can use a device for reading in a control signal, the control signal representing environmental data and/or a coefficient of static friction between a rail and a wheel of the rail vehicle, a device for determining a first delivery quantity for the first friction value modifier and a second delivery quantity for the second friction value modifier of the control signal, and a device for providing a control signal, wherein the control signal includes information about the first delivery rate and the second delivery rate.

The application device has a first storage container for a first friction value modifier and at least one second storage container for a second friction value modifier that is different from the first friction value modifier, as well as a first metering device for the first storage container and a second metering device for the second storage container. The first coefficient of friction modifier and/or the second coefficient of friction modifier and/or a mixture of the first and the second coefficient of friction modifier can be deployed in response to a control signal. A control device can be an electrical device which receives signals, processes them and, as a function thereof, provides at least one control signal. The control device can have one or more interfaces, which can be designed in terms of hardware and/or software. In the case of a hardware design, the interfaces can be part of an integrated circuit, for example, in which the functions of the control device are implemented. In the case of a software design, the interfaces can be software modules which are present, for example, on a microcontroller alongside other software modules. The control device can have one or more separate components, such as control devices, which are connected to one another for data transmission. The control device can be connected or can be connected to a brake control device for data transmission, for example to a brake computer, an anti-skid computer in addition or alternatively to a traction computer. The control device can also be used as Be part of a brake control device or traction control device. A control device can be designed to receive data that represent a specific variable and/or a specific state. It is conceivable that such data directly indicates a certain condition or quantity. Provision can also be made for the respective state or the respective quantity to be able to be determined from such data indicating a state and/or a quantity. The device for reading in a control signal can be designed as an interface via which a control signal present at the interface can be read in. Environmental data that can be represented by the control signal can include natural environmental influences such as snow, ice, moisture, rain, dust or leaves and, additionally or alternatively, environmental pollution such as oil, grease or fine dust, and combinations thereof, which affect wheels and rails deposit, be understood. Environmental data can also include topographical data about the rail route. Topographical data about the rail route can be combined with information about the condition of the rails. The control signal determined by the control device can be provided at a device designed as an interface for providing a control signal. The control signal has information about the first delivery rate and the second delivery rate. If the output device for friction value modifiers has an additional storage container, then the control signal can include information about the additional delivery quantity for the additional storage container or additional storage containers.

Rail condition can also be understood as the electrical conductance between wheel and rail.

Furthermore, the control device can have a device for reading in an instantaneous coefficient of static friction between the wheel and the rail. The device for determining can be designed to determine the first delivery quantity and the second delivery quantity using the instantaneous coefficient of static friction and/or a target value for the coefficient of static friction. With knowledge of the instantaneous coefficient of static friction, the coefficient of static friction can be regulated.

The control device can include a device for reading in information about the driving status of the vehicle, in particular a vehicle speed. The device can be designed to determine the first flow rate and additionally or alternatively to determine the second delivery rate using the information about the driving condition.

For example, the control device can have a device for reading in information about the electrical conductance between a wheel and the rail. The device for determining can be designed to determine the first delivery rate of a friction value modifier and/or the second delivery rate of an electrically conductive grit using the information about the electrical conductivity between a wheel and the rail.

The control device can have a device for reading in information about the filling level of the first storage container and/or at least the second storage container. In this case, the device for determining can be designed to determine the first delivery quantity and at the same time or alternatively at least the second delivery quantity using the information about the filling level.

The method for controlling an application device can have a further reading step, in which a deviation from the target value of the mass flow and the granulate speed is read in, with the control signal being checked for a predefined threshold value in the determining step in order to generate an error signal and in the step of providing the error signal. Thus, a control device on which the method is executed can react to deviations from the desired value of the mass flow and the speed of the granulate, which are caused by unspecified disruptive factors, by readjusting the manipulated variables. If there are deviations from a predefined threshold value, for example if there is a deviation from a limit value previously stored in the control device, an error message can be generated which is transmitted to the vehicle, brake and/or traction control and processed further.

The method enables an error message to be generated if the filling level falls below a predefined minimum level, i.e. a previously stored or defined limit value for the minimum filling level of the reservoir. You can then switch to alternative characteristic curves, which aim to save on the coefficient of friction modifier, assuming a lower top speed.

A computer program product with a program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium and is used to carry out the method when the program is executed on a computer or a control device is also advantageous.

An application device for friction value modifiers can have at least one dosing device, which can be provided for applying a grit and/or particles of a grit onto a rail. The grit can be composed in particular of particles. A friction value-modifying liquid can be provided in a further dosing device. The particles and/or the liquid can be suitable for improving a frictional connection between the rail and the wheel, for example by increasing the friction between the wheel and the rail. Grit can include sand and/or ceramic particles, for example. An application device for friction value modifiers can have several storage containers for receiving and providing grit or particles or liquids. In this case, friction value modifiers of different materials and/or different sizes and/or different properties can be provided in different containers. A dosing device can be designed to apply coefficient of friction modifiers from a plurality of storage containers onto a rail. Provision can be made for a dosing device to be able to mix friction value modifiers from a plurality of storage containers in order to apply a corresponding friction value modifier mixture to the rail. It is conceivable that a dosing device is designed to dispense a mixture of friction value modifiers of different types and/or sizes in accordance with the control device. In particular, coefficient of friction modifiers from different reservoirs can be mixed. To mix the coefficient of friction modifiers, several conveying devices can also be controlled simultaneously, which can each be assigned to individual storage containers. A dispensing device can have one or more dosing devices, each with associated storage containers. The dispensing device can have several reservoirs to accommodate coefficient of friction modifiers.

A dosing device can be designed to apply a coefficient of friction modifier, a grit or particles of a grit onto the rail or directly into a gap between a wheel and the rail. A dosing device can be designed for this purpose be to apply friction modifiers from several storage containers to the rail. In this case, it can be provided that a dosing device can be controlled by the control device in such a way that parameters of a quantity to be dispensed of one or more coefficient of friction modifiers can be set. It is conceivable that different friction coefficient modifiers can be accommodated in different storage containers of the dispensing device. In particular, it can be provided that different coefficient of friction modifiers differ from one another in terms of material, size, electrical conductivity and/or shape. For example, it can be provided that one type of particle with a specific size and made of a specific material is accommodated in one storage container, while particles made of a different material and/or a different size are accommodated in another storage container and one type of particle is accommodated in another storage container friction modifying liquid or paste is added. A particle size can refer to an average particle size, for example. Provision can be made for the control device to be designed to activate the dispensing device for dispensing different coefficient of friction modifiers such as liquids, particles or grit. It is conceivable that the control device is able to control the dispensing device for dispensing friction value modifiers from a plurality of storage containers based on friction value modifier property data. Friction value modifier property data can be stored in a storage device of the control device and relate, for example, to friction properties and/or hardness and/or material and/or size and/or flow properties of the particles and/or fluid properties. The dispensing device can be designed to be able to dispense friction value modifiers from different storage containers onto the rail in accordance with the control device. A coefficient of friction modifier can be understood to mean particles, liquids or friction pins as well as pastes.

In particular, the dispensing device can have a number of storage containers and a number of metering devices, as are described here. It is conceivable that the dispensing device is able to apply different coefficient of friction modifiers, such as different grit or liquids, to the rail. Coefficient of friction modifiers can differ in particular with regard to material, size and/or quality.

In one embodiment, complete monitoring of the effect of the modification of the coefficient of friction can advantageously be carried out. In this way, a basis can be created for considering the system for modifying the coefficient of friction in the brake calculation as a safety-relevant part (SIL according to EN50126, EN50128, EN50129). In this way, an optimized use of different coefficients of friction modifiers and an optimized mass flow of the coefficients of friction modifiers depending on the instantaneous coefficient of static friction can be achieved. A fully automatic check of the system when the system is stationary and while driving is also advantageous if it is activated.

In one embodiment, it can be advantageous to monitor the conductivity between wheel and rail in order to apply electrically conductive coefficient of friction modifiers when braking below a minimum conductivity. Electrically conductive friction modifiers can also be applied outside of the braking process if the conductivity falls below a minimum.

In this way, a basis can be created for making the system for modifying the coefficient of friction independent of the requirement not to use a coefficient of friction modifier under certain low speeds when braking, or to use it only under certain conditions. As a result, interference with the safety-relevant track circuits caused by friction modifiers can be ruled out.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Schienenfahrzeugs mit einer Ausbringeinrichtung für Reibwertmodifikatoren gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung einer Steuereinrichtung für eine Ausbringeinrichtung für Reibwertmodifikatoren für ein Schienenfahrzeug gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausbringeinrichtung für Reibwertmodifikatoren gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausbringeinrichtung für Reibwertmodifikatoren mit einer Steuereinrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung; und

Fig. 5

ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Steuern einer Ausbringeinrichtung für Reibwertmodifikatoren für ein Schienenfahrzeug gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

1

a schematic representation of a rail vehicle with a dispensing device for friction modifiers according to an embodiment;

2

a schematic representation of a control device for a dispensing device for friction modifiers for a rail vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3

a schematic representation of a dispensing device for friction modifiers according to an embodiment;

4

a schematic representation of an application device for friction modifiers with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

figure 5

a flow chart of a method for controlling an application device for friction modifiers for a rail vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference symbols are used for the elements which are shown in the various drawings and have a similar effect, with a repeated description of these elements being omitted.

1 shows a schematic representation of a rail vehicle 100 with an application device 102 for friction modifiers 104, 106 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Dispensing device 102 has a first reservoir 108 for a first coefficient of friction modifier 104 and a second reservoir 110 for a second coefficient of friction modifier 106. First coefficient of friction modifier 104 differs from second coefficient of friction modifier 106.

In one exemplary embodiment, the first reservoir 108 is designed for a first coefficient of friction modifier 104 in the form of a fluid that modifies the coefficient of friction.

Dispensing device 102 also has a first dosing device 112 for first reservoir 108 and a second dosing device 114 for second reservoir 110. Dispensing device 102 is connected to a control device 116 for the dispensing device for a friction value modifier 104, 106. The control device 116 provides a control signal 118 . Responsive to the control signal 118, the first dosing device 112 can provide a determinable quantity of the first coefficient of friction modifier 104 and the second dosing device 114 can provide a determinable quantity of the second coefficient of friction modifier 106. In response to control signal 118, metering device 112, 114 can dispense a determinable quantity of a determinable mixture of first coefficient of friction modifier 104 and second coefficient of friction modifier 106. The seals and conveying devices of the dosing device 112, 114 are adapted to the properties of the respective coefficient of friction modifiers 104, 106.

The dispensing device 102 has a conveying pipe 120 . In one embodiment, the conveying pipe 120 is designed as a hose. The coefficient of friction modifier 104, 106 exits at one end of the conveying pipe 120 and is applied or blown into a gap between a wheel 122 of the rail vehicle 100 and the rail 124 on which the rail vehicle 100 is traveling.

In one embodiment, the discharge device 102, which can also be referred to as a sanding module 102, consists of two sandboxes 110 and a liquid container as a storage container 108, each with a pneumatically or mechanically controlled dosing and delivery device and a hose as the delivery pipe 120. A delivery sensor can optionally be arranged on the delivery pipe 120 be based on the measurement of the electrical charge adhering to the granulate particles by means of an antenna comprising the mass flow, in which a charge shift is influenced, measures the flow rate or the mass flow of the coefficient of friction modifier.

The antenna encompassing the mass flow can alternatively be designed as a capacitor, with which the electrical susceptibility of the mass flow is measured. Parallel to the path of the mass flow, a parallel compensation antenna can comprise part of a conveying air flow branched off from the mass flow in order to measure the electrical susceptibility of the conveying air. An error due to the electrical susceptibility of the air can thus be compensated for.

To detect the particle speed, the antenna signal is compared using a second antenna of the same type, which is installed at a certain distance in the flow direction, and the granulate speed is calculated from this. The conveyor sensor can also be integrated in the sand heating pipe ("SHR"). Depending on the exemplary embodiment, the control device 116 can be integrated into a brake control system of the rail vehicle 100 which, depending on the requirements of the vehicle control, using the state of the rails, the ambient conditions and/or the previously determined particle data, one of the storage containers 110 or sandboxes 110 for spreading a friction value modifier or the storage container 108 or liquid containers 108 for dispensing a friction value-modifying liquid onto the Rail 124 responds. A device within the brake controller is designed to detect the instantaneous coefficient of static friction between the wheel 122 and the rail 124 . A filling level sensor or sand level sensor can optionally be arranged in the storage containers 108 , 110 .

2 shows a schematic representation of a control device 116 for a dispensing device 102 for friction modifiers 104, 106 for a rail vehicle 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The control device 116 can be an in 1 shown control device 116 act for a rail vehicle 100. Control device 116 has a device 226 for reading in a control signal 228, a device 230 for determining a first delivery quantity 232 for first friction value modifier 104 and a second delivery quantity 234 for second friction value modifier 106 using control signal 228, and a device 236 for providing the control signal 118 on. Control signal 228 represents environmental data and, alternatively or additionally, a coefficient of static friction between a rail and a wheel of the rail vehicle. Control signal 118 includes information about first delivery rate 232 and second delivery rate 234.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the control device 116 has a device for reading in an instantaneous coefficient of static friction between the wheel and the rail. If the control device 116 has a device for reading in the instantaneous coefficient of static friction, the device 230 for determining is designed to determine the first flow rate and the second flow rate using the instantaneous coefficient of static friction as a substitute or in addition to a target value for the coefficient of static friction. Of course, this also applies to further delivery quantities if the dispensing device to be controlled has further storage containers for further coefficient of friction modifiers.

In an exemplary embodiment that is not shown, the control device 116 has a device for reading in information about the driving state, in particular information about a vehicle speed. If the controller 116 a Has a device for reading in information about the driving condition, the device 230 for determining is designed to determine the first delivery rate as an alternative or in addition to the second delivery rate using the information about the driving condition, in particular the vehicle speed.

In one exemplary embodiment, the control device 116 has a device for reading in information about the filling level of the first storage container and alternatively or additionally at least the second storage container. If the control device 116 has a device for reading in information about a filling level, the device 230 for determining is designed to determine the first delivery quantity and at least the second delivery quantity using the information about the filling level. Furthermore, the vehicle speed can be adjusted to reduce the consumption of friction modifiers.

In one exemplary embodiment, the read-in devices mentioned can be combined in a common read-in device, which can be embodied as an interface. In this case, the device 226 for reading in a control signal 228 can also be combined with one or more of the optional devices for reading in an interface or alternatively with a device for reading in.

3 shows a schematic representation of a dispensing device 102 for friction modifiers 104, 106 according to an embodiment.

The dispensing device 102 can be an exemplary embodiment of an in 1 shown dispensing device 102 act. The dispensing device 102 has a first storage container 108 , a second storage container 110 and a further storage container 338 . A first dosing device 112 is assigned to the first reservoir 108 , a second dosing device 114 is assigned to the second reservoir 110 and a further dosing device 340 is assigned to the further reservoir 338 . The dosing devices 108, 110, 338 each have a level sensor 342. A delivery sensor 344 is arranged on a delivery pipe 120, which is connected to the storage containers 108, 110, 338 or to the dosing devices 112, 114, 340. The dosing devices 112, 114, 340, the delivery sensor 344 and the level sensors 342 are connected to a control device 116. The control device 116 is connected to a brake control device 346 . Brake control device 346 is operatively connected to a brake 348 that is not shown on wheel 122 .

The reservoirs 108, 110, 338 are designed to hold friction value modifiers 104, 106, 350. A first friction value modifier 104 is stored in the first reservoir 108, a second friction value modifier 106 in the second storage container 110 and a further friction value modifier 350 in another storage container 338.

In one exemplary embodiment, the second friction value modifier 106 is a friction value-modifying liquid, alternatively or additionally, a granular friction value modifier, and alternatively or additionally, a pasty friction value modifier, and alternatively or additionally, a solid abrasive.

In an optional exemplary embodiment, the application device 102 has at least one additional storage container 338 for an additional coefficient of friction modifier 350 and/or an additional dosing device 340 for the additional storage container 338.

In an optional exemplary embodiment, the deployment device 102 has at least one lubricating pin applicator, which lubricates a wheel flange of the rail vehicle in response to the control signal.

In an optional exemplary embodiment, the deployment device 102 has at least one friction pin applicator and/or lubricating pin applicator, which rubs on the running surface of a wheel of the rail vehicle in response to the control signal.

In an optional exemplary embodiment, the dispensing device 102 has a device 342 for monitoring a fill level in the first storage container 108 and simultaneously or alternatively in the second storage container 110 . If the dispensing device 102 has at least one additional storage container 338, then the additional storage container can also have a device 342 for monitoring the filling level. The device 342 for monitoring the fill level can be designed as a fill level sensor 342 or alternatively as a particle level sensor 342 or as a liquid level sensor 342 for monitoring a minimum fill level limit value in the reservoir.

This in 3 The exemplary embodiment described shows an application device 102 as a vehicle-bound system. One or more systems can be used for this Deployment of a granular adhesion value modifier in front of a wheel. In one exemplary embodiment, a dispensing device 102 consists of a plurality of storage containers 108, 110, 338, one or more metering and conveying devices 112, 114, 340, a conveying pipe 120, a conveying sensor 344 for detecting the mass flow and/or the speed of the granulate, a control device 116, a device 346 within the braking and traction control for detecting the instantaneous coefficient of static friction between wheel 122 and rail 124, and a device 342 for monitoring the level in the reservoir. The dosing and conveying device 112, 114, 340 is designed in such a way that the mass flow can be adjusted and activated via a manipulated variable by the controller or control device 116. The previously determined characteristic curves of manipulated variable over mass flow and optimum mass flow and coefficient of friction modifier over vehicle speed and/or instantaneous coefficient of static friction are stored in control device 116 . The conveyor sensor 344 detects the mass flow and/or the speed of the granules. If there are several reservoirs 108, 110, 338 and/or metering and conveying devices 112, 114, 340 per wheel 122, the reservoirs 108, 110, 338 are filled with different coefficient of friction modifiers 104, 106, 350 (different material, size, nature). Depending on the current environmental influences and the current conditions of static friction, friction value modifier 104, 106, 350 can be pumped from a specific one or a combination of storage containers 108, 110, 338. The device 342 for monitoring the fill level is designed as a fill level sensor or fill level limit switch. Device 346 within the brake and/or traction controller determines the instantaneous coefficient of static friction when anti-skid or anti-skid protection responds and transmits this to control device 116 together with the vehicle speed and the request to modify the coefficient of friction. On the basis of the instantaneous coefficient of static friction determined by brake and traction controller 346 and the instantaneous speed, the manipulated variable is set in accordance with the characteristics stored in control device 116. The mass flow is monitored by the conveyor sensor 344 . The control device 116 reacts to deviations from the target value of the mass flow and the speed of the granulate, which are caused by unspecified disruptive factors, by readjusting the manipulated variables. In the event of deviations that exceed a limit value previously stored in control device 116, control device 116 generates an error message that is transmitted to the vehicle, brake, and/or traction control. The Control device 116 an error message that is transmitted to the vehicle, brake and / or traction control. After that, you can switch to alternative characteristic curves, which aim to save on the coefficient of friction modifier, assuming a lower maximum speed. The instantaneous coefficient of static friction is continuously determined by traction control 346 and compared with the setpoint value in control device 116 . In the event of deviations, the characteristic curves are optimized accordingly and the data is saved for later evaluation.

In one exemplary embodiment, if a limit value previously stored in control device 116 for the minimum static friction value to be achieved is not reached, control device 116 generates an error message that is transmitted to the vehicle, brake, and/or traction control.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the dispensing device 102 has three storage containers 108 , 110 , 338 . Each reservoir 108, 110, 338 contains different coefficient of friction modifiers 104, 106, 350, which differ in terms of material, size and/or composition and have different friction properties. For example, when a storage container 108, 110, 338 is low, the degree or quantity of friction coefficient modifier that is taken from at least one other storage container 108, 110, 338 can be increased in control device 116.

4 shows a schematic representation of an application device 102 for friction modifiers 104, 106, 350 with a control device 116 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing device 102 can be the one already in 1 or 3 shown dispensing device 102 act. The deployment device 102 is associated with a wheel 122 of a rail vehicle. The application device 102 is designed to apply at least one friction value modifier in front of the wheel 122 in the direction of travel 452 . A control device 116 is designed to receive signals and to output a control signal 118 to a control 454 for a plurality of reservoirs 108, 110, 338 for coefficient of friction modifiers. The first reservoir 108 is designed to hold a liquid as a coefficient of friction modifier. The second reservoir 110 and a further reservoir 338 are provided for accommodating a second or further friction value modifier, the friction value modifiers comprising a friction value-modifying liquid, a granular friction value modifier, a pasty friction value modifier or alternatively a solid abrasive. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a conveying pipe 120 extends from the second storage container 110 and the further storage container 338 in the direction of the gap between the rail 124 and the wheel 122 in order to introduce a coefficient of friction modifier into the gap. Separately, another conveyor tube 456 goes from the first reservoir 108 in the direction of the gap between the rail 124 and the wheel 122. In one embodiment, a conveyor sensor 344 is arranged on the conveyor tube 120 to monitor the mass flow of the friction modifier in the conveyor tube 120. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a discharge nozzle 458 is arranged at the end of the conveying pipe 120 and at the end of the further conveying pipe 456 .

In one exemplary embodiment, a sensor 460 for monitoring the degree of soiling of the rail 124 is arranged in front of the wheel 122 in the direction of travel 452 . A sensor 462 for monitoring a rail condition can optionally be arranged behind the wheel 122 in the direction of travel 452 . The condition of the rails can be detected optically or electrically, for example. The sensors 460, 462 are connected to the control device 116. A transmittable adhesion value 464 can optionally be determined by a measuring device connected to the wheel 122 and made available to the control device 116 .

In one exemplary embodiment, information about the rail condition 466 can be provided to the control device 116 from a database or a register using information about a position of the rail vehicle. The control device 116 can process the sensor signals from the sensors 460, 462, information about the transferrable adhesion value 464 and additionally or alternatively information about the rail condition 466 and can provide a control signal 118 using the signals or information mentioned.

In one exemplary embodiment, application device 102 is designed as a module for modifying the coefficient of friction per wheel 122 and consists of a sand container 110 with sand containing coarse quartz, a sand container 338 with fine sand containing corundum, and a liquid container 108 with lubricant based on lime soap grease, each with a pneumatic or mechanically controlled dosing and conveying device 112, 114, 340 and a hose as conveying pipe 120 as well as a lubricating pin applicator 468 for wheel flange lubrication. The application device also includes sensors 344 (including the in 4 Level sensors 342, not shown, on the containers 108, 110, 338 and conveying pipe 120 for detecting the sand speed and sand conveying quantity, the liquid conveying quantity, the filling levels of the containers and the existing lubricating pin length. Additional sensors and devices for recording the rail condition (cadastre, optical scanning, electrical conductivity to the wheel, ...), the weather condition, the rail position (curve, straight, incline, incline, ...), the vehicle speed, the traction are optional -, Braking state and the sliding anti-skid state provided. The control device 116 is designed as a controller which, depending on the above recorded or known data (coefficient of friction modifier, environmental conditions, rail condition, driving condition, etc.), applies or applies the corresponding optimum friction coefficient modifier (quartz sand, lubricant, etc.). .activates the corresponding dosing and conveying device and readjusts it accordingly.

figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method 500 for controlling an application device for friction coefficient modifiers for a rail vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The rail vehicle can be an exemplary embodiment of a 1 act already shown rail vehicle 100. The discharge device can be an in 1 , 3 or 4 shown dispensing device 102 act. The application device comprises a first storage container for a first friction value modifier in the form of a friction value-modifying liquid and at least one second storage container for a second friction value modifier that is different from the first friction value modifier and a first metering device for the first storage container and a second metering device for the second storage container. The first coefficient of friction modifier and/or the second coefficient of friction modifier and/or a mixture of the first and the second coefficient of friction modifier can be deployed in response to a control signal. Method 500 has a step 510 of reading in a control signal, a step 520 of determining a control signal for the application device using the control signal, and a step 530 of providing the control signal. The control signal represents environmental data and, alternatively or additionally, a coefficient of static friction between a rail and a wheel of the rail vehicle. The control signal represents information about a first delivery quantity for the first coefficient of friction modifier and a second delivery quantity for the second coefficient of friction modifier. If the application device has further reservoirs for further coefficient of friction modifiers, the control signal also represents further delivery quantities for the further coefficient of friction modifiers.

The exemplary embodiments described are only chosen as examples.

Reference List

100

rail vehicle

102

discharge device

104

first friction modifier, friction modifying fluid

106

second coefficient of friction modifier

108

first reservoir

110

second reservoir

112

first dosing device

114

second dosing device

116

control device

118

control signal

120

conveyor pipe

122

wheel

124

rail

226

Device for reading in a control signal

228

control signal

230

device to determine

232

first flow rate

234

second flow rate

236

facility to deploy

338

another storage container

340

further dosing device

342

level sensor

344

conveyor sensor

346

brake control device

348

brake

350

another friction coefficient modifier

452

driving direction

454

control

456

another conveyor pipe

458

discharge nozzle

460

sensor

462

sensor

464

transferable bond value

466

Information about rail condition

468

grease stick applicator

500

procedure

510

Step of reading in a control signal

520

Step of determining a control signal

530

Step of providing the control signal

Claims (3)

1. A method (500) for controlling an application device (102) for friction modifiers (104, 106; 350) for a rail vehicle (100), the application device (102) having a first storage container (108) for a first friction modifier (104), at least one second storage container (110) for a second friction modifier (106) different from the first friction modifier (104), a first metering device (112) for the first storage container (108) and a second metering device (114) for the second storage container (110), it being possible to apply the first friction modifier (104) and/or the second friction modifier (106) and/or a mixture of the first friction modifier (104) and the second friction modifier (106) in response to a control signal (118), the method (500) comprising the following steps:

   the inputting (510) of a closed-loop control signal (228), this closed-loop control signal (228) representing environmental data and/or a static friction value between a rail (124) and a wheel (122) of a rail vehicle (100);

   the determination (520) of an open-loop control signal (118) for the application device (102) using the closed-loop control signal (228), the open-loop control signal (118) comprising information about a first discharge volume for the first friction modifier (104) and a second discharge volume for the second friction modifier (106) using the control signal (228); and

   the provision (530) of the open-loop control signal (118) at an interface with the first metering device (112) and to the second metering device (114),

   characterised in that

   the method (500) comprises a further inputting step at which a first fill level of the first storage container (108) and a second fill level of the second storage container (110) are input, these fill levels being compared to a pre-defined minimum fill level in a comparison step in order to adjust the open-loop control signal (118) in the determination step (520) with the aim of saving friction modifier (104, 106; 350) and providing a speed adjustment signal for adjusting the vehicle speed in the provision step (530).
2. A method (500) according to claim 1, having a further intputting step at which a deviation from the set-point value of the mass flow and from the granulate speed is input, at the determination step (520) the open-loop control signal (118) being checked for a pre-defined threshold value in order to generate an error signal and then to provide it at the provision step (530).
3. An open-loop control device (116) for an application device (102) for friction modifiers (104, 106; 350) for a rail vehicle (100), the output device (102) having a first storage container (108) for a first friction modifier (104), at least one second storage container (110) for a second friction modifier (106) different from the first friction modifier (104), a first metering device (112) for the first storage container (108) and a second metering device (114) for the second storage device (110), it being possible to apply the first friction modifier (104) and/or the second friction modifier (106) and/or a mixture of the first friction modifier (104) and the second friction modifier (106) in response to an open-loop control signal (118), the open-loop control device (116) being configured to perform or trigger the steps of the method according to either of the preceding claims in corresponding units.

Images