JP2000038127A - System and method for electronically controlling air pressure of air brake system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten a train stopping distance render an air supply source rechargeable, improve a train line communication function, and lift restrictions on the number of cars forming a train, by providing a system for electronically controlling the air pressure of an existent twenty-sixth brake system. SOLUTION: This system comprises a locomotive brake control valve 13 disposed in a locomotive for braking and releasing control, a train line communication means 15 for receiving, for later transmission, at least braking or releasing signals from the control valve 13, an electronically controlled pneumatic(ECP) car controller 14 placed in a car in the train to receive the signals from the communication means 15 and sends out corresponding braking or releasing commands, and an air pressure unit for receiving the commands from the car controller 14 and sending an input pressure to car brake cylinders in response to the commands. A joint box is optionally arranged at each end of each car in the train to receive the signals and convert them into an allowable input level before passing them to the car controller 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a railway vehicle braking system, and more particularly to a system for electronically controlling a train's air brake system, and more specifically, to a system for controlling a train air brake system.
The present invention relates to a system applicable to a type brake system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The "26-L" air brake system is an equipment package configured to meet today's train operating requirements. This system uses pressurized air to brake a locomotive and associated wagons or coaches. This system was designed by the assignee of the present invention, Westinghouse Air Brake Company (WABCO),
Is being developed.

[0003] The "26-L" system can be provided with either a "26-C" air brake control valve or a "26-F" air brake control valve as a main control device of this device structure. These valves provide a manual means to initiate pneumatic braking and release.

[0004] The "26-C" valve is used in passenger locomotives and vehicles. "26-F" valves are used on freight locomotives and vehicles. The present invention relates to "26-C" or "26-C".
-F "line, so type 26 is
It is meant to include any of these brake systems.

[0005]

The 26-type brake system can stop a train by transmitting air propagating in a certain time frame to the end of the train.
There are several problems with this type of brake system.
One disadvantage of this system is that the train requires a long enough stopping distance to compensate for the time it takes for the air to be transported to the end of the train. Care must also be taken to ensure that there is sufficient air supply after one or a series of braking actions and before performing the next braking action. In addition, since the currently used 26-type brake system cannot respond quickly to the deceleration of the leading vehicle over a long distance, the number of vehicles that can be included in a train formation is limited, and passenger transportation is limited. In the field, the number is about 15 units.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention relates to the currently used 2
Solving the above problems of the 6-type brake system, resulting in improved safety of the brake system and great economical advantages;
A system and method for electronically controlling the air pressure of a 26-type brake system.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for electronically controlling the air pressure of a pneumatic brake system for a train, particularly a currently used 26 type brake system. Such electronic controls may include shorter stopping distances, more replenished air supplies, improved train line communication, and an unlimited number of trains. Benefits can be given.

[0008] The present system for electronically controlling the air pressure of a 26-type brake system includes a train line communication means, ie, an in-train communication means, for sending a braking action and / or a brake release communication to the end of the train. And a connection box arranged at each end of each vehicle in the train organization to receive these communications from a communication line. The junction box is capable of sending these communication signals to an electronically controlled pneumatic (hereinafter referred to as "ECP") vehicle controller for conversion to acceptable input levels. The ECP vehicle control device can also be called a central control device. This vehicle control device holds software for controlling the pneumatic unit and many electronic device transmission functions for the system. The pneumatic unit is responsive to the braking action and / or brake release electronic signal sent from the ECP vehicle control and responds to the electropneumatic and pneumatic valves that deliver the final input pressure to the vehicle brake cylinder. Including.

The present invention can be applied to either a standard brake system or a relay system.

[0010] The system is also provided with protective measures,
In the event of a failure of the electronic system, a 26-type control valve can take over and enable the braking capacity of the train.

[0011] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0012]

FIG. 1 shows a locomotive brake control valve 1 according to the present invention.
3 shows an in-train communication system (in-train communication line) 15 which is a train line communication means for transmitting information to the entire train formation 10 including a locomotive 11 having a plurality of vehicles 3 and a plurality of vehicles 12. At least one electronically controlled pneumatic (EC
P) A vehicle control device 14 is provided. The locomotive brake control valve 13 sends a communication signal to the EPC vehicle control device 14 via the in-train communication system 15. This in-train communication system sends information such as a braking action or a brake release command by radio, a current signal, or any known communication means.

FIG. 2 shows one vehicle 12 in a train set 10.
And an individual member for electronically controlling the air brake cylinder of the vehicle is provided. Generally, each vehicle in a train set includes these components, but the system may be configured such that these components are not required for all vehicles. This may be the case, for example, for vehicles that are semi-permanently connected and are disconnected only during repair. The vehicle 12 includes a train line, that is, an in-train communication system 15 for transmitting at least the braking action and / or the brake release communication to the end of the train. It should be noted that other types of communication can be conveyed along this in-train communication system. Junction boxes 20 are located at each end of the vehicle 12 and receive at least their braking and / or braking release communication from the in-train communication system 15 and convert these communication signals to lower voltage levels. For example, the input level is converted into an allowable input level so that it can be sent to the ECP vehicle control device 14. The ECP vehicle control device 14 can also be called a central control device. This controller holds software for controlling the pneumatic unit 17 as well as many electronic device transmission functions for the system. The pneumatic unit 17 includes an electro-pneumatic valve and a pneumatic valve that respond to the electronic signal sent from the ECP vehicle control device 14 and send the final input pressure to the vehicle brake cylinder via the brake pipe 18 based on the signal.

The present invention can be applied to either a standard brake system or a relay system. The relay system is
While a relay valve 19, e.g. a J-relay valve, must be provided to release the output pressure from the pneumatic valve and send the final input pressure to the brake cylinder, in a standard system the output pressure is directly from the pneumatic valve. Sent. When longer vehicles are used in a train, a transit system is used.

The present system is a system capable of monitoring brake pipes and communication lines in a train and sending pressure to a pneumatic unit. The control reservoir and the auxiliary reservoir are sources that can be used to apply the brake. The braking action is to first shut off the 26-type control valve, hold the valve in the relaxed position (this provides a continuous refill function), and the electronically controlled air pressure activates the braking action. It is done so that it can be controlled. The system is also equipped with protective measures, in the event of a failure of the electronic system, a type 26 control valve can take over and make the train's braking capacity available.

The present invention has a significant advantage over the conventional 26-type brake system, which allows a train to be stopped by transmitting air propagating in a certain time frame to the end of the train. ing. The electronically controlled pneumatic pressure according to the present invention reduces the stopping distance because the brakes can be applied almost simultaneously on all vehicles in the train formation. The 26-inch EPC vehicle controller is also a source of air supply because the transmission medium passes through electrons rather than air pressure. Another advantage of the present invention is that train lines or intra-train communication functions can be incorporated into the system. Further, the present invention does not limit the number of vehicles that can be included in a train set. This ability is an important economic advantage.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described in sufficient, appropriate, and precise terms to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the same. Although the invention has been described for use in passenger cars, it should be noted that the system is not limited to this embodiment and can be applied to other types of vehicles in a train set. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications, changes, equivalents and alternatives of the members of the specifically illustrated embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Will be understood.

Therefore, the present invention can be protected not only by the appended claims but also by the concepts described in the following items. (1) The system for electronically controlling air pressure of an air brake system according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of vehicles are provided in the train. (2) Each of the vehicles in the train is provided with a pair of connection boxes, an electronically controlled pneumatic vehicle control device, and a pneumatic unit. System to control. 3. The pneumatic brake system of claim 3 wherein said pneumatic unit includes electropneumatic and pneumatic valves and software that enable said pneumatic unit to respond to said braking and brake release communication signals. Electronically controlled system. (4) The pneumatic brake system according to (2), wherein the pneumatic unit includes electropneumatic and pneumatic valves and software that enable the pneumatic unit to respond to the brake action and brake release communication signals. A system that electronically controls air pressure. (5) Further, the output pressure is released from the pneumatic valve,
4. The system for electronically controlling air pressure in a pneumatic brake system according to claim 3, wherein a relay valve for sending a final input pressure to the vehicle brake cylinder is provided in series between the pneumatic valve and the vehicle brake cylinder. (6) The system for electronically controlling the air pressure of the air brake system according to the above (5), wherein the relay valve is a J-relay valve. (7) Further, the output pressure is released from the pneumatic valve,
The system for electronically controlling the air pressure of an air brake system according to the above (2), wherein a relay valve for sending a final input pressure to the vehicle brake cylinder is provided in series between the pneumatic valve and the vehicle brake cylinder. (8) The system for electronically controlling the air pressure of the air brake system according to the above (7), wherein the relay valve is a J-relay valve. (9) receiving at least the brake action and brake release communication signal from the communication system in the train;
Arranging a pair of junction boxes on each of the vehicles in the train to convert the communication signals to acceptable input levels so that the communication signals can be sent to the electronically controlled pneumatic vehicle controller;
Disposing an electronically controlled pneumatic vehicle control device for receiving at least one of the brake action and the brake release communication signal from the junction box in each of the vehicles; and at least the braking action from the electronically controlled pneumatic vehicle control device. And a pneumatic unit receiving the brake release communication signal and transmitting an input pressure to a vehicle brake cylinder in response to the communication signal is disposed in each of the vehicles in the train. A method of electronically controlling the air pressure in the air brake system. (10) The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of disposing electropneumatic and pneumatic valves and software on the pneumatic unit to enable the pneumatic unit to respond to the braking and brake release communication signals. A method of electronically controlling the air pressure in the air brake system. (11) The above (9) further including the step of disposing electropneumatic and pneumatic valves and software on the pneumatic unit to enable the pneumatic unit to respond to the brake action and brake release communication signals. Electronically controlling the air pressure of the air brake system as described. (12) The method further comprises the step of disposing a relay valve for releasing an output pressure from the pneumatic unit and transmitting a final input pressure to the vehicle brake cylinder in series between the pneumatic unit and the vehicle brake cylinder. A method for electronically controlling the air pressure of the air brake system according to claim 4. (13) Further, the method includes a step of disposing a relay valve for releasing an output pressure from the pneumatic unit and transmitting a final input pressure to the vehicle brake cylinder in series between the pneumatic unit and the vehicle brake cylinder. Item 9) A method for electronically controlling the air pressure of the air brake system according to the item [9].

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall view of an in-train communication system for transmitting information through an entire train set.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one vehicle in a train set with individual members for electronically controlling a vehicle air brake cylinder.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: train organization, 11: locomotive, 12: vehicle, 13: locomotive brake control valve, 14: electronically controlled air pressure (EC
P) Vehicle control device, 15: Train communication system (train line communication means), 17: Pneumatic unit, 18: Brake pipe, 19: Relay valve, 20: Connection box.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Michael E. Romanski Inventor, United States, Pennsylvania, North Huntingdon, Sempul Drive 570 (72) Inventor, Lawrence M. Kushner Jr., United States, Pennsylvania, North Huntingdon, Frida Drive 11770 (72) Inventor Ralph Santoro Jr. Greensburg Road 2424, New Kensington, PA, USA

Claims (6)

[Claims] At least one locomotive and at least one locomotive
A system for electronically controlling the air pressure of an air brake system of a train including two vehicles, comprising: (a) disposed in at least one of the locomotives and disposed in at least one of the locomotives; A locomotive brake control valve for controlling braking and release and transmitting a braking and release communication signal to the in-train communication system; and (b) at least one of the locomotives and the locomotive coupled thereto. Train line communication disposed on at least one of the vehicles, receiving at least the brake action and brake release communication signal from the locomotive brake control valve, and transmitting the brake action and brake release communication signal to the entire train. Means disposed on at least one of the vehicles for receiving at least the brake action and brake release communication signals. System for controlling the air pressure of the air brake system that and a control formula pneumatic vehicle control device electronically. 2. At least one of the vehicles in the train is disposed at each end of the vehicle, and receives at least the brake action and brake release communication signals from the train line communication means, and controls the communication signals according to the electronic control. 2. A system for electronically controlling air pressure in a pneumatic brake system according to claim 1, further comprising a connection box for converting said communication signal to an allowable input level before sending said communication signal to a pneumatic vehicle control device. 3. The system is provided in at least one of the vehicles in the train, receives at least the brake action and brake release communication signals from the electronically controlled pneumatic vehicle control device, and responds to the communication signals. 2. A system for electronically controlling air pressure in an air brake system according to claim 1, further comprising a pneumatic unit that sends input pressure to a vehicle brake cylinder. 4. At least one locomotive and at least one locomotive
A method for electronically controlling the air pressure of an air brake system of a train including two vehicles, comprising: (a) controlling a braking action and a brake release, and transmitting a brake action and a brake release communication signal to a communication system in a train Arranging a locomotive brake control valve to be sent to one locomotive, and (b) the locomotive brake control arranged to at least one locomotive via the intra-train communication system. Sending the brake action and brake release communication signals throughout the train from a valve to at least one of the vehicles; and (c) electronically controlling receiving at least one of the brake action and brake release communication signals. Disposing a pneumatic vehicle control device on at least one of the vehicles; and (d) providing at least the brake operation from the electronically controlled pneumatic vehicle control device. Disposing a pneumatic unit in at least one of the vehicles in the train that receives a utility and brake release communication signal and sends input pressure to a vehicle brake cylinder in response to the communication signal. A method of electronically controlling the air pressure in the brake system. 5. Prior to said step (d), further receiving at least said brake action and brake release communication signal from said in-train communication system and sending said communication signal to said electronically controlled pneumatic vehicle control device. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of: arranging at each end of at least one of said vehicles in said train electronically the air pressure of the air brake system. How to control. 6. The air brake system according to claim 4, wherein the train has a plurality of vehicles, and the steps (b), (c), and (d) are performed on each of the vehicles. Method of electronically controlling the air pressure of a vehicle.