WO2019211262A2

WO2019211262A2 - Monitoring system for a coupling and/or damping element of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2019211262A2
Application number: PCT/EP2019/061004
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthias Homann
Original assignee: Voith Patent Gmbh
Priority date: 2018-05-02
Filing date: 2019-04-30
Publication date: 2019-11-07
Also published as: WO2019211262A3; EP3787952A2; DE102018110462A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a monitoring system for a coupling and/or damping element of a vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, wherein the coupling and/or damping element comprising at least two components which are movable relative to one another along at least one direction of movement, with at least one transmitter and at least one sensor, which are designed and arranged to detect the movement of the two components along the at least one direction of movement, wherein the transmitter and the sensor are connected in a signal-transmitting manner, so that the sensor detects a signal generated by the transmitter. the monitoring system according to the invention is characterized in that the at least one transmitter and the at least one sensor are positioned at a constant distance from one another and an element modifying the signal transmission which is movable with one of the components or in accordance with the relative movement of the components, in order to change the transmitted signal relative to its position, is provided.

Description

Monitoring system for a coupling and / or damping element of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle

The present invention relates to a monitoring system for a coupling and / or damping element of a vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, according to the preamble of the independent claims.

Coupling and / or damping elements of vehicles, in particular rail vehicles, as relates to the present invention, transmit driving and / or impact forces. You can be provided to reduce transmitted to the vehicle interior shock forces with energy absorbing elements. The life of corresponding coupling and / or damping elements depends on their load during operation of the vehicle. In order to be able to better evaluate the current state of such a coupling and / or damping element, a generic overwashing system is proposed in WO 2017/198520 A1 which monitors and evaluates changes in distance between two components of the damping element which are movable relative to each other along at least one direction of movement. For this purpose, a sensor may be provided with a coil for detecting a magnetic field. Furthermore, the speed or the time of changing the distance can be taken into account.

WO 2014/124848 A1 discloses a monitoring of coupling elements of a vehicle, in which at least one significant relative direction of motion is determined and relative movements along the relevant relative direction of movement of the coupling element to be monitored are measured and stored, wherein an evaluation of the stored relative movements takes place. The two cited documents refer to monitoring systems in which a sensor and a transmitter are integrated into the coupling and / or damping element in such a way that they move relative to one another and the relative movement relative to one another along with the two components movable relative to one another along the at least one movement direction is determined by the changing position of the encoder relative to the sensor. This is disadvantageous in a desired space-effective integration of the monitoring system in the coupling and / or damping element and may adversely affect the detection accuracy, namely, if the relative position of sensor and encoder is subject to tolerances.

The present invention has for its object to provide a monitoring system for a coupling and / or damping element of a vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, which is improved over the generic monitoring system with respect to the disadvantages mentioned.

The object of the invention is achieved by a monitoring system with the features of the independent claims. In the dependent claims, a coupling and / or damping element are provided with a monitoring system according to the invention and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

An inventive monitoring system for a coupling and / or damping element of a vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, wherein the coupling and / or damping element has at least two relatively movable along at least one direction of movement components comprises at least one encoder and at least one sensor, which is set up and arranged are to detect the movement of the two components along the at least one direction of movement. The encoder and the sensor are signal-transmitting connected, so that the sensor generates a signal generated by the encoder detected. The signal may, for example, be a magnetic field generated by the transmitter. However, other analog or digital signals come into consideration.

According to the invention, the at least one sensor and the at least one sensor are positioned at a constant distance from one another. Further, a signal transmission modifying element is provided which is movable with one of the components or in dependence of the relative movement of the components to change the transmitted signal depending on its position.

Due to the configuration according to the invention, the position of encoder and sensor, in particular within a common component or mounted on a common component, can thus be precisely determined. Tolerances are largely avoided. The determination of the relative movement of the two components along the at least one movement direction is no longer effected by the fact that the sensor and the encoder move relative to each other, but by the fact that the signal transmission modifying element is provided which move relative to the sensor and the encoder can, in dependence on the relative movement between the two components, preferably together with one of the two components.

In principle, the monitoring system according to the invention can also be combined with monitoring systems comprising conventionally positioned sensors and encoders.

An alternative embodiment of the invention provides that, instead of the transmitter and sensor positioned at a constant distance from each other, the encoder is designed as a rotary encoder and is connected to an articulated joint. It could also be defined that the rotary encoder forms a sensor and a sensor, which are integrated to a rotary encoder. The articulated joint is executed to convert a relative linear movement of the two components to one another in a rotary movement, wherein this rotational movement is detected by the rotary encoder. Thus, a conventional sensor which detects the position of the encoder can also be dispensed with here. Rather, the encoder itself can provide the necessary signal about its rotational position in order to assess the movement of the two components relative to each other.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmitter has at least one magnet, in particular permanent magnets, on or is formed by the latter and the sensor is set up to detect a magnetic field generated by the transmitter. The signal transmission modifying element is then movable in the magnetic field to change this depending on its position. This change in the magnetic field can be detected by the sensor and generate a corresponding signal which describes the relative movement of the two components as a function of the detected change.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the transmitter has at least one electrical coil or is formed by it and the sensor is set up to detect an electromagnetic field generated by the transmitter. The signal transmission modifying element is then movable in the electromagnetic field to change this depending on its position. The sensor can detect this change in the electromagnetic field and generate a corresponding signal which describes the relative movement of the two components as a function of the detected change.

Furthermore, it is possible to change the inductance of the coil in dependence on the relative position of the two components and to detect this change in order to determine the relative position. In such an embodiment, in which a relative movement of the two components is detected via the inductance change of the coil, the coil forms not only the encoder but also the Sensor. Again, the coil generates a signal, namely in the form of the electromagnetic field, which is changed depending on the position of the signal transmission modifying element. This change in the electromagnetic field in turn causes a change in the inductance of the coil, wherein this inductance change can be detected, for example by means of an evaluation unit.

In practice, the embodiment with a coil can advantageously be made more robust against external influences. However, both embodiments can also be combined with each other.

The signal transmission modifying element is made of metal, for example, and can be formed by a coupling rod according to an embodiment of the invention.

Preferably, an evaluation unit is provided, which is connected to the sensor or integrated in this. The evaluation unit is preferably set up to determine the extent of the movement, the speed of the movement and / or the acceleration of the movement of the two components relative to one another from the signal detected by the sensor or, in the case of the embodiment with a rotary encoder from the signal generated by the rotary encoder.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the encoder and the sensor are arranged within a common recess and the signal transmission modifying element is along the recess, in particular immediately adjacent to this, or within the recess or in the recess movable. In particular, in the embodiment with rotary encoder, a protective device may be provided which encloses the sensor and / or the encoder in order to shield it against mechanical and environmental influences.

The signals generated or forwarded by the sensor or the signals of the rotary encoder can be evaluated in the optional evaluation unit and made available to a higher-level system. Alternatively, the evaluation unit can be integrated in the higher-level system.

A coupling and / or damping element according to the invention of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, has at least two components movable relative to one another along at least one direction of movement, as well as a monitoring system according to the invention. The direction of movement can be oriented horizontally, for example. By way of example, the coupling and / or damping element may be a buffer, such as side buffers or middle buffers, a collision element or a coupling of a rail vehicle to another rail vehicle.

According to one embodiment of the coupling and / or damping element according to the invention, the two components are in telescopic engagement with each other in the direction of movement and are secured by a rotation against rotation relative to each other, wherein the direction of rotation corresponds to a circumferential direction about the direction of movement. The sensor and the encoder can then be arranged in the rotation.

The anti-rotation device preferably has a bolt mounted on or formed by one of the two components, which extends with its longitudinal axis in the direction of movement and engages in a recess of the other component which also extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis to form an undercut. The sensor and the encoder can then be positioned in the bar or on the bolt and the other component can form the signal transmission modifying element.

Preferably, the at least one common recess is provided in the bolt, wherein this common recess preferably also extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis within the bolt.

The encoder may for example be mounted on the surface or in a screw with which the bolt is mounted on the one component.

The invention will be described by way of example with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures.

Show it:

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an inventive

Monitoring system;

Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a traction coupling with rotation, in which the monitoring system according to the invention can be integrated;

FIG. 4 shows a latch of the anti-twist device from FIG. 3 in one

Rear view;

FIG. 5 shows the bolt in a front view; Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a possible integration of the overgrowth system according to the invention in the bar in a plan view; FIG. 7 shows the bolt from FIG. 6 in a front view;

Figure 8 shows an alternative integration of the monitoring system in the bar in a schematic plan view; FIG. 9 shows the bolt from FIG. 8 in a front view;

10 shows an embodiment of an inventive

Monitoring system analogous to Figure 1, but with a transmitter comprising an electric coil for generating an electromagnetic field.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a monitoring system according to the invention with a first component 2 and a second component 3. The second component 3 is movable in the direction of movement 1 relative to the first component 2.

In the first component 2, an encoder 4 and a sensor 5 are arranged at a constant distance from one another. This means that the distance between the transmitter 4 and the sensor 5 does not change when the second component 3 moves relative to the first component 2.

The encoder 4 generates a signal which is received by the sensor 5. For example, the signal is a magnetic field 8 when the encoder 4 comprises a magnet 7 or is formed by this. Instead of a magnet 7 or in addition to the magnet 7, the transmitter 4 may also comprise a coil or are formed by these, so that the signal is an electromagnetic field generated by the coil.

The second component 3 forms a signal transmission modifying element 6, here for example with the region of its axial end face. The signal transmission modifying element 6 slides in such a way over the sensor 5 in the direction of movement 1 that the signal generated by the transmitter 4, for example the magnetic field 8, is changed, this change being detected by the sensor 5.

Analogous to the illustration in FIG. 1, FIG. 10 shows the alternative embodiment mentioned, in which the transmitter 4 comprises or is formed by a coil 7 '. The signal transmission modifying element 6 changes its position within the electromagnetic field 8 'generated by the coil 7' and thus the electromagnetic field 8 'itself, this change in the electromagnetic field 8' being detected by the sensor 5. Additionally or alternatively, a change in the inductance of the coil 7 ', wherein the inductance of the coil 7' on the position of the signal transmission modifying element 6 is dependent, are detected, so that the coil 7 'thus at the same time forms the sensor, which corresponds to 5 'is designated.

Thus, according to both embodiments according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 10, it can be determined from the signal detected by the sensor 5, 5 'that the second component 3 has moved relative to the first component 2. In particular, the extent of the movement, ie the distance covered by the component 3, and / or the speed of the movement and / or the acceleration during the movement can be detected or determined from detected values.

In an evaluation unit 10, to which the sensor 5, 5 'is wired or wirelessly connected, for example, the determination of the desired Size from the sensor 5, 5 'detected signal or from the output values of the sensor 5 done.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the encoder 4 is designed as a rotary encoder. For example, the second component 3 is telescopically retractable into the first component 2 in the direction of movement 1. On the first component 2 and on the second component 3, an articulated joint 12 with two lever arms 17, 18 and three pivot points 19, 20, 21 connected, the relative linear movement between the first component 2 and the second component 3 along the direction of movement 1 in a rotational movement converts, the encoder 4 detects as a rotary encoder. This movement, in particular the extent of the movement, the speed and / or the acceleration can then in turn be determined for example in the evaluation unit 10 from the output values of the transmitter 4.

In FIG. 3, the first component 2 and the second component 3 are part of a traction coupling. The first component 2 and the second component 3 are in telescoping engagement with each other, so that the second component 3 can be more or less retracted into the first component 2. When retracted act energy absorbing elements 22 to dampen the retraction movement of the second component 3.

The direction of movement 1 corresponds to the longitudinal axis 15 of the two components 2, 3.

The second component 3 comprises or is formed by a coupling rod 9.

In order to prevent the coupling rod 9 or the second component 3 from being rotated relative to the first component 2 about the longitudinal axis 15, an anti-twist device 13 is provided. This includes a latch 14, which with Screws 23 is mounted inside the component 2, and a corresponding recess 16 in the second component 3 and in the coupling rod. 9

In the rotation 13, preferably in the latch 14, the monitoring device can now be integrated.

In the figures 4 and 5, the bolt 14 is shown again. As you can see, this has a recess, referred to herein as common recess 11, because this is particularly well suited for the arrangement of the encoder 4 and the sensor 5 and the propagation of a magnetic field 8 favors, as shown by way of example in Figures 6 to 9 is. Instead of the magnetic encoder 4 or in addition to this, in turn, as explained with reference to Figure 10, an inductive sensor may be provided, in particular in the form of a coil 7 'whose inductance is dependent on the relative position of the component 3 to the component 2 (see 3), wherein the relative movement between the components 2 and 3, a different degrees of attenuation of the inductance of the coil 7 'is effected, so that from the change in the inductance, the current relative position can be detected. Also, an electromagnetic field 8 'generated by the coil 7' can be used analogously to the magnetic field 8 for detecting the relative movement between the components 2 and 3.

In the design according to FIG. 6, the sensor 5 is provided instead of one of the two screws 23 in FIG. 3 or can also fulfill its function. The encoder 4 is integrated in the other of the two screws 23 or provided on its surface, for example on the outer periphery, as shown in Figure 6, or the front side, as indicated in Figure 7.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 8 and 9, the sensor 5 in turn replaces one of the two screws 23 in FIG. 3, preferably the screw which is closer to the second component 3 or the coupling rod 9, and FIG Encoder 4 is fixed in the middle between the two screws 23 in the common recess 11.

Also in the embodiment according to FIGS. 8 and 9, the encoder 4 may comprise an electric coil 7 'and correspondingly generate an electromagnetic field 8' instead of the magnetic field 8 shown here.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 direction of movement

2 first component

3 second component

4 donors

5, 5 'sensor

6, the signal transmission modifying element

7 magnet

7 'coil

8 magnetic field

8 electromagnetic field

9 coupling rod

10 evaluation unit

1 1 common recess

12 articulation

13 anti-rotation

14 bars

15 longitudinal axis

16 recess

17 articulated arm

18 articulated arm

19 pivot

20 pivot point

21 pivot point

22 Energy Consumption Element

23 screw

Claims

claims

1. Monitoring system for a coupling and / or damping element of a vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, wherein the coupling and / or damping element at least two relative to each other along at least one direction of movement (1) movable components (2, 3), with at least one encoder ( 4) and at least one sensor (5, 5 '), which are arranged and arranged to detect the movement of the two components (2, 3) along the at least one movement direction (1), wherein the transmitter (4) and the sensor ( 5, 5 ') are connected in a signal-transmitting manner, so that the sensor (5, 5') detects a signal generated by the transmitter (4);

characterized in that

the at least one transmitter (4) and the at least one sensor (5, 5 ') are positioned at a constant distance from one another and a signal transmission modifying element (6) is provided which is connected to one of the components (2, 3) or in dependence on Relative movement of the components (2, 3) is movable to change the transmitted signal depending on its position.

2. Monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the encoder (4) at least one magnet (7), in particular permanent magnets, comprises or is formed by this, the sensor (5) for detecting a by the encoder (4) generated magnetic field (8 ) is arranged and the signal transmission modifying element (6) in the magnetic field (8) is movable to change this depending on its position.

3. Monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the encoder (4) comprises at least one coil (7 ') or is formed by these, the sensor (5') for detecting a by the encoder (4) generated electromagnetic field (8 ') is set up and the signal transmission modifying element (6) in the electromagnetic field

(8) is movable to change this depending on its position.

4. Monitoring system for a coupling and / or damping element of a vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, wherein the coupling and / or damping element at least two relative to each other along at least one direction of movement (1) movable components (2, 3), with at least one encoder ( 4) and sensor (5 ') which are arranged and arranged to detect the movement of the two components (2, 3) along the at least one movement direction (1);

characterized in that

the encoder (4) and the sensor (5 ') are formed by at least one coil (7') which generates a signal in the form of an electromagnetic field (8 ') and a signal transmission modifying element (6) is provided with one of the components (2, 3) or in dependence of the relative movement of the components (2, 3) is movable to change in dependence of its position by changing the electromagnetic field (8 ') an inductance of the coil (7').

5. Monitoring system according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the signal transmission modifying element (6) is made of metal and in particular by a coupling rod

(9) is formed.

6. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an evaluation unit (10) is provided, which is set up from the signal detected by the sensor (5, 5 ') or from the inductance of the coil (7') the extent of the movement, the Speed of movement and / or the acceleration of the movement of the two components (2, 3) relative to each other to determine.

7. Monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the transmitter (4) and the sensor (5. 5 ') within a common recess (11) are arranged and the signal transmission modifying element (6) along the recess (11), in particular immediately adjacent to this, or within or in the recess (11) is movable.

8. Monitoring system for a coupling and / or damping element of a vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, wherein the coupling and / or damping element at least two relative to each other along at least one direction of movement (1) movable components (2, 3), with at least one encoder ( 4) arranged and arranged to detect the movement of the two components (2, 3) along the at least one movement direction (1);

characterized in that

the encoder (4) is designed as a rotary encoder and is connected to an articulated joint (12), which is designed to convert a relative linear movement of the two components (2, 3) to each other in a rotational movement, said rotational movement with the encoder (4) is detected ,

9. coupling and / or damping element of a vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, with at least two relative to each other along at least one direction of movement (1) movable components (2, 3) and a monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Coupling and / or damping element according to claim 9 with a monitoring system according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the two components (2, 3) in the direction of movement (1) are in telescopic engagement with each other and secured by a rotation (13) against rotation relative to each other in the circumferential direction to the direction of movement (1), wherein the encoder (4) and the sensor (5, 5 ') in the rotation (13) are arranged.

11. coupling and / or damping element according to claim 10, characterized in that the anti-rotation device (13) mounted on one of the two components (2, 3) or formed by this bolt (14), which with its longitudinal axis (15 ) in the direction of movement (1) and in a in the direction of the longitudinal axis (15) extending recess (16) of the other component (2, 3) engages to form an undercut, wherein the encoder (4) and the sensor (5, 5 ') are positioned in or on the latch (14) and the other component (2, 3) forms the signal transmission modifying element (6).

12. Coupling and / or damping element according to claim 11, characterized in that the bolt (14) has the common recess (11) and the common recess (11) extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (15) in the bolt (14).