Filter system with collection tray

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for capturing braking particles from a friction braking system (10), comprising a vacuum source (20), a pneumatic circuit (30) connecting the friction braking system (10) to the vacuum source (20), and a particle filtration system (40) located on the pneumatic circuit (30) and comprising a support (41) and a filter (42) mounted on the support (41), the filter (42) being preferentially clogged with particles on a surface during operation. The capturing system (1) further comprises a storage container (50) capable of receiving particles disengaged from the filter (42).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for capturing braking particles from a friction braking system, comprising a vacuum source, a pneumatic circuit, and a particle filtration system, wherein the pneumatic circuit connects the friction braking system to the atmosphere, the vacuum source is located on the pneumatic circuit, and the particle filtration system is located on the pneumatic circuit and includes a filter that is preferentially clogged with particles on its surface during operation.

[0002] Such friction braking systems can be fitted to road vehicles or rail vehicles. They can also be fitted to stationary rotor machines, such as wind turbines or industrial machinery.

[0003] In such systems, a vacuum source (e.g., a motor-driven suction turbine) is provided, connected to the friction braking system via a pneumatic circuit, along with a filter for collecting particles emitted by the braking system. The pneumatic circuit continues downstream from the vacuum source to the atmosphere. The filter is placed upstream of the vacuum source and prevents particles from passing through the vacuum source and being released into the atmosphere. This filter can also be placed downstream of the vacuum source, in which case it also prevents particles from being released into the atmosphere. Such filters collect particles throughout their entire volume (i.e., throughout their entire thickness). However, the pressure drop across these filters increases as particles and dust deposit inside and on the surfaces of the filters. Eventually, the pressure drop across the filter becomes too large to allow air to flow. This is known as filter clogging. The filter must then be replaced. This replacement requires maintenance work and additional costs. Such filters are described in document US 2002 / 112458.

[0004] One way to overcome this problem is to regularly remove dust from the filter before it becomes clogged, thus extending its lifespan. With this in mind, it is advantageous to use surface filters, which are filters that are preferentially clogged at or even only on their outermost layer (upstream of the outermost layer relative to the airflow direction). These filters consist of, for example, a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or cellulose nanofibers on their surface. In fact, dust on the filter surface is easier to remove than dust stored inside the filter. This facilitates the removal of dust from the filter (a process known as unclogging).

[0005] However, during the same period of system operation, such filters can trap less particles than their storage capacity, as the filters collect particles throughout their entire volume. Therefore, the challenge is how to remove these particles so that the filters can continue to operate optimally and have a longer service life. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome these shortcomings.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a system for capturing brake particles from a friction braking system, wherein the filter provides optimized efficiency and service life.

[0008] This objective is achieved by the fact that the capture system also includes a storage container capable of containing particles, which can be detached from the filter.

[0009] With these arrangements, particles trapped by the filter are periodically stored in a separate area of ​​the filter. This allows for regular cleaning of the filter and maintains its filtration capacity. Filter maintenance is also convenient, as particles are removed by periodically emptying the storage container.

[0010] Advantageously, the capture system also includes a draining device for the filter, which allows particles to fall into the storage container.

[0011] The particles are thus periodically removed from the filter, which extends the lifespan of the filter and therefore the lifespan of the capture system.

[0012] For example, this unclogging device is a vibrator that can make the filter vibrate.

[0013] For example, this unblocking device includes a generator that generates airflow through the filter.

[0014] For example, this generator is a vacuum source.

[0015] Advantageously, the storage container and support form an enclosed space.

[0016] The particles accumulated in the filter and those contained in the storage container are therefore unable to escape into the atmosphere.

[0017] Advantageously, the storage container can be detached from the support.

[0018] The storage container can then be emptied of the particles that have accumulated inside, and then reassembled with the support.

[0019] For example, the filter extends primarily within a horizontal plane P.

[0020] For example, the filter extends primarily within a plane P that forms a non-zero angle β with the horizontal plane H, less than or equal to 90°.

[0021] Advantageously, the storage container includes a closure mechanism, which makes it possible to prevent the particles from coming into contact with external operators.

[0022] Operators therefore do not come into contact with particles (toxic) during the handling of storage containers.

[0023] For example, the vacuum source is located on the section of the conduit that connects the braking system to the filtration system.

[0024] The invention will be properly understood and its advantages will become more apparent after reading the following detailed description of some embodiments shown by way of non-limiting examples. The description refers to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] In the picture:

[0026] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the capture system according to the present invention.

[0027] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the capture system, showing the filtration and storage systems as assembled.

[0028] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the capture system, showing the filtration and storage systems when disassembled.

[0029] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a capture system according to another embodiment.

[0030] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the capture system according to the present invention.

[0031] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the capture system according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 The particle capture system 1 according to the invention is schematically shown, in which these particles are emitted by the friction braking system 10.

[0033] This friction braking system 10 includes a brake pad 11 for braking a vehicle. The pad 11 includes a backing plate 12 and a liner 13 made of friction material fixed to the backing plate 12. Figure 1 In the middle, the padding 11 is visible from below, and the backing plate 12 is in the foreground.

[0034] Pad 11 (first pad) faces the disc 9 driven by the wheels of a vehicle or machine. A second identical pad (not visible) is located on the other side of the disc 9 and faces the first pad 11 such that the two pads sandwich the disc 9 in the middle. Braking of the disc 9 is achieved by the friction between the two linings 13 and the disc 9 as the two pads approach the disc 9.

[0035] The capture system 1 includes a pneumatic circuit 30 and a vacuum source 20. A liner 11 and a second liner are connected to the vacuum source 20 via the pneumatic circuit 30. For example, the vacuum source 20 includes an electric motor 21 and a suction turbine 22 driven by the electric motor 21. The pneumatic circuit 30 thus extends from the friction braking system 10 to the vacuum source 20 and then continues downstream of the vacuum source 20 to the atmosphere (outside).

[0036] During operation, as particles are discharged from liner 13, vacuum source 20 can draw the particles upwards, subsequently causing them to pass through pneumatic circuit 30. Figure 1 Arrow F in the diagram indicates the direction of air and particle circulation during normal operation. Arrow F thus indicates flow from upstream to downstream. The capture system also includes a filtration system 40, which comprises a support 41 and a filter 42. The filtration system 40 is located on the loop 30, meaning that air circulating in the loop 30 passes through the filter 42. The filter 42 is mounted on the support 41, which is sealed to the duct 30 such that the support 41 forms open spaces only upstream and downstream in the loop 30 and in the storage container 50 described below. Particles therefore tend to remain in these spaces. The filtration system 40 is advantageously located upstream of the vacuum source 20 to prevent as many particles as possible from passing through the vacuum source 20. Figure 1 This variant is indicated by [reference needed]. Alternatively, the filter system 40 is located downstream of the vacuum source 20 on the conduit 30, meaning the vacuum source 20 is located on the portion of the conduit 30 that connects the braking system 10 to the filter system 40. Figure 6 This variant is shown in the image.

[0037] Figure 2 and 3 This is a perspective view of the capture system, showing the filtering system 40 and the storage system 50. Figure 2 In the diagram, the filtration system 40 and the storage system 50 are shown assembled together. Figure 3 In the diagram, the filtration system 40 and the storage system 50 are shown disassembled. For example, the support 41 is a housing in which the filter 42 is housed. Thus, the filter 42 separates the housing 41 into an upstream portion and a downstream portion. Air from the upstream portion of the circuit 30 enters the housing 41 through inlet port 411 at the upstream portion of the housing 41. The air passes through the filter 42 and exits the housing 41 through outlet port 412 at the downstream portion of the housing 41 to enter the downstream portion of the circuit 30. Both ports 411 and 412 are located on the same side of the housing 41. Alternatively, the two ports 411 and 412 are each located on opposite sides of the housing 41.

[0038] The capture system 1 also includes a storage container 50. The storage container 50 is integrated with the support 41 and is intended to contain and store particles that have detached from the filter 42. Figure 2 In this configuration, the support member 41 is a housing, and the housing 41 and the storage container 50 form an enclosed space (except for the inlet and outlet ports (411, 412)). The joint between the housing 41 (or more generally, the support member 41) and the storage container 50 is sealed (e.g., using gaskets) to prevent particles from escaping.

[0039] Storage container 50 is detachable from housing 41. Therefore, container 50 can be easily emptied and then reattached to housing 41. For emptying, storage container 50 is advantageously provided with a cap (see below). Figure 3 In the image, container 50 is shown detached from housing 41. Figure 2 In the diagram, container 50 is shown fixed to housing 41. Alternatively, storage container 50 may form a single assembly with housing 41. In both cases, storage container 50 may have an emptying port 55 (as shown in...). Figure 2 and 3 (See dashed line in the image) The emptying port 55 is closed during operation and can be opened to empty particles from the container 50. The emptying port 55 is located, for example, on the inner surface of the housing 50 (along the vertical axis A). Therefore, in the case of a removable container 50, the container 50 can be emptied without being removed from the housing 41. This emptying of the container 50 can be assisted by a particle suction device connected to this emptying port 55.

[0040] Filter 42 has a bottom surface 426, a top surface 427, and side edges that join these two surfaces. The terms "bottom" and "top" are defined relative to the vertical (vertical axis A) during operation. A horizontal plane H is defined as perpendicular to this vertical axis A. The two surfaces are parallel and extend parallel to plane P. The two surfaces are separated by a distance equal to the thickness of filter 42. Each of the two surfaces has a width and length (or dimension) in plane P that is greater than (or even much greater, i.e., at least five times) the thickness. Therefore, filter 42 is said to extend primarily in plane P.

[0041] During operation, air passes from its bottom surface 426 through the filter 42 to its top surface 427, causing particles to accumulate on the bottom surface 426. The particles are thus able to fall into the storage container 50 due to gravity, which is fixed to the housing 41 on the bottom surface 426 side. The storage container 50 thus faces the bottom surface 426.

[0042] exist Figure 2 and 3 In one embodiment, the filter 42 is positioned in the housing 41 (or more generally, on the support 41) such that the plane P in which the filter 42 extends is horizontal.

[0043] During operation, the storage container 50 remains below the filter 42. Therefore, particles periodically detach from the bottom surface 426 of the filter 42 and fall into the container 50 solely by gravity. The vibration of a vehicle or machine assists in the gravity effect. The clogging of the filter 42 thus occurs naturally during operation.

[0044] Advantageously, the capture system 1 also includes a device 60 for clearing the filter 42, which allows particles to fall from the filter 42 into the storage container 50. This clearing device 60 (in...) Figure 1 (Schematably shown) Connected to support 41 (or directly connected to filter 42), and its effect thus supplements the effect of gravity. For example, the unblocking device 60 includes an airflow generator. This generator is, for example, a fan that blows air in the direction of bottom surface 426 to dislodge particles from bottom surface 426. In this case, the unblocking device 60 includes a conduit and a nozzle (not shown) at the end of the conduit, which makes it possible to direct airflow from the generator toward filter 42. This generator is, for example, a vacuum extractor that generates an airflow moving away from bottom surface 426 to suck particles away from bottom surface 426. Alternatively, the generator is a fan that blows air in the direction of top surface 427 (against this flow) to dislodge particles.

[0045] The generator is, for example, a vacuum source 20, which is then connected to a filter 42 via a conduit, thus avoiding the use of a separate air source. Figure 5 An example of this embodiment is shown. In this case, the generator is associated with a solenoid valve 65, which is mounted on a conduit 30 that is already connected to the filter system 40 (upstream) and the vacuum source 20 (downstream), and is also mounted on a conduit 30 downstream of the vacuum source 20. For example, the solenoid valve 65 also allows for modulation of the power of the airflow. During normal operation (in Figure 5 (As indicated in the diagram), air circulates in the loop 30 of the filtration system 40 toward the vacuum source 20, then exits and enters the outside (the direction of air circulation is indicated by the arrow on the solenoid valve 65). During a clearing operation, air circulates in the opposite direction through the solenoid valve 65 (the arrow direction of the solenoid valve 65 will then be relative to...). Figure 5 (Reverse). Vacuum source 20 therefore draws in air from the outside to direct the air toward filter 42 so that particles are dislodged.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the unblocking device 60 is a vibrator capable of vibrating the filter 42 in a manner that causes particles to fall off.

[0047] Figure 4Another embodiment of the invention is shown. The filter 42 extends primarily in a plane P forming a non-zero angle β less than or equal to, or strictly less than, 90° with the horizontal plane H. The filter 42 is thus inclined relative to the horizontal. In this case, the filter 42 advantageously extends towards a vertical plane forming a fold line 428 of the filter 42 to facilitate particle falling into the storage container 50. Figure 2 and 3 In this embodiment, filter 42 is in a horizontal position. This corresponds to the case where angle β is zero (i.e., equal to 0°).

[0048] Advantageously, the housing 41 (or more generally, the support 41) is provided with a sealing mechanism that seals the housing 41 to prevent any particles from contacting the operator. Various openings on the exterior of the housing 41 can thus be sealed shut. Specifically, the inlet port 411 and the outlet port 412 can be closed by plugs, and the opening of the housing 41 toward the storage container 50 can be closed by a closure (e.g., a cover with a peripheral gasket).

[0049] It is also advantageous for the storage container 50 to be equipped with a sealing mechanism that seals the storage container 50 to prevent any particles from contacting the operator. Specifically, the emptying port 55 can be sealed by a plug. Furthermore, the outwardly open surfaces of the storage container (e.g., the top surface) when the storage container 50 is detached from the housing 41 can be closed by a cover 57. For example, the cover 57 is hinged to the side wall of the storage container 50 and includes a single swing-type flap that covers the entire top surface of the container 50, such as... Figure 3 As described in the diagram (with the cap in the closed position). Alternatively, the cap 57 includes two flaps that swing downwards onto the top surface of the container 50 to close the container 50. Closure of the storage container 50 can be performed by a closing mechanism, or alternatively, closure of the housing 41 can be performed by another closing mechanism.

[0050] During operation or maintenance, the storage container 50 is repeatedly disassembled, emptied, and reassembled to the support 41 throughout the service life of the filter 42. In some cases, the size of the storage container 50 may be configured such that the filter 42 does not need to be emptied throughout its entire service life. In this case, the storage container 50 is replaced, and the filter 42 is emptied or replaced simultaneously. It is then advantageous that the storage container 50 is fixed to the support 41 and is not removable, and this support is fixed to the housing 41. This further simplifies the manufacture of the capture system 1.

Claims

1. A capture system (1) for capturing braking particles from a friction braking system (10), the capture system (1) comprising a vacuum source (20), a pneumatic circuit (30), and a filtration system (40) for the particles, the pneumatic circuit (30) connecting the friction braking system (10) to the atmosphere, the vacuum source (20) being located on the pneumatic circuit (30), the filtration system (40) being located on the pneumatic circuit (30) and comprising a support (41) and a filter (42) mounted on the support (41), the filter (42) being preferentially clogged on its surface by the particles during operation, the capture system (1) The feature is that it also includes a storage container (50) capable of containing particles detached from the filter (42), the storage container (50) including an emptying port (55) which is closed during operation and can be opened to empty particles from the storage container (50), and the storage container (50) including a closure mechanism capable of preventing the particles from contacting an external operator, the storage container (50) being detachable from the support (41), and when the storage container (50) is detached from the support (41), the externally open surface of the storage container (50) can be closed by a cover (57) hinged to the side wall of the storage container (50).

2. The capture system (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a draining device (60) for the filter capable of causing the particles to fall into the storage container (50).

3. The capture system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The unblocking device (60) is a vibrator capable of vibrating the filter (42).

4. The capture system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The unblocking device (60) includes a generator for airflow passing through the filter (42).

5. The capture system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The generator is a vacuum source (20).

6. The capture system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the storage container (50) and the support (41) form an enclosed space.

7. The capture system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the filter (42) extends primarily in a horizontal plane P.

8. The capture system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the filter (42) extends primarily within a plane P forming a non-zero angle β less than or equal to 90° with the horizontal plane H.

9. The capture system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The vacuum source (20) is located on the part of the circuit (30) that connects the braking system (10) to the filter system (40).

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