Monitoring system for a clutch and / or damping element of a vehicle, especially a rail vehicle

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling and / or damping element of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, according to the preamble of the independent patent claims.

[0002] Coupling and / or damping elements of vehicles, in particular rail vehicles, as pertaining to the present invention, transmit driving and / or impact forces. They can be provided with energy-absorbing elements to reduce impact forces transmitted into the vehicle interior. The service life of corresponding coupling and / or damping elements depends on their load during vehicle operation. In order to better assess the current condition of such a coupling and / or damping element, WO 2017 / 198520 A1 proposes a monitoring system of the type mentioned above that monitors and evaluates changes in distance between two components of the damping element that are movable relative to one another along at least one direction of movement. For this purpose, a sensor with a coil for detecting a magnetic field can be provided. Furthermore, the speed or the time of the change in distance can be taken into account.

[0003] WO 2014 / 124848 A1 discloses a monitoring of coupling elements of a vehicle, in which at least one relevant relative movement direction is determined and relative movements along the relevant relative movement direction of the coupling element to be monitored are measured and stored, wherein an evaluation of the stored relative movements takes place.

[0004] Both of these 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 each other together with the two components that are movable relative to each other along at least one direction of movement, and the relative movement is determined by the changing position of the transmitter relative to the sensor. This is disadvantageous if the monitoring system is to be integrated into the coupling and / or damping element in the most space-efficient way possible and can have an adverse effect on detection accuracy if the relative position of the sensor and transmitter is subject to tolerances.

[0005] Monitoring systems for arrangements with at least two components movable relative to one another along at least one direction of movement are also known from US 2007 / 0145196 A1 and WO 2018 / 028860 A1, wherein the arrangement of encoder and sensor takes place on only one of the components.

[0006] US 2007 / 0145196 A1 describes a monitoring device for detecting the coupling status of a clutch with a mating clutch, comprising two coils arranged at a distance from one another on one of the clutches and acting as a transmitter and sensor, wherein the coupling status is detected via the field change on the coil acting as a sensor caused by the approach of the mating clutch.

[0007] WO 2018 / 028860 A1 comprises a device for monitoring a relative movement of two elements with a transmitter and a sensor, which are arranged at a distance from each other but fastened to each other and, in the form of a shear or tear-off sensor, thus enables easy replacement of the sensor after triggering.

[0008] The present invention is based on the object of specifying a monitoring system for a coupling and / or damping element of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, which is improved compared to the generic monitoring system with regard to the disadvantages mentioned.

[0009] The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the independent patent claim. The dependent patent claims specify a coupling and / or damping element with a monitoring system and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0010] A monitoring system according to the invention for a coupling and / or damping element of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, wherein the coupling and / or damping element has at least two components movable relative to one another along at least one direction of movement, comprises 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. The transmitter and the sensor are connected in a signal-transmitting manner, such that the sensor detects a signal generated by the transmitter. The signal can be, for example, a magnetic field generated by the transmitter. However, other analog or digital signals are also possible.

[0011] According to the invention, the at least one transmitter and the at least one sensor are positioned at a constant distance from each other. Furthermore, a signal transmission modifying element is provided, which is movable with one of the components or depending on the relative movement of the components in order to modify the transmitted signal depending on its position.

[0012] Due to the design according to the invention, the position of the encoder and sensor can thus be precisely determined, in particular within a common component or mounted on a common component. Tolerances are largely avoided. The determination of the relative movement of the two components along the at least one direction of movement is no longer achieved by the sensor and encoder moving relative to one another, but rather by providing the element that modifies the signal transmission, which can move relative to the sensor and encoder, depending on the relative movement between the two components, preferably jointly with one of the two components.

[0013] In principle, the monitoring system according to the invention can also be combined with monitoring systems comprising conventionally positioned sensors and transmitters.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor comprises or is formed by at least one magnet, in particular a permanent magnet, and the sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field generated by the sensor. The element modifying the signal transmission is then movable within the magnetic field in order to change it depending on its position. The sensor can detect this change in the magnetic field and generate a corresponding signal that describes the relative movement of the two components depending on the detected change.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the transmitter comprises or is formed by at least one electrical coil, and the sensor is configured to detect an electromagnetic field generated by the transmitter. The element modifying the signal transmission is then movable within the electromagnetic field in order to change it depending on its position. The sensor can detect this change in the electromagnetic field and generate a corresponding signal that describes the relative movement of the two components depending on the detected change.

[0016] Furthermore, it is possible to change the inductance of the coil depending 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 change in inductance of the coil, the coil forms not only the transmitter but also the sensor. Here, too, the coil generates a signal, namely in the form of an electromagnetic field, which changes depending on the position of the element modifying the signal transmission. This change in the electromagnetic field, in turn, causes a change in the inductance of the coil, and this change in inductance can be detected, for example, by means of an evaluation unit.

[0017] In practice, the single-coil design can be advantageously more robust against external influences. However, both designs can also be combined.

[0018] The signal transmission modifying element is made of metal, for example, and can be formed by a coupling rod according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Preferably, an evaluation unit is provided, which is connected to or integrated into the sensor. The evaluation unit is preferably configured 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 embodiment with a rotary encoder, from the signal generated by the rotary encoder.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmitter and the sensor are arranged within a common recess and the element modifying the signal transmission is movable along the recess, in particular directly adjacent thereto, or within the recess or into the recess.

[0021] Particularly in the embodiment with a rotary encoder, a protective device can be provided which encloses the sensor and / or the encoder in order to shield it against mechanical and environmental influences.

[0022] The signals generated or transmitted by the sensor or the signals from 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 into the higher-level system.

[0023] A coupling and / or damping element according to the invention for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprises 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 horizontal, for example. The coupling and / or damping element can be, for example, a buffer, such as a side buffer or center buffer, a collision element, or a coupling of one rail vehicle to another rail vehicle.

[0024] According to the coupling and / or damping element according to the invention, the two components are telescopically engaged with each other in the direction of movement and are secured against rotation relative to each other by means of an anti-rotation device, wherein the direction of rotation corresponds to a circumferential direction around the direction of movement. The sensor and the transmitter can then be arranged in the anti-rotation device.

[0025] Preferably, the anti-rotation device comprises a latch mounted on one of the two components or formed by it, which extends with its longitudinal axis in the direction of movement and engages in a recess in the other component, also extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis, to form an undercut. The sensor and the transmitter can then be positioned in the latch or on the latch, and the other component can form the element that modifies the signal transmission.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The sensor can, for example, be mounted on the surface or in a screw with which the latch is mounted to one component.

[0028] The invention will be described below by way of example using embodiments and the figures.

[0029] They show: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a monitoring system according to the invention; Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment not shown; Figure 3 shows a train coupling with anti-twist device, into which the monitoring system according to the invention can be integrated; Figure 4 shows a lock of the anti-twist device from the Figure 3 in a rear view; Figure 5 the bolt in a front view; Figure 6 a schematic representation of a possible integration of the monitoring system according to the invention into the bolt in a top view; Figure 7 the bolt from the Figure 6 in a front view; Figure 8 an alternative integration of the monitoring system into the bolt in a schematic plan view; Figure 9 the bolt from the Figure 8in a front view; Figure 10 an embodiment of a monitoring system according to the invention analogous to Figure 1 , but with a sensor comprising an electric coil for generating an electromagnetic field.

[0030] In Figure 1 A monitoring system according to the invention is shown schematically, 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.

[0031] In the first component 2, a transmitter 4 and a sensor 5 are arranged at a constant distance from each other. 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.

[0032] The sensor 4 generates a signal that is received by the sensor 5. For example, the signal is a magnetic field 8 if the sensor 4 comprises or is formed by a magnet 7. Instead of a magnet 7 or in addition to the magnet 7, the sensor 4 can also comprise or be formed by a coil, so that the signal is an electromagnetic field generated by the coil.

[0033] The second component 3 forms a signal transmission modifying element 6, here, for example, with the area of ​​its axial end face. The signal transmission modifying element 6 slides over the sensor 5 in the direction of movement 1 in such a way that the signal generated by the sensor 4, for example, the magnetic field 8, is changed, and this change is detected by the sensor 5.

[0034] Analogous to the representation in the Figure 1 shows the Figure 10the aforementioned alternative embodiment, in which the sensor 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, wherein this change in the electromagnetic field 8' is detected by the sensor 5. Additionally or alternatively, a change in the inductance of the coil 7' can also be detected, wherein the inductance of the coil 7' depends on the position of the signal transmission-modifying element 6, so that the coil 7' simultaneously forms the sensor, which is correspondingly designated 5'.

[0035] Thus, according to both embodiments, according to the Figure 1 and the Figure 10From the signal detected by the sensor 5, 5', it can be determined that the second component 3 has moved relative to the first component 2. In particular, the extent of the movement, i.e. the distance traveled 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.

[0036] In an evaluation unit 10, to which the sensor 5, 5' is connected wired or wirelessly, the desired value can be determined, for example, from the signal detected by the sensor 5, 5' or from the output values ​​of the sensor 5.

[0037] In the unclaimed alternative embodiment according to the Figure 2The encoder 4 is designed as a rotary encoder. For example, the second component 3 can be telescoped into the first component 2 in the direction of movement 1. An articulated joint 12 with two lever arms 17, 18 and three pivot points 19, 20, 21 is connected to the first component 2 and the second component 3, which converts the relative linear movement between the first component 2 and the second component 3 along the direction of movement 1 into a rotary movement, which 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 be determined, for example, in the evaluation unit 10 from the output values ​​of the encoder 4.

[0038] In the Figure 3The first component 2 and the second component 3 are part of a traction coupling. The first component 2 and the second component 3 are telescopically engaged with each other, so that the second component 3 can be retracted more or less into the first component 2. During retraction, energy-absorbing elements 22 act to dampen the retraction movement of the second component 3.

[0039] The direction of movement 1 corresponds to the longitudinal axis 15 of the two components 2, 3.

[0040] The second component 3 comprises a coupling rod 9 or is formed by it.

[0041] 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-rotation device 13 is provided. This comprises a latch 14, which is mounted inside the component 2 with screws 23, as well as a corresponding recess 16 in the second component 3 or in the coupling rod 9.

[0042] The monitoring device can now be integrated into the anti-rotation device 13, preferably into the bolt 14.

[0043] In the Figures 4 and 5 The latch 14 is shown again. As can be seen, it has a recess, here referred to as a common recess 11, because this is particularly well suited for the arrangement of the transmitter 4 and the sensor 5 and promotes the propagation of a magnetic field 8, as exemplified in the Figures 6 to 9 Instead of the magnetic sensor 4 or in addition to it, as shown in the Figure 10 As explained, an inductive sensor may be provided, in particular in the form of a coil 7', the inductance of which depends on the relative position of the component 3 to the component 2 (see the Figure 3), whereby the relative movement between components 2 and 3 causes a varying degree of damping of the inductance of coil 7', so that the current relative position can be detected from the change in inductance. An electromagnetic field 8' generated by coil 7' can also be used, analogous to the magnetic field 8, to detect the relative movement between components 2 and 3.

[0044] When designing according to the Figure 6 the sensor 5 is mounted instead of one of the two screws 23 in the Figure 3 or can also fulfill their function. The sensor 4 is integrated into the other of the two screws 23 or is provided on its surface, for example on the outer circumference, as shown in the Figure 6 shown, or frontally, as in the Figure 7 is indicated.

[0045] When designing according to the Figures 8 and 9The sensor 5 replaces one of the two screws 23 in the Figure 3 , preferably the screw which is closer to the second component 3 or the coupling rod 9, and the sensor 4 is fastened in the middle between the two screws 23 in the common recess 11.

[0046] Even when designing according to the Figures 8 and 9 the sensor 4 can comprise an electric coil 7' and accordingly generate an electromagnetic field 8' instead of the magnetic field 8 shown here. List of reference symbols

[0047] 1Direction of movement 2First component 3Second component 4Encoder 5, 5'Sensor 6Element modifying the signal transmission 7Magnet 7'Coil 8Magnetic field 8'Electromagnetic field 9Coupling rod 10Evaluation unit 11Common recess 12Articulated joint 13Anti-twist device 14Latch 15Longitudinal axis 16Recess 17Articulated arm 18Articulated arm 19Pivot point 20Pivot point 21Pivot point 22Energy absorption element 23Screw

Claims

1. Coupling and / or damping element of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, having at least two components (2, 3) which are movable relative to one another along at least one movement direction (1), and having a monitoring system with at least one transmitter (4) and at least one sensor (5, 5') which are configured 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) and 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 movable with one of the components (2, 3) or as a function of the relative movement of the components (2, 3) in order to change the transmitted signal as a function of the position of the element or the transmitter (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, which is movable with one of the components (2, 3) or as a function of the relative movement of the components (2, 3) in order to change an inductance of the coil (7') as a function of the position of the element by changing the electromagnetic field (8'), characterized in that the two components (2, 3) are in telescopic engagement with one another in the movement direction (1) and are secured against rotation relative to one another in the circumferential direction with respect to the movement direction (1) by means of a rotation-prevention means (13), wherein the transmitter (4) and the sensor (5, 5') are arranged in the rotation-prevention means (13).

2. Coupling and / or damping element according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transmitter (4) comprises or is formed by at least one magnet (7), in particular permanent magnet, the sensor (5) is configured to detect a magnetic field (8) generated by the transmitter (4), and the signal transmission-modifying element (6) is movable in the magnetic field (8) in order to change the magnetic field as a function of the position of the element.

3. Coupling and / or damping element according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transmitter (4) comprises or is formed by at least one coil (7'), the sensor (5') is configured to detect an electromagnetic field (8') generated by the transmitter (4), and the signal transmission-modifying element (6) is movable in the electromagnetic field (8) in order to change the electromagnetic field depending on the position of the element.

4. Coupling and / or damping element according to either of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the signal transmission-modifying element (6) is produced from metal and is formed in particular by a coupling rod (9).

5. Coupling and / or damping element according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an evaluation unit (10) is provided, which is configured to determine the extent of the movement, the speed of the movement and / or the acceleration of the movement of the two components (2, 3) relative to one another from the signal detected by the sensor (5, 5') or from the inductance of the coil (7').

6. Coupling and / or damping element according to any of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transmitter (4) and the sensor (5, 5') are arranged within a common cutout (11) and the signal transmission-modifying element (6) is movable along the cutout (11), in particular directly next to the cutout, or within the or into the cutout (11).

7. Coupling and / or damping element according to any of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rotation-prevention means (13) comprises a bolt (14) which is mounted on or formed by one of the two components (2, 3), extends in the movement direction (1) by way of its longitudinal axis (15) and engages into a cutout (16) in the other component (2, 3), the cutout extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis (15), in order to form an undercut, wherein the transmitter (4) and the sensor (5, 5') are positioned in or on the bolt (14) and the other component (2, 3) forms the signal transmission-modifying element (6).

8. Coupling and / or damping element according to Claim 7, characterized in that the bolt (14) has the common cutout (11) and the common cutout (11) extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (15) in the bolt (14).