Vibration control component

Abstract

The invention relates to a vibration control component (1), comprising at least one bearing element (2), a spring element (3) and a sensor device (4), wherein the sensor device (4) comprises at least one sensor and at least one control unit, and wherein the sensor device (4) is designed to detect relative movements of the spring element (3) and / or the bearing element (2).

Description

[0001] Vibration-resistant component

[0002] The invention relates to a vibration-control component comprising at least one bearing element, one spring element and one sensor device.

[0003] From the prior art, it is known, for example from EP 3 541 642 B1, to record static and dynamic movements, in particular spring travel on vibration-related components, whereby such recording can also be carried out in particular on rail vehicles. However, this often requires complex measuring structures, so force measurement can usually only be carried out using indirect measuring methods, for example using strain gauges on calibrated metal components or by measuring spring travel using cable-operated potentiometers on spring elements. Due to the limited installation space, travel measurement on multiple axes is only possible to a limited extent. From EP 3 541 642 B1, it is known to record the spring travel of a vibration-related component using a field sensor with a capacitive or inductive measuring principle.

[0004] Dynamic loads can also be measured using acceleration measurement. However, this method has the disadvantage of being relatively inaccurate and currently unable to capture displacement changes with small dynamics.

[0005] Other known sensor arrangements are based on the plunger principle, which is associated with limitations in the measurement of highly dynamic loads. Furthermore, these sensors only detect deformations in one direction, meaning that a separate sensor is required for each additional direction. The invention is based on the object of providing a system with a vibration-control component that enables the detection of static and dynamic loads acting on the vibration-control component.

[0006] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. The subclaims refer to advantageous embodiments.

[0007] The vibration-control component for solving the problem comprises at least one bearing element, one spring element and one sensor device, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one sensor and at least one control unit and wherein the sensor device is designed to detect relative movements of the spring element and / or bearing element.

[0008] According to the invention, the sensor device accordingly comprises a sensor and a control unit. The sensor device can form an integrated component which is arranged in the component in such a way that it is protected from external influences. The control unit can record, store and / or output the values ​​determined by the sensor. For this purpose, the control unit can be connected to a central unit arranged outside the component via a data line and / or a radio connection. The control unit can also be designed such that it evaluates and / or temporarily stores the values ​​determined by the sensor. For this purpose, the control unit can have a memory, wherein the memory is provided with an autonomously operating evaluation program. Accordingly, the control unit can store measurement data and transfer it to the central unit immediately or at intervals.

[0009] The sensor device can use a magnetic measuring principle. The sensor device is designed to detect relative movements, or

[0010] Deformations in all three spatial directions are detected. The sensor device comprises at least one magnetic field source, which is mounted in a defined position within the vibration-control component. The magnetic field sensor is preferably designed as a Hall sensor.

[0011] The magnetic field source is preferably a permanent magnet, such as a ferritic magnet or a neodymium magnet. Ferritic magnets offer the advantage of high long-term stability and low cost. Neodymium magnets, on the other hand, exhibit high field strengths.

[0012] The sensor device can comprise at least one or more magnetic field sources. By changing the number, position, and design of the magnetic field sources, the sensor device can be adapted to the desired application area. Just like the number, the design of the magnetic field source also represents a key parameter for adapting the sensor device. The properties of the magnetic field source are influenced overall by its geometry, material, number, and polarization direction.

[0013] The magnetic field sensor can be assigned to the spring element or the bearing element. Especially when the magnetic field sensor is assigned to the spring element, the magnetic field sensor can be embedded in the spring element. This makes the magnetic field sensor particularly well protected against external influences and particularly robust.

[0014] In addition to the magnetic field source, the sensor device can further comprise a device for deforming and / or conducting the magnetic field. This device represents a passive component that influences the properties of the magnetic field and, for example, influences the sensitivity of the sensor device or the detected deflection of the magnetic field source. This can be understood, for example, as a device that focuses an electromagnetic field. A device with soft magnetic properties is advantageous for this purpose. The sensor device further comprises a sensor for detecting the magnetic field emitted by the magnetic field source. If the magnetic field source is moved relative to the sensor, the magnetic field detected by the sensor changes. This creates a direct relationship between the static or dynamic deflection of the vibration-control component and the change in the magnetic field detected by the sensor.In this respect, the sensor device according to the invention enables direct detection of the static and dynamic load on the vibration-related component.

[0015] It is conceivable that the sensor device comprises several magnetic field sensors arranged in such a way that movement of the vibration-control component or movement of a component of the vibration-control component is possible in all three spatial directions. In principle, it would also be possible to realize three-dimensional detection with just one sensor. However, using multiple sensors offers the advantages of increased measurement accuracy and greater robustness of the measured value recording. Likewise, tilting of the vibration-control component or a component of the vibration-control component can be detected in all three spatial directions. This enables complete monitoring of all movements of the vibration-control component.

[0016] One advantage of the sensor device based on the magnetic measuring principle is its contactless absolute position and angle measurement. Deformations are recorded in all three spatial directions, and the sensor device does not impair the properties of the vibration-controlled component. Furthermore, no auxiliary energy acting on the vibration-controlled component, for example, from moving components, is required to record the measured values.

[0017] The magnetic field source is preferably designed to have consistent magnetic properties. In this case, it is possible to determine the distance of the magnetic field sensor relative to the magnetic field source and thereby determine the absolute movements of the vibration-related component.

[0018] Vibration control components often include spring elements made of rubber-elastic materials. These change their suspension characteristics depending on temperature. Furthermore, some rubber-elastic materials also exhibit a change in suspension characteristics depending on ambient humidity. In order to be able to determine the change in suspension characteristics depending on temperature and humidity, it is advantageous if the sensor device has a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. Furthermore, a sensor can be provided to detect the temperature of the sensor device in order to compensate for the temperature dependence of the magnetic field.

[0019] The sensor device can comprise a three-axis acceleration sensor, a microphone, a GPS sensor, and / or a gyroscope. The microphone enables the recording of audio signals, which allows for more precise analysis of the damage process, particularly during subsequent evaluation, for example, as part of a damage assessment. The GPS sensor and the gyroscope improve the geographical attribution of the remaining data recorded by the sensor device. This is particularly advantageous when the sensor device detects damage to stationary equipment such as rails.

[0020] The detection of dynamic processes is improved if the sensor device also has an acceleration sensor.

[0021] The control unit can include a radio module. This enables remote transmission of the data acquired by the sensor device. This makes it possible, for example, to perform real-time monitoring of the vibration-related component.

[0022] The radio module can transmit the data wirelessly to receiving devices, such as a central unit or mobile diagnostic devices. However, it is also conceivable for the vibration-control component or sensor device to have a connector for a cable connection. A cable connection is particularly preferred given the robust nature of the application in rail vehicles.

[0023] The radio module can be configured to transmit data via a radio protocol. Transmission can occur locally via Wi-Fi, for example, or remotely via a radio network such as GSM, UMTS, or LTE, or a wireless network standard such as ZigBee.

[0024] The control unit can include a storage device. The storage device stores the data acquired by the sensor device. Using a suitable interface, the data can then be read out at a freely selectable time. Data can be read out, for example, during maintenance. The storage device can be provided as an alternative to or in addition to the radio module or data transmission via cable.

[0025] The control unit can be embedded in the component. This provides particularly good protection against external influences. This is particularly advantageous in connection with rail vehicles due to the resulting long service life. The control unit is preferably assigned to the spring body, and the control unit can be embedded in the spring body.

[0026] The control unit can function as an evaluation unit. For this purpose, the control unit can be equipped with a memory containing an evaluation program for evaluating the measured values ​​recorded by the sensor. The evaluation program converts the raw sensor data so that, for example, a distance between components of the component can be determined from a change in a magnetic field detected by the sensor.

[0027] The control unit can include a microcontroller. Microcontrollers are compact units containing a processor and a RAM. The microcontroller can autonomously execute an evaluation program, which autonomously collects and evaluates sensor data. Furthermore, the microcontroller can also contain a memory and store measurement data. In principle, it is also conceivable for the microcontroller to directly influence the component based on the data acquired by the evaluation program, for example, by issuing switching commands to valves that can open or close the fluid lines of a hydraulic bearing.

[0028] Vibration control components of rail vehicles are subject to strong dynamic and static interactions. Furthermore, vibration control components of rail vehicles have a long service life, while at the same time being subject to continuous operation. A particularly advantageous application of the vibration control component is therefore when it is designed as the primary spring of a rail vehicle. The inventive design enables monitoring of the primary spring and, in addition, monitoring of the adjacent components. This can be, for example, the primary damper assigned to the primary spring. However, the wheel-rail interface can also be monitored. With an appropriate design of the sensor device, it is possible, for example, to detect flat spots on wheel sets or damage to rails.

[0029] Especially for detecting damage to rails, it is advantageous if the sensor device also includes a GPS module. This enables geographical allocation of the recorded measured values. This allows for precise localization of rail damage even at a later date.

[0030] A device for providing electrical energy can be associated with the sensor device. This device provides the electrical energy required for the sensor device. Electrical energy may be required, for example, for the function of the magnetic field sensor, for the control unit, and for the radio module.

[0031] According to a first embodiment, the power supply is provided via a cable connection to an external power source, which reduces maintenance effort. According to a second embodiment, the device is designed as a rechargeable battery. This allows the components of the sensor device to be supplied with electrical energy autonomously.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the device is designed to generate electrical energy by converting ambient energy. For this purpose, the device comprises generators, for example in the form of microgenerators, which convert ambient energy, such as vibration energy, impact energy, or thermal energy, into electrical energy. The advantage over a rechargeable battery is that the almost unlimited ambient energy is used to generate electrical energy. This results in a sensor arrangement with an autonomous power supply and a particularly long service life.

[0033] The control unit can store the data acquired by the sensor and feed it to the radio module and / or the memory. The control unit can also be designed to perform initial processing of the acquired data there. For example, the acquired data can be converted into a bus-capable protocol. This can be done via the evaluation program stored in the control unit. Several vibration-control components can be combined into a single unit, with the data acquired by the sensor unit of each vibration-control component being consolidated in a central unit. Such a unit is formed, for example, by the bogie of a rail vehicle. The bogie has several vibration-control components, for example, several primary springs.A central unit can be assigned to the bogie, which centrally records the data acquired by the sensor devices of all primary springs arranged on the bogie. Data transmission from the vibration-control components to the central unit can be wireless via the radio module or via a wired network. The central unit can have an evaluation unit, a storage unit, and a radio module.

[0034] The evaluation unit allows the recorded data to be preprocessed. By evaluating the data from all vibration control devices, the entire system can be monitored. For example, it is possible to monitor the function of the bogie and its individual components.

[0035] The data recorded by the sensor device or the central unit can be timestamped. The measurement signals are synchronized using a real-time clock or a time signal provided by the vehicle.

[0036] The sensor device can include features for optimizing energy consumption. This can extend the operating time of the sensor device, particularly when using rechargeable batteries. This can be achieved, for example, by targeted shutdown and / or switching the sensor device to standby mode or to apparent off mode. The device can also include switching components that enable complete separation of the sensor device from the rechargeable battery. The sensor device enables monitoring of the vibration-controlled component. If several vibration-controlled components are combined into one unit, monitoring of the entire unit is also possible. Vibration-controlled components are already diverse and have been in use for many years. Therefore, damage mechanisms are already known.By knowing the actual deformations of the vibration-control component, which are recorded by the sensor device, and by knowing the damage mechanisms, assessments of the individual vibration-control component and the entire monitored unit can be performed in real time. This allows, for example, damage accumulation of the component to be performed and the remaining service life to be calculated. Likewise, an assessment of the unit to which the vibration-control components are assigned can be performed. This could be, for example, the bogie of a rail vehicle.

[0037] The acceleration sensor enables the detection of periodic processes caused, for example, by wheel bearings or transmissions.

[0038] Air may be present between the magnetic field source and the magnetic field sensor. This can be the case, for example, in primary springs or air springs. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the spring element is located between the magnetic field source and the magnetic field sensor. This is the case, for example, with layered springs. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a fluid is present between the magnetic field source and the magnetic field sensor. This is the case, for example, with hydraulic bearings.

[0039] An exemplary embodiment of the vibration-control component is explained in more detail below using the figures. The figure shows a schematic:

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a primary spring. Figure 1 shows a primary spring of a rail vehicle. This forms a vibration-control component 1. The vibration-control component 1 comprises a bearing element 2 made of metallic material, a spring element 3 made of rubber-elastic material, and a sensor device 4. The sensor device 4 is designed to detect relative movements between the spring element 3 and the bearing element 2. The sensor device comprises a sensor and a control unit.

[0041] The sensor of the sensor device 4 operates on a magnetic measuring principle. For this purpose, the sensor device 4 comprises a magnetic field source 5 and a magnetic field sensor 6. These are arranged at a distance from one another in the vibration-control component 1. The magnetic field sensor 6 is assigned to the spring element 3, and the magnetic field source 5 is assigned to the bearing element 2. In the present embodiment, the magnetic field sensor 6 is assigned to the spring element 3. For this purpose, the magnetic field sensor 6 can also be embedded in the spring element 3.

[0042] To compensate for environmental influences, the sensor device 4 further comprises a temperature sensor and an acceleration sensor. The sensor device 4 also has a microphone for recording ambient noise. A humidity sensor can also be provided.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the sensor device 4 transmits the data via a cable connection. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor device 4 comprises a radio module in addition to the control unit. The radio module enables wireless transmission of the data acquired by the sensor device 4. The control unit stores the data acquired by the sensor device 4.

[0044] The control unit is designed as a microcontroller, which includes a processor and a RAM. The microcontroller is configured to autonomously execute an evaluation program. This allows the control unit to acquire and convert the raw data determined by the sensor. In an alternative embodiment, the microcontroller also includes a memory so that raw data and / or evaluated data can be stored in the microcontroller. In particular, the control unit can convert the raw data into distance data.

[0045] An arrangement comprises several vibration-control components 1. The vibration-control components 1, in turn, comprise at least one bearing element, one spring element, and one sensor device, wherein the sensor device is designed to detect relative movements of the spring element and / or bearing element. The measurement data detected by the sensor devices of the vibration-control components 1 are stored and / or processed in the central unit. For this purpose, the sensor devices are connected to the central unit via a wired data line. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the data detected by the sensor device 4 to be transmitted to the central unit wirelessly via a radio connection.

[0046] With a wired connection between the central unit and the vibration-control component 1, the sensor device 4 can be supplied with energy via the central unit.

[0047] The central unit can comprise a memory that stores the data acquired by the sensor devices 4. Furthermore, the central unit can be provided with a device by which the data acquired by the sensor devices can be transmitted or read out. For this purpose, the central unit can have a radio module. Furthermore, the central unit can have an interface for connecting a wired readout unit.

[0048] Several vibration-control components 1 can be combined to form a vibration-control unit, with a central unit being provided for each vibration-control unit. In this embodiment, an arrangement can comprise several vibration-control components 1 and several central units. The vibration-control components 1 are preferably assigned to a vibration-control unit or a component group. The central units can be connected to one another.

[0049] An example of an arrangement is a rail vehicle. The rail vehicle has several bogies, and each bogie has several wheelsets. Each wheelset has several vibration-control components 1, wherein the vibration-control components 1 are at least partially provided with a sensor arrangement 4. For example, the primary springs of a bogie can be equipped with a sensor system.

[0050] The data acquired by the sensor devices 4 arranged in the vibration-control components are each transmitted to a central unit, with one central unit being provided for each bogie. The rail vehicle, in turn, comprises several carriages, each carriage having two bogies. Thus, each carriage has two central units, each with several vibration-control components 1 assigned to the central unit.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Vibration-control component (1) comprising at least one bearing element (2), one spring element (3) and one sensor device (4), wherein the sensor device (4) comprises at least one sensor and at least one control unit and wherein the sensor device (4) is configured to detect relative movements of spring element (3) and / or bearing element (2).

2. Component according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device (4) has a magnetic measuring principle.

3. Component according to claim 2, characterized in that the sensor device (4) comprises at least one magnetic field source (5) and at least one magnetic field sensor (6), which are arranged spaced apart from each other in the component (1 ).

4. Component according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the magnetic field sensor (6) is designed as a Hall sensor.

5. Component according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the magnetic field sensor (6) is assigned to the spring element (3) or the bearing element (2).

6. Component according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the magnetic field sensor (6) is embedded in the spring element (3).

7. Component according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensor device (4) comprises a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor and / or an acceleration sensor.

8. Component according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit comprises a radio module.

9. Component according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control unit comprises a storage device.

10. Component according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control unit is embedded in the component (1 ).

11. Component according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control unit functions as an evaluation unit.

12. Component according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the control unit comprises a microcontroller.

13. Vibration-control component according to one of claims 1 to 12 designed as a primary spring of a rail vehicle.

14. Arrangement comprising several vibration control components according to one of the preceding claims and at least one central unit which stores and / or processes the measurement data acquired by the sensors of the vibration control components.

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