Vibration Technology Components

Abstract

A vibration technology component (1) comprising at least one support element (2), a spring element (3) and a sensor device (4), the sensor device (4) comprising at least one sensor and at least one control unit, the sensor device (4) being configured to detect a relative movement of the spring element (3) and / or the support element (2).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration technology component, which comprises at least one support element, a spring element and a sensor device. [Background technology]

[0002] From the prior art, for example from EP 3541642, it is known to detect static and dynamic movements, in particular spring displacements, in vibration technology components, which can also be carried out in particular in rail vehicles. However, complex measuring structures are often required for this, so that force measurements can usually only be carried out via indirect measuring methods, for example with strain gauges in the metal components to be calibrated or via spring displacement measurements with Bowden cable potentiometers in the spring elements. Due to the limited construction space, distance measurements in several axes are only possible to a limited extent. From EP 3541642, it is known to detect spring displacements of vibration technology components via field sensors with capacitive or inductive measuring principles.

[0003] Dynamic load detection can also be achieved by acceleration measurement, but this has the disadvantage that the measurement is relatively imprecise and that dynamically small distance changes cannot currently be detected.

[0004] Another known sensor device is based on the immersion anchor principle, which has the limitation of measuring high dynamic loads. Moreover, such sensors only detect deformations in one direction, which means that a separate sensor is needed for every other direction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem underlying the invention is to provide a system with a vibration technology component which allows detection of static and dynamic loads acting on the vibration technology component. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous configurations.

[0007] A vibration technology component for solving the problem comprises at least one support element, a spring element and a sensor device, the sensor device comprising at least one sensor and at least one control unit, in which the sensor device is configured to detect a relative movement of the spring element and / or the support element.

[0008] Thus, according to the invention, the sensor device comprises a sensor and a control unit. In this case, the sensor device can form an integrated component, which is arranged in the component so as to be protected from external influences. The control unit can detect, store and / or output the values ​​determined by the sensor. For this, the control unit can be connected via a data line and / or a wireless connection to a central unit arranged outside the component. The control unit can be configured to evaluate and / or temporarily store the values ​​determined by the sensor. For this, the control unit can have a memory, which is provided with an evaluation program that operates autonomously. The control unit can thus store the measurement data and transmit it to the central unit immediately or at intervals.

[0009] The sensor device may have a magnetic measurement principle, in which case the sensor device is configured to detect relative movements or deformations in all three spatial directions.

[0010] The sensor device comprises at least one magnetic field source which is attached at a predetermined position on the vibration technology component. The magnetic field sensor is preferably configured as a Hall sensor.

[0011] In this case, the magnetic field source is preferably a permanent magnet, for example a ferrite magnet or a neodymium magnet. Ferrite magnets have the advantage of high long-term stability and low cost, whereas neodymium magnets have high electric field strength.

[0012] In this case, the sensor device can have at least one or several magnetic field sources. By changing the number, position and type of construction of the magnetic field sources, the sensor device can be adapted to the desired field of application. In this case, the number of magnetic field sources as well as the type of construction of the magnetic field sources are important parameters for adapting the sensor device. Overall, the properties of the magnetic field sources are influenced by the geometry, material, number and polarity direction of the magnetic field sources.

[0013] The magnetic field sensor can be assigned to the spring element or to the support element. In particular, if the magnetic field sensor is assigned to the spring element, the magnetic field sensor can be embedded in the spring element, so that the magnetic field sensor is particularly well protected against external influences and is particularly robust.

[0014] Besides the magnetic field source, the sensor device may further comprise a device for deformation and / or guidance of the magnetic field. This device is a passive component that influences the properties of the magnetic field, for example the sensitivity of the sensor device or the detected displacement of the magnetic field source. This may be understood as a device for binding the electromagnetic field, for example. For this purpose, a device with soft magnetic properties is advantageous.

[0015] The sensor arrangement 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 results in a direct relationship between the static or dynamic displacement of the vibration technology component and the change in the magnetic field detected by the sensor. The sensor arrangement according to the invention therefore allows direct detection of the static and dynamic loads of the vibration technology component.

[0016] It is conceivable that the sensor device comprises several magnetic field sensors, which are arranged in such a way that the movement of the vibration technology component or the movement of a component of the vibration technology component in all three spatial directions is possible. In principle, three-dimensional detection can also be realized with only one sensor. However, the use of several sensors offers the advantage of a high measurement accuracy and a higher robustness of the measured value recording. Likewise, the tilting of the vibration technology component or the tilting of a component of the vibration technology component in all three spatial directions can be detected. This allows a complete monitoring of the entire movement of the vibration technology component.

[0017] The advantage of a sensor device based on a magnetic measuring principle is that absolute distance and angle measurements are performed contact-free. Deformations in all three spatial directions are detected, and the sensor device does not impair the properties of the vibration technology component. Furthermore, no additional energy acting on the vibration technology component, for example by moving components, is required to detect the measured values.

[0018] The magnetic field source is preferably designed to have invariant magnetic properties, in which case it is possible to determine the distance of the magnetic field sensor relative to the magnetic field source and thus the absolute movement of the vibration technology component.

[0019] Vibration technology components often contain spring elements made of rubber-elastic material. These spring elements change their spring characteristics depending on the temperature. Furthermore, some rubber-elastic materials also have a change in spring characteristics depending on the ambient humidity. It is advantageous if the sensor device has a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor so that the temperature- and humidity-dependent changes in the spring characteristics can be determined. Furthermore, a sensor can also be provided for detecting the temperature of the sensor device, so that the temperature dependence of the magnetic field can be compensated for.

[0020] The sensor device may have a three-axis acceleration sensor, a microphone, a GPS sensor and / or a gyroscope. The microphone allows the recording of acoustic signals, which allows a more accurate analysis of the damage process, especially in the later evaluation, for example within the scope of damage determination. The GPS sensor and the gyroscope improve the geographical allocation of other data detected by the sensor device. This is particularly advantageous when the sensor device detects damage to stationary equipment such as rails.

[0021] If the sensor arrangement further comprises an acceleration sensor, the detection of dynamic processes is improved.

[0022] The control unit can have a wireless module, which allows remote transmission of the data detected by the sensor device, so that, for example, real-time monitoring of vibration technology components can be performed.

[0023] The radio module can transmit the data wirelessly to a receiving device, for example a central unit or a mobile diagnostic device. However, it is also conceivable that the vibration technology component or the sensor device has a connector for a cable connection. A cable connection is particularly suitable in rail vehicles in the context of robust use.

[0024] The wireless module can be configured to transmit data via a wireless protocol, for example locally by WLAN, or as a remote transmission via a wireless network such as GSM, UMTS or LTE, or a wireless communication standard such as ZigBee.

[0025] The control unit may include a memory device, which stores the data detected by the sensor device. The data can then be read out at freely selectable times via a suitable interface. The data can be read out, for example, in the context of maintenance. The memory device may alternatively and additionally be provided in addition to the data transmission via a wireless module or cable.

[0026] The control unit can be embedded in the component, whereby the control unit is particularly well protected against external influences, which is advantageous for possibly long periods of use, particularly in connection with rail vehicles. Preferably, in this case, the control unit is assigned to the spring body, whereby the control unit can be embedded.

[0027] The control unit can function as an evaluation unit. For this purpose, the control unit can be provided with a memory in which an evaluation program is present for evaluating the measured values ​​detected by the sensor. The evaluation program reduces the raw sensor data, so that, for example, the distance of the component from the change in the magnetic field detected by the sensor can be determined.

[0028] The control unit can include a microcontroller, which is a compact unit that includes a processor and a main memory. The microcontroller can autonomously execute an evaluation program, by means of which sensor data is autonomously detected and evaluated. Furthermore, the microcontroller can include a memory and store measurement data. In this case, it is also conceivable in principle for the microcontroller to directly influence components depending on the data determined by the evaluation program, for example by the microcontroller issuing switching commands to valves that can open and close fluid lines of a hydrostatic bearing.

[0029] Vibration technology components of rail vehicles are subject to highly dynamic and static interactions. Furthermore, they have a long service life and at the same time are subjected to continuous operation. A particularly advantageous use of vibration technology components therefore occurs when they are configured as primary springs of rail vehicles. The configuration according to the invention allows monitoring of the primary spring and also of adjacent components. The adjacent components can be, for example, primary dampers assigned to the primary springs. However, the wheel-rail interface can also be monitored. By configuring the sensor device accordingly, flats on the wheel set or damage to the rail can be detected, for example.

[0030] In particular, it is advantageous if the sensor device further comprises a GPS module so that damage to the rail can be detected, which allows a geographical assignment of the detected measured values, so that damage to the rail can also be precisely localized at a later time.

[0031] The sensor device can be assigned a device for providing electrical energy, which provides the sensor device with the electrical energy required, which may be required, for example, for the functioning of the magnetic field sensor, for the control unit, for the radio module.

[0032] According to a first embodiment, the energy supply is effected via a cable connection to an external power source, which reduces the maintenance effort, whereas according to a second embodiment, the device is designed in the form of a storage battery, so that the components of the sensor device can be supplied with electrical energy autonomously.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the device is configured to obtain electrical energy by conversion of environmental energy. For this purpose, the device has a generator, for example in the form of a microgenerator, which converts environmental energy, such as vibration energy, impact energy, thermal energy, into electrical energy. The advantage over a storage battery is that the almost infinitely present environmental energy is used to obtain electrical energy. This results in a sensor device with an autonomous energy supply and a particularly long service life.

[0034] The control unit can store the data detected by the sensor and supply it to the radio module and / or the memory. The control unit can further be configured such that a first processing of the detected data takes place. For example, the detected data can be converted into a protocol usable by the bus. This can be done via an evaluation program stored in the control unit.

[0035] Several vibration technology components can be integrated into one unit, in which case the data detected by the sensor units of the individual vibration technology components are collected in one central unit. Such a unit is formed, for example, by a bogie of a rail vehicle. The bogie has several vibration technology components, for example several primary springs. In this case, the bogie is assigned a central unit that centrally detects the data detected by the sensor devices of all primary springs arranged on the bogie. The data transmission from the vibration technology components to the central unit can in this case take place wirelessly via a radio module or via a cabled network. The central unit can have an evaluation unit, a memory unit and a radio module. The detected data can be preprocessed by the evaluation unit. By evaluation of the data of all vibration technology devices, a monitoring of the entire system can take place. For example, the function of the bogie and the individual components belonging to it can be monitored.

[0036] The data detected by the sensor device or the central unit can be time-stamped, in which case the synchronization of the measurement signals takes place using a real-time clock or a time signal provided by the vehicle.

[0037] The sensor device can have a device for optimizing the energy demand, which makes it possible to extend the operating period of the sensor device, particularly when a storage battery is used. This is possible, for example, by intentionally switching off the sensor device and / or by putting the sensor device into a standby or sleep mode. The device can further have a switchable component that makes it possible to completely separate the sensor device from the storage battery.

[0038] The sensor device allows the monitoring of the vibrotechnical components. If several vibrotechnical components are integrated in one unit, even the monitoring of the entire unit is possible. The vibrotechnical components have already been in use for many years in many ways. The damage mechanisms are therefore already known. By recognizing the actual deformations of the vibrotechnical components detected by the sensor device and by knowledge of the damage mechanisms, an evaluation of the individual vibrotechnical components and of the entire monitored unit can be made in real time. This makes it possible, for example, to accumulate the damage of the components and to calculate the remaining useful life. It is also possible to make an evaluation of the unit to which the vibrotechnical components are assigned. This unit can be, for example, a bogie of a rail vehicle.

[0039] By means of an acceleration sensor, periodic processes caused, for example, by wheel bearings or transmissions, can be detected.

[0040] Air may be present between the magnetic field source and the magnetic field sensor. This may be the case, for example, of a primary spring or an air spring. It is furthermore conceivable that a spring element is present between the magnetic field source and the magnetic field sensor. This is the case, for example, of a layer spring. It is furthermore conceivable that a fluid is present between the magnetic field source and the magnetic field sensor. This is the case, for example, of a hydrostatic bearing.

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the vibration technology component are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, which are shown diagrammatically. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a primary spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Figure 1 shows a primary spring of a rail vehicle. This primary spring forms a vibration-technical component 1. The vibration-technical component 1 comprises a support element 2 made of a metallic material, a spring element 3 made of a rubber-elastic material and a sensor arrangement 4. The sensor arrangement 4 is configured to detect a relative movement between the spring element 3 and the support element 2. The sensor arrangement comprises a sensor and a control unit.

[0044] The sensor of the sensor arrangement 4 has a magnetic measurement principle. For this purpose, the sensor arrangement 4 has a magnetic field source 5 and a magnetic field sensor 6. The magnetic field source and the magnetic field sensor are arranged at a distance from each other on the vibration technology component 1. The magnetic field sensor 6 is assigned to the spring element 3, and the magnetic field source 5 is assigned to the support element 2. In this arrangement, the magnetic field sensor 6 is assigned to the spring element 3. For this purpose, the magnetic field sensor 6 can be embedded in the spring element 3.

[0045] In order to be able to compensate for environmental influences, the sensor device 4 further comprises a temperature sensor and an acceleration sensor. The sensor device 4 further comprises a microphone for recording environmental noise. Additionally, a humidity sensor can be provided.

[0046] In this configuration, the sensor device 4 transmits data via a cable connection. In an alternative configuration, the sensor device 4 also includes a wireless module in addition to the control unit. The wireless module allows wireless transmission of data detected by the sensor device 4. The control unit stores the data detected by the sensor device 4.

[0047] The control unit is configured as a microcontroller including a processor and a main memory. The microcontroller is configured to execute an evaluation program autonomously, whereby the control unit is able to detect and convert raw data determined by the sensor. In an alternative configuration, the microcontroller further comprises a memory, whereby the raw data and / or the evaluated data can be stored in the microcontroller. In particular, the control unit is able to convert the raw data into distance data.

[0048] A device includes several vibration technology components 1. The vibration technology components 1 further include at least one support element, a spring element, and a sensor device, where the sensor device is configured to detect a relative movement of the spring element and / or the support element. The measurement data detected by the sensor device of the vibration technology components 1 are stored and / or processed in a central unit. For this purpose, the sensor device is connected to the central unit by a cabled data line. Alternatively, it is conceivable to transmit the data detected by the sensor device 4 to the central unit via a wireless connection without the use of cables.

[0049] If the connection between the central unit and the vibration technology component 1 is by a cable connection, the energy supply of the sensor device 4 can take place via the central unit.

[0050] The central unit may have a memory for storing the data detected by the sensor device 4. Furthermore, the central unit may be equipped with a device by which the data detected by the sensor device can be transferred or read out. For this purpose, the central unit may have a wireless module. Furthermore, the central unit may have an interface for connecting a cable-connected read-out unit.

[0051] Several vibration technology components 1 can be integrated into one vibration technology unit, in which case each vibration technology unit is provided with a central unit. In such an arrangement, one device can have several vibration technology components 1 and several central units. The vibration technology components 1 are in this case preferably assigned to one vibration technology unit or to a component group. In this case, the central units can be connected to one another.

[0052] An arrangement may, for example, comprise a rail vehicle, which has a number of bogies, each of which also has a number of wheel sets, each of which has a number of vibration-technical components 1, which are at least partially provided with a sensor device 4. For example, the primary springs of the bogies can be equipped with sensor devices.

[0053] The data detected by the sensor devices 4 arranged in the vibration technology components are transmitted to a central unit, one central unit for each bogie. The rail vehicle further comprises a number of vehicles, each of which comprises two bogies. Each of the vehicles comprises two central units, which also comprise a number of vibration technology components 1 assigned to them.

Claims

1. 1. A vibration technology component (1) comprising at least one support element (2), a spring element (3) and a sensor device (4), said sensor device (4) comprising at least one sensor and at least one control unit, said sensor device (4) being configured to detect a relative movement of the spring element (3) and / or the support element (2).

2. 2. The component according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device (4) has a magnetic measuring principle.

3. 3. The component according to claim 2, wherein the sensor device (4) comprises at least one magnetic field source (5) and at least one magnetic field sensor (6) which are arranged at a distance from one another on the component (1).

4. 4. The component according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic field sensor (6) is configured as a Hall sensor.

5. 5. The component according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic field sensor (6) is assigned to the spring element (3) or to the support element (2).

6. 6. The component according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic field sensor (6) is embedded in the spring element (3).

7. 7. The component according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device (4) comprises a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor and / or an acceleration sensor.

8. 8. The component of claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises a wireless module.

9. 9. The component of claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises a memory device.

10. 10. Component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is embedded in the component (1).

11. 11. Component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit functions as an evaluation unit.

12. Component according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control unit comprises a microcontroller.

13. 13. The vibration technology component according to claim 1, which is designed as a primary spring for a rail vehicle.

14. 14. An apparatus comprising a plurality of vibration technology components according to one of the claims 1 to 13 and at least one central unit for storing and / or processing measurement data detected by sensors of the vibration technology components.

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